Getting Started

After two weeks and spending several hundred dollars on tools and parts, I'm beginning to question my sanity in starting this project.  The initial excitement is wearing off a bit as I continue to bump into major obstacles.  My first priority was to get the engine started.  This has proven to be quite the problem.  First I had to buy a new battery.  That was the easy part.  Then I had to troubleshoot the real problem.  The owner thought the problem was the ignition switch that he provided.  Long story short, that wasn't the problem.  With a new battery, new ignition switch, and still not starting, I now suspect the starter. 

Here's where the fun comes in, trying to remove the starter.  First I have to learn how to work on this car.  Since I'm unfamiliar with VW's, every task is a new adventure, so I spend a lot of time on U-Tube.  There's no end to the video clips about any topic, including VW repairs. 

Every task is hampered by rusty nuts and bolts.  "Break Free" spray is my new best friend!  Too bad it isn't helping with the bolts holding the starter on.   LOL.  It will eventually break free and I'll test the starter outside the car.  Hopefully that will correct the problem.

I'm finding that I should redirect my energy to other tasks when I get stuck.  Rather than getting frustrated, I simply need to move to another task that will yield results.  Like this problem, if the engine starter is bogging me down, I should take a break and move on to something else, like replacing the sun visors with the new pair I just bought.  Once I see results, I feel better.  ;)

I'm also learning other lessons too.  Like, 1)  I'm too old to be under a car,  2)  I need new glasses for working on objects 3 feet away,  3) My new glasses need to cling to my face - duh!  Normal frames keep falling off my face! And, 4) I really need a work table.  Sitting on the floor to repair parts at 56 is just stupid. 

Oh well, this is probably more info than you ever wanted to know, so I'll draw this to a close for now.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them to this post.  I'll respond as son as I see them.

Blessings!  Doug <><

Welcome to Doug & Daniel's (D&D) VW Project

Daniel's first car - 3/18/11.

Hello everyone,  I'm creating this blog to share my joy with family and friends.  Daniel and I have started a new and exciting project that will take the next four years.  We will be restoring a 1973 Supper Beetle, as Daniel's first car.  It should be finished about the time he can drive.

For the longest time, I have been looking for a hobby to keep me occupied over the weekends.  I've tried a myriad of activities, but none of them were very satisfying.  A few months ago a dear friend of mind, named Steve, shared with me about his efforts in restoring an old truck that was left to him. As he was speaking, I was thinking how much fun a restoration might be for me and Daniel.  I knew I would enjoy it, if I paced myself, but I wasn't sure if Daniel (now 11) would warm up to this type of effort.

It's amazing how God works in the midst of our lives, even when we don't know it!  It appears that the Lord was preparing me for this task.  Let me explain . . . Over the last two years, I had seen a nice 1973 Super Beetle sitting in the driveway of a home on the way to Daniel's School.  It was in pretty good condition for a car that had not run in so many years.  I asked Daniel if he would like a small bug for his first car.  He seemed to like the idea, but I never though much of it since it would be many years before he could get his license. 

A few weeks ago, I got up the nerve to stop by and ask if the owner would be interested in selling his car.  After a week or so, we struck a deal for the sale and on March 18th, Daniel took possession of his first car!  Since the car was not in running condition, we called a tow company, and had the car delivered to our house.  For the next few days, I could hardly get Daniel out of the car to help me work on it.  Just look at the joy and his face in the picture!

Since we bought the car, we have been in a buying frenzy.  We've bought tons of parts and tools that we will need to get the project off the ground.   There are a couple of priorities to get the car in working order.  First on the list is a new ignition switch to let us start the engine, and then we need new front brakes, since the front wheels are frozen due to rust.  This car has been sitting for about seven years, so we have a challenge getting things to work.  Oh well, that's why "Break Free" spray was created.

Oh well, I won't bore you with all the details now.  I hope to make at least a monthly update with pictures to show our progress.  Feel free to leave comments.  I'll try to check the comments weekly, so I can reply.

Sorry for the lengthy post this time - just giving an intro.  Future posts will be more concise.

Blessing to all in the name of Jesus!

Doug & Daniel