Karmakanix

I really recommend going Steve’s Karmakanix shop.  They specialize in Vanagons and Syncros. Steve is incredibly knowledgable about them.  His lead Vanagon mechanic Joao “The VanMan” is a master at Vanagons and Syncros.

Karmakanix was very thorough…

They listed just about everything that needed repairs and fully explained the ins and outs of each.  They also organized them in terms of what needed to be done now to what can be done later.  Super friendly and helpful answering all my questions.  I feel confident sending Ronnie there.  

Then the rust…the rust had really taken its tool on Ronnie.  After a very thorough inspection.  The catalytic converter was completely blown out.  And rust was everywhere making bolts extremely hard to remove…some had to be cut.  After swiping out the cat, she developed high idle.  turns out the AFM frozed, throttle body adjustment screw broke and erosions caused high grounds.  Not to mention lots of 30 year old rubber had to be replaced.  The salts had really taken its tool and froze the heater blower too, ate at the emergency brakes cables, and not to mention who knows who jerry rigged what and cut corners along the way of her 30 maintenance. 

Before...

After...new throttle body, new air flow meter, reduced high grounds to spec, etc...

After which we had to get her registered in California, unfortunately California has some of the strictest emission standards.  

3 Grand later she passed smog with flying colors! 

But yes there is quite a list of things that need to be done to her…like fix that heater!