Air coolies & dem dat wish dey wur,

From SF Bay Area:

'Spotted at a local independent VW shop, a late 70s beige & orange bus,
which seems to have been there a month-6 weeks.  The power plant looks like
it gave up.  Garageman has a head and some tinwork in on the rear level, and
up in the second seat floor area, there appears to be an air plenum.  Looks
as if they opened it up and are awaiting owner's decision.  I am reading
into to this major work, most likely engine rebuild.

Body straight, clock reads 67K, so could be 167K or more.  Windshield
cracked, new off brand 14" steel belted tires.  And radio appears to be a
quality German unit.

I plan on making inquiry thru garageman, although I think I could get a
better deal if I could get to the owner without the garageman's
interference.  I surmise the garageman would want the vehicle abandoned to
him so he could repair & resell.  Is it possible to determine ownership in
California thru DMV or other source, with license plate #?

Can list members I.D. this forlorn, abused beast?  VIN  2282-104-XXX

If owner were to sell reasonably, before I tackle putting a rebuilt engine
in, wouldn't this be a keen time to pull tranny and at least have the box
inspected?

Yes, I know I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but I am trying to
think thru the possible scenarios, so when it comes time to open the
checkbook, my conscience will bother me least.

Oh, and what super group contributors:  Buelly's VW pages and Maynard's
travelogs to Mexico were contageous.

GD

70 Bug
95 Cocker Spaniel
97 Manx-3F (Furry four footer)

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