Pleased as punch

It's generally very popular opinion on this forum that if you own a camper, you should be able to look after it yourself.

So this weekend I went to learn to do just that.

I know it has its own separate thread, but a lot of people don't read Show/Event threads if they haven't been involved, and I really wanted to share this as much as possible.

Tekenders is the perfect VW event - it encapsulates the spirit of VW owners: friendly, helpful, down to earth, kind, generous. I turned up on Friday (for those that think TLB can sometimes be "cliquey" I went entirely on my own and was made so welcome and really well looked after) and knew nothing. Really, truly nowt - I thought oil was black...

By the end of 7 hours on Saturday I had taken the steering apart to fit a replacement indicator stalk; taken the dash out to refurb a panel and change bulbs to LEDs; completed a tappit/valve service; performed a full oil change AND also found time to fit the firetec system in the engine bay.

It's not just an event for novices - this weekend there were engines being dropped, heat exchangers revamped/fitted, fuel lines being replaced etc etc.

None of this could have been accomplished without the guide, help, skill and (crucially) patience of so many VW enthusiasts who gave their time willingly and for free. I'll say that again. For FREE. Isn't that amazing?

That's why I heart TLB and why I heart the VW community O0

Here's a few pics of the novice in action...my shopping list for tools is now nearly as long as the list of stuff the van still needs :

Taking the steering off for the indicators




Getting the dash out


Getting comfy (!!) underneath for 2 hours of valve adjustments

 

What a great write up,glad you enjoyed yourself and well done to all the techies.

 

Well done zoe theres no stopping you now

 

you were AMAZING fixing all your stuff!




i think i'm in the running for the most napping prize :

 

excellent, maybe i should trailer my bus there

 

Well Done Zoe,

I've often thought I should go to this but thought I might redefine ignorant when I get there!

Next time maybe!

 

Well done to Zoe and everyone else for getting stuck in.

And thanks in particular to Ricky, Ben and SarahJ for making it a great weekend for me by being so helpful to everyone else.

 

ermintrude olympