On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM, Matt Thyer <matt_thyer@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> In favor of the DIY path it's a lot of fun.  You may find yourself stuck on
> the side of the road occasionally, but with the right attitude even that
> can
> be enjoyable.
>
>
I agree!  I am doing an auto to manual transmission swap as well as putting
in a Bostig Zetec conversion in my Westy (replacing the propane tank and
doing a fridge refurbishment too, since, you know, the other stuff just
wasn't filling my time enough).  One of my motivations for this was to have
newer parts and more available parts, but the other was that I knew I would
be a lot more confident taking it on the road if I had put those things in,
knew where everything was supposed to be and what I might have done wrong to
it :).  I have learned a tremendous amount and I'm not even started on
dressing the new engine for the Bostig conversion (tantalizingly close
though!).

Previous to this I have changed the oil, tires, and held the timing light
for my father in law. :)

As an engineer I think you'll really enjoy the tinkerability of these
things.  Lots of room to work, I have been doing the final bits of the
engine removal with the van on the ground (don't remember if I had it up for
the drive axle removal or not, but I think that's doable) because there is
so much clearance.  I was sitting on the edge of the bay with my foot braced
on the engine getting something to come off...it's just nice to be able to
(literally!) get in there and reach things.

mike