I got to play with a thing today

[helowrench]

A local thing owner had taken her car to a nearby shop for a tune up and brakes about a year ago. The experience left her unhappy with that shop.
This week she was looking for another place to take it, and was rudely treated by the owner of the next nearest shop.
When she called me to discuss whether she should go there anyway, I just told her to swing it by this weekend, that I would at least look at it.
I found the timing off by 10 degrees (she had only put 375 miles on it in the last year since it ran so poorly) and a vac nipple not plugged (for the 009).
did the oil change and valve adjust, timing, etc.
Ran it down the road, to check the brakes and then adjusted and bled them.
Rode like a whole new car once I was done.
She was stoked, I made $40.

wonderful little car, it is in absolutely perfect shape. her dad bought it new in 73, and gave it to her about 10 years ago, she has kept it garaged, and drives it occasionally.


Now she will be driving it even more.

fun day.

Rob

[DannyK]

Nice job ! ( and $40 was cheap!)

[helowrench]

I know $40 was cheap.

She had originally just asked where she could take it, but I was unable to recommend any shop that was close enough for her to drive to. So in the end, I told her to just bring it by the same day that I had planned to do my ghia. So I ran both jobs at the same time.
I did not want her to pay me at all, but she insisted. So I told her $20, and she handed me $40, and would not hear of any different.
And to top it off, she brought me a couple of bags with fresh produce from her garden, and a couple dozen eggs from the henhouse.
Outstanding all the way around.

[Kubelmann]

You are a true credit to the VW "family" Thanks for hooking her up. Keep up the good work. That is why the VW family is in fact a family... We take care of each other. GROUP HUG!!!! Tell her to bring BEER next time and she will get a brake adjustment...

[helowrench]

You are a true credit to the VW "family" Thanks for hooking her up. Keep up the good work. That is why the VW family is in fact a family... We take care of each other. GROUP HUG!!!! Tell her to bring BEER next time and she will get a brake adjustment...

I did a brake adj check, but the master just needed fluid.
took me a bit to find it since I am unfamiliar with Things.

Rob

[Kubelmann]

You are a credit to our "family" Just make sure and get Beer for your efforts. Secret fact: Many VW owners can run on Beer alone for days.... Although you do hit the point on a long road trip where the need for spicy peanuts kick in.

[helowrench]

I just wanted the chance to play with a cute girl's thing

I have never had an opportunity to have a few hours to crawl in, around, and over a thing. This gave me the chance to spend some time with it, and learn the differences.

I have always wanted one, and never had much time to look at them other than shows, and those guys usually get a little upset if I start checking under the hood etc.

Besides, she is an acquaintance of mine from around town, and even knows my wife from school (wifey was a teacher)
so good times.
and, I work on a lot of cars for pretty much free, kids friends, family friends, etc etc.
I never ask for money, just do it cause I love it. But, you know what, I have had one guy drop venison by several years in a row, butchered and all...............
Rob

[Kubelmann]

In the fine words of my STF mentor Bob Ingman... "I am good with you putting down the pipe." If you catch my meaning.

[helowrench]

In the fine words of my STF mentor Bob Ingman... "I am good with you putting down the pipe." If you catch my meaning.

she is pretty, but I am happily (most of the time) married.
but it is nice to see a little raised eyebrow on the wife's face when a pretty woman brings her car by for me to fix.
Kinda reminds her not to take me for granted.

[Kubelmann]

I am with you 1000% on that one I too have long past the 30 yr (mostly) happily married mark but would love to have your raised eye brow deal. Just nice to get their attention (not all the time) but once in a while to appreciated fully would be nice....

[helowrench]

It's back....
In the driveway, dropped off for a spring once over.
already fixed the rear seat latch that was not latching
also has a brake line needing R&R and a couple of other small items.

A Ghia next to a vert bug, next to a thing, next to a scirocco (which apparently wants to be aircooled so much that is has started leaking coolant ggrrr, one more item to fix)

Rob

[Stray Catalyst]

I owned a Thing for a while. Like far too many people say about their previous VW's - "Damn, I wish I'd never sold it" (though I made enough off it to stay in college for an extra semester).

They're about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on. When I owned it, I got used to people pointing at me while I drove.

Stray

[DannyK]

It's back....
In the driveway, dropped off for a spring once over.
already fixed the rear seat latch that was not latching
also has a brake line needing R&R and a couple of other small items.

A Ghia next to a vert bug, next to a thing, next to a scirocco (which apparently wants to be aircooled so much that is has started leaking coolant ggrrr, one more item to fix)

Rob

HaHa! Now I understand why my Eurovan is leaking !!!

[helowrench]

Found out there is another Thing in the area, that will be dropping by for an extended visit.
Owner is unhappy with the work he got done. When I talked to him a while back, I saw the Empi branded new carb. I mentioned that he would probably have trouble with it. He has, and it has pissed him off pretty badly. Verdict is that he plans to leave it here for me to track down the poor running issues in totality.

rob

[Kubelmann]

Let us know how it turns out. Also let us know if we can help. K-mann