Just joined this list yesterday and thought I'd post a quick note to
introduce myself.

Peter Martin, Abingdon Virginia USA, 86 Vanagon (non-Westy).  Bought it in
the early 90's w/30K miles, now over 150K, still looks like new but find
myself getting paranoid about the coolant leak problem and overall cost of
replacement parts.  Yikes, VW parts prices are OBSCENE! :)

A few things I could use help with if any of you have any suggestions are

1. Exhaust system is on its last legs.  Local VW dealer quoted almost $2000
to replace all the pipes, convertor, muffler, etc.  Local muffler shops
won't tackle it; one guy remarked that his small intestine had less curves
and offsets.  Suggestions on alternative sources for components that will fit?

2. Temp gage indicates it's running hot, esp'ly on very hot days or when
driving slow/idling.   Head gaskets were replaced and heads checked  by
dealer at 100K, but still overheats.  Could this be from combustion gases
getting into the coolant system?  No steam upon startup, and coolant level
seems stable.  Clogged catalytic converter perhaps?

3. Okay, don't laugh.  The bus sat for about a year undriven (in my garage
near a cherry tree) and it seems that I may have, uhm, a dead mouse or
other cherry-eating rodent--deduced from the cherry pits that occassionally
blast out from the vents while driving.   Flying pits I can live with; but
the SMELL I cannot.  Is there an easy way to disassemble and flush out the
ventilation ducts under the dash?  Or should I just invest in noseplugs and
eye protection?

All in all, I LIKE the square box.  In a world of Astros, Aerostars, and
Caravans, this old Vanagon is different enough to make driving it always
fun.

Top of the day to you all.  Look forward to learning from your experiences
and offering any I may have of my own.
Peter Martin, martin@naxs.com
Abingdon Online, http://www.abol.com