If your problem turns out to indeed be a head leak, bring it to huntsville and give it to johnsons. They are Vanagon specialists and do excellent work. It sounds drivable. I will time a ride back to bham for you during one of my trips. Anyway, we can surely work something out. 

Jim

On May 19, 2011, at 2:56 PM, John Rodgers ne ng <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:

> It appears my 88 GL has developed a head leak.
> 
> I went to the VA Hospital this mornig for a checkup, and when I came
> out, there was a reddish orange puddle underneath the van on the left
> side about where the head would be. Surely the dreaded head leak. Got
> about 137K on the rebuilt with no trouble with heads. I guess it was a
> pretty good rebuild.
> 
> So now it must be done. I am not able to do this myself, so need
> recommendations as to how to go about getting this done. My main man has
> gone out of business, so that leaves only a Birmingham shop that I have
> heard of that does VW. The reports on the quality of work have been all
> over the place. Makes it rather iffy.
> 
> Any suggestions on how to approach this problem would be appreciated.
> 
> BTW, it's getting more and more difficult to find anyone in this region
> who is competent - and willing - to work on these vans.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> John
> 
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com