Dear listees:

I have recently aquired an '81 Westy (Hildie) and an authentic '36 German
mechanic (Albert).

Recently, Hildie and I visited Albert for an oil change, among other
winterizing chores.  Albert prefers to use an oil filter which is
actually spec'ed for the Rabbit/ Jetta/ Golf: it's a little taller and
narrower, easier to remove (he claims), same screw fitting.  Because he
is such a cantankerous ol' curmudgeon, who really seems to know his
stuff, I allowed him to install a Mann Filter, W719/5, spec'd for the
Rabbit/ Jetta/Golf.  He assures me it has the same volume capacity as the
Vanagon-specified VW or Mann brand filter.  Albert sold me an extra
filter for half-price so I could have it handy. What a guy, eh?!

My questions for the list are:
1.  Was I sold a bunch of bull....?
2.  Is he a flake?
3.  Is this just an inventory reduction move on his part?
4.  Does any of this really matter in light of world hunger, global
warming and loss of plant & animal habitat?

Inquiring minds want to know...

Melissa Mourkas
81 Westy 'Hildie'(hibernating peacefully, thank you)
Haydenville, MA