Why are the parts on this bus so hard to find?
Yesterday, I got a call from the mechanic. They were able to get the back drums off (after they were seized in place some how) and now need parts. The parts they were looking for weren't local so they called to ask me.
Here's what they needed:
Brake Adjusting Screw (211609209A) x 4
I was able to find this part pretty easy. Got it from Mid America. They're in Effingham, IL so even Ground shipping hits Chicago next day.
Brake Shoe Adjusting Nut (113609205A) x 4
This is also called the Star Adjuster and some other names. Again, easy to find. Got it from Mid America.
Rear Brake Hardware Kit for a 73 - 79 Bus (211698537N) x 1
Okay, this one is IMPOSSIBLE to find. I went to all the usual places, googled and nothing. I assumed that I could get the pieces individually but I looked and looked and ended up with nothing. It was hard to tell what was even in this kit. The shop I'm at had a source though. Mark's Bug Barn. Because of this part, the bus won't be ready until after Christmas.
Rivet c 4x7.5 (N0136331)
This is another one that is not carried in the usual places. Seems it's a rivet that was used in all Porsche, Audi and VW brakes. So, it's available, just not readily. I found and contacted German Auto Dismantlers and found that they just dropship the part from Porsche directly. Because of this part too, the bus won't be ready until after Christmas. I questioned whether this part couldn't be manufactured or just made. I mean, it's a RIVET!
Anyway, yeah, this seems to be happening again where the bus is at a shop for a decent amount of time.
joy.
Casey
Today's Bus Update
Called the shop this morning to see where they were at. They hadn't started but they were going to today.
Later they called me back. They'd been working on the brakes. The rear drums had seized onto the lugs (?) and they were having a helluva time getting them off. They were soaking them in penetrating oil as a last step.
I asked about the belt and oil leak. They think that the oil leak didn't have anything to do with my belt problem.
Tomorrow they will give me a call back.
Casey
Later they called me back. They'd been working on the brakes. The rear drums had seized onto the lugs (?) and they were having a helluva time getting them off. They were soaking them in penetrating oil as a last step.
I asked about the belt and oil leak. They think that the oil leak didn't have anything to do with my belt problem.
Tomorrow they will give me a call back.
Casey
Off Topic - Tape Measure Master
Because I still don't have a bus to play with, I've been trying to find new hobbies. This is a lot like the guys who put the ping pong balls into cups and the guys who bounce quarters.
Tape Measure Master - Watch more Funny Videos
Casey
Tape Measure Master - Watch more Funny Videos
Casey
Bus in New Shop
So, another wasted weekend without the bus. This is starting to smell like the last place.
I think tomorrow I'm going to have to call and emphasize the need to get this bus done and back.
Until then, I've been sledding with the kids.
Casey
I think tomorrow I'm going to have to call and emphasize the need to get this bus done and back.
Until then, I've been sledding with the kids.
Casey
Bus in Good Hands... Maybe
Alright, I rushed home and piled everyone in the bus and high-tailed it over to the new mechanic. Had to turn around once because I left parts that I said I would bring. Kids were in the back and had a blast. It really does drive well.
As soon as I left, I noticed that my alternator light was on again. (See Alternator Problem Found). Basically I figured the belt had come off again.
I turned off the interior lights, didn't use the radio and decided just to go. I noticed that headlights were getting dim by the time I got there.
Parked outside and made the mistake of turning off the bus. I went in confirmed I could drive it in and came back out. Bus is dead. Here comes the beauty of having a house battery (auxillary deep cycle) in the bus:
YOU CAN JUMP YOUR CAR OFF YOUR CAR!!! It's awesome and I've done it a couple times now. I pulled out the jumper cables and hooked up the house battery to the starter battery. Ran back to the front and it started right up.
Unhooked everything, and drove it up the ramp into the garage.
Ok, the smiles on the guys faces when I drove into their garage told me I was in a place that appreciated the bus. They immediately started asking questions about everything.
I started listing out the reasons for me being there. Basically what I want them to do is check out the brakes and make the brake lights work. I also wanted them to go over my bus and tell me if they see anything else wrong.
