Volks Chronicles #3: Volkswagen Beetle Roadworthiness

The overhaul is over! Well, technically it is. Mo’s engine has been put back together again, with spanking new gaskets, seals, cam followers, and engine oil, among several other things. Now the focus turns to other concerns of the mechanical nature. Kuya Mancio (the mechanic) texted me to get the following: advancer for the distributor and rotor, adjusting screws for the rocker arms, and a fan belt. Kuya Clark of VWCP.org gave me additional tips for general roadworthiness:

I suggest before you move on to the sheet metal works, you should pay attention to the more important ones. So your car runs well after an engine overhaul, but will it stop when you hit the brake? Or are all the lights working as well as the windshield wiper?

What I'm saying is, make your bug roadworthy first. Check on these:

1. Since your car's been stuck for a long time, have the brake lines checked, master cylinder and slave/wheel cylinder. Brittle fuel lines will cause more trouble.

Driver: Boss parang mahina ang preno.

Mechanic: Don't worry, malakas naman ang busina.

2. Have the electrical components checked. Wires become brittle as they age.

3. Have your suspension parts checked for loose ball joints, leaky steering dampers, and loose tie rod ends.

Prioritize these first. Take small steps. Enjoy every penny you spend. And most of all, don't lose hope.

Don’t lose hope. I’ve heard it so many times these past few weeks that I find myself repeating it like a mantra – especially every time I so much as crack my wallet open. Everybody say it with me, don’t lose hope, don’t lose hope, don’t lose hope.