Thanks for the replies I have received so far. I am still trying to get
the posting to this list right, so I apologize for the double message and 
then for not copying the rest of the list when I replied. 

The information has been very helpful so far, and I am only at the start 
of the replies. Thanks.

>Maureen Stretch wrote:
>> 
>> Hi,
>> I=B9m a newbie to the list, having just purchased a 91 Vanagon GL =
>> Westfalia Camper after wanting one for years. I love it and can=B9t =
>> stop grinning when I drive it. I even wave to other VW Transporter =
>> owners when I see them on the road! (Is this OK?)
>
> It's OK to wave - most of us will wave back.
>
>> This list and the web sites I have seen so far on Vws and Westies are 
>> great.  I have a few questions for the list, but apologize if they =
>> are repeats. If there is a FAQ or archive or Website that addresses =
>> them, please let me know.
>>
>The Vanagon Archives can be found at 
>http://www.automatrix.com/~skip/volkswagen/vanagon-list/ 
>Also check out http://www.vanagon.com
>
>> 1. My 91 Vanagon has about 90,000 miles on it and no rust. (It lived =
>> in Georgia its first five years.) The VW mechanic who checked it out =
>> for me said there is no sign of the head gasket problems I have read =
>> about for these water-cooled Westies. Somewhere I have read that =
>> keeping the engine from overheating may help prevent the head gasket =
>> problems. Is that true? Is there anything I can do to keep it from =
>> happening?
>
>Keep clean antifreeze mixture in it and keep a close eye on the level in
>both tanks.
>
> 
>> 2. On my other car (the daily driver, an 89 Acura Integra), I just =
>> had new struts installed. The mechanic there (not a VW expert)  said =
>> he=B9d once had a Vanagon but sold his because it needed a new =
>> exhaust system. He said the exhaust systems including mufflers for =
>> the Vanagon cost  around $3000, because they are stainless steel. Is =
>> that price right? It sounded very high to me.
>
>Exhaust system prices have gone down considerably from the original
>dealer pricing. My Carat has 135,000 miles on it with the original
>exhaust system still fully intact and operational.
>
>> 3. Being mechanically inept (and navigationally challenged, but =
>> that=B9s another story), I plan to try for preventive maintenance to =
>> keep the Vanagon in the best possible shape. Are there any good =
>> websites or sources that have information on what to do to keep the =
>> Vanagon in top shape? This one is in mint condition and I want to =
>> keep it that way if I possibly can.
> 
>Follow the maintenance schedule in the owners manual, wash & wax it
>often, check the oil and coolant level every time you get gas, make sure
>your fire extinguisher is in working order, and replace those fuel lines
>every 5 years.
>
>> 4. The same mechanic who said the exhaust systems were so expensive, =
>> also said the rear-wheel drive Vanagons handle fine in snow and ice, =
>> and especially with studded snow tires. Does anyone have experience =
>> with them in New England snow and ice? Should I get studded snow =
>> tires? It has been ages since I drove a rear-wheel drive car in the =
>> winter. Any tips greatly appreciated.  I was finally able to justify =
>> (to myself) getting the Vanagon  because I have recently started =
>> showing dogs at dog shows and the camper saves lots on hotel/motel =
>> bills. So I will be using it in the summer, spring, fall and parts of =
>> winter, but probably not as my daily driver.
>> 
>> Forgive me if you have covered all this a zillion times before.    I =
>> am so happy to finally have a Westy after wanting one for as long as =
>> all my friends can remember. When I saw this one at the previous =
>> owner=B9s home, I fell in love at first sight. From the postings to =
>> this list, I suspect the feeling will stay with me for a lifetime.
>
>Congratulations on your new Camper!!! 
>
>> Look forward to hearing from you.
>> 
>> Maureen Stretch
>> =8C91 Vanagon GL Westfalia
>
>-- 
>Tim Hannink     Winter Park, Florida     hanninkt@ix.netcom.com
>                      __    __ 
>1991 VANAGON Carat    \ \  / /    Pastel White
>                       \ \/ /         
>1975 TRANSPORTER   __   \__/   __   Pastel White/
> Station Wagon     \ \  /  \  / /   Hawaiian Blue
>                    \ \/ /\ \/ /
>1973 412 Sedan       \__/  \__/    School Bus Yellow
>

Maureen Stretch
Attorney at Law
Fax: 508-651-9932