Acquired Westy 2000mi away... Advice???

imdbui · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:40 am Post subject:

Holey moley! Forget about not being able to make the drive back home. We barely made our connection in DEN due to an hour delay from take off in SEA. Just arrived in Tulsa.

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Merian · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:42 am Post subject:

It is smart to be prepared for a breakdown, but it is critical to make sure the Van is safe to drive.

That means replacing all the rubber fuel hoses, and checking the brakes and tires.

61Scout · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 11:29 am Post subject:

I see it mentioned casually here... but let me emphasize the suggestion: CHECK THE BRAKES!!!

Years ago I foolishly drove an untested vehicle home... and well, long story short I lost the brakes about 4 blocks from home. Incredibly lucky I had just gotten off the freeway and was only traveling at 15mph or so. Also lucky I had a enough open curb to bring the vehicle to the shop.

This rig did check out okay by my visual walk around. The PO claimed he had changed all the brakes and yadda yadda. Well, the flex lines were brand new and the vehicle was overall very clean. Fast forward to the inspection after the incident and what happened was that the RR wheel cylinder blew out. This rig was old enough to have a single tank master cylinder, hence total fluid loss and no brakes when it blew.

After that experience I went and bought and tow rig and trailer. Never again will I risk driving anything old and untested to ME. Never again will I trust a stranger/hobbyist and take their word at face value. Tow it or ship it would be my only votes.

Kevin
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=

-Nec Spe, Nec Metu

Memphalia · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 11:29 am Post subject:

Duct tape, hammer, AAA card, and cell phone.
_________________
1989 Westfalia (Wolfram Gray)(Mona)
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4
2005 Volvo V70

iliketowalk · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:38 pm Post subject:

Here's what I would take:

Drivers license.
Credit card.

Give it a good visual, barring anything obviously hanging by a thread or dangerous, just drive it.

If there is something dangerous... $100 at Harbor Freight will buy you a pretty comprehensive set of tools to fix just about anything - and come on, you can never have "too many tools".

Enjoy the adventure!
_________________
1986 Weekender "Birch"

imdbui · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:40 pm Post subject:

Quick update. PO picked us up from the airport and we went over the van, went over its quirks. I feel confident she will be good for the road. So we are off!

Stopped by Wally's to pick up some fluids, fire ext, foods. Someone mentioned repair tape, thank you, I picked some in in Portland after you mentioned it - WrapIt Repair Tape.

Although this journey is not yet a success, I need to thank everyone who has responded with advice, knowledge, and kind words. You're an awesome bunch! I truly appreciate the help!

And about the gf comments... She's good spirits so far! We will see in 2000mi!

PO included a bunch of extras, included a Bentley manual Smile

tschroeder0 · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:42 pm Post subject:

That makes me smile, have fun!

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:44 pm Post subject:

PS: Get that fire extinguisher out of the box and mount it right behind your driver's seat where it's easy for you to grab when you need it...
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

desertrefugee · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:59 pm Post subject:

Signalocity · Samba Member Joined: February 13, 2012 Posts: 573

I like the play by play of this thread lol and hope you have a good ride!

rcook52459 · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 1:13 pm Post subject:

let the adventure begin.memories that will last forever.congrat's. Applause

if you get back to Portland sunday a bunch of people with vans getting together at hawthrone lucky lab for beers.love to hear about your adventure.
_________________
85 westy tiico conversion.auto trans triumph TR250 1980 Suzuki GS1000l

photonanc6 · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 1:56 pm Post subject:

Have a great time! Keep the updates coming!

DubNuts · Samba Member Joined: January 06, 2009 Posts: 194

Dude.dddddddddddd
You made it and you guys are on the road. Congrats..

Now to experience the many sights and to hear the different Southern / Midwestern Accents.

Memories like
Yaw have a nice trip now..

BTW WoW did you get a lot of Chit with that Van..

16CVs · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 9:47 pm Post subject:

djkeev · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 5:15 am Post subject:

[email protected] · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 6:03 am Post subject:

Such downers

I'd rather be there

Coolant

Sodas

And a pack of lucky's

AAA card..
_________________
2001 eurovn weekender 207k fresh batteries

Ahwahnee · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 6:52 am Post subject:

I didn't think he should attempt this (which I hinted at in my post).

Which is why guys his age should never listen to guys my age.

I follow with interest.

Jake de Villiers · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 7:48 am Post subject:

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 7:53 am Post subject:

They only have about 2.5 days to drive 2000 miles by the most direct routes. There just isn't much time to take side trips like many of us would prefer. It should still be an adventure and I hope it all goes well. Looks like a nice Syncro from the photos.

Mark

dobryan · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 8:53 am Post subject:


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Acquired Westy 2000mi away... Advice???
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