3 ms·
99.5% necessary accessory for any bug/bus owner. They need non-trivial tuning about every 3k-5k to keep them running well order compared to what we have today.
by pistle 11y ago
99.5% necessary accessory for any bug/bus owner. They need non-trivial tuning about every 3k-5k to keep them running well order compared to what we have today. The lifters need adjusting, fuel filter replacement, etc. about as often as most people get an oil change.
They don't have A/C. The heat carries with it exhaust stink and is nearly useless anywhere northeast or midwest. They rust easy, are very unsafe by today's standards, hydroplane like mad (though rear-wheel-drive is fun), and the motors on the wipers either creep slowly or sweep slowly. They are light and tall, so they are like sails when you have cross winds. They can barely maintain speed up long ascents...
But that book is an amazing piece of craft.
- WalterBright 11y agoMy dad's VW bus was a challenge to drive in the Midwest in a crosswind. Going in and out of cuts meant the bus would veer from side to side. Had to be very careful not to wind up in oncoming traffic, or in the ditch. I see a lot of nostalgia for those machines, but I was glad to be rid of it. They're noisy, uncomfortable, the heater is a joke, windshield defroster never works, and dangerous.
- oasisbob 11y agoTruly amazing craft. If you're 15 - you can use that book + rec.autos.makers.vw.aircooled and drop the engine yourself; replace the clutch yourself; find the distributor drive shaft that was installed backwards and got you the car for $600 in the first place ... At least that's my story. Aircooled VWs are so simple. That book was such a good companion, down to the first part which explains "front is front, up is up, back is back..." complete with a diagram. When upside-down & greasy, knowing exactly what the author means by "reach to the upper left of the engine" is important.
- pistle 11y agoYeah. My first car was a bug @ 16 and that book was my gateway to greasy wrenching.