Eric --

Funny, that's what happened to me... I started reading about diesels
and decided they were cool, now I am working towards having two diesel
vanagons and selling my gas one ;)

I have the same reaction to folks advocating the switch to gas.
I must admit that from a totally practical perspective I have no
idea which is cheaper.  I'm investing $3500 in a TDI
to put in my syncro westy -- it'd take a lot of gas savings to cover that
cost.  On the other hand I will feel better about the end result.  I want
that low end torque, I want that gas mileage; with the tiny vanagon gas
tank, a gas-guzzler just isn't that appealing.  When I go out to the Utah
desert I carry 10 gallons of gas and it doesn't feel like enough
(in my '81 westy).  With the TDI I will gain at least 50% in range.

A tow truck, huh... interesting project.

        Gary

On Thu, 16 Dec 1999, EMZ wrote:
>   HI all,
>    Over the past 6 months, I have been building a tow truck from scratch.
> I found a International diesel with a Ford cab, and have been running this
> setup as I have working on installing the boom and hydrolic components for
> the wheel lift. I'm convinced that diesels are the way to go. I'm even
> thinking about buying a diesel Vanagon. The gas milage of this giant
> truck is about 20 MPH. The heat is marginal, and it has a high output
> heater. It requires 2 batteries to start in cold weather. Has tons of
> power, as it can plant you in the seat with a car on the hook.
>   ....,.. I would like to hear more discussion on Diesel VS gas
> motors.
>
>             Eric                   86-VW4x4
>             vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
>             Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler