Not that I don't hate rust - maybe more than most - but...

My syncro passenger van had some rust when I bought it - not quite as bad as
the blue syncro on Detroit Craigslist, but enough to make a Californian
cringe for sure. That was in 1998. It does take some periodic effort to keep
the rust in check, and ultimate defeat is inevitable, but I have no doubt it
will last at least another 10 years.

Also, until I got my '82 Westy last summer, I had no idea what I was
missing! It was after eating a lovely dinner for 4 in a Westy at Watkins
Glen two years ago that I really saw the light. IMO the pop-top makes a huge
difference and really transforms the vehicle. Sure you could "just add a
pop-top", but, realistically, how many people are capable of or willing to
undertake a project like that?

I think if you can get 10 years out of a $4,000 syncro Westy compared to not
being able to afford a $20,000 showpiece, you should go for it. 10 years
from now we'll all be gliding silently along in hydrogen-powered hovercrafts
anyhow, right? :)

Rust sucks, but it isn't always the end of the world.

Doug Fitz-Randolph
Freeport, ME