On the plus side you have one of the few buses that haven't failed on windscreen washers so well done
Update (for those who care)... Landyn is booked in for a little welding next week, the garage is going to drop the engine and stick it in the cargo area. I'm going to strip it down to a) learn b) let them inspect what needs replacing and give me their advice on whether to do the B&Ps and check the big ends. I'm going to rebuild the engine with my brother (Wasted Spark on VZi) who's had a bit of experience with building his own engine and get the local garage to reinstall. If my brother gets his way he'll be bolting FI and a Turbo onto it... come to think of it if i had my way I'd do the same, but funds limit fun! A few people have come forward to offer there services, thank you all. I decided to go back to the local garage, Bugs n Buses, because a) they know the van and b) the logistics of moving the van around without an engine are far simpler given the distances involved. I will be lowering the van in the future and may need a bit more welding when the windows come out so no ones redundant yet!! Watch this space
Right, job #1 done, steering bush replaced and probably more importantly, shim correctly located!! I'm missing the spring that applies pressure to the shim when the steering wheel is on which doesn't help. Aparently they're available directly from VW classic parts in the fatherland so I'll have to put one of those on the shopping list!! Tool the opportunity to strip the column and cover plate down, paint them and renew the bolts with stainless... That'll be one rattle cured!! Does anyone have a picture of the original washers that were used for the plate? Mine didn't come with any and I used penny washers to cover the big holes
Job #2.... tightened the CV bolts. Very loose, need to have words! Done. Job #3 - handbrake cable... thought i had one in the emergency box, I didn't. Pah!! I guess it'll have to wait. Going to tune the gears on my bike instead...
I bought my van three weeks ago with the only advisory on the MOT (Nov 2011) being slight steering pivot. She went in for a service and £2k later I'm still waiting for her to come home :'(....
If you ask them to fix everything that's what'll happen because if you ask them to fix everything, then something lets you down, it would be their fault.
Quick update... Job #1 properly finished. The steering column spring arrived from the father land and took 1 min 22 seconds to install :0) can recommend VW Classic parts very helpful. I bought 10 springs to try and make the postage costs back if anyone else needs or know of anyone that needs one? Drag link and welding have been completed by the garage, tyre has been replaced (as well as all four on my daily ) so, need to tighten down the bench seat, install handbrake cables and adjust... and rebuild the engine. Still, getting there! Andy. P.S my 16 year old Polo clicked 148k this week and passed the MOT with minimal advisories... They must have taken pity after failing the van!!
