tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45838302268757126722011-11-27T17:20:23.423-07:00Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-46894213042670932182010-06-11T08:15:00.000-06:002010-06-11T08:15:20.946-06:00

My daughter saying goodbye to the Guac before it leaves for KY with its new owners.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-46699395944099428702010-03-28T13:35:00.002-06:002010-03-28T13:38:05.397-06:00

http://www.life.com/image/81219981/How cool is that?

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-2849040035613307742010-01-10T14:39:00.003-07:002010-01-10T14:40:47.307-07:00

I've created a blog for the Saab. I suspect it'll be even more boring than the Guac's blog, but I wanted a place to stash pics and info.http://turbofreesaab.blogspot.comNew pics put up there too...

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-20134722941078714002009-12-31T08:16:00.004-07:002009-12-31T08:29:19.066-07:00

It's been cold here in Colorado. Really cold. For example, it was 4 degrees this morning when I left for work.The Guac's heat is... Well, it isn't.I started looking for a beater daily driver with HEAT for these cold winter mornings. I offered up some woodworking tools as a trade for a car on Craigslist.The only response with a car I'd be seen in was this one. A 1986 Saab 900s. 16 valve normally

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-55947225430115259722009-08-26T13:59:00.001-06:002009-08-26T13:59:14.861-06:00

We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-3577868060211690432009-08-18T07:49:00.001-06:002009-08-18T07:49:58.055-06:00

Found this online:http://www.nutnbutgames.com/playgame/2439/pimp-my-vw-bus.html#playSilly, but funny.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-63857508126642096842009-08-17T14:56:00.001-06:002009-08-17T14:56:51.118-06:00

Something you never think about until it breaks is the clutch. Right?I mean, as long as you can push your left foot down and move the gearsaround, it's all good, right?Lately the Guac's been getting trickier about getting into gears,especially 3rd. And in reverse the thing was bucking like a rodeobull. I realized the cable had stretched some over the past few years,but it was so gradual I didn't

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-91431399117522334072009-06-04T13:17:00.002-06:002009-06-04T13:18:46.547-06:00

Had a stretch of freeway with nobody around me so I opened it up and took a piccie with my G1.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-16313625996256642842009-03-02T09:54:00.000-07:002009-03-02T09:55:04.602-07:00

PITP is coming up.http://calivw78.com/pitp

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-48748881991955883762009-02-19T07:15:00.002-07:002009-02-19T07:24:44.357-07:00

So this week my balljoints arrived from Bus Depot and...Wait, what?Dude, get your mind out of the gutter!As I was saying... My new balljoints arrived from Bus Depot. $16.95 each here: Ball Joint 68-79 BusMade in Germany. The pics show how they arrived (bus needs four of them). I haven't opened the bags they're in yet. I won't do that until I'm ready to install them.The price beat the best FLAPS

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-66825692340059916832009-02-03T19:16:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:17:41.728-07:00

After the alternator issues a while back, I found the battery was pretty much toast. It worked ok if it was warm, but the minute temps got to 18* or lower, nada. I started out putting an electric blanket in the engine compartment to keep things warm enough to start the bus in the morning, but on 0* mornings even that wasn`t enough. The battery I had in there was a series 47. I hit Wallyworld and

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-51578593622509669362009-02-03T19:15:00.003-07:002009-02-03T19:16:37.053-07:00

I decided since it was such a beautiful snowy morning to head out and get gas so I wouldn`t have to do it in the morning. On the way there, my stereo cut out. Odd, but that thing is like 6 years old now. So I didn`t think much of it.At the intersection in front of the gas station the bus died. The starter wouldn`t turn over either. Sigh. I push the bus out of the intersection. The ground was so

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-36779510672221851462009-02-03T19:15:00.001-07:002009-02-03T19:15:41.735-07:00

After dialing in the AFM settings by ear, here are my results:HC PPM2500RPM - 50.1Idle - 86.5Limit - 400CO%2500RPM - 0.97Idle - 2.10Limit - 3.00CO2%2500RPM - 12.7497Idle - 5.7130Hooray!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-34336035445544615942009-02-03T19:14:00.001-07:002009-02-03T19:14:56.217-07:00

