Hi Dan,

        I have a different perspective on your situation.  Sorry for the late reply but I was traveling.

        My suggestion is to not store the van.  Your correct you can’t drive it yourself or, comfortably drive it, but I suspect you can still get into the back or passenger seat. 

I love using my vanagon but can’t drive it.  I have my Wife drive, but also a variety of friends.  Some friends have been found because I need a driver.

        So as a blind vanagon person I suggest you find people to go to get lunch out, or go to get ice cream, or just go for a ride.  It keeps the van happy and you as well.

Several times I’ve met people who never let their wives or others drive their vanagons.  I think it is important to share the fun. 

On my recent trip we were all couples over 7 vanagons and some others as well.  In all cases the ladies also drove unless disabled like myself. 

Don’t let this situation take away your vanagon joy!

Eric Caron 

> On Aug 14, 2022, at 12:37 AM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Thank you all for your suggestions. I am doing better now, some pain
> (sometimes) but moving around with a walker. I miss driving my van.. :-(
> 
> dan
> 
> On Sat, Aug 13, 2022 at 1:44 PM John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> There are a number of things here to protect the vehicle.
>> 
>> As suggested fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Gas that sits a
>> l;ong time thends tro oproduces a type of varnish that clogs things and is
>> hard to clean up/out.
>> Disconnect the battery when vehicle is not in use. Even as little
>> voltage draw as the clock can kill the battery over time. If there is
>> even the slightest voltage leak anywhere that will kill the battery. Might
>> even be better to remove the battery and store it on a board. The slightest
>> electrolyte film on the surface of the battery is enough to provide a
>> circuit for voltage drainage, thus the board to insulate it.
>> 
>> Run the engine to full heat periodically. There are two reasons. Oiled
>> surfaces, galleries and lifters need to be kept filled to prevent rust and
>> corrosion. The second reason is the seals need to be kept lubricated so
>> they don't dry out. There will be some condensation as the engine cools but
>> if the engine is brought to temperature and kept there for a little while
>> the moisture will evaporate.
>> 
>> Anything that moves in the van be sure and move it periodically. Pump the
>> brakes, move the heat/air  controls, run the windows up and down, Operate
>> the wipers, run front and rear blowers.Motors when allowed to just sit are
>> notorious for developing an oxide on the commutators and then not running.
>> Work the parking brake handle.
>> 
>> If possible get someone to drive it around the block for you at least. GOOD
>> FOR THE TIRES.
>> 
>> The worst thing you can do for any vehicle is to let it go idle, and not be
>> used.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Sat, Aug 13, 2022 at 2:58 PM David Boan <dboan@outlook.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> A few thoughts about storage (after storing mine for a winter) ...
>>> 
>>> Just starting the engine, letting it warm up, and then turning it off can
>>> be harmful as it causes oil dilution by fuel and moisture.  An article in
>>> Popular Mechanics says if you are going to start it then do at least a
>>> 30-mile drive at least every 60 days.
>>> 
>>> Other considerations ...
>>> 
>>> Wash and wax it.
>>> If storing outside, get a cover.
>>> Top off the gas tank and either add fuel stabilizer and/or use
>> non-ethanol
>>> gas.
>>> Change the oil.
>>> Attach a battery manager.
>>> Do not set the parking brake.
>>> Cover areas where critters may be able to enter the van.
>>> Are you parking in a garage? If outdoors, consider a moisture barrier
>>> under the van and pads under the tires. If on concrete, some people put
>>> plastic over the concrete, mainly in humid climates.
>>> Put rags under the wiper blades to keep them from sticking.
>>> Lubricate hinges, locks, and other small moving parts.
>>> 
>>> Just my $.02. 😉
>>> 
>>> Dave B
>>> Boise
>>> ________________________________
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> on behalf of Dan
>> N
>>> <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
>>> Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2022 1:37 PM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>> Subject: Vanagon storage
>>> 
>>> Hi all,
>>> 
>>> Recently I broke my right leg during a fall... so I can't drive. The Dr.
>>> says partial healing is about 6 months and full healing is about 12
>> months,
>>> he will tell me when I can drive. For a van that can not be driven for
>> some
>>> time here are some opinions I got.
>>> 
>>> 1. Do not start the van until you are able to drive it.
>>> 2. Start the van once a week and let it idle for 10 to 15 mn.
>>> 3. Only start the van if you can drive for about 20 miles so there will
>> be
>>> no condensation in the engine. Otherwise just leave it alone.
>>> 
>>> So... according to you.. what should I do?
>>> 
>>> Thank you for your help.
>>> 
>>> dan
>>> 
>>