Maybe vanagon ownership isn't for you.
And yes, owning an old van is a hobby, unless you got deep pockets.
To make it reliable requires the same thing any old vehicle requires.
Complete rebuild.
Otherwise carry tools, spare parts, rescue list and a AAA card.

Basically, if you are afraid to drive it you may lack the require knowledge
and skill to fix it on the road.  Time to buy a Toyota :)

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
George Averill
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 3:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Solution to Reliability Problem

All,
I haven't posted in a while.  I have an 84 Vanagon camper that runs great.
I have had it for a number of years.  I don't use it much any more because
I'm afraid to go too far from home base.   I'm afraid that something will
break and I will be stranded in a motel or worse while trying to locate
repair parts and someone who is willing to make a repair.  That happened
once, and I don't want to repeat the experience.

Are other owners this paranoid?  Is there a solution?  I have just about
decided to sell the bus to someone who wants to have another hobby.

George
Cataula, GA
84 Vanagon Camper