WANTED: VW VAN FOR ALASKAN TRIP
The McMahans who have done the large RV thing, are now interested in more practical traveling and wonder if a VW Van would suit them. Several years ago Tom met and talked with several hundred folks camping in VWs on a nearby mountain. He was impressed both by the fun of the event, and by the advantages of a VW camper he was shown. Their plans are to leave NC in June, going by MN and ending up in Fairbanks AK before returning home. To give them some advice on what to look for in an older VW Van, and the pros and cons of early vs. later models, e-mail to tmcmahan@ioa.com.

COMING TO AMERICA Two New Zealand girls plan to travel in the USA during May....and really want desperately to buy a VW Kombi Van. Their plans include working in a summer camp, and then heading to the Burning Man Festival. They’re wondering if the $1500 dollars which will buy a pretty good van back home, can purchase something for them. Their request is for help with advice on what to look for when buying a van, and what prices exist, e-mail hannonrachel@hotmail.com.

EUROPE ANYONE? Kentucky and Kimberly, want to explore Europe by VW van for about a year or so. They're interested in escaping the rat race for awhile!! They need any information on how to purchase a VW in Europe, and want to know if there are there any web sites listing VW's for sale in this region?? Any help would be appreciated. Let's hope they maKe their tour, and contribute to this web site with e-mail news of their adventures! kimmy@island.net

COMING TO AMERICA Simon visited our pages and sent in a request for information about touring the USA. He has a 1965 Splitty (blue and white in immaculate condition), and would like to ship it across to America and tour the states for a year or so. Any ideas on contacts, costs, points to visit, etc. send them on to him at mar1lyn.man5on@virgin.net

ANOTHER VW SEEKER Henry Walker is thinking about getting a VW Bus, and would like some leads on where he might get a reliable, cheap one. The appearance is secondary to the mechanical condition....he really wants one which runs well, email him at walkerhl@miavx1.acs.muohio.edu.

TREASURES Do you need some VW stuff? Jack Owen has 2 split case transmissions, a complete 36hp motor and a box of 36hp parts. He has no use for them and doesn’t have the heart to take them to the junk yard. These treasures are near Springfield Il. Get in touch with him if interested, by email jgoeng@ccaonline.com (or call: 217-735-5603).

AUSTRALIAN NEEDS A VW AS HIS TRANSPORTATION IN THE UNITED STATES............
Dave Earley wrote in asking for leads on ANY Volkswagen bus for sale, in relatively good condition! He’s in the Midwest USA at the moment, but hoping to go to California soon, and says a Volkswagen anywhere in the country is an option! (Contact him at tykre@hotmail.com ). His interest in Volkswagens goes back to his childhood in Australia when his parents had a Kombi which was in the family for about 15 years or so. Just before Dave left Australia, his parents sold it, and consequently disappointed all five kids who had used it over the years and come to really enjoy it. It was his car for the last few years of school and university. He believes that these vans have real character, and attract admiration and questions from people all over, and he found it a real pleasure to drive (despite the times the clutch cable broke, and the time it decided to kiss a tree - gently of course, for the Kombi was a true gentleman).

Dave wonders if the ”VW greeting” is the same here, as in Australia where a definite Kombi Kulture is thriving. One rule which must be observed, always acknowledge a fellow Kombi driver on the road, whether it be with a wave, a nod, or hanging halfway out the window in a joyful expression of camaraderie. He writes about a Kombi friend‘s enthusiastic shaking, and about one Kombi driver going down the highway at 100 km/hr (60mph), when another Kombi driver pulled alongside and waved enthusiastically, yelled "G'day!! Have you got a light!?" So, cruising down the highway to the coast, these guys are hanging out their windows, passing a lighter. Annoyed “other” drivers finally passed as the Kombis calmly put-putted along. (Top speed of the reliable Kombi was usually about 100km/hr, except down hill, where 120 km/hr might be reached, but he points out that was not very loving treatment of the Kombi, who would at this point be screaming at the abuse.)

During peak traffic congestion one day, another Kombi blocked both of the oncoming lanes, stopped traffic, and motioned a weary long-waiting Dave to make his turn into the gas station. Waving thanks enthusiastically, turning as the other Kombi pulled away and watching all the people staring unbelievingly at this action, Dave figures everyone MUST have realized that proud Kombi owners, drivers, and friends always stick together.

He ends with a story about meeting a girl at a party who was planning on writing her thesis on the Kombi Kulture, which in reality is not restricted to Kombis alone, and includes all Volkswagen buses. It‘s just possible that she was overly impressed with Dave’s Kombi which was parked at the party, splendidly attired as a party bus with Christmas lights, music, cushions and pillows instead of seats, etc. At any rate, her thesis should be as much fun to read as is any association with VW vans.

E-mail your VW story to naclark2005@earthlink.net