12/14/99        vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
(Bob Donalds)
Dear Bob,

Hello and how are you?

I wanted to ask you a few questions preceding the decision of sending you the
entire
engine or rebuilding it my self. First I will have a garage since I will be
moving at the end
of January. Second I want to ask you the approximate cost of all the
machining and all the
parts that I will purchase from you including external items like exhaust
gaskets and so on
if I do the rebuild my self. Then with this price and a very careful
evaluation of the detailed
work involved I will make the final decision. I am convinced that having you
actually
rebuild the engine is the best chance for a strong engine, however I really
enjoy projects
like this and if I can do it correct once then it is a skill that I can
perform to my Van if
needed hopefully a long time from now. {or even another vehicle, I am sure
that some day
the Volvo will need some work on the bottom half since it has over 400
thousands miles
on it.}

I would like to call you and ask some technical questions as the last step of
 my
evaluation. Also if I do rebuild the engine my self, would you be available
for technical
questions as I proceed with the job.{ I am sure there will be some questions
as I tend to be
very care full and can appreciate your vast knowledge base}

For now that will be it and I will give you a phone call in a few weeks.

You will be receiving a few self addressed envelops for the supplements that
you offer
from  your web page.

Thank you I look forward to your response.

Sam