I got my Westy (The Baked Potato) about 2 years ago. I previously had a '67 Bug that was slowly disintegrating and a friend told me about someone selling a Vanagon cheap and was I interested. Well to tell you the truth I really didn't know much about them but I decided to check it out.

$1600.00 later I was the owner of an 84 with 150,000 miles on it. The Van was immaculate. No rust, interior perfect, completely straight, and I sold my Bug 2 days later for $1200.00. Since then I've had the motor rebuilt (yes corrosion) and spent a lot of time working on the brakes, which comments from the Vanagon mail lists were very helpful but they still aren't right. But I love the Potato. In fact the only thing that would make it more perfect would if it were a Syncro and a little more powerful.

Hence, I submit this picture, taken near Big Bear, CA. Just couldn't resist this muddy fire road. If you notice, the front windows were open and after several passes I found mud all the way back behind the rear seat! For all of the "2 wheelers" out there give it the gas andÊjust Yell "SYNCROS! We don't need no stink'in SYNCROS! Full speed ahead!

Victor Valenti