But there's more: since I got the bus back from the last mechanic, it's been leaking oil. I opened the rear hatch and the alternator belt was busted now, not just off. The engine and notably the muffler were covered with oil. SO, they're going to take a look at that.
The shitty thing is that the last mechanic told me where the leak was... behind the fan shroud... the same one he had off fixing leaks... yup, awesome.
Anyway, bus is in the shop again and I think i'll get it back in awesome shape and relatively soon.
Casey
As soon as I left, I noticed that my alternator light was on again. (See Alternator Problem Found). Basically I figured the belt had come off again.
I turned off the interior lights, didn't use the radio and decided just to go. I noticed that headlights were getting dim by the time I got there.
Parked outside and made the mistake of turning off the bus. I went in confirmed I could drive it in and came back out. Bus is dead. Here comes the beauty of having a house battery (auxillary deep cycle) in the bus:
YOU CAN JUMP YOUR CAR OFF YOUR CAR!!! It's awesome and I've done it a couple times now. I pulled out the jumper cables and hooked up the house battery to the starter battery. Ran back to the front and it started right up.
Unhooked everything, and drove it up the ramp into the garage.
Ok, the smiles on the guys faces when I drove into their garage told me I was in a place that appreciated the bus. They immediately started asking questions about everything.
I started listing out the reasons for me being there. Basically what I want them to do is check out the brakes and make the brake lights work. I also wanted them to go over my bus and tell me if they see anything else wrong.
But there's more: since I got the bus back from the last mechanic, it's been leaking oil. I opened the rear hatch and the alternator belt was busted now, not just off. The engine and notably the muffler were covered with oil. SO, they're going to take a look at that.
The shitty thing is that the last mechanic told me where the leak was... behind the fan shroud... the same one he had off fixing leaks... yup, awesome.
Anyway, bus is in the shop again and I think i'll get it back in awesome shape and relatively soon.
Casey
Alternator Problem Found
Well, the alternator light was on for a couple days now. Wasn't looking for the problem when I found it. I had figured it was a dead battery.
Turned out to be the belt had slipped off.
So with a screw driver I was able to slip it back on.
I couldn't get the belt on completely, so I got it on enough with some brute force and then started the engine. The belt was then pulled on the rest of the way.
And the alternator light is now off again.
Casey
Turned out to be the belt had slipped off.
So with a screw driver I was able to slip it back on.
I couldn't get the belt on completely, so I got it on enough with some brute force and then started the engine. The belt was then pulled on the rest of the way.
And the alternator light is now off again.
Casey
First Commute to the Train
Today, I was running late for the train and missed all the commuter bus runs.
SO, I decided to drive the bus to the train stop. It's running well :) Has good pickup and seems reliable. Started up great even in the 21 degree weather. I noticed there as an oil leak, nothing big, but I'll have to find out where it's coming from. Alternator light is on all the time now, but no indication of a problem... I'll have to check the battery.
Took the picture with my phone from the train as we passed by.
Casey
Heat and Loom and Radio
Today, I went over to my parents. They have a heated garage.
Plowed through installing a new main heater tube, an auxiliary wire loom and the stereo with my dad.
I have pics, and lots to tell.
Casey
Plowed through installing a new main heater tube, an auxiliary wire loom and the stereo with my dad.
I have pics, and lots to tell.
Casey
The Bus is Back
Today I called the Garage and found that they were DONE with my bus. Settled the price and jumped the next train home... amazing how my afternoon cleared. :)
Today happened to be the worst snow storm day we've had too. Here I am picking up an antique vehicle and driving it among a bunch of idiots.
The Garage said it had a little oil leak they found after it was started. not worried.
Also the hydraulic lifters are rattling. I checked this out and depending on how long they rattle is the how severe the fix is.
So, the whole purpose of bringing the bus there was the transmission. Let me tell you, it's PHENOMENAL!!!! Simply awesome. Shifts tight and amazing. You can feel all the gears. There's NO sloppiness, it's amazing. The Gene Burg Shifter is awesome. Has a short throw, easy grip, easy to shift into reverse... awesome.
