Ken vs. the Vanagon

As a rule of thumb, when doing mechanical repairs, I figure it cost half that of taking it to a shop, but also takes twice as long. The van was suffering from a head gasket leak following a very cold trip to Bend last Winter.

Before.

Of course, I always find more to work on than just the original problem. I ended up replacing the clutch, piston rings, rod bearings, and fuel lines.

On the stand, paint job by Ann Marie.

Putting it back in.

Of course, it wouldn't come back from the shop looking like this.