> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of John
> Sent: Sunday, September 26, 1999 10:16 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Love the 81, 73 for sale
>
>
> icculus wrote:
> >
> > Hello all,
> >
>  have just accuired my first Vanagon. So far I love it!
>
>  I
> > blew a plug out of #2. Lame!! The shop that did the engine
> rebuild (before I
> > purchased it) did some shotty work.
>
> Brian,
>
> Welcome to the world of Vanagons. I mean that in a dual sense. One, the
> pleasure and feel of driving the "last" of the true VW buses and the
> flaming disappointment of Jackasses claiming to be Vanagon specialists !
> What does a technician need to know to CORRECTLY install @#$%& spark
> plug ?
>
> I've said it before and I'll say it again that the Vanagon's "poor
> reliability & high cost of repairs" reputation lies more with lousy
> workmanship and Vanagon technical ignorance than with the vehicle
> itself.

I have to agree 100%. BTDT. Our 85 Vanagon was one of our most reliable
vehicles we ever owned. BUT....either I or a local very well known vw
mechanic worked on it and that was mostly maint. So far I have yet let
anyone touch my 82 CA Westy. It also seems to be turning out to be reliable,
but I have not taken her on any long distance trips yet. I do miss the heat
of the wasserboxer and the little extra HP <grin> But, I have no Head-aches
<grin>

Bill  V.                 "I'd Rather Be Hiking The
'82 CA Westy [FreeBird]       Greater Yellowstone"
"Famous Potatoes"