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jthw8 · June 13, 2011, 06:44:15 PM

I won't inundate you with all the details and just give you the VW related stuff. Which this year was a 1971 VW Westfailia, an early 80s rabbit, an early 90s Golf and a 2000 VW Jetta. Yes the Jetta didn't belong but more on that later.

The 80s rabbit was on its second attempt of the event and won it this time around. Great couple from Georgia and they were alot of fun and did a great job. The early 90s Golf was pretty uneventful and I cant tell you much about it (other than that the team was a great group of guys) The westie...now there's some suffering on a 1500 mile road trip. On day 1 the bolts backed out of the CV joint and it tore itself up. Luckily they had spare bolts or they managed to stop before they all went AWOL. Unluckily a spare boot was not anywhere to be found, not even a bolt up emergency boot. After assessing the situation I determined the tear was clean at the metal so we separated the metal and fished out the rubber then stuffed the boot back down in there and peened it back in. Happy to say it held the rest of the trip. Only other failure was on their return trip, post-rally, the generator gave out but they were able to source another. Still they pressed on the whole time at the glacial pace of a Westie loaded with 3 people, luggage and tools but had fun. They were awarded the Misfit Toys Racing Spirit of the Event award (sponsored by my team obviously) which awards the team which most exemplifies perseverance during suffering and general good spirit and attitude.

Now about that 2000 Jetta. It was brought by Doug and Doug from Canada. They couldnt get it to pass inspection before they left which meant it was on a one way trip, they couldn't cross the boarder again on the temp plates. I don't know how they got it for $500 as it is a low mile (153,000 KM/ 95,000 Mi) fully optioned except leather, VR6 5 speed. The only mechanical defects noted were a broken cruise control and broken window clips on the driver door.

Well along the way they heard about my dad and the 69 Beetle and how its pretty difficult for a man of his age to drive a vintage bug in DC traffic as a DD so they offered me the Jetta. I had already heard a few other teams express interest in it as well so assumed we'd have an impromptu auction and they'd want more than $500. But they said nope, $500 and its yours.

It's mine....

Gotta jump through alot of hoops with customs so I can get a NJ title but it may work out. If not it has enough good parts to make the purchase price worth while.

So today I "de-rallied" it.....

The elephant was put on with gorilla glue so its not going anywhere, but I kinda like it. It was worth the cost overall just to not to have to drive home without AC in a convertible through some of the worst rain and hail storms I've ever seen.

jthw8 · June 13, 2011, 08:17:54 PM

Found a good pic of the Westy, it was a bit rusty in the floors but still not a terrible sample.

lovebus (jack) · June 13, 2011, 10:04:51 PM

Great Job Jim, thanks for the update and the car looks good, nice buy.

jthw8 · June 13, 2011, 10:10:47 PM

Quote from: JackWagen on June 13, 2011, 10:04:51 PM
Great Job Jim, thanks for the update and the car looks good, nice buy.

Its probably going to go to Dad for awhile and I'll bring his bug back here for some love. I think he's discouraged because he cant get the car to a show status himself and can't afford to pay for it so I *might* try to strip it down and do a full repaint, new window rubber and all that before it goes back to him. Mechanically its solid and the body is very good so it just needs a prep and spray, just need to find the time to do it. I'll give him credit, he's polished what he has so much that even the rust shines now :)

Baha (Shawn) · June 13, 2011, 11:09:17 PM

Quote from: jthw8 on June 13, 2011, 10:10:47 PM
I think he's discouraged because he cant get the car to a show status himself and can't afford to pay for it so I *might* try to strip it down and do a full repaint, new window rubber and all that before it goes back to him.

You know all you have to do is say the word and we will descend like locusts to assist with an "Overhaulin" type resto. =+grouphu9

peltzer71 · June 14, 2011, 12:23:34 AM

clap2-* That would be fun!

jthw8 · June 14, 2011, 09:21:35 AM

Quote from: Baha (Shawn) on June 13, 2011, 11:09:17 PM
You know all you have to do is say the word and we will descend like locusts to assist with an "Overhaulin" type resto. =+grouphu9

That would indeed be fun. The car really doesnt need much, mostly just some very minor bodywork and a good paint job. He got all new chrome parts (good stuff) for christmas and the interior is in nice shape but the door panels needed reinstalled and with his arthritis he's having trouble with putting in new clips, little things like that.

I'll keep everyone posted when it gets back here, everything hinges on getting the Jetta US legal right now and I need a letter from VW which they are being problematic about :(

VWPANZER1 · June 14, 2011, 07:23:09 PM

Always love the stories about the BABY RALLY. I wish you luck with the DMV.

jthw8 · June 15, 2011, 08:23:52 PM

Quote from: VWPANZER1 on June 14, 2011, 07:23:09 PM
Always love the stories about the BABY RALLY. I wish you luck with the DMV.

Ooooh, if you love the stories then you'll looove next year when it becomes a reality TV show (seriously) there's some things in the works.

DMV is not the issue, they told me what I need and its pretty straightforward, but first I have to go through Customs, who are also being reasonable. The sticking point right now is I need a certification of compliance from VWoA that says the Canadian model Jetta complies with US FMVSS. It does, its a known fact, but they dont want to give me the letter. I'm really not liking VWoA right now.

Evil-Tunes (Glen) · June 15, 2011, 09:04:51 PM

Quote from: jthw8 on June 15, 2011, 08:23:52 PM
Ooooh, if you love the stories then you'll looove next year when it becomes a reality TV show (seriously) there's some things in the works.

That would be cool. I would Watch. ))banfla)

Cheers
Glen

matt · June 19, 2011, 07:04:43 PM

Yea, I agree with Joe, always love hearing about your rally adventures! Sounds like a great time!

Matt

lovebus (jack) · June 20, 2011, 09:55:01 AM

Quote from: jthw8 on June 15, 2011, 08:23:52 PM
The sticking point right now is I need a certification of compliance from VWoA that says the Canadian model Jetta complies with US FMVSS. It does, its a known fact, but they dont want to give me the letter. I'm really not liking VWoA right now.

Now don't that STINK, shame on VWOA!

jthw8 · June 20, 2011, 09:59:10 AM

Quote from: JackWagen on June 20, 2011, 09:55:01 AM
Now don't that STINK, shame on VWOA!

Yeah, right now its looking like its going to end up as a parts car which is a real shame. Still have one or 2 avenues to explore but hope is diminishing rapidly.

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peltzer71