I got injectors and a resistor pack from Troy (Thanks man!). I got `em in over the past couple nights (did you know 1/4" FI hose will fit if it`s heated up a bit?)No difference. :(This morning I hit the junkyard and there was a bug. All that was useful off it, unless a beat to crap case and swiss cheese pan are useful, was the distributor. I grabbed and for giggles tossed it the Guac. Holy smokes

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-31685444342844840922009-02-03T19:13:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:14:04.734-07:00

I picked up some used injectors and resistor pack from another bus owner yesterday. On the way home I stopped by Target and picked up a box of snack size ziploc bags ($2) and a bottle of medical grade mineral oil ($1.52). I put each injector in a bag and filled it with the mineral oil, then put all the bags back in the Target bag. They sat that way all day.When I got home last evening, I

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-62849498486649777092009-02-03T19:12:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:13:00.808-07:00

I finally got to do an AFM swap. No change. Same with the ECU.The resistor pack tests perfect when cold. Run the engine for a little while and instead of 5-7 ohms of resistance per resistor, I get 3.4-ish on 3 of the 4 resistors. ARRRGGHH!!I swapped resistor packs with Sykboy and the guac ran MUCH better. Still not perfect, but better. Although his resistor pack tested similarly.It seems that the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-57913515765335715022009-02-03T19:11:00.003-07:002009-02-03T19:11:53.351-07:00

Photos of the fuel injection harness. I labeled the small connectors to make it easier for me (and anybody else) to reattach it.The connectors are color coded.Black: AFM, AARBlue: Fuel InjectorsBrown: TS1White: Dual Relay, Resistor PackNote that the spade connectors are not color coded. So label them when you pull them.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-90383691336931799502009-02-03T19:09:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:10:04.086-07:00

The Guac has been down since January, but I have little time to troubleshoot. So in troubleshooting time, I`ve spent maybe a week on it. I`ve isolated things (I think). Symptoms:Idles from cold start at least 30 minutes (I figure any longer was pointless)If revved to 2k rpm and held, will only last 45 seconds or so.- When it cuts out the tach drops to zero- There are no warning signs leading up

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-80169218852982253622009-02-03T19:07:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:08:09.569-07:00

The Guac`s been out of commission for a month while I try to figure out why it`s bucking under load.Fuel pressure is higher than it should, but it probably doesn`t cause this.All ignition components tested or replaced.Valve adjustment complete.Vacuum gauge steady low. Photos of fuel pressure test here.Here`s a video of all the gauges going. Note the jittery timing mark is due to the frames of the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-80839837272247988122009-02-03T19:04:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:05:10.553-07:00

A lot can happen in a week.Last weekend I started hearing a heavy metal-to-metal clunk when driving over rough roads or expansion joints (ahh.. Highlands Ranch... Beige Hell with shitty roads!). It would go away when applying the brakes.I crawled around underneath the bus and couldn`t see anything obvious so kept driving it the one block to work. Yep. One block. You`re jealous. Admit it. I could

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-30422476600179959472009-02-03T18:58:00.000-07:002009-02-03T19:00:00.246-07:00

We had a great time! It took about an hour and a half to reach the divide from Highlands Ranch, CO, including a stop for gas and snacks. The pic up top was a pain though. It was raining pretty hard, and the family needed some cajoling to get out of the nice dry bus to stand in the rain.I slid down the muddy hill and set up the camera and tripod. I set the timer and scrambled up the slimy steep

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-91000905720109225442009-02-03T18:57:00.001-07:002009-02-03T18:57:45.588-07:00

One of the things I`ve always wanted to do was take a pic of the bus at the Continental Divide. Ideally I`d like one for each season. Yeah, I`m a geek.Well, since yesterday was my birthday, the wife asked me what I wanted to do. Anything at all."Let`s go to the Continental Divide!" was my obvious reply. "We`ll make a day of it. Loveland Pass is only an hour or two away. We`ll drive up, take pics,

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-89567784846977492462009-02-03T16:31:00.001-07:002009-02-03T16:31:38.820-07:00

Ahhh... it wouldn`t be the Guacamole Bus if it didn`t have this @!#$%^ intermittent bucking issue. The problem has been around pretty much since I bought the bus. Some background is in order I suppose. Shortly after buying the Guac, I did a road trip with the family to California. The day we were supposed to leave for home the bus would act like the ignition was shut off when upshifting or when

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-89797765538871217132009-02-03T16:25:00.000-07:002009-02-03T16:26:43.624-07:00

When I installed the flooring in the Guac, the carpet I used was an area rug 8` x 5`. I cut that carpet right in half and each half was a perfect fit. But that left one edge ragged and unbound.I looked at all the home centers for carpet edge binding, and only found some at Lowe`s. But that stuff was expensive and they didn`t have black. I found some online, but really wanted it in my hands before

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-4346703112202235932009-02-03T16:03:00.000-07:002009-02-03T16:05:43.014-07:00

The SeatI`ve had a front passenger seat from a 73 bus in my garage since I gave away the Great White Bus. I offered it to Chris at Busted Bus and he said he`s got way too many as it is. I didn`t want to throw it out. While the vinyl is dried and cracked, the padding is perfect. This seat is COMFY. I found it at Pull-N-Save and bought it to replace the padding-less seat that was originally in my

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-7604402183268825502009-02-03T16:01:00.000-07:002009-02-03T16:02:24.319-07:00

It finally happened. My driver`s side window crank broke. Well, the arm didn`t break, the knob on the end did. A moment of silence, please.::a moment::Ok, so now I get to decide what kind of cranks to replace them with! I could scrounge up another original one. That wouldn`t be so bad, they lasted 30 years! But if they have already reached the end of their lives, I may only get 30 days.There are

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-52607890195034908942009-02-03T15:29:00.000-07:002009-02-03T16:00:50.242-07:00

A recent post over on The Samba got me thinking about this crazy series of events back in 2004.3 guys bought a bus on eBay, flew from IL to Hollywood to pick it up, and found out they had been burned by the seller. BAD. These guys, who embody the word "hippy" as I`ve never seen before, believed they could fly in, pick up the bus, and fly home. It was not to be.Luckily for them, they ran into a

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-15597712669285255512009-02-03T15:27:00.000-07:002009-02-03T15:28:57.737-07:00

I had never really found a tool bag I liked for keeping in the bus. If I used a big bag, box, or duffel bag, I just filled it up with useless crap. If I went too small, I could never find what I was looking for.I realized my problem was just not being organized. I was carrying way more than I needed for side-of-the-road emergencies. I decided to make a tool bag that held only what I needed. Here`

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-23351319871329136172009-02-03T15:22:00.000-07:002009-02-03T15:26:55.912-07:00

I`ve done a few more things at CafePress. Just for kicks, and if I sell a few... Yay!If you have any ideas for things I should create, let me know.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-25996380745902316042009-02-03T15:20:00.000-07:002009-02-03T15:21:36.001-07:00

Check out my new CafePress shop:

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-73407869042432991582009-02-03T13:28:00.001-07:002009-02-03T13:28:26.096-07:00

I know this isn`t VW related. Sorry.I came home yesterday to find a pair of Mormons (errr... Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) pestering my 16 year old son. I chased them off. But what can I do to stop future visits from them? Or magazine peddlers, donation gatherers, JWs, etc etc etc? Nothing, really. But I made a really cool sticker!http://www.cafepress.com/

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-66763320451276108982009-02-03T13:26:00.000-07:002009-02-03T13:27:47.110-07:00

In the article Vacuum Leaks, Smog Test, and Blazer`s Automotive I had a shop find my vacuum leaks and get the Guacamole Bus ready to pass the Colorado emissions test.They found leaks in my S-boot (I knew there were some there) and my intake manifold gaskets (that was a surprise). They slopped more goop on the S-boot and cranked down the nuts on the mainfolds. They also made some adjustments, but

