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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 12:40 pm Post subject: I’m driving cross country in a 1962 VW Baja Bug! |
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I’m driving cross country in a 1962 VW Baja Bug! I left Austin yesterday morning and am headed to OK, CO, UT, NV, and CA for sure. Open to detours and haven’t planned the return trip yet. Give me a shout if you’re going to be along my route and let’s meet up!
I’ll be posting updates to Instagram: http://instagram.com/wroman
I got the hankering and purchased this yellow beauty just a few weeks ago. Everything appears to be be in good shape, minus a little rust and the window seals, and it made it 200 miles home. I put another 400 on it yesterday. Runs smooth and strong.
I'm a newbie with only Jeep experience. I bought How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive and a Chilton manual plus have these forums bookmarked on my phone. Carrying extra belts, spark plugs, and a host of tools to learn as I go. It wouldn't be an adventure without a few hangups, now would it?
Any route suggestions or other tips greatly appreciated!
I hope to meet some of y'all along the way,
Will
(I believe this is the correct forum to post in. Please alert me if I have made a mistake.) |
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dogapult Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2006 Posts: 552 Location: Qiryat Motzkin, Israel/ Allentown, PA
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 2:54 pm Post subject: |
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Seems like a very cool trip! what were your preparations? What spare parts are you bringing along? _________________ I can haz beetle?
1963 Type 1:"Ellie"
gzg1406: "bamboo sounds almost like manboob" |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the reply!
Honestly my preparations are probably too simple:
- oil change
- new plugs
- visually inspected suspension
- drove it 200 miles to make sure it held up
I've got with me:
- more plugs
- a bunch of fuses
- three extra belts
- wrenches up to 19mm
- sockets up to 19mm
- my tool bag from working on the Jeep
- USAA towing and AAA towing coverage
I plan on making it to Boulder, CO on Friday and taking it to a VW mechanic there to have him look it over. Also, my steering is loose and hoping to get that fixed. _________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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Derek Cobb Annoying
Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 5:30 pm Post subject: |
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I'm thinking a baffle or muffler for that exhaust might be a good idea. That noise will get tiresome after a few hours. |
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Cali_Army_Guy Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2015 Posts: 2094 Location: Stockton, CA
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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Derek Cobb wrote: |
I'm thinking a baffle or muffler for that exhaust might be a good idea. That noise will get tiresome after a few hours. |
I used to put in headphones when I had my stinger. Drowns it right out haha.
I love Austin. I used to live just east of there in a little town called Elgin. |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 9:15 pm Post subject: |
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Not a bad idea... at the moment I switch between either earplugs or Bose noise canceling headphones. They work surprisingly well! _________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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mark tucker Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009 Posts: 23937 Location: SHALIMAR ,FLORIDA
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:21 pm Post subject: |
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I sometimes miss that car. swing by fl & say hi!!and say hi to my cousin joney before you leave austin...uncle karl too!! have a great trip!!! |
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sixfootdan Samba Smartass
Joined: February 13, 2002 Posts: 4848 Location: \Lo*ca"tion\, n. 1. The act or process of locating.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 5:29 am Post subject: |
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Police in some states may give you a hard time having no mud flaps. I know it will look stupid but you may want to look into it. _________________ Schrodinger's cat walked into a bar and it didn't.
GO SEAHAWKS!!! |
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Lost in Space Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Bug Infested Forest, next to the REZ
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:02 am Post subject: |
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The very first thing I would do if it were me......adjust all valves to .006" when the engine is stone cold.
And if I was a tad more ambitious.....before the valve adjustment, remove the rocker shaft assemblys and torque the head nuts first . ( disclaimer.......beware of any head nut that wont willingly torque.....it may be pulling a stud out of the cases )
For spares, I would carry a voltage regulator, generator brushes, points and condensors.
Inline fuel filters, some electrical wire, crimp connectors and a spare throttle and clutch cable. |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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sixfootdan - Didn't know about that. Thanks for the heads up!
Lost in Space - I've got a fuel filter, the electrical wire, and spare throttle and clutch cables now on your recommendation. Will pick up the other items you and others recommended, too.
