Too much fun!

FarWalker · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 4:17 pm Post subject: quick update

Just another quick update while I'm eating lunch. (Yes I know, way late for lunch.) Work has progressed quickly in the last few days as we are putting every waking hour towards the Thing. The engine is almost ready to be installed and then its just a few odds and ends. We are hoping to make it to the Treffen 16, running from Canada to Mexico on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1), when it gets to town on wednesday.

Ive been busy welding in oil cooling/filter brackets and getting the radio stuff installed. Pictures later tonight!

Shoyrtt · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:02 am Post subject:

Great to hear it is coming along! Once the car is ready, we need updates on this epic adventure!!!!

Here is a great thread in the split bus section as an example Wink

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=596474&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

FarWalker · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:15 pm Post subject:

Good news everyone!! This is an update from the road!!!
I know I promised photos last time but in the whirlwind of the last few days never got to it. We are currently headed to mt. Lassen national park to climb to the top. The thing is running great, and 95% done, but then are they ever done?

FarWalker · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:25 pm Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

ernieballbass · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 2:25 pm Post subject:

Dude that's awesome! That was a super fast turnaround.
_________________
What I lack in brains, I make up for with good intentions.

Shoyrtt · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 2:54 pm Post subject:

Very cool! So will you make it to Kirkland by the 17th? Tells us about the "Alpha Pro" and what other mods you made for the Rally!

FarWalker · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 3:45 pm Post subject:

We should make it on time barring any catastrophes.
As to modifications for the rally, we made most decisions with it in mind. From the motor choice(initially) to the 12.5 gal. tank. We added an auxiliary oil cooler above the transmission, and a complete go over of all the mechanics and electrical systems. We added gauges for voltage, oil temp, oil pressure, cylinder head temp, and a tach. Also have a two-way VHF radio, and the Alfa-Pro rally meter (which I'm still learning to use.)

Shoyrtt · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 5:49 pm Post subject:

Reading on the Alcan Rally site I can see they want you to use a VHF radio to communicate with the event organizers etc. Probably little to no cell coverage. Have you thought about a Gen 3 Spot Tracker. We are using them now in Baja to supplement poor cell, VHF & UHF radio coverage. Wink

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100
Pretty cheap insurance and it allows your family in CA to track your progress.

So, what's up with the Three Pigs modification? Laughing

What sort of spares are you bringing along? Any extra gas other than the 12.5 tank?

FarWalker · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 5:58 pm Post subject:

I have not thought about the spot tracker, something to consider for next time.
The three pigs are my dad, our friend Orville, and myself. It was originally their idea to do the rally. As such I am only taking the car to Seattle where I get on a plane and Orville flys in.

Shoyrtt · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:21 pm Post subject:

FarWalker · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:07 pm Post subject:

Day 1.
We got to redding and decided to stop for the night at motel 6. Steve giving the engine a check-up.

We have 1 spare tire mounted on the roll cage driver side. As to fuel just the 12.5 gallon tank.

Hopefully I can teach my dad how to post on his iPhone before I leave. I want updates too!

GI Joe · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:19 pm Post subject:

Freakin sweet guys!!!
What an adventure! Can't wait to see some action shots, and time results....

Sure wish I could have joined in the build a few weeks ago... Stinking 5hr drive.... Wink

_________________
'74 Thing, "Our Thing".... Blue 181

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...p;start=60
'71 Beetle RPU
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8080337#8080337
www.NLEOMF.com
Respect, Honor, Remember

Shoyrtt · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:45 am Post subject:

Awesome!!! Cool

How about spare parts? CVs, axles, fan belts, fuel pump etc are you carrying?

socal thing · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 10:43 am Post subject:

That is some great work! I just found this thread today and it was like reading a cliff hanger wondering if you guys were able to pull it off. It had everything: time crunch, cheap parts, illness... you can't make that stuff up! Car looks stout and ready for the adventure. I have a lot of respect for guys for being able to extract yourselves enough from the pressure to see the fun diminshing and change course accordingly instead of being driven farther into that "coffin corner".
I 2nd the Spot tracking system as our baja car runs one and I drove the Alcan solo without one a few years ago. There will be a lot of time between, well everything, and it is a good piece of mind to know you can call for help anywhere. Also its fun (and reassuring as well) because family and others can track your progress easily.
Good luck and safe travels!

FarWalker · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 11:13 am Post subject:

Spare parts? What spare parts?! We only brought fuel filter, oil filter, and air filters, fan belt, and oil. It either runs or we hitch a tow from someone with a 2" ball. We have a fold up tow bow and tow lights that are welded in place. Our philosophy is that bringing all the spare parts would weigh the car down and cause things to break. Put the effort in building it to start and you shouldn't need the spare parts.
But then as we deal with the car here, we've had to replace the gas cap because the gasket was disintegrating.

Shoyrtt · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 5:18 pm Post subject:

shum · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:35 pm Post subject:

We'll, actually we have a few more part along for the ride than Walker is revealing. There are enough parts for three or four tuneups, a couple of oil and filter changes, fuel pump, spare carb linkage pieces, but not much else. In my early off roading days I made numerous trips up and down the Baja, some before the paved road and those experiences have effected me in this area. Prepared for everything heavy loaded vehicles are a self fullflling prophecy. Having said that I'm sure I have cursed this trip. When it does (if it does) I hope I can become close to the level of the locals I observed in Baja, the best scratch mechanics in the world. Yes I did pack duct tape and baling wire, never leave home without it.
_________________
57 rag top, 67 bug, 73 Thing
70 Bronco U14, 73 Bronco U15
61 R69S/2 BMW, 73 R75/5 BMW

FarWalker · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:52 pm Post subject:

Well, I seem to have missed a few things getting packed. Unfortunately the spare parts we did need were forgotten at home. We've had to adjust the valves as the engine breaks in, and to do so we've had to remove the exhaust. But we had no new gaskets!?! So, sitting in Salem Oregon it was time to find help.
And where else but ..... The House Of Ghia!!!!!

Great folks at the house of Ghia! Helped us out in a pinch and even gave us a tour of their shop!
Tomorrow it's on to Seattle airport for me and Copilot Orville flys in to take on the navigation reins!

FarWalker · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 9:03 pm Post subject:

A slight side trip to a waterfall that was many many things tall! At the very tip of my finger is a person in white.

This was silver creek falls state park, just east of Salem. After hitting up the house of Ghia we headed out to see the natural beauty around us.

Shoyrtt · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:34 am Post subject:

Here is the Spot Tracker page for the event. Looks like around 12 vehicles have a tracker and have left the start:

https://spotwalla.com/locationViewer.php?id=248#

Here is the itinerary. 482 miles on day 1:

http://www.alcan5000.com/2014itin.htm

11 cars and 34 cycles entered:

http://www.alcan5000.com/2014entry.htm


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Thing/Type 181	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Next
Page 3 of 5