On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 8:45 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hmmm. Wouldn't it be better to replace them in the driveway and not have to
> think about it at all?
>
> Jim
>
>   Statistically significant is the number of times I have 'fixed'
something  before it broke only to have my "fix" cause me problems that I
didn't have before I fixed it.

  I am not a sloppy mechanic...I usually take my time and try to do
everything correctly.  However, over the years, I have come to believe
(within reason) that 'leave well enough alone' or "if it ain't broke, don't
fix it" those old sayings have merit.
 Sure, if you look at all the hoses in your vanagon and see bad looking
cracks, bubbles, splits, etc and rusty clamps hanging....you may be better
off doing some pre-emptive replacement at home in the comfort of your own
area....Then again, you might break a plastic pipe, miss-install a clamp or
something.....and that sucks if it was working, however bad it looked....

  I have a cool T-shirt..."I do not intend to tip-toe carefully through
Life, only to arrive safely at Death"

  I go for it, with a big bag of parts...and sometimes I don't have the
right ones when something lets go, but so what?  I make do...