First  - thanks to all who offered help -some by p-mail only to me.  Dad signed up for the Vanagon list and has seen the help offers and that provides some relief. 

Well, they replaced the tire - but neither Dad or I are sure what the local tire place sold them.  Dad tried to convince them to get a fll set from the BusDepot.    Next problem  - t he van popped out of gear on the highway and the engine died.  T hey found spark out of the coil, and they disconnected the fuel line aft of the pump (has pre-filter only - 81) and it was delivering fuel.  Started with  starting fluid, but would not keep running.    Sounds like they are learing things already!!!  Remember, these are basically high school kids and many that age would not have the gumption to even start this trip.    (W e had climbed under the van when it was at myhouse  so they would know where the pump & filter was.  ) 

T hrough the air cooled rescue squad they found a shop - CJBuggs in F isherville Virginia - 7 miles away by tow truck.  The shop  dropped everything and they determined it was the ECU and they had one in stoc k and the boys are now back on the road! 

Maybe the gas mileage will improve now.  I'll keep you all posted if the list is interested.  

Again thanks to all for the offer. 

John 

LiMBO 

86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"