>The in-line control valve on the vaccum line to my brake
>booster died, and not wanting to wait two weeks for my local VW
>dealer to find out that they couldn't get it (yes, I'm a little
>cynical about VW's vaunted customer service), I went to Autozone to
>see what I could work out with their "Universal" parts rack.  I
>picked up a valve (the kind that's supposed to mount right on a
>booster) for three bucks.

My VW dealer flatly said "Forget it", but I called a few aftermarket
FLAPS, and found a generic one for $8.95, probably goes on a Chevette
or something. Popped it in, clamped it, and voila-- zero brake problems.
They don't even stiffen up instantly when the engine conks out at a
stoplight any more. Not till later, anyway.

This FLAPS actually had it listed for a '71 bus, though it didn't look
anything like the original. I believe certain year Rabbits and Jettas
used something similar, which you can use. Maybe that's what this is?

>Third:  I need some shocks for the front of my bus (same '71).
>Anybody know of a cheap solution?

I put some semi-cheap ones from Sears on my '71. No more shakes!
Installation was easy, too-- shooting them the night before with WD-40
probably helped.