In a message dated 2/12/08 7:47:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,
neil.crawford@HP.COM writes:

> Vanagons seem to be rare at the parts yards around Portland, OR, so I'm
> wondering if I could save time, money and have less issues with color matching
> and all the related hassles of ordering parts from vendors by buying cheap
> used Vanagons.  If you've experience with both modes of parts sourcing:
>
> Is it a viable option to buy vans and use them for parts instead of touring
> the parts yards every month in your area?
>
>

i had your frame of mind about 15 years (and 18 vanagons) ago when i started
bringing home orphaned vanagons to decorate my parents farm (oh, my parents
were pleased..NOT  ;<)  but i knew T3's were rare out here and they are even
rarer now.

there are several big name pick and pulls in this area and in a 300 mile
radius, and none of them have any vanagons.   well one does, but the 2 it has are
totally stripped to the point that they might as well crush them, but anyway..

this is the east coast..  vanagons are not common here..  i can go months
without seeing a vanagon on the road, aside from folks who visit me to pick up
parts..

if you have the space and neighbors who arent nosy then go for it.   my
little vanagon parts collection has turned into a side hobby for me, and the
(meagher) funds ive made from offering un-needed spare parts from my collection in
my free time to other vanagon owners has helped keep my own personal vans on
the road..

plus it also feels good to know you are saving some good parts that would
otherwise be crushed...

chris

**************
The year's hottest artists on the red carpet at the Grammy
Awards. Go to AOL Music.

(http://music.aol.com/grammys?NCID=aolcmp00300000002565)