I apologize for the delay in replying. I've been burned in work, including over the weekend. I'm taking off tomorrow for a 3-week business trip overseas, so there might also be delays in my responses in the coming few weeks. But I do read and appreciate every comment that is posted.
I am very interested in powertrain reliability. When I buy vehicles, I keep them for a LONG time. So I want to be sure that the next vehicle I buy won't be spending a lot of time in the repair shop. Example: The '87 Vanagon I currently drive. I bought it in April of '97 and am still driving it today. It's been a very reliable vehicle, and repairs have been pretty reasonably priced (once I found a good VW mechanic). But it's getting harder to find some parts, and I need a bigger van now.
I have had initial, brief communication with Sportsmobile in Fresno and with Van Specialties in OR. I also contacted a small local shop in Escondido, CA called Oak Tree (does anybody have any experience with them?) and a shop in the Los Angeles area called El Kapitan (does anybody have any experience with them?)
I think the upfitting/conversion will be very simple. I just want to be sure I start with a van that will give good service and require few repairs for many years. I know nothing is guaranteed, but I want to get as much information as possible before I buy so that I'll have the best shot at getting a vehicle that I'm happy with.
