Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: Portland, OR to the Everglades in a '71 Westy - advice, please
From:William Maxian
Date:Thu, 9 Dec 1999 19:46:44 -0500

This was my vehicle of choice - prior to entry into Vanagon Land. Try standard:
rotor, distributor cap, points, fan belt, fuel pump & filter - total maybe $30.
Spare fuses, valve cover gaskets, feeler gauges, teflon tape, electrical tape,
cheap continuity tester - maybe spare spark plug wire ( used OK), 4 way screw
driver, 10" adj. wrench + $15 - 10,000 piece Tiawan tool kit. A couple of quarts
of oil ( Castrol 20-50 was my choice) & you're good to go! Check your oil when
filling up & keep the valves adjusted. Remember to keep it in the 55 - 58 mph
range & you'll go FOREVER. I traveled coast to coast , several times + Fl -
Chicago (non stop - multiple drivers). Don't know the actual mileage, but sure
200K +. I'm sure your brother will savor his memories of an adventure in the
slow lane. Best wishes - MAX
83.5 Westy (Sunshine)

Penberthy, Thomas wrote:

> Hi Volks,
>
> My little brother, age 18, recently went out and bought a 1971 Westfalia
> bus, nicely painted with all manner of Grateful Dead iconography.
>
> He and his girlfriend recently repainted it with the '90s equivalent: Phish
> iconography, and now they're headed east and south to Florida to see Phish
> for a 3 day New Year's party.
>
> My mom asked me the other day what she should get him for Xmas. I said, of
> course, TOOLS!
>
> I am the happy owner of an '89 Westy and I've never had a bus.
>
> I'm looking for ideas for constructing the perfect 'handyman's kit' for this
> trip.
>
> Please help!
>
> Thanks -
>
> Tom
> 89 Westy (Marlin)

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »