Well it's my one year anniversary of my first air-cooled VW (1980
Westfalia).  Bought last year around this time w/ only 58k miles.  Had
no idea what to expect.  Here's a run down on what I've done (maybe to
give other newbies or wannabes an idea):

tune up  (cap, rotor, plugs, points, condenser)
rear wheel cylinders  (only $8.95!)
push rod tube seals  (no oil leaks)
two new tires  (Yoko's)
oil temp gauge (sump plate, VDO)
clutch master cylinder (no more wet shoes)
slave rebuild kit  (got at PEP Boys, $19)
oil changed every 3k
pop top seals
fan belt
spark plug wires  (nice & smooth running)
fuel filter  (no more sputtering up hills)
replaced loud ticking clock w/ tachometer out of a Rabbit.
Put  a green LED in the high beam indicator instead of red (didn't want
to de-sensitize my eyes to red oil/alternator lights)
had to repair the pop-top screen and window cover (sewed screen shut,
put velcro on flap)

I'm up to 67k miles.  Been camping 11 times and loved it, especially the
kids.  Farthest trip so far was Cape Cod (about 400 miles each way).
Fun to drive, reliable.  I wouldn't hesitate to drive this van around
the country.  Wife would've liked A/C though.  One of the best tips
received from this list:  use the jack to stabilize the van while
sleeping so less bouncing around.

It been a good westy year.  So all you wannabe's, find a good vehicle
and jump in,  the water is fine.

eric
eric.henning@bailey.com