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-10408886743741669502009-02-03T13:25:00.000-07:002009-02-03T13:26:06.277-07:00

What is WRONG with some people?!?!?!?I started pulling the heads off the 79 bus engine in my garage. The engine turned freely so I was wondering just why the thing was given up on. Now I know.Stupid mechanics. Or DPO`s. Either/or. When I got the head off, it was obvious the combustion chambers had blown out all around the head. And there was a combination of combustion residue and cooked oil in

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-7968796339917698712009-02-03T13:23:00.000-07:002009-02-03T13:24:11.790-07:00

I`ve often told people to make magnetic screens for the front windows, as well as the slider windows, to use when camping instead of the jalousie windows with their attached rigid frame screens.Time to put my money where my mouth is.I picked up some black nylon screen material, 2" black ribbon, and a 10ft strip of 1" magnet. The few screens I`ve seen in person didn`t impress me much. Most had the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-76115336095886346692009-02-03T13:22:00.001-07:002009-02-03T13:22:53.459-07:00

2004 AutofestAt JBugs in Oceanside, CAMy first show! Hooked up with 2 busses and a Karmann Ghia for the drive from Orange County to Oceanside for the show.As you can see, while we were drizzled on, we were treated to a spectacular sunrise! Once we got there, everybody pulled into the parking lot. I didn`t realize that I was entering the show if I pulled in. Oops! I paid my $$ and parked

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-43752358000285211782009-02-03T13:19:00.000-07:002009-02-03T13:20:18.069-07:00

ARCHIVE- GWB Koni Shock Installation DonMon 18th June 2007, 8:16 am Tools needed (for my 73):3/8" Ratchet3/8" Breaker (or lots of time and PB Blaster)19mm 6pt socket17mm wrench19mm wrench (vise grips or crescent wrench can be used instead) If you fit under your bus (a close thing for me!) you do NOT need to jack up your bus. The instructions that came with the shocks said to keep the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-31428234858672740262009-02-03T13:18:00.001-07:002009-02-03T13:18:57.552-07:00

ARCHIVE- GWB Chrome Bumpers DonMon 18th June 2007, 8:14 am The day the Great White Bus got some shiny new chrome bumpers!When I got the GWB, it only had a front bumper on it. And that was ugly, bent, and poorly painted. So I kept an eye out for at least a replacement rear bumper. Karl sent me the brackets for the rear, which I quickly painted white to come close to matching the GWB. Then

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-38434249875832588662009-02-03T13:04:00.000-07:002009-02-03T13:05:58.983-07:00

ARCHIVE- GWB Top End Refresh DonMon 18th June 2007, 8:12 am In the beginning...After the last breakdown, I decided it was time to do a top-end refresh. Goals were:Remove heads to fix stripped studsHone cylindersRe-ring pistonsInspect heads and case for cracks and suchSo the decision at this point was whether or not to drop the engine. I decided to leave it in the bus. I pulled off the carbs

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-48756378364422417792009-02-03T13:03:00.000-07:002009-02-03T13:04:01.084-07:00

New "Classic" RadioI found this on the clearance rack of a Walgreens in Highlands Ranch, CO. It was $1. A whole buck.Looks like it`s from the 50`s even though it`s new. Great FM reception. Has a power cord or "C" batteries can be used.I use it in the garage when not taking it on the road with the Guac.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-73613066603829015042009-02-03T13:02:00.001-07:002009-02-03T13:02:59.063-07:00

We all know about what sockets, wrenches, etc to carry. But here I`ll talk about some tools that you may or may not have handy. Or hadn`t thought of. But they`re EXTREMELY useful in our busses. Please e-mail me if you have other suggestions.Jumper WireVelcro Hose PinchersStiff WireDigital Camera

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-77236023949077883332009-02-03T13:01:00.001-07:002009-02-03T13:01:36.201-07:00

Coil AutopsyThis coil was purchased just a couple months ago at Autozone in California while troubleshooting a problem that ended up being the fuel filter. On Father`s Day this year I started feeling an occasional misfire that increased in frequency to the point where I could barely drive the bus. Swapping in the old original Bosch coil got things back where they should be.Here`s the shiny

