This is a philosophy difference, pure and simple. I won't write a 2,000
word essay about it (collective sigh of relief). In a nutshell, it is the
difference between:
"Repair Problems"   and   "Prevent Problems"
Or between:
"Use my tools and $$$ in my garage" and "Use my tools and $$$ on the side
of the road".

I'm not trying to say that one is 'better' than the other. I simply find my
garage a more convenient and comfortable place to work on my vehicle. In my
life, that work is primarily preventative maintenance. If one hose looks
suspect, I replace them all. If one door hinge squeaks, all the latches and
hinges get cleaned and lubricated. Simple. Some would say it costs more to
replace parts that aren't broken (yet). I like knowing that at any given
moment, I could drive to the West coast, and not feel threatened by my
vehicle's condition.

If something breaks on the road, I'd be very surprised. Only twice has it
happened, and I have modified my maintenance to prevent it ever happening
again. But if it DID break on the side of the road, I'd have it towed to a
garage, and would pay to have it fixed.

Different philosophy.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Max/Joyce Wellhouse [SMTP:maxjoyce@ipa.net]
Sent:   Tuesday, November 23, 1999 3:48 PM
To:     Bulley; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re:      Re: Toolkit

Am I the only one that carries my 100# tool box in the vanagon strictly for
peace of mind?  Also, Fast Orange hand cleaner with the gritty stuff in it
is a nice addition and one of those cheap $5-6 white tyvek suits to wear if
you need to crawl under your van and have clothes that you'd rather keep
clean.

DM&FS