Please reply to Tim, not me!

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim King [mailto:tking_ms@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 3:31 PM
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.cOM
Subject: Potential purchase of Canadian Westy: Advice needed.

Hi All -- I'm hoping for some collective wisdom here:

For some crazy reason, I have upgrade fever. I placed a deposit down on a
supposedly very low mileage 1990 Syncro Westy in N. Vancouver.  I've seen
the van, driven it, and talked with the owner (seem like good VW people --
the Mom drives a Tri Star). I'm a current syncro westy owner, so I'm pretty
familiar with these beasts (for example, I think the VC is shot, but luckily
I have one on order ;-)

I now need to:

 - Get it checked out by a mechanic. Does anyone have recommendation for a
qualified vanagon mechanic in Vancouver BC?

 - Figure out the importing logistics for Washington state. I know I need to
get a certificate of compliance from VW and have the Speedo changed to mph.
Does anyone have any tips? Personal experience? Can I swap the speedo myself
before I bring it over, or must this be done by a dealer.

 - I'd also like to find out some more info on the van. I tried a carfax
report, but they didn't have any information on this VIN #. I heard
somewhere that the BC DMV can give me an ownership/insurance claim report.
Anyone have any tips on that?

- General Mech. Questions: Some green corrosion at top of left head along
gasket. No obvious leaks, but this can't be good at 55k miles, right? Seems
to run a little hot -- right on top of to a little above temp LED. Owner
says its always run there. Mouse fur on inside of pop top has some mildew.
How easy is this to clean?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Tim King
Seattle WA
87 Syncro Westy.