Well, what an exciting trip.....last night about 10pm coming home from a
weekend in the north country I had a metal cooling line blow about 10 miles
south of Saratoga Spgs.  Luckily had my 100 lb. tool box with me (that's why
I carry the stupid thing) and managed to lay in my puddle of coolant, break
off the old clamps, cut the metal pipe back to solid metal, reclamp the hose
and refill and bleed the coolant tank.  Got home at 3AM but at least we made
it.  So the question.....

What is the general belief on replacement of hoses and lines?  Is it
sensible to only replace as needed because they have virtually infinite
life, or should they all be replaced as maintenance...I gather to replace
all hoses and lines is a rather costly and time consuming job???  Any
estimates on cost for materials?  Sources for the hoses and lines?  Noticed
last night that my power steering lines are looking about ready to go too.
Nights like last make me wonder if driving a 15 year old van 600 miles a
weekend isn't asking for trouble.  Thankfully it's still warm and I was near
a well lit parking area and my wife finds it amusing to see me covered in
hot coolant lying under the van trying to get her home.....Can't imagine
what it would have been like on a -10 January night on a desolate stretch.

Brings me to my next question....before I sell my Audi 15" wheels, does
anyone know if they would fit a Eurovan, without requiring mods?  I might
just have to find a newer van one of these days afterall.

Thanks,
Mark