Cali Army Guy - Elgin is a great little town! _________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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mark tucker wrote: |
I sometimes miss that car. swing by fl & say hi!!and say hi to my cousin joney before you leave austin...uncle karl too!! have a great trip!!! |
This used to be yours??? _________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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Cali_Army_Guy Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2015 Posts: 2094 Location: Stockton, CA
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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sixfootdan wrote: |
Police in some states may give you a hard time having no mud flaps. I know it will look stupid but you may want to look into it. |
CA is one of those states. A lot of lifted trucks here have clear lexan mud flaps. Covers the legal aspect and it's almost unnoticeable. |
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cdennisg Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004 Posts: 20233 Location: Sandpoint, ID
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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willroman wrote: |
I've got a fuel filter, the electrical wire, and spare throttle and clutch cables now on your recommendation. Will pick up the other items you and others recommended, too. |
If you are still running points and condenser rather than electronic ignition, you should probably pick up a spare set. I would have a spare fuel pump, carb kit, coil, some new fuel line, and clamps in my spare parts, too. There could be much more, but this would be a bare minimum.
Have fun on your trip. keep us all posted in here with photos and stories. We like to travel vicariously. _________________ nothing |
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Hnoroian Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2013 Posts: 535 Location: Bakersfield
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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sixfootdan wrote: |
Police in some states may give you a hard time having no mud flaps. I know it will look stupid but you may want to look into it. |
I have heard from friends who are chp that vehicles from out of state can not be written tickets for violations because they do know know other states laws. They did say that if there was a fix-it-ticket there would be an argument for the courts if it was legal in your registered state. I've mud flaps, stinger exhaust decibels, or window tint... If your nice about it... _________________ Stupid people do stupid things. |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:53 am Post subject: |
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Hnoroian wrote: |
I have heard from friends who are chp that vehicles from out of state can not be written tickets for violations because they do know know other states laws. They did say that if there was a fix-it-ticket there would be an argument for the courts if it was legal in your registered state. I've mud flaps, stinger exhaust decibels, or window tint... If your nice about it... |
That gives credence to my life philosophy of... let's risk it and ask for forgiveness later _________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:59 am Post subject: |
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I'm posting photos to http://instagram.com/wroman , but I thought I'd share a quick few from the two days of travel!
This is the bug's inaugural stop at Buc-ee's. If you've never been, they are a privately owned chain of gas stations in Texas that are amazing. The one in New Braunfels is the largest gas station in the world. They are like a Walmart crossed with an Exxon station with super clean bathrooms to boot. The bug was a minor celebrity when we stopped
In Fort Worth, TX is a craft beer and coffee joined called Brewed. A couple of my friends started it. It's super trendy, but I still recommend it if you're in the area.
This is Eddie's Imports in Oklahoma City. I'm getting a new steering box put in. A fix that I knew was needed, but I delayed so I could get under way. I'm headed to pick up the bug in 30 minutes... I'll report back on their work quality!
_________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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Jon Schmid Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2012 Posts: 2034 Location: Southern California
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 9:59 am Post subject: I’m driving cross country in a 1962 VW Baja Bug! |
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Hi Will,
Let us know what part of California you plan to see or are you looking for recommendations? A couple of thoughts: 1. We have noise laws in CA but judging by all the open pipe Harleys roaring around they're not too well enforced. Exception is Huntington Beach. National parks, like Yosemite, is probably a different story--I've never had a car with a stinger but I'm pretty sure the rangers won't like it. 2. Wearing headphones is a no-no here. 3. I didn't see a fire extinguisher on anyone's list. They're expensive but I would recommend a halon gas type. 4. Take lots of water. If you don't drink it, swing by and water my lawn. I hope you have the 100 mile AAA towing package--if not, upgrade--it's well worth it. Have a great trip--I look forward to hearing from you as you trip.
Jon |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Jon Schmid — Thanks for the reply and info on CA regulations. I'll be picking up a fire extinguisher today on your rec.
I would love some tips on what routes you recommend. I'm heading out from OKC later today towards Boulder, CO. Then I'll be heading north of Salt Lake City, UT. Then to Black Rock Desert, NV. Then down to San Francisco. My plans are wide open at that point. _________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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willroman Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2015 Posts: 46
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:25 am Post subject: |
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Mechanic Update: I had a new steering box installed at Eddies Imports in Oklahoma City. Aaron was very friendly and knowledgeable. They fit me in to their schedule and did the work in one day to help me get back on the road. I had a great experience with them!
Eddies Imports
3112 N Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 524-4741
_________________ June 2015 — Currently driving cross country from Texas to the west coast in my 1962 Baja Bug! |
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Mike Fisher Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2006 Posts: 17963 Location: Eugene, OR
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:30 am Post subject: |
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Lake Tahoe is a must see if you've never been there. _________________ https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold
Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey |
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