Hi volks,

Around the start of May, my band is going on tour. I assume 2 months
prior is a good time to start preventative maintenance specific to
long-distance travel. I'm used to the stuff that can happen in
downtown driving, and know that freeway/U.S. route travel is a whole
new game. Here is my situation:

1. The bus is an '84, with an automatic transmission.

2. Engine has 30K on rebuild; no head problems to date. Runs great.
New parts: water pump, engine compartment hoses, distributor,
alternator. PO replaced the starter and alternator before selling it.
A/C compressor removed. Don't know about the tranny, but it doesn't
slip at all and shifts super-smooth. Looks like a grease ball, but the
fluid level keeps checking out.

3. Shocks are OK- not new, but not shot. Steering (manual) is tight.

4. Looks like the left front brake disc is getting a bit of a warp.

5. Motor runs extremely quiet- not like a new Vanagon (remember that
sound?) but like a late-model Bug with a single tailpipe and fresh,
new muffler. Tailpipe is rusting out, though. Is this a bad sign? Is
my muffler going kaput?

6. There will be three people in the bus, with about 200-250 lbs. of
stuff with us.

7. Stops will range from 50-200 miles apart, traveled by interstate or
U.S. route.

Here's what I plan to do:

1. Check out expansion tank (these are known to bust, yes?)

2. Replace hoses to/from radiator.

3. (Hopefully) get front brakes reground. If a replacement is needed,
can anyone make sense of the Teves/Girling confusion?

4. Test thermostat.

5. Get heads pressure tested.

6. Flush engine, treat with Slick 50. Never tried it in a Volkswagen.

7. Compile list of reputable VW mechanics in Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and surrounding areas.
Suggestions?

I know I am probably missing a few things, so if anybody who has done
something like this before can help me, I would be eternally grateful.

Thanks,
Sam
=
"Punk's not dead (it just sucks right now)"
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