Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

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Amskeptic
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Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by Amskeptic » Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:07 am

. . . in forty minutes, I must wend my way to Miami. I hope this early start to the season does not increase the risk of burning people out, like the relentless exposure to the Kardashians.

So, this car is now a substantively different experience than when I picked it up in Atlanta in later October.

*repainted left rocker sill with better color match but lousier quality
*rubbed out entire exterior with 3M then waxed (first time since I have owned the bus)
*removed both bumpers and 3M rubbed out then waxed inside surfaces
*spent a good five hours sanding then polishing the front emblem and headlamp rings (stainless, folks, can't beat it)

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*replaced good-but-tired 002 transaxle with a Rancho Performance gearboxthat required extensive retrofitting of the CORRECT operating fork/input shaft seal to work correctly (they offer a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, I told them, I do a lot of mileage)

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That is my original "floating release bearing" operating fork on the left, Rancho-supplied "guided release bearing" operating fork on the right ( designed for later clutches, see how cheapy it looks? They have a reputation for failing)

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Modified the new transaxle to allow a socket to visit the upper left mounting bolt

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*took the engine out the next day to fix a horrendous oil leak and loose flywheel! (stupid o-ring got squished out of position on installation) (hey, but the endplay is an excellent .0035")
*took the engine out four days later AGAIN to replace the release bearing and clips (the original ones were slightly loose and waking me up in the middle of the night
*painted the inside of the engine hatch with no-longer-liked Sherwin Williams custom matched paint
(oh, but it looked good wet . . . dried flat and wipes off like crayon)

so hopeful . . .

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blaaah flat when dry . . .

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*re-sealed and re-reflectorized all exterior lamps, repaired front turn signal electrical connectors
washed, air-blasted, touched up entire undercarriage + inside rockers, re-undercoated

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*repacked front wheel bearings and checked brake cylinders (all dry as a bone)
*checked old rear wheel cylinder "rebuilds" from last year for leaks (still dry, I had sanded bore and swapped pistons from front to rear)
*adjusted toe and camber all four wheels

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*tightened steering coupler bolts that had loosened even with cotter pins (without washers under nuts, Mike, the cotter pins were not able to hold the castellated nut edges)
*polished all exterior glass over three days with "5 Minute Auto Glass Restorer" on an ancient Sears drill with a bad gearbox (rebuilt gearbox on Sears drill)
*re-secured rubber mats over front wheel wells and cabin footwells (this required eating a lot of cheap new chinese rivets because they would just plain ol fail
*lubricated heater cables under rear seat
*cleaned, lubricated, painted, resealed fresh air damper doors

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*removed dash and waxed the intake plenum, re-arranged and detailed some of the wiring, lubricated wiper motor, re-routed washer hoses to stay away from wiper linkages, re-sealed ventilation ducts to get rid of annoying whistle (this was during the Superbowl)

*did I mention that I put in a new headliner and interior panels?

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Must go to appointment on I-10 off ramp with Zeke The Vanagon, now! The cat is saying goodbye:
Colin

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BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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wcfvw69
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by wcfvw69 » Thu Feb 05, 2015 2:24 pm

A few questions seem pertinent here-

1) Do you sleep... EVER?
2) OCD? Is it under control or?
3) Down time? Do you ever enjoy it?
4) Are you still smoking cigs or have you buried your cravings/attention towards the bus?

Your bus looks GREAT! :)
1970 Westfalia bus. Stock 1776 dual port type 1 engine. Restored German Solex 34-3. Restored 205Q distributor, restored to factory appearance engine.

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whc03grady
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by whc03grady » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:02 pm

Amskeptic wrote:Rancho Performance offers a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, I told them, I do a lot of mileage.

Modified the new transaxle to allow a socket to visit the upper left mounting bolt

Image
Didn't you just void that 5 year unlimited mileage warranty?
Ludwig--1974 Westfalia, 2.0L (GD035193), Solex 34PDSIT-2/3 carburetors.
Gertie--1971 Squareback, 1600cc with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection from a '72 (E brain).
Read about their adventures:
http://www.ludwigandgertie.blogspot.com

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hambone
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by hambone » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:49 pm

What is the deal with the input shaft seal? Seems like a lot of hassle for an expensive piece of machinery, it should fit your application to begin with. Why did you go with Rancho? They do have a good reputation.
What are your plans for that poor old transmission?
I used Mike's old jack today to lower a Bus onto new tires...sure miss that guy.
P.S. lookin good quit showin off
http://greencascadia.blogspot.com
http://pdxvolksfolks.blogspot.com
it balances on your head just like a mattress balances on a bottle of wine
your brand new leopard skin pillbox hat

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airkooledchris
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by airkooledchris » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:34 pm

Image


=D>

that's just plain lovely.


For the record, I'll never burn out following the Itinerant travels. You should be safe from the TMZ camera's out on the road.
1979 California Transporter

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Runamuck Bus
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by Runamuck Bus » Fri Feb 06, 2015 11:08 am

the cat looks great
Endeavor to Persevere.
'72 Weekender

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Amskeptic
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by Amskeptic » Fri Feb 06, 2015 5:03 pm

wcfvw69 wrote:A few questions seem pertinent here-

1) Do you sleep... EVER?
2) OCD? Is it under control or?
3) Down time? Do you ever enjoy it?
4) Are you still smoking cigs or have you buried your cravings/attention towards the bus?

