Ron,
Please change my status!  I'm no longer a wannabe but now the proud owner
of an 89 Westy! <<SNIP>>>I bought it "sight-unseen" over the internet from
the PO in Texas.  I had it shipped to Iowa and it arrived this morning.
 <<<SNIP>>>
I'm taking a little cruise with it on Wednesday, having it detailed on
Thursday, might actually go camping this weekend!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Jim-
Congrats on the new machine! We just got our Westfalia about six weeks back
and have already logged 3,500 miles, almost all of that was camping or
going/coming from camping. Been out 4 out of 6 weekends. Fall colors and
great temperatures out; you'll have a ball.
A word of caution: It's exciting to have a new vehicle, but as you have
seen from your lurking, a few maintenance oversights by the previous owner
can spell big trouble to a Westfalia. It is a complicated mechanism, with
plenty of areas where a simple fault can lead to great expense, and grief.
Spend the weekend inspecting/replacing some things before a big outing.
Check brake pads and shoes, crawl around under the van and look at
everything closely, especially the steering gear and suspension. Check
shift linkages, CV boots, muffler hangers, radiator hoses, tire pressure,
propane fittings (use sudsy water). Look for the start of rust.
Beyond all else, CHANGE THE FUEL LINES. It takes an hour or so, and costs
less than $35 (even if you buy some new clamps and a filter. How many
woeful (former) owners have we seen come to the list, with smoke still in
their hair, with the sad tale of how their "new" Vanagon went up in flames.
Buy insurance, buy a fire extinguisher, learn to use it, but change your
fuel lines before you use this van.
Happy motoring,

G. Matthew Bulley
Principal
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Communications for Organizational Development
Cary, North Carolina
www.bulley-hewlett.com
(888) 468-4880 toll free