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-26712315932358545622009-02-03T12:45:00.000-07:002009-02-03T12:57:54.079-07:00

The Guac Goes to California...AGAIN!July 14, 2006 - Day 1Due to my mom`s health issues, I decided to come out to CA and spend a month staying with her. That means putting the Guac back to work lugging me, my son, and our stuff to California again.The only preparation I gave the Guac was an oil change and a timing and dwell check. I wanted to replace the shift stop plate so get rid of the clunky

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-86813220893328730802009-02-03T12:33:00.000-07:002009-02-03T12:36:27.363-07:00

The Guac goes to CaliforniaPhotos HereOn April 23rd, my grandmother passed away. For various reasons, I needed to get my family out to California. Air fare would be around $2000, and then I`d still need to get a rental car. Ouch. So the decision was made to drive.I really hadn`t wanted to drive the Guac on any long trips until I had a chance to install my tach, windshield washer pump, summer

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-40582624751926056672009-02-03T12:27:00.000-07:002009-02-03T12:30:07.162-07:00

ARCHIVEGreat White BusEstes ParkI had been planning a trip to California for the week of October 16, 2005. But for financial reasons couldn`t pull it off. So I tried to think of short trips that we could take instead.I came up with Cheyenne, WY. Only 120 miles from here, yet we could say we went to Wyoming . Just crossing state lines provides a sense of excitement that traveling further within a

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-54179522979020897202009-02-03T12:23:00.000-07:002009-02-03T12:26:23.079-07:00

ARCHIVEGreat White BusCalifornia to ColoradoPlease note that this is currently incomplete. The original was lost when Ripplehost went south and this is all I had backed up.The PlanAs of this moment (6am on 2/5/05) I plan on taking the southern route via I-40 through New Mexico, then swing north on I-25. Why? Because it appears to have the most gentle grades of the various ways to get there. Only

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-49514229480711786592009-02-02T16:26:00.000-07:002009-02-02T16:27:47.988-07:00

Upholstering the Rear HatchSeptember 26, 2006Continuing the theme from my kick panels and my door panels, I did the rear hatch panel.Since I cannot find any more of that color vinyl at any of my local WalMarts, I decided it was a great opportunity to play with mixing in something else and doing a pattern. The rear hatch was a great test.At WalMart I found some black faux suede for $3 a yard. I

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-26017730611530959102009-02-02T16:23:00.000-07:002009-02-02T16:25:07.285-07:00

Guacamole Bus UpholsteryPhase 2: Door PanelsOnce I did the kick panels, my original gray door panels just didn`t look right. Plus I had used some odd weaved material that was filthy and falling apart.Obviously time for some green vinyl lovin`.I had the panels that originally came with the Guacamole Bus, so I stripped them:What did I find? Well, the driver`s side door panel was relatively straight

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-25377683056316356662009-02-02T16:19:00.000-07:002009-02-02T16:20:32.209-07:00

Guacamole Bus UpholsteryPhase 1: Kick PanelsI`ve been eyeing this "almost" sage green vinyl upholstery at Wal Mart for a while now. I finally broke down and bought all they had (a bit under 5 yards) and some spray adhesive to get started on the interior of the Guacamole Bus.As you can see, the kicks were falling apart, but not completely useless:The black vinyl just peeled off and is, in fact, in

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-47722999214156962112009-02-02T16:16:00.000-07:002009-02-02T16:17:46.709-07:00

Vanagon SeatsRemoving the ArmrestsFriday, April 13, 2007HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!!!!!I picked up a pair of nice late Vanagon seats from the junkyard. They have those screw-to-adjust armrests. Comfy.Problem is that the armrests collide with the air vent on the door of passenger busses. So the outside armrest needs to be removed from the seats to allow use in a bay window bus.If you pry apart the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-52204262381150922542009-02-02T16:13:00.000-07:002009-02-02T16:14:59.685-07:00

