Hi Vanagon List, once again.
 
My start up Spring '05 went vary well.  
 
The van was parked under a trucker-tarp for 4.5 months in Quebec, Canada in
winter temperatures.  Although the tarp was covered with snow all winter,
there is minimum new rust appeared and body is still in very-good condition.
 
Although I unplugged the battery in autumn '04 it was dead upon startup
attempt #1.  I hooked up a Canadian-Tire Battery Box to help and it cranked
right away on attempt #2.  Everything seems good on the van, but maybe
battery need water.
 
I took a test drive and picked up an excellent work-table from my uncle on
trip #1 2005.  The practicality of the vanagon for carrying large-sized
items is incredible (even with air-conditioning and the camper-setup in the
van!!)
 
READY TO BEGIN SEASON 2005 !
 
Our plans this year are maybe to drive the van to Abitibti-Quebec -Lac
St.Jean (ie: Northern quebec trip then to Lac-St- Jean / Saguenay).  Maybe
we will see some Beluga Whales ??
 
My van stats --->
 
Purchased March '03.
 
TRIPS TAKEN :
-          Quebec ->  Newfoundland '03,
-          Quebec -> Anticosti Island '04
-          Quebec -> Ile Bizard LOCAL '05
-           
REPAIRS TO DATE :
-          New spark plugs
-          New fuel filter
-          New catalytic converter
-          New misc. exhaust pipes
-          New 02 sensor
-          Clean all electric connections
-          Re-connect wire to alternator
-          Rust proofing
-          New distributor cap & rotor
-          Two (2) new proper 'C' rater tire
-          CD player
-          Fix heater defrost/heat off/off knob
-           
REPAIRS NECESSARY
-          Fix leaky power steering hose
 
 
 
SUCCESSFUL STARTUP 2005!!!
 
 
Ok happy VWing 2005
 
Best regards,
Shawn
Montreal, Qc.
 
P.S MY 73 bus started up even better in March '05, and didn't even need a
charge of battery.