jeremyweber.com

September 22nd, 2006 @ 9.40 am

Yesterday I stopped by the house to pick up the VW and drive it around for the weekend.  Well, it’s a good thing my dad pointed out the mess the VW left on the floor.  Under the front end there’s a small puddle of brake fluid on the floor, and none in the reservior.  So, rather than enjoy driving the car on such a beautiful, crisp, fall day I had to jack up the front end and climb under it.  Read the rest of this entry »

August 16th, 2006 @ 12.32 am

For only the second time this summer I had the opportunity to drive over to the local cruise in at Home Depot in Eldersburg. With such wonderful weather, the turnout was fairly large with a good selection of cars. For a while I was the only German car, and one of two imports (the other being a Datsun 240Z), but eventually three Porsche 911’s showed up (seperately). The VW ran great as my dad and I cruised over, and I had a great time walking around and snapping a few photos (see the gallery for the new album). Read the rest of this entry »

April 16th, 2006 @ 11.09 pm

This afternoon Beverly and I headed for my parents house before going to my grandparents for Easter dinner.  Rather than all of us piling into the minivan, I took the opportunity to drive my VW.  So, I first went and filled it up as it was on a 1/4 of a tank that I last filled in July (yes, nine months ago).  Then I had my my parents and brother follow in the minivan, and we headed over to my dad’s parents in Lutherville.  Somehow I wasn’t as nervous driving today (usually I am nervous because I’m just waiting for the car to break, as it has on most trips of some distance), which was unusual, and the car also never had a single problem the whole trip! Read the rest of this entry »

November 6th, 2005 @ 10.33 pm

Nope. Not going to say the vw is fixed. It’s just temporarily running right now. This past week I had to replace a wheel bearing seal that I had improperly put back on the car when reassembling it, causing it to be cut up rather than keep the transmission fluid from leaking out. After replacing it I let the car sit for a couple days, and it seemed to still be leaking some… but after unleashing a can of brake parts cleaner on the area to clear out the excess fluid sitting around, it seems to be dry still.
Yesterday (Saturday 11/5) I drove the car around the neighborhood some and adjusted the timing a little. Seems to be running ok, though I’ve got to have an exhaust leak somewhere since it does do a semi-backfire thing when decelerating with the car in gear (it’s always done that). One thing I should order is new brake pads as I have one nearly worn out, but I’m not sure why as it’s only one pad on one wheel, and only one end of that one pad… oh well. next time I do a parts order I’ll get some.

October 31st, 2005 @ 8.54 pm

One day a week+ ago I jump started the “fixed” vw and drove into the front yard to wash the car as it’s been a long time, and others have been cutting wood in the garage and making sawdust. After pulling out, I noticed a wet spot on the cardboard under the car. Transmission fluid. Right now I am awaiting new rear bearing seals, which should be here any day now. (The tracking #’s say 2 out of 3 boxes will be here tomorrow, but those boxes are mostly Whit’s new exhaust system.) While washing the car I left the engine running to charge the battery, but it wasn’t enough and the car will still not turn over on it’s own. Oh well.
This time last year I took the car out and drove around photographing it around the area for an excuse to drive it. With the beautiful weather this past weekend I was reminded of that excursion, but instead of wanting to drive the vw, I was glad to be driving the neon. Am I that scared to drive the car? I used to say I’d take an old car over a modern vehicle any day, but with all the trouble I’ve had, the reliability of a new vehicle is very appealing. I feel like a sell out for even saying that, and the vw was only a “daily” driver for a couple months. And by “daily” I mean it was my only means of transportation, but I drove it maybe once a week. For my next vehicle I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a small truck, such as a Colorado or Tacoma. I’d love to get a WRX (STI?), Mini or a Wrangler, but they don’t have the towing capacity needed to haul a broken down VW.

September 9th, 2005 @ 9.42 pm

That’s how long the vw lasted before breaking down again. at least the engine is running great still: this time it was the transmission. I went around a corner and heard a couple faint clunks… a little farther and it got worse. I pulled over and attempted a U-turn, but it made lots of noise when putting pressure on the transmission. I eventually got it turned around by pushing it (thanks to the kid who was riding his bike the process went quicker), and shut it down. Since I was less than two miles from home, I walked/ jogged back and got the old van to tow it home. I forgot the camera when retrieving the vw, but took a couple pictures when I got home, so as soon as I make some photo galleries I’ll make one of for times the vw has broken down (I’ve got pictures for three times now this summer).
I really hate to give up on this car, but I may need to. I’ve never thought of anything as “cursed” before, but this car very well may be. I’ve broken down in the span of less than 100 miles and a tank full of gas this summer alone!