Guacamole BusRetractable Seat BeltsOk, everybody`s put retractable seatbelts in their busses. They`re even available as bolt-in kits now. But I`m too broke for that.For $15 I picked up a set of belts from an early 90`s Jetta from Pull `N` Save in Aurora, CO. Using some steel "L" brackets I mounted them to the original locations in the Guac. But there was a problem...They didn`t fit around my fat

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-34823906761932108492009-02-02T16:12:00.000-07:002009-02-02T16:13:14.463-07:00

Barefoot Pedal PadsThe pads on the Guac`s brake and clutch pedals were SERIOUSLY worn. Then I stumbled on some interesting ones on eBay:$16.50 shipped. Not bad.So I got them and installed them. Unfortunately the way they`re designed, they must mount sideways. I decided to have them "pigeon toed" since the toes look more fragile than the heels. I mounted them so the heels are where my feet are

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-83112189843887699352009-02-02T16:10:00.002-07:002009-02-02T16:11:38.062-07:00

Turn Signal Switch ReplacementOr: Viagra for the Guacamole BusAdded:2/15/2007One night in December, while coming home from a Christmas Party, the Guac`s turn signal stalk went limp. Just flopping around there instead of the proud, erect lever it always had been.I pulled the steering wheel off and found the switch`s internal parts had grenaded. Thanks to the Type 2 list, I got my hands on a German

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-33614288017877569312009-02-02T16:10:00.001-07:002009-02-02T16:10:31.723-07:00

Power Socket in the Engine CompartmentAdded 2/5/2007I`ve always wanted a light in the engine compartment. Ideas I batted around are cold cathode tubes, LEDs, etc. But those solutions would be fixed in place. Not ideal.A trip to Harbor Freight got me a 12v lamp with a magnetic base and retractable cord to a cig lighter plug. Item 90048-5VGA. Cost $4. Add a power socket with mounting bracket from

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-38277459751177827522009-02-02T15:50:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:52:18.215-07:00

"Upgrading" the Aux Air Regulator ElbowJanuary 24, 2007Ahh... The first article of the year! Hooray!Last August while in California, I discovered a vacuum leak in the Auxiliary Air Regulator elbow. This is a right angle elbow that connects the AAR to the S-Boot on the intake. I picked up a new one from VeeDub in Huntington Beach. Coupla bucks and I was back in business.Fast forward to January. A

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-25707500892729416672009-02-02T15:35:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:37:27.670-07:00

NOTE: This issue has NOT been resolved. What appeared to work in this article didn`t... The intermittent symptoms just became intermittent again...The Guac`s Distributor FailureResolved 12/29/2006SymptomsBucking at high rpms that feels like fuel starvationBucking immediately after upshifting that also feels like fuel starvationAll symptoms intermittentDescriptionShortly after buying the Guacamole

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-82186936450303584492009-02-02T15:33:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:34:37.137-07:00

Replacing the Fuel Pressure RegulatorFuel injected bus... This is done on the Guac, a 78 with stock fuel injection.Time: Approx 20 minutesTools: 17mm open end wrench, 2 line clamps, screwdrivers for worm clamps, dykes for crimp clamps if necessary.My fuel pressure regulator (FPR) had developed a vacuum leak. So a couple months ago I pulled the vacuum line and plugged it. Bus ran fine so I forgot

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-1654593942692101882009-02-02T15:27:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:29:25.715-07:00

Guacamole Bus MechanicalsShifterEver since I got the bus, the shifter`s had a pretty serious clunk. Sloppy too. So I decided to redo the front half of the shifter mechanism. (The rear half requires dropping the engine and trans.)Upon investigation I found the front bushing was completely missing.I also found the boot over the front of the rear shift rod was pretty shot.So I ordered some parts

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-77328437134048489072009-02-02T15:21:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:23:05.515-07:00

ARCHIVEGreat White Bus1st Engine DropDropped Seats SuckAt the end of the summer of 2005 I started noticing a serious loss of power, and valve adjustment checks showed the #1 cylinder had a sunk valve seat. Another Type 2 listmember had sent me a 1700 cyl head a while back so I tackled cleaning it up and making sure the valves sealed.The Windex TestFirst thing I should mention is the "Windex" test

