2023.02.17 Van Plans

Update on our crappy old 1993 VW T4 EuroVan with an I5 and a manual transmission...

Things accomplished on it so far:

• managed to actually pass DEQ, get registered and plated (kind of a long story by itself)
• repaired the rear seat belts to functionality to actually have more than just one passenger
• re-connected the transmission shifter linkage that fell apart/off
• obtained updated wheels + tires

Things needing to get accomplished:

• re-re-connect the transmission shifter linkage, because the previous fix also broke - temporarily re-attached but need to put a new-new bushing in (correctly), investigate getting a new heat shield so the exhaust doesn't melt the bushing and/or a supplementary restrain feature
• get previously mentioned wheels + tires actually mounted, balanced, and installed
• remove the incorrectly installed review mirror stalk - to install the cool new rearview mirror + camera system
• replace the broken passenger side door mirror (part obtained)
• find out why the power door windows aren't working any more
• find out why water is pooling in the passenger door (possibly connected to the broken door mirror)
• replace the stereo head unit so that we can listen to music without the faceplate randomly falling out
• remove the outboard rear-face seat to facilitate loading large loads / bike / dog
• replace seatbelt for inboard rear-facing seat for bonus seating needs
• get a bike rack - because multiple bikes don't actually fit inside
• replace the "cool" aftermarket LED headlights with ones that actually work in the dark

The awkward thing, strategically speaking, is that Amy's lease Jetta is being given back in a couple months. So, in order to avoid having to shell out for another vehicle, it would be nice if the crappy old van (CODENAME: AKNOT) was reliable enough for our occasional parallel-commuting needs. Mostly kid-school deliveries when Amy has to work. The path towards reliability is not meeting our required timeline.

Either I need to stop being driven to becoming a quivering wreck by work stress so I can make shit happen, or we need to find a mechanic to deal with some of our list.