Dear All,

Two kind listees have suggested that gates "Red" radiator hose is just as
good as the long, shaped metal pipes that were original in the cooling
system on my 83.5 V'gon. In fact, they say, the rubber holds up better than
metal in snow and salt. It makes sense to me, but sounds almost too easy
and too good to be true. Does anyone know if there is a "catch," a
down-side, to using the red radiator hose for $10 instead of the
dealer-supplied pipes for $300? I could sure use the money for something
else, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

Please reply ASAP, since the gold-plated pipes and the van are already at
the garage, waiting to become one forever.

Thanks,

Woody

PS I am pretty sure I can take the pipes back to the dealer for a full
refund.