Drove it home... took about 20 minutes. Handled awesome in the snow. Unfortunately, it didn't have windshield wipers and my driver side window wouldn't roll up... minor things considering it was 20 and snowing and blowing :) Did I mention it doesn't have heat either?
Tried to park it in the front garage and found out that garage is too short. So, it's in the back garage now.
This weekend on Sunday, my dad and I will be going through and hooking up a bunch of odds and ends. Radio, Heat, Aux Power, satellite radio, lights. etc.
Casey
Today happened to be the worst snow storm day we've had too. Here I am picking up an antique vehicle and driving it among a bunch of idiots.
The Garage said it had a little oil leak they found after it was started. not worried.
Also the hydraulic lifters are rattling. I checked this out and depending on how long they rattle is the how severe the fix is.
So, the whole purpose of bringing the bus there was the transmission. Let me tell you, it's PHENOMENAL!!!! Simply awesome. Shifts tight and amazing. You can feel all the gears. There's NO sloppiness, it's amazing. The Gene Burg Shifter is awesome. Has a short throw, easy grip, easy to shift into reverse... awesome.
Drove it home... took about 20 minutes. Handled awesome in the snow. Unfortunately, it didn't have windshield wipers and my driver side window wouldn't roll up... minor things considering it was 20 and snowing and blowing :) Did I mention it doesn't have heat either?
Tried to park it in the front garage and found out that garage is too short. So, it's in the back garage now.
This weekend on Sunday, my dad and I will be going through and hooking up a bunch of odds and ends. Radio, Heat, Aux Power, satellite radio, lights. etc.
Casey
Bus Update
Friday, the bus was still being worked on. I got some attitude from the owner of the shop so I wrote up this article about how to interview a mechanic in frustration.
Yesterday, Sunday, I went to the shop to see if maybe someone was around. They weren't but I did look in the windows. The bus was still where it was a couple weeks ago. On a rolling skid in front of it was the engine and transmission.
So, they got the transmission together.
Today I called at the end of the day and the two guys I usually talk to were busy but the guy who answered gave me an update anyway. They were in the middle of putting the engine and transmission in and expected that to be done tonight.
Woot!
I'm trying not to be annoying and trying to be patient. I'll call again on Wednesday and see where they're at.
Casey
Yesterday, Sunday, I went to the shop to see if maybe someone was around. They weren't but I did look in the windows. The bus was still where it was a couple weeks ago. On a rolling skid in front of it was the engine and transmission.
So, they got the transmission together.
Today I called at the end of the day and the two guys I usually talk to were busy but the guy who answered gave me an update anyway. They were in the middle of putting the engine and transmission in and expected that to be done tonight.
Woot!
I'm trying not to be annoying and trying to be patient. I'll call again on Wednesday and see where they're at.
Casey
HItch and Bike Rack for the Bus
So, since I still don't have the bus, I did research for different solutions for projects. Not buying anything but it's fun to google and see if I can solve the problems.
Today's Problem: A Hitch and Bike Rack for the Bus.
I like the idea of a hitch. not sure why. Guess there are a lot of cool things you can buy for them AND maybe someday I could get a little trailer and tow it around. Who knows?? The possibilities are endless.
I found this Bike rack:
It folds down so theoretically you could get in the engine compartment and rear door if need be. It's Hitch mounted so I then had to find a hitch. I needed one that would receive an alternate to just the hitch.
They make ones like this:
and even this authentic replica:
but I needed this one:
and that's it. I'd be able to Tow OR carry some bikes.
Yet another attachment that the hitch enables is this. A swing away spare and fuel tank carrier.
And then this. A Cargo carrier:
All the pictures above are linked to the place where you can buy them.
Casey
Today's Problem: A Hitch and Bike Rack for the Bus.
I like the idea of a hitch. not sure why. Guess there are a lot of cool things you can buy for them AND maybe someday I could get a little trailer and tow it around. Who knows?? The possibilities are endless.
I found this Bike rack:
It folds down so theoretically you could get in the engine compartment and rear door if need be. It's Hitch mounted so I then had to find a hitch. I needed one that would receive an alternate to just the hitch.
