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.
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Topic: Back from BABE Rally 2011 (Read 14696 times)