Hey Thingers...

[dixonmanor]

Been ahwile, but all the good advice you all gave me has kept me on the road problem-free for quite a while.

Anyway, I moved to Chicago recently- don't worry! Thing's still on the west coast and will most likely stay there... I hate rust!- and no car isn't a big deal in the big city except when I have to do errands and/or when it's COLD out. So I was thinking about purchasing a mechanically reliable hood ride/junker/rust-bucket to do the occasional grocery store run and the occasional winter driving.

I'm looking at 80's era Rabbits (cheap!) and late 60's thru 70's Bugs, but what I REALLY want to know is... who's a good VW mechanic in the Chicago area? Seperate ac and water-cooled recs are good too (everyone's got their area of expertise). Thanks!!!!

Joe

[lostinbaja]

Where in Chicago are you? North, South, Suburbs?
As long as you don't drive on the salted streets your vehicle will last as long as it would in SoCal.
_________________
Jerry...
If it's being towed, it must be a trailer!
"Vee Grow Too Soon Oldt Und Too Late Schmardt"
RIP Morgan

My photos
http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/album92

[dixonmanor]

North side... right at Western and Division. I really wish I could have my Thing out here, and I do have an off-street parking spot, but no garage. I feel better leaving it in Portland with a VERY responsible friend. Plus I know I'd get tempted to drive it after a month of 5 degree weather....

[xeno]

[lostinbaja]

I wouldn't want to leave my ugly rusted Thing sitting out in Chicago let alone a shiny Thing.
There is a problem with finding a winter driver Bug in Chicago. If you find one that has a body solid enough to have heat you will pay so much for it, you won't want to drive it in the salt and slop. Typically, fully functional Bugs get parked for the winter in lieu of a nice warm watercooled car.
_________________
Jerry...
If it's being towed, it must be a trailer!
"Vee Grow Too Soon Oldt Und Too Late Schmardt"
RIP Morgan

My photos
http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/album92

[Thingggg]

<quote>Typically, fully functional Bugs get parked for the winter in lieu of a nice warm watercooled car.</quote>

A bug will keep you plenty warm in the winter if the heater chanels and heat boxes are OK.

That being said I agree todays salty slush will destroy one in no time.

[lostinbaja]

I'm well aware that a Bug in good shape, gets nice and warm. Driving one in good condition thru the winter is suicide for the poor car.
_________________
Jerry...
If it's being towed, it must be a trailer!
"Vee Grow Too Soon Oldt Und Too Late Schmardt"
RIP Morgan

My photos
http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/album92

[lukesky]

It's tough looking at all that ice and snow and slop and not taking her out for a spin, tho. I finally wrapped mine up for the winter today, but not before I did a little fishtailing for good measure in our Ice-owa neighborhood. I just had to know how it handled.
It was true to the rear wheel drive, but recovered quickly and stopped pretty well. Growing up on back roads with '70's pickups and sedans sure help.
I tried to get it to lock up, but it seemed to stop in about the same distance as my POS minivan with ABS.

Now it's under the blanket, though, wishing it were somewhere warm.

_________________
You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit.
-Gabi

[Thingggg]

We drove our Bugs in Montana when I was a kid where they used cylinder, not salt, allowed spike tires and $.35 gas--it was great no rust toasty ride great traction.