They make ones like this:
and even this authentic replica:
but I needed this one:
and that's it. I'd be able to Tow OR carry some bikes.
Yet another attachment that the hitch enables is this. A swing away spare and fuel tank carrier.
And then this. A Cargo carrier:
All the pictures above are linked to the place where you can buy them.
Casey
A Flux Capacitor for your Bus
Flux Capacitors are now available at ThinkGeek.
I think that this might be the next thing to install in the bus if I ever get him back.
I think that this might be the next thing to install in the bus if I ever get him back.
Only problem will be getting up to 88mph.
:)
Casey
Interviewing a Mechanic
Let's face it, you care a LOT about your bus. You also probably know more about it than most people and most mechanics in particular.
Another fact you'll face from time to time is that sometimes you get to a point where another set of eyes, trained eyes, can pay off.
I reached that point about 6 weeks ago. I finally fixed all my electrical problems and was able to start the bus. After an hour of it running and both me and Julie trying, we couldn't get the thing into gear. I have a new Gene Berg Shifter, followed the instructions and still couldn't get it into gear.
By-The-Way: This is how my whole restoration started. I had bought a quick shift kit, tried installing it and couldn't get it into gear. Then figured it might be the shift rod bushings, took out the engine and never stopped.
Anyway, so I was at the same frustration point. So close to getting this thing drivable and decided to quick path it. Take it too a mechanic. The place that had gotten me a bunch of parts, FornParts, had recommended a local mechanic so I called them up, they said they would give it a shot and I had it towed over there.
This was my first mistake. It's been at the mechanic for 6 weeks now. Every time I call I get told about hardships they face in working on my bus. It's 32 years old, waaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I seriously have heard enough that it's my bus' fault that it's taking so long.
When I brought it to them they identified the transmission problem and immediately volunteered that they had a resource who would be working on this. Someone "German Trained" and worked on these buses new. They said THEY COULD DO IT.
6 weeks later, their resource has probably worked on the bus a total of 5 days.
I am mad, but I want my bus back and working. At this point I am biting my tongue so that they'll finish the bus. It's not cheap to have a trans rebuilt. I've had to do way more than I thought I should have to do. I've sourced parts, ordered them... I feel like I've done project management and kept the urgency on them. Uggh.
Anyway, so here's my advice. Questions I would ask in the future when interviewing a mechanic.
Prep Work:
Another fact you'll face from time to time is that sometimes you get to a point where another set of eyes, trained eyes, can pay off.
I reached that point about 6 weeks ago. I finally fixed all my electrical problems and was able to start the bus. After an hour of it running and both me and Julie trying, we couldn't get the thing into gear. I have a new Gene Berg Shifter, followed the instructions and still couldn't get it into gear.
By-The-Way: This is how my whole restoration started. I had bought a quick shift kit, tried installing it and couldn't get it into gear. Then figured it might be the shift rod bushings, took out the engine and never stopped.
Anyway, so I was at the same frustration point. So close to getting this thing drivable and decided to quick path it. Take it too a mechanic. The place that had gotten me a bunch of parts, FornParts, had recommended a local mechanic so I called them up, they said they would give it a shot and I had it towed over there.
This was my first mistake. It's been at the mechanic for 6 weeks now. Every time I call I get told about hardships they face in working on my bus. It's 32 years old, waaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I seriously have heard enough that it's my bus' fault that it's taking so long.
When I brought it to them they identified the transmission problem and immediately volunteered that they had a resource who would be working on this. Someone "German Trained" and worked on these buses new. They said THEY COULD DO IT.
6 weeks later, their resource has probably worked on the bus a total of 5 days.
I am mad, but I want my bus back and working. At this point I am biting my tongue so that they'll finish the bus. It's not cheap to have a trans rebuilt. I've had to do way more than I thought I should have to do. I've sourced parts, ordered them... I feel like I've done project management and kept the urgency on them. Uggh.
Anyway, so here's my advice. Questions I would ask in the future when interviewing a mechanic.
Prep Work:
- List out the items that you would like to look at and prioritize them.
- Make a list of any changes you or others have to the stock bus. If you don't know, tell them that.
