Miss the Bus

Man, I was bummed this weekend. The Bus is in the shop waiting for parts to show up from Oregon, then it's getting it's transmission fixed up proper. BUT that means I couldn't tinker with it or work on it.

So much to do now that the electrical is done. Have to keep telling myself that this is the right thing to do now... get it drivable, the rest is gravy.

Hope to have it back by Friday. :)

Obscure Transmission Parts Found

So, I got the electrical all buttoned up on Sunday night. This was a big job and I'm happy with it. I'll write more about that later.

After that, with the lights and electrical working, I decided to push it out and try to get it into gear. I had purchased a GeneBerg shifter (quite possibly the best shifter ever), had installed it but hadn't been able to test it.

So we started the bus and for an hour worked on getting it into gear. Bentley describes a way and Gene Berg came with instructions. Neither of them worked for me. Kinda sucked. This is how me taking about the bus all started... thought maybe I should replace the shift tube bushings so I pulled the engine out... and thus started my year long restore.

On Monday I had the bus towed to Hi-Line Automotive in Downers Grove. They determined that the bus was stuck in 4th gear and couldn't be switched out. We decided to check out the inside of the trans. Called them today to see what's up. Basically the following parts were broken:

Guy at Hi Line couldn't find the parts... I love finding parts so I decided to try.

Posted on Craigslist and The Samba. Got a response within an hour directing me towards a place in Bend, Oregon called German Transaxle. Called, talked to Sarah there and ended up getting the parts and a full rebuild kit (seals and gaskets) and synchros for $180 shipped 2 day. SO AWESOME!

I LOVE FINDING PARTS that others can't and I LOVE THE SAMBA.

Mechanic also confessed that he wasn't able to get the CV joints off... said the bolts were stripped. Had to order 24 CV bolts (893-407-237) from GoWesty. All should be there by monday. HOPEfully will get the bus back end of next week.

Good news is that I had to opt to get the seals and synchros replaced... figured while it's out I would. Transmission will be like new. AWESOME.


Casey

Great Stuff On Skin

Ok, so I was in my garage and decided to fill some cracks around windows and doors... really I had a can of Great Stuff and just wanted to use it... so this was a number of beers in and didn't read the instructions 'cause, you know, why? It's foam, it has a straw and it expands.

Started to spray it and broke the straw so my hand was now not the requisite 6 - 8 inches away from the foam, nor was I wearing gloves.

A little got on my hand, then the foam started squishing out and I started using my hand to push it in more.

It got all over my hand and when I tried to wash it off with soap, no deal. Then I tried the orange stuff, nope. Then I tried mineral spirits, nada. Finally tried a pumous stone... nein!

So for about 3 days it was shiny and yellow. Then it started to wear off like dead skin. After 4 days it was generally gone except for my nails.

Casey