Sounds great Eric.  But I am at the break down stage myself (I mean
personally, getting a bit long in the tooth), and adding a vehicle break
down to the mix is getting a bit risky.  I want to drive my Campmobile
across country, but I don't want (and actually can't, given Bonnie's health
concerns) to have days of being stuck somewhere.  So I am going to have to,
reluctantly, relinquish use of it for long trips.

mcneely

On Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 6:57 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi Richard,
>         Your van sounds great.
>
> I just got back from a bus event where many Bay windows and type 1 buses
> traveled long distances, Impressive.  I feel less adventuress in a
> vanagon.  My 84 has a water boxer needing some care but basically it served
> its owners well on trips back and forth across the US and south to Mexico
> and Belize.  I then drove it from Florida to VT and am now hoping to use it
> for long trips.
>
> The Subaru powered van we borrowed was grate, but on a previous trip it
> lost it’s coolant due to a hose failure.
>         Hec, on the way to the air port for Florida our Honda had a sensor
> failure that caused all kinds of issues.
>
>         These vans have good karma with whatever engine you put in it as
> long as you maintain the support systems and the general care.
> Perfect, no, but all cars break down.  And If I’m going to break down I
> want the comfort of the vanagon and the kindness that it brings out in
> those around me.
>
> Nothing makes me smile more then a long trip in a vanagon.
>
> Eric
>
>
>
> > On Jan 21, 2023, at 9:31 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> wrote:
> >
> > Simply.....if you are going to run your Vanagon 2-4K/year miles on local
> camping trips, you are fine.  If you want to take your Vanagon across the
> country, say like 8K miles per trip, better rethink.
> >
> >   On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 06:04:30 PM PST, Richard Koerner <
> rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >
> > About 15 years ago, water pump on my 1.9 failed.  No problem.  Install
> new waterpump.  But a huge problem:  during disassembly, cracked the
> thermostat housing.  NLA.  I drove all across county, and got a used one at
> VW junkyard.  Mechanic smiled when he saw that.
> > I have noticed....GoWesty now provides same.  Of course, it took a
> decade.  So, my Vanagon sitting on lift for a decade awaiting part.
> > Meanwhile....Subie 2.2 motor transplant.  Super HP and Smog pass no
> problem.  Parts readily available anywhere in USA.  I love it!  Just saying.
> >
> >
> >
> >    On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 05:43:45 PM PST, Eric Caron <
> ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> > Yes,
> >
> >        This seems to be generally true for most car things.  My Honda
> was needing parts and the cost and quality had the same issues.
> >
> >        But, I’m pretty happy generally with most parts I am getting for
> my vanagon.
> >
> > And, fingers crossed one can be an optimist and a realist.  That seems
> like a nice combination.
> >
> > Eric
> >
> >
> >> On Jan 21, 2023, at 8:35 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
> >>
> >> I think the bottom line is…
> >>
> >> It’s all going to be more expensive
> >>
> >> Not always as good
> >>
> >> And not everything
> >>
> >> :-)
> >>
> >> Ab
> >>
> >>> On Jan 21, 2023, at 5:34 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> 
> >>> The key word you suggested:  maybe.
> >>>
> >>> You describe yourself as an optimist; I describe myself as a realist.
> >>>
> >>> I hope you are right.
> >>>
> >>>  On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 05:28:52 PM PST, Eric Caron <
> ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Absolutely,
> >>>
> >>>        Getting good parts is a challenge.
> >>>
> >>>        My fingers are crossed that they will improve.  Maybe more 3D
> printing out of metal for example.  I’m a optimist.
> >>>
> >>> I’m often surprised by things like the return of items at venders like
> Uniwerks, or creative solutions like the Mullendore starter adaptor.  Folks
> seem to be continuing to support our vans.  Even metal evaporation tanks
> and now even replacement alternators and starters that folks report are
> good.
> >>>
> >>> Fingers crossed for good CV boots.
> >>>
> >>> Though.  I may have a lead on some good ones.  I’ll get back to
> everyone once I secure a set to check out.
> >>>
> >>> Eric
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>> On Jan 21, 2023, at 8:21 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> They made a WHOLE lot of aircooled Beetle engine stuff.  All around
> the world.  Vanagon stuff:  Not so much, and in my locale in San Diego,
> resources are drying.  I don't mean to be negative.
> >>>> But for sure...even with a skilled mechanic....if he can't get the
> part....you are in for a bad time.  Just saying.
> >>>> I wish I could be more enthusiastic.  But I'd be lying if I said
> otherwise; and I won't do that.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>    On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 05:12:05 PM PST, Eric Caron <
> ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> Yes,
> >>>>
> >>>>    No denying that the machines are getting older.  But the drivers
> and mechanics?  Some are getting younger.  At the recent bus event.  Most
> vans were older air cooled.  But most of the drivers I met were fairly
> young.  From 22 years old to 58.  Many young families as well.  Many
> venders were younger then I would have expected.
> >>>>    I have heard many say the vans and fouls wanting them will fade
> away but I’m not so sure after seeing that gathering.
> >>>>
> >>>> Fingers crossed we keep a support network going.
> >>>>
> >>>> And, hopefully the young folks can afford the vans.
> >>>>
> >>>> Eric
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>>> On Jan 21, 2023, at 7:48 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> We all know..this is the crux of it.  Vintage Vanagons, vintage
> mechanics. Just the way it goes.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>>    On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 04:37:24 PM PST, Alistair Bell <
> albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> It does and good man Dennis!
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Things would be a heck of a lot tougher without list and guys like
> Dennis. Seriously , we are driving vintage machines ….
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Ab
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >
> >
>