Questions to ask:
- Do they work on Air Cooled Volkswagens? Buses?
- When was the last time they worked on a Air Cooled Volkswagen?
- Can they give you a reference name and number to check on the work?
- If you know specifically what is wrong or you think is wrong with your bus:
- Have they worked on that before?
- When was the last time, etc, etc?
If they are doing transmission work or you suspect transmission is involved in the problem:
GO TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE OR FIND ONE THAT DOES AND HAS EXPERIENCE WITH THOSE.
This is where I'm getting burned right now.
Remember:
- YOU have an antique bus.
- YOU care more about your bus than they or others do.
- YOU probably know more about your bus than they do.
- YOU HAVE OPTIONS. There are more mechanics and in this economy very few are doing work on hobby cars.
- YOUR bus is a iconic piece of American culture. Having it in their shop will bring in business.
If you have more suggestions, comment and share them here.
In retrospect, I should have bought a rebuilt transmission and been done. What I'm dealing with right now is insane. With the money and TIME I've spent, paying more for a rebuit and having it back in 2 weeks as opposed to 6 would have totally been worth it.
In retrospect, I should have bought a rebuilt transmission and been done. What I'm dealing with right now is insane. With the money and TIME I've spent, paying more for a rebuit and having it back in 2 weeks as opposed to 6 would have totally been worth it.
Casey
VW Bus Blogs
VW Bus Momentum
Mutant Bus Build Blog
http://mutantbus.wordpress.com/
Deltfather
Magellan Soul In a Bathtub
The musings of a wanderer ... who is not wandering, but instead restoring a VW bus.
http://cameronguthrie.blogspot.com
Traveling Writer aka David Rozgonyi
David Rozgonyi
General blog stuff, travel, photography, diary, expat life, VW stuff, stuff about my book. You know, stuff!
http://davidrozgonyi.blogspot.com
chazz79
"green apple monster thread"
Topics covered: Riviera top installation, Sound deadener install, Sheet metal repair, pergo flooring, Passat wheels and larger tires.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3...p;start=40
whc03grady
Ludwig and Gertie's Adventures
My family is ACVW-only and this blog chronicles our trials and tribulations, plus other things we find of interest. We love comments, especially when I say something wrong.
http://www.ludwigcampervanbeethoven.blogspot.com
earthnsurf
American Gypsies
We have an ongoing travel blog that we started when we left seattle a year and a half ago. Mostly for our family and friends, but still interesting if i don't say so myself. I haven't been writing anything on there about the bus, but will start soon. Thought maybe it would provide great motivation to anyone looking at taking the plunge. We have had some great times and seen some beautiful parts of the country that we call home. Theres not a better way to do it than doin it in a bus.
http://americangypsies.blogspot.com/
pjalau
Elementhis
I have been driving Red since college, most of my stuff is about my bus, or where I'm camping, or things I discover while on the road.
http://elementhis.blogspot.com
mathieu2k4
Volkswagen Wanderlust (French)
Relate of my trips in Quebec and U.S.A. more to come....
http://volkswagen-wanderlust.blogspot.com
BigBlueVW.blogspot.com
Big Blue's Online Carburetor
I update it about 4 days a week with vw-related posts. Also, have a calendar link on the top I keep updated with local campout and event info...
http://bigbluevw.com/
Gr8tfulEd
Gr8tfulEd and Belle - 1973 VW Camper
My lady's name is Belle: 73 Riviera. She and I have been together about 15 1/2 years. I started my blog to cover the work I was doing getting her ready for the 2009 Dead Shows. When my Jetta conked out a few months back, she handled the role of daily driver with ease. But I do short hops and don't like to wear her down, so she back on weekend/roadtrip duty. I did brake down and get custom plates for her though, 73VDUB.
http://gr8tfuled.blogspot.com/
IFBwax
The Party Pickle
Mostly summer camping adventures with me, wife, two girls and a white dog.
www.partypickle.blogspot.com
Gmag69
My Westy Resto Thread
It is about all the work I've done and will be doing to my '78 Westy.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=230285
Vwwestlan
Transforming my 1970 bus into a Walk-thru
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149731
volksterii
Volkster Action
My adventures in my bus and other vehicles along with any fixing that I may do on them.
