Long time no update

The LONG ride to and from Alaska went without a hitch.
18,000+ miles and not one dead Sasquash.

Hyner Weekend coming up

The shakedown cruise to Hyner is happening this weekend. Seems like the Vanagon is ready to begin stretching it's legs and it's as ready to go as it'll ever be. Barring unforeseen circumstances in a few weeks we'll be in salmon country.

Well, it seems to be done. Did the shocks yesterday & the rack & pinion today. Still have a little bit of body work to do but that's not mechanical.

Here's the entire "new stuff list"

*headlights
*horn
*windshield wipers
*ignition switch
*radiator
*stainless steel radiator lines to engine
*rack & pinion steering unit
*wheels & tires (Michelin HydroEdge)
*2 fuel filters
*fuel pump
*gasoline tank
*front brake calipers
*front brake pads
*4 speed transaxle with custom 3rd & 4th gears
*2300 cc GoWesty rebuilt engine
*exhaust system (except catalytic converter)
*engine & transaxle mounts
*shifting knuckle
*air flow meter
*air filter & oil filter
*spark plugs
*Koni shocks front & rear
*starter
*upholstery
*2.5 gallon pressurized hot water shower

and naturally all new fluids.
Whew!

So far; so good

The Vanagon is home and so far it's running well. A few bits & pieces left to finish up and then the relaxation can begin.

IT'S ALIVE!!!!

After much frustration but more persistence, the Vanagon sprung to life today, test drove very nicely and now awaits my return.
As soon as I can locate someone who can drive my Subaru back home the Westy will be following.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Bad right out of the box

Well, the Vanagon project continues to be visited by the infamous Murphy. The latest seems to have been a fuel pump that was bad right out of the box. My mechanic has told me that this is not unusual. He once put a brand new "in-the-tank" type fuel pump and have it not work. He replaced that one with another one and that TOO was bad ... again.... right out of the box. Two in a row! Thank gawd that mine is an external pump and easy to get to. I can't imagine having to drain and remove a gas tank 3 times to fix a simple problem.
With some luck today will be the day she'll run well continuously. Cost over-run for the project is coming in around $1,000... acceptable considering it's not government work.

TBC......

The Vanagon project is now nearing mechanical completion. After viewing the front brakes it was decided to replace the calipers. Also in the works was a brand new gas tank & radiator. Only a few more hoses, lines and wires need to be connected and depending how much Murphy decides to interfere, Gon 4 Air should be rolling by Sunday.

A few shakedown cruises will be in order and then Memorial Day; it'll be time for the Hyner experience.

TBC.....

Alaska is in the works

This past weekend the first steps in the plan to drive to Alaska for salmon fishing, hang gliding & gold prospecting have taken place.

The VW Vanagon Westfalia that will get me there is receiving a new engine and transaxle. The old parts are now sitting on the floor of Shawn's garage with the Bus comfortably perched above the shiny new powerplant on the lift. As soon as the weekend gets here it'll be time to lower the body and slip the parts into place. Then a few hours of careful attention to wires & hoses and all the other items that lurk in the nether regions of typical automotive gadgets will complete the job.

If you have any suggestions send them to udaleaf@nep.net

Or simply post them here.

Winter doldrums have set in. It's a bit too cold to do much flying and we all await the coming of the maple sapping season.