Your bus looks GREAT! :)
1) eight to nine hours a night
2) my OCD?? no it surely is not under control, the intake plenum looks really good.

OCD Intake Plenum History:

October 08, 2007 Road Warrior
Image

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November 21, 2010 BobD
Image

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February 04, 2015 Chloe
Image

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(that'll teach ya)


3) Totally glory in deep downtime, I read, I listen to music like I would think a composer to want you to (with full attention), I have watched ants drag impossible objects impossible distances, I will wait for a cat to finally show interest, I have stood in the middle of a field for far too long trying to figure out how the constellations change phase based on season and location in solar orbit, have given Jehovahs Witnesses more quality time and attention than they knew what to do with, watched Seattle's Jermaine Kearse's amazing catch followed by Malcolm Butler's ridiculous interception a few hundred times, and I will always give wild weather my undivided attention, that's down time for me :blackeye:
4) fell off the wagon a few times, rediscovered compulsive eating, now weigh 220 and climbing.

Thank-you, it has been 700 miles since I said goodbye to the cat. Running flawlessly at 21 mpg no gauges, cool dipstick, no oil leaks!
All is perfection!
well, except for the left front tire. It needs a wheel balance. Oh, and the left front brake drum is pulsing a bit. Ahhh little bit of wind leak in the left window felt. Gearshift rattle cured three hours ago with a little tightening at the coupler. Added a quarter inch clutch pedal free play. Sliding door needs a tiny adjustment on the pull rod.
Perfection otherwise . . .
except for that scratch on the doghouse tin when the jack hit the extension cord and almost dumped the engine two days ago, and the headliner is still a slight miss above the sliding door track, I need to make the gearshifter hole in the floormat slightly oval so the steering base cutout will index better,
Other than that . . .
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by Amskeptic » Fri Feb 06, 2015 5:50 pm

hambone wrote:What is the deal with the input shaft seal? Seems like a lot of hassle for an expensive piece of machinery, it should fit your application to begin with. Why did you go with Rancho? They do have a good reputation.
What are your plans for that poor old transmission?
I used Mike's old jack today to lower a Bus onto new tires...sure miss that guy.
P.S. lookin good quit showin off
I agree. Seller said "we modified it because everybody prefers the later style."
Well, guess what, I ain't everybody, although you wouldn't know it looking at me.
I had to saw off (but not remove because it is integral with the seal) the kustom guide tube so my floating release bearing could float in peace.

I went with Rancho because I got a five year UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty - now think who puts on a lot of miles around here? An unlimited mileage warranty.

It was $799.00 + I paid the core penalty of $300.00 because I am of course keeping Chloe's original transaxle, it is a sweetheart with just a tired 3rd gear slider and worn 2nd synchro. I would love to rebuild it myself with a mentor looking over my shoulder. Is there any one you know?
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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hambone
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by hambone » Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:09 pm

I was talking to a mechanic at Fix-U-Haus here in Portland, supposedly there is an old timer teaching him to rebuild transmissions. Maybe worth checking into when you're here, but none of that Ashley-style belly bouncing! I'll never forget that day.
http://greencascadia.blogspot.com
http://pdxvolksfolks.blogspot.com
it balances on your head just like a mattress balances on a bottle of wine
your brand new leopard skin pillbox hat

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wcfvw69
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by wcfvw69 » Sat Feb 07, 2015 3:42 pm

I have to say Colin, you set the bar very high for a meticulously kept, daily driven, 45 year old bus. I'm not sure I've seen others here or on The Samba who have such nice bus that's again, a daily driver.

Sorry to hear about the smoking struggles. I F- Up and started smoking after not smoking for 10 years, after a death in the family. Poor excuse to start again but it's a STRONG reminder that once you get off the cigs you can't ever think you can "have just one" w/out it potentially leading right back to an addiction. I'm wrapping my head around the need to STOP again. I do remember it not being that horribly bad, it's just getting thru the first few days/weeks. I used nicotine gum last time to "take the edge off" and it was helpful.

How's the new trans working? I haven't seen a report? I had mine overhauled a couple of months ago. It works great but has a deceleration wine/vibration in 4th gear. To get it to make the noise, you have to be doing about 60, then completely lift your foot off the gas. It only does it in forth. The transmission shop owner drove it and heard the noise/vibration. He basically said the noise is potentially originating from 4th gear or possibly the R&P is still settling in as well. If it doesn't improve or I find it too annoying, he'll tear it back down for free but I'd have to pay for the additional part/parts. Bottom line is he said they have to make judgement calls on the R&P and other expensive to replace parts so they don't have to charge everyone $1200 to rebuild a transmission. He's a super nice guy and his shop has a great reputation. I've only heard it a couple of times on the freeway when at 60mph or above when I've had to get off the gas due to oncoming trouble.
1970 Westfalia bus. Stock 1776 dual port type 1 engine. Restored German Solex 34-3. Restored 205Q distributor, restored to factory appearance engine.

