Hi JIm,

        I changed the subject to match the topic.  

        I fully agree.  I suspect VW bus owners are often those that either repair things themselves or maintain things with help.  I’m both. 

        I’m not as talented as many on this list but I always give repair a try.  And If I can’t then I often save items from a lost cause.

        I also love repurposing things that are no longer useful for the original purpose but might serve another purpose really well. 

One source of great ideas are free boxes.  I enjoy tag sales and free does.  If free it is one step from trash so I don’t feel guilty repurposing or doing an art project or creating something with it.

This weekend at an estate sale I arrived to find it pretty empty.  The owner had died and the place cleared out.  I ended up in the shop basement while my wife talked to people upstairs. 

In the junk around me I picked out old tools. Large screw drivers, boxes of nails, lots of packages of sand paper, a solid sharpening stone.  All things that soon would be tossed.  I collected a bag and took what I knew I would use.  They were surprised I found anything but all items are now added to my shop supplies.  I hope when I’m gone anything I use also finds a wanted home with a similar minded fix when you can person.

I’m never without entertainment.  My shop is full of potential projects!

Anyone have a Vanagon related tip or mechanical success to share?

Certainly working on my vanagon has strengthened my skills. 

Example, last year my rowing machine broke.  Strap pulled out.  I took apart the unit and realized I could not fix it.  But, I called the company and found I could order the broken part for $25.00   A new machine was about $400.00. 
        I ordered it and when it came I put together with the help of my wife reading the instructions.  There were. A few tricks.

Vanagon wrench turning practice served me well.  Broken unit now works great.

When I started with my  first beetle we fixed it with plywood, and aluminum flashing.  My next beetle was put together with metal I saved from a refrigerator.  I learned to use what I had as resources were limited.  

This community knows that creativity  and a willingness to try can go a long way to keeping a van running.  And the more energy and time we put into the van the more it feels like an old friend. 

Now out to my shop to put a few more tools away!

Eric Caron 

> On Nov 16, 2021, at 11:10 AM, Jim. Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com <mailto:jim.felder@gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
> Nothing wrong with getting a bargain on something. But I find that even with the best bargains, the personal satisfaction factor is nowhere near running a roll of film through a camera you've saved from the trashbin or wrenching on your car with a tool you've saved from the same fate. 
> 
> Jim
> 
> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 7:53 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> Hi Jim and all,
> 
>         What fun, Toss something out to a group like ours and you never know what you will learn!
> 
> I didn’t even think about the way most people approach Black Friday.  I never even consider going out to stores or crazy madness.  I love Thanksgiving in the US as it is a secular holiday with a tradition for me of relaxing time with family. 
> 
> I only started the shopping piece because I can do it on line often before the family gathering or later when most are lying out on couches after a fun meal and visit. 
> And, I try to save a few dollars for Christmas gifts.
> 
> We usually spend Friday visiting family and friends and calling those that are further away.  Walks and short hikes are popular.
> So, enjoy it any way you like.  But, feel free to share on line related finds.
> 
> And, keep fixing those items that just need a little attention rather than being tossed out! And, certainly your vanagon needs some attention, It is part of the family after all isn’t it?
> 
> Eric 
> 
> 
> > On Nov 15, 2021, at 8:37 PM, Jim. Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM <mailto:jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
> > 
> > I would like to encourage everyone I know to not participate in the black
> > friday madness this year but instead, take that Friday and repair something
> > you already own. I know your Vanagon will love you for it. These days,
> > repair is rebellion. Owning a Vanagon is rebellion. What's not to like?
> > Weld. Sew. Join. Glue. Patch. Replace. Paint.  Just make something you
> > already love last longer.
> > 
> > Jim
> > 
> > On Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 7:31 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> > 
> >> Ok folks,
> >> 
> >>        You are much better shoppers then me.  Keep a eye out for great
> >> deals on the best camping chairs, USB remote control lights, camping
> >> stoves, and such.  I am no good at that and always learn about the cool
> >> stuff after it is too late.
> >> 
> >> What are you folks looking out for?
> >> 
> >> I’ve noticed that our venders don’t seem to have much for sales anymore
> >> but rather just highlight an item.
> >> 
> >> So, if you find a great camping addition post away.  Sorry for the post
> >> for the Canadian listers.  I don’t know if there is a equivalent shopping
> >> day in Canada.
> >> 
> >> At the moment I am not looking for anything.  I just want to enjoy my van
> >> as is.  But, cool improved, light weight, or more efficient or newly
> >> created items seem to keep showing up.
> >> 
> >> Example, My wife brought home a bus ornament with changing LED lights from
> >> the local drug store.  Amazing the bus items keep getting created.
> >> 
> >> Best,
> >> Eric Caron
> >> 
>