Hey Matt--

In my opinion you have to streamline curbside repairs. I end up doing a lot
here. I think you can get calipers for about $100+/-  ready to bolt on--maybe a
little less? If it were me I'd go that route.

I have rebuilt calipers before, although not on the Vanagon. The thing is it
could go really easy or you could get stuck. And as soon as you're stuck you
know it will coincidentally be alternate side of the street parking day, and
there's the bus unable to move. Also rebuilding brake components requires a real
nice clean organized spot. And while I understand you most likely would not
sit on the curb as you rebuilt the thing, it sounds like your options are
limited.

That's just my advice on curbside repairs. For my money the cost of not
having a garage, or even a driveway, is you have to streamline repairs. So I give
myself a break in my repair instead of replace philosophy due to curbside
circumstance. And in the larger scheme of things we are repairing the Vanagon as
opposed to replacing it, so still "recycling" in a big way.

As I said I haven't rebuilt a Vanagon caliper. As long as you're in Brooklyn,
try the Organic place called Siggy's Good Food at 76 Henry Street, Brooklyn,
NY 11201 in the time you save not rebuilding.

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA, CA

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