Craig,
Congratulations!
There is a certain sheer delight when things finally come together.
Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Cowan" <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 7:50 PM
Subject: A glorious day, a lesson in happyness.

> Its strange how some things that seem so little to some, can be so
> important to others. Furthermore, how much of a difference these
> little things can make in the life of said person. Clearly we all
> have one thing in common, a love for these strange vehicles that at
> least in my area, no one ever knew existed. I thought all was well, i
> had a pretty good summer. I worked every day, kept extremely busy,
> paid for a truely rediculous exhaust gasket replacement, but never
> REALLY got a chance to drive my van (i'm now totally 3 days of
> "function" in at least half a year). It had a somewhat permenant home
> in the back corner of the parking lot at work. I kept making
> appointments to get it fixed....they just never did anything about
> it. I was patient, and was getting a good deal (not paying at
> all....), and told them simply "i'm taking it on the last day, make
> it work!". Well with today being my last day and they only started to
> tinker (wouldnt start AT ALL) yesterday, i was uncomfident. I was out
> running around in a Mercedes Benz SL600 (V12 Twin Turbo and 10mpg!)
> most of the day and when i got back, i had found that the entire
> group of mechanics had turned a wrench at one point today....and
> might i say......i am far to happy!
>
> I'll be taking pictures of the spark plugs, you will all be amazed.
> The mechanics keep saying in all seriousness they think they're
> original! I've never seen such horrible plugs on an engine that
> actually "ran". The ignition problems ended up being a bad fuel pump
> relay, and improper ground to the ignition module (completely broken
> somewhere within the wire but no visible breaks), and new plugs/
> timing set. Might i say, i am pleased. Suddenly i have no exaust
> leaks, a new muffler, and an engine thats EXTREMELY responsive and
> feels like its almost adiquite as far as power goes. I thought i'd
> been pretty happy these past few weeks but can honestly say if there
> was a way to hold on to a moment..... it would be that first turn
> into traffic after a long hiatis from my baby. She purrrs.
>
> I hope the feeling continues and that you all have found and kept the
> joy that can live within these cars. They have a mind of their own,
> and it helps to know that they can really make ones day.
>
> I hope all is well. You guys have been so helpful, i wish i could
> personally shake the hands of everyone, even those who have never
> responded and buy them a good steak dinner with a large baked potato
> and a cold micro brew. Maybe i cant, but if anyones ever in my neck
> of the woods (pittsburgh PA), i'll do my best to at least shake your
> hand. You all deserve it. And a good day to you!
>
> -Craig
> 1985 GL
> (Still a few issues, but happy none the less!)
>
>
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