Yup! On the return home from our very first trip, was a ballsy move that
early in the inspections/repairs needed. Needed new spindle upon return

Velma 82 1.9L AAZ TD Westy
On Jul 31, 2014 7:06 PM, "Roland" <syncronicity1@gmail.com> wrote:

> Last week we went to Big Bear for a few days from San Diego.  It isn't all
> that far, typically only 2.5-3 hours, but with stops and traffic it was
> about 5 hours.   This time we had our grandson with us, and going through
> the Inland Empire (Riverside, San Bernardino, etc.) was at over 100 degrees
> in evening rush hour.  The climb to Big Bear is to straight up to 6,000 ft,
> with some steep grades.   I was able to keep at about 50-55 mph in 3rd;
> many people waved or flashed "thank you" when I used the pull-outs to let
> them by.
>
> We hadn't been on a trip with the Vanagon for some time, and I only did a
> few basic checks.   So I was a bit worried, always planning how I would
> handle a breakdown.  High temps, no air conditioning, very heavy
> stop-and-go traffic for dozens of miles.    But it was all smooth sailing,
> not even an oil buzzer!
>
> Back at home, I patted her on the dashboard and said thank you!   I thought
> for a moment that she replied with a front suspension creak but ......
>
> Roland
> '89 Syncro
>