After my '84DL spent the entire week in the shop ( I was away the first
three days) for my mechanic to do less than a day's worth of work (new boots
on the tie rods, replace a coolant hose, and try to increase the cold idle
speed), my Wife is making noises about the need to sell my beloved Vanagon.
Since I bought the van in May 1997, I have gotten the cooling system and air
conditioning working perfectly, installed new air box, rear brakes, and some
other things (including new plugs and wires) so that it runs quite well.
One of the PO's had the head gaskets replaced (silicone sealant) and so far
no signs of leakage.  Compression this past June was 125 psig in all
cylinders.

When I bought the van, I was hoping to get a couple of years out of it until
I found a very late model non-synchro, non-Westy model.  I am still thinking
that way although the good Vanagon mechanics in the area work a typical
Macon slow speed, and that is one of the major problems.

I would appreciate an e-mail from those interested or those with better
ideas.  One  potentially reasonable alternatives cannot be considered as I
am the very proud father of a 4-month old boy.

I am located in Macon, GA, which is on I-75 about a 90 minute drive south of
downtown Atlanta.

John Lauterbach