At 07:58 AM 11/19/1999 -0500, you wrote:
>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.

Consider enhancement of the original design if results are lacking. If you
powder coated the pipes inside and out, you would have sealed the metal
from both air and water. You can take 80 grit sand paper to powder coat and
hardly even scratch it. Super tough stuff. I took all afternoon once
chipping powder coat with a hammer and chisle to fit up an exhaust pipe.
Typical of DM, more time/money/effort up front to have more money in the
retirement fund when that time is reached and a perfectly functional
vehicle to boot that has become a classic to WOW over.

Doktor Tim
Maintenance Repair and Restoration of European Vehicles
San Juan Island, WA