http://volksteraction.blogspot.com/
blue72beetle
blue72beetle's blog
Pretty much a blog about my hobbies...
http://blue72beetle.blogspot.com/
Chrisradioman
Chug Chug the 1977 Westfalia Helsinki
Thread about the restoration of my Bay which ended in tradgedy
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=255906
dubluvv
Rescued a '76 Westy this weekend! *slowly reviving*
Thread with info on my '76 Westy rebuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=343842
BampaBus
Restoring Our 1973 Westfalia
Stripped it down, painted and reassembled
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=368061
The property or tendency of moving a VW Bus to Continue Moving.
http://mutantbus.wordpress.com/
Deltfather
Magellan Soul In a Bathtub
The musings of a wanderer ... who is not wandering, but instead restoring a VW bus.
http://cameronguthrie.blogspot.com
Traveling Writer aka David Rozgonyi
David Rozgonyi
General blog stuff, travel, photography, diary, expat life, VW stuff, stuff about my book. You know, stuff!
http://davidrozgonyi.blogspot.com
chazz79
"green apple monster thread"
Topics covered: Riviera top installation, Sound deadener install, Sheet metal repair, pergo flooring, Passat wheels and larger tires.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3...p;start=40
whc03grady
Ludwig and Gertie's Adventures
My family is ACVW-only and this blog chronicles our trials and tribulations, plus other things we find of interest. We love comments, especially when I say something wrong.
http://www.ludwigcampervanbeethoven.blogspot.com
earthnsurf
American Gypsies
We have an ongoing travel blog that we started when we left seattle a year and a half ago. Mostly for our family and friends, but still interesting if i don't say so myself. I haven't been writing anything on there about the bus, but will start soon. Thought maybe it would provide great motivation to anyone looking at taking the plunge. We have had some great times and seen some beautiful parts of the country that we call home. Theres not a better way to do it than doin it in a bus.
http://americangypsies.blogspot.com/
pjalau
Elementhis
I have been driving Red since college, most of my stuff is about my bus, or where I'm camping, or things I discover while on the road.
http://elementhis.blogspot.com
mathieu2k4
Volkswagen Wanderlust (French)
Relate of my trips in Quebec and U.S.A. more to come....
http://volkswagen-wanderlust.blogspot.com
BigBlueVW.blogspot.com
Big Blue's Online Carburetor
I update it about 4 days a week with vw-related posts. Also, have a calendar link on the top I keep updated with local campout and event info...
http://bigbluevw.com/
Gr8tfulEd
Gr8tfulEd and Belle - 1973 VW Camper
My lady's name is Belle: 73 Riviera. She and I have been together about 15 1/2 years. I started my blog to cover the work I was doing getting her ready for the 2009 Dead Shows. When my Jetta conked out a few months back, she handled the role of daily driver with ease. But I do short hops and don't like to wear her down, so she back on weekend/roadtrip duty. I did brake down and get custom plates for her though, 73VDUB.
http://gr8tfuled.blogspot.com/
IFBwax
The Party Pickle
Mostly summer camping adventures with me, wife, two girls and a white dog.
www.partypickle.blogspot.com
Gmag69
My Westy Resto Thread
It is about all the work I've done and will be doing to my '78 Westy.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=230285
Vwwestlan
Transforming my 1970 bus into a Walk-thru
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149731
volksterii
Volkster Action
My adventures in my bus and other vehicles along with any fixing that I may do on them.
http://volksteraction.blogspot.com/
blue72beetle
blue72beetle's blog
Pretty much a blog about my hobbies...
http://blue72beetle.blogspot.com/
Chrisradioman
Chug Chug the 1977 Westfalia Helsinki
Thread about the restoration of my Bay which ended in tradgedy
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=255906
dubluvv
Rescued a '76 Westy this weekend! *slowly reviving*
Thread with info on my '76 Westy rebuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=343842
BampaBus
Restoring Our 1973 Westfalia
Stripped it down, painted and reassembled
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=368061
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