Yup, we both seem to be falling apart. I've had so many moderate level
maintenance items in the last couple of years that I should probably go
and trade myself in on a new bod - maybe a little taller, a little more
of the sports model rather than the sedan that I am now, perhaps a bit
more hair on top, and maybe - yes - blue-grey eyes, that would do it.
You know, the kind that can peer right through a lady's  soul, right
into her deepest most private places, make her feel totally vulnerable
with just a look. Yep - I think that would be about right. 'Course I may
stay in trouble all the time! LOL.

As for the old Van - well, it's showing it's age as well. It just turned
20. Actually it's prol'ly technically a bit older, being built in '87
for the 1988 model year.  The wear and tear is becoming significant
enough that it's getting to be a lot like me - it's  a race with the
doctors/mechanics to stay ahead of what's gonna fall off next. I just
looked at the odometer today - 95,000 miles on this locally rebuilt
engine - back in 2000. A little under 12,000 per year. When I bought it
it had 86,000 miles on it. At 96,000 the engine blew up. I had the
engine rebuilt and put a new speedo in at the same time. So the old girl
has 191,000 on her frame, but she's had three engines. If you want that
sorry story I will tell it, but only one - and on the list so all can know.

But this third and current engine has performed well. Minimal
maintenance. Just the routine stuff. But the bigger stuff is now coming
into play. There is the front/rear seal issue, Alternator was replaced
last year, power steering rack has been replaced , windshield replaced,
AC pump, etc. Currently my repair list includes power steering pump high
pressure hose, new oil seals, fuel tank vent line replacements.

It is something all the time.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL driver