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Amskeptic
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by Amskeptic » Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:28 am

wcfvw69 wrote: A) I have to say Colin, you set the bar very high for a meticulously kept, daily driven, 45 year old bus. I'm not sure I've seen others here or on The Samba who have such nice bus that's again, a daily driver.

B) Sorry to hear about the smoking struggles. I F- Up and started smoking after not smoking for 10 years, after a death in the family. Poor excuse to start again but it's a STRONG reminder that once you get off the cigs you can't ever think you can "have just one" w/out it potentially leading right back to an addiction. I'm wrapping my head around the need to STOP again. I do remember it not being that horribly bad, it's just getting thru the first few days/weeks. I used nicotine gum last time to "take the edge off" and it was helpful.

C) How's the new trans working? I haven't seen a report? I had mine overhauled a couple of months ago. It works great but has a deceleration wine/vibration in 4th gear. To get it to make the noise, you have to be doing about 60, then completely lift your foot off the gas. It only does it in forth. The transmission shop owner drove it and heard the noise/vibration. He basically said the noise is potentially originating from 4th gear or possibly the R&P is still settling in as well. If it doesn't improve or I find it too annoying, he'll tear it back down for free but I'd have to pay for the additional part/parts. Bottom line is he said they have to make judgement calls on the R&P and other expensive to replace parts so they don't have to charge everyone $1200 to rebuild a transmission. He's a super nice guy and his shop has a great reputation. I've only heard it a couple of times on the freeway when at 60mph or above when I've had to get off the gas due to oncoming trouble.

a) Thank you. It is a double-edged sword. A nice car is nice, yeah, I get that. Keeping it at "nice" requires exponentially more time. I am still at the dizzy heights of trying to keep finger prints off the emblem and the windows spotless.
After a couple of nasty rainy oil slime events on the highway, I will probably just kick the empty coffee cups and gas receipts out from around the pedals and not even worry about the crusty greasy transaxle that just slid off the middle seat,
"What's that SMELL, man?"
"You smell something?"
"YEEAAH, like it's deader than dead."
"Must have forgot about that fresh raccoon I picked up off the road, I was going to make a new kind of jerky."
"You used to have such a clean CAR, what HAPPENED?"
"A claptrap casino bus passed me spraying a fine mist of oil."
"SO!"
"So I decided that was that. Done. Clean thing over."

b) It is not a struggle. It is not a struggle, because I am not struggling. I refuse to struggle. I am "cheating" recklessly here and there to remind myself that this is not a character weakness moment, a right/wrong moment, a good/bad moment, a judgment, it is not anything from my puritanical tyrannical superego past, it is a decision to enjoy more oxygen in my tissues and brain, it is free will. It is an evolution away from the reasons I took up smoking in the first place. I have days creeping in where I did not think to smoke all day.
I have other days where I am about to bite someone's head off because life is utterly meaningless . . . :blackeye:

c) New transaxle now has about 1,000 miles. It is shifting OK in every gear except 4th, which feels like a horrible trucky IROC Camaro. It refuses to "break-in". Synchro is good, but the slider is a mess. Ring and pinion is quiet under acceleration and deceleration, can't ask for more than that.

You have a vibration/whine under deceleration from 60mph in 4th? In your mind's eye, imagine what the driveline does under engine braking. The nosecone drops. Look to see that the shift rod is not closer to the bottom of the metal tube where it exits on the way to the transaxle. If it is, readjust the nosecone mount so the static position of the nose cone is now 1/8-1/4" higher in relation to the torsion tube at rest.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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jtauxe
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by jtauxe » Fri Feb 27, 2015 3:32 pm

Amskeptic wrote: * rubbed out entire exterior with 3M ...
With 3M what?
I have a whole bus' worth of rubbing to do on old paint (on the Wild Westerner), and am looking for good products. I like 3M in general. What did you use?
John
"The bus came by and I got on. That's when it all began..." - Garcia/Weir/Kreutzman
http://vw.tauxe.net

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Amskeptic
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Re: Off To First 2015 Itinerary Appointments

Post by Amskeptic » Sun Mar 01, 2015 10:06 am

jtauxe wrote:
Amskeptic wrote: * rubbed out entire exterior with 3M ...
With 3M what?
I have a whole bus' worth of rubbing to do on old paint (on the Wild Westerner), and am looking for good products. I like 3M in general. What did you use?
3M Polishing Compound in the black bottle. Excellent upper body work out, by the way, I can't recommend it enough for unknotting drawing board neck and shoulder muscles. It requires a very special kind of focus because it works only in intense small areas. You cannot get lazy or distracted, or you be rewarded with ol' "half-ass" swirls cut into the paint. If I had never done this to a bus, I would break it down into discrete sections divided by days.

Wax is a weird one. The classic Mothers California Gold keeps coming out at the top even though it does not last that long. Nu-Finish yells its superiority over time and it may be true, but it coats over dirty paint without any effort to clean, and it has a lousy working viscosity "no need to rub!" pissy thin water white sauce.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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