Capt. Mike,
The VANAGON or any other automobile is a fun subject. The time spent is always fun, and a misunderstanding on the topic is never an acceptable excuse for nasty reactions.
I will attempt to address your questions, in order. But first, I will attach part of a previous posting, which can be found in the transmission section of this very forum..........."If you have read this far, then please also join me in wishing the very best Holiday Spirit to our very own Cap'n Mike. We all owe him a sincere salute. This is the finest information forum for our old vans in the world.....and the credit goes to our favorite Captain...Mike!!"
There is no lack of appreciation at this end, for what you and other members have contributed to the effort. I very much regret to have seemed so insensitive to the many hours and countless researching labors, which have made this site what it is.
With that fact clearly understood, yes; I most certainly do believe it possible that no other member has knowledge of, or interest in, the particular subject of parts manuals. How can that observation irritate anyone? By noting a lack of any response to the question, does not imply that I ever expected anyone to "jump through hoops", nor that I ever expected that any member of the forum "owed" me anything at all. It simply seems to me that this one, tiny subject, how to obtain an Illustrated Parts Manual, is either not generally known about, or is too low on the list to bother with. It still seems that way, at least to myself. No hate was ever intended; no hurt feelings were ever implied.
No suggestion was ever made that any member has any responsibility, at any time whatsoever, to respond to any question ever posted on this site! This is all about fun, not responsibilities!
With regard to the site's operating costs, and the question you asked; "How much have you contributed"? Well Mike, How much is expected, or needed? And why, pray tell, is this the first instance I have ever heard of an expectation that I owe a share of operating expenses? I suggest that this matter should be a condition of membership, and fully explained to each new member upon joining. To ask such a question to one you happen to differ with on a technical topic of discussion; well, bad show old man. Damn bad show!
The remainder of your posting simply misses the point. Yes, Mike, the difficulties of obtaintng a quality parts manual are acknowledged. I know the costs of quality manuals. I have paid it. That issue was the basis of the original question. The same situation is true in the case of Porsche. There I have the PET electronic parts manual.........and it is wonderful. The same is available for VW. You simply don't know of it Mike, and neither do I, yet. But I shall. When I have confirmed it, the source will be posted for the benefit of interested members.
Best regards,
James