I've been shopping for a bus or vanagon for a while now and I think I
may have found one that I really like.  I need some advice though.  The
78 bus that I'm considering has 157K original miles.  This does not
worry me because I know that they run for ever.  What does worry me
however is that the engine has never been rebuilt.  Most of the ones
that I have been looking at have rebuilt motors at about 175K to 200K.
Is this an indication that I might have to rebuild the engine soon?
Also I would have to replace the starter right away.  I am fully aware,
and kind  looking forward to it, that I will have to become quite
familiar with air cooled engines and how to work on them.  I plan on
replacing the starter myself (the guy is going to throw in his how to
book).  Is it expensive to do this?  Is it a big job for a first time
mechanic? Is the part available uses or is new really the way to go.
Any help would be appreciated.  I'm going to go look at the bus tomorrow
and I'm really interested in it because it is a westy that is in perfect
cosmetic condition which is a big plus especially for a '78.
Thanks
Sean