Hi There,

I am very new to this list in particular and would ordinarily lurk 
for a while longer.  However, I have a trip coming up soon and could 
use some immediate advice/help.   I do have the Bentley manual but as 
most of you know, it is not nearly as good at describing repairs as 
most of the other Bentley manuals available for german cars.

I have an 85 Vanagon GL and while surfing the Web, I discovered the 
terrific sites on Vanagons.  When looking through I discovered some 
comments about coolant leaks under the rear seat resulting from the 
rear heater.  I had this occur about 2 years ago and I merely shut 
the thing off.  Since I live in Texas, I never really need the extra 
heating.  Can someone elaborate on diagnosing and fixing these leaks? 

Secondly, I have a broken cable on the defroster vent in front.  I 
have been trying to figure out how to replace this cable without 
literally taking the top dash off.  If someone could elaborate on 
this repair, I would be grateful.

Third, I am finding parts prices much more expensive here in Dallas.  
Parts for my BMW are significantly less for similar parts.  Is there 
a good aftermarket or national source for many parts?  I am aware of 
Recycled Parts in  Michigan.

Finally, I will be driving from Dallas to Milwaukee and would like 
some feedback on how the Vanagons handle in snow / ice.  Is there any 
trick to improve handling, etc?  I am a very experienced "snow / ice" 
driver (although most experience is on ice, what we get around here 
most often) but I can't get a feel for how mine will do with those 
conditions.  Also, should I consider blocking the radiator partially 
to improve engine temperature?

If these questions have been recent threads, feel free to just email 
me directly.  Any replies are greatly appreciated!

Greg
Gregory V. Robinson
ajax@why.net
tcdfw@aol.com (TwinCell: 2 Cellular Phones / 1 Number)
85 BMW 535i 157K
85 VW Vanagon  135K
89 Jeep Sahara  99K 
80 Kawasaki 750Ltd  14K