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-18126378482799488082009-02-02T15:17:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:19:27.644-07:00

Photo Gallery HereAfter Blazer`s told me my intakes were leaking, I started gathering the bits I would need to replace them. I already had the gaskets themselves, but I also wanted to replace the intake manifold to plenum sleeves as well as all the injector seals. Would the old parts have been reusable? Possibly. But I wanted to be certain everything was new.The sleeves I got from Cip1. I had

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-28116453938455360252009-02-02T15:13:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:15:45.634-07:00

Part 2 of Doing The Front Brakes:Remove the pads: When you pull the pads out of the calipers, pay attention to the backing plates. They have tabs that stick out and the orientation to the caliper piston is important. You need to duplicate the orientation when installing the new ones. Remove the brake line clip: Use your screwdriver to pry this out. Make sure you`re not prying against the lines

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-11142860263769171962009-02-02T15:08:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:10:27.318-07:00

Symptoms: Pulsing and vibration during braking. Also, this week they started squealing.Tools Needed: Ratchet, 19mm socket, 6mm hex bit, rubber mallet or hammer, flat head screwdriver.Supplies Needed: New rotors, new brake pads, brake cleaner spray, anti-squeal spray or goop. A roll of paper towels, toothpicks and nitrile gloves are nice too.Since I got the bus, the pedal pulsed severely during

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-29892816780040202062009-02-02T15:03:00.000-07:002009-02-02T15:07:46.463-07:00

I don`t know about using the term "refurbish". More like "add some life". But "refurbish" is easier to say. So REFURBISH it is!The S-boot on my 78 fuel injected VW Bus was old, dry, brittle, and had many tiny cracks. It leaked horribly, no matter how much RTV silicone goop or electrical tape was applied.So I was cruising Home Depot a couple weeks ago, and saw that Plasti-Dip has a spray

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-42834339492913685632009-02-02T14:50:00.000-07:002009-02-02T14:52:03.956-07:00

IMPORTED FROM OLD SITECheck out the gallery on the old site here.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-43007851509871287462009-02-02T14:23:00.003-07:002009-02-02T14:25:07.472-07:00

IMPORTED FROM OLD BLOGFor the past 2 months I`ve been ineffectively chasing a vacuum leak in the Guac. I know it`s there. Symptoms:Surging IdleRough IdleBucking and misfiring at light throttleI managed to get it to idle some by closing the mixture screw on the AFM all the way. (Closing is rich, opening is lean.) But it was still surging from 2000rpm to almost stalling. Since I wasn`t getting

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-51123463413232617232009-02-02T14:17:00.000-07:002009-02-02T14:22:02.510-07:00

IMPORTED FROM OLD BLOGThe backs of the wheels turned out great! But when I started on the faces I got fisheye`d on the first white coat!!! (Sorry, forgot to take pics.)I debated stripping the paint or letting it dry and sanding back to metal. Sanding had the benefit of not disturbing the backs of the wheels that turned out so well. So I decided to wait a couple days for the wheels to dry then

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-4837869790426964732009-02-02T14:11:00.000-07:002009-02-02T14:16:59.391-07:00

IMPORTED FROM OLD BLOGThe gasket on the left was from Autozone. The one on the right is from VeeDub Parts in Huntington Beach, CA. Neither came with manufacturer information.The Autozone one is just some thin metal around a thick paper gasket. The VeeDub one is layers of metal. So which is better?The Autozone one would be more forgiving, but the VeeDub one would be more durable. UPDATEKarl on the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392942634149650261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583830226875712672.post-47016861170672222752009-02-02T14:06:00.000-07:002009-02-02T14:10:42.642-07:00

IMPORTED FROM OLD BLOGThe wheels on the Guac were horrid. The silver paint was mostly gone, and the rust, while still on the surface, had covered the entire face of the wheels. I couldn`t leave them like that!I threw my pair of wheels with tires from Discount Tire on the front of the Guac and brought in the front two rims with my Nokians. I started on the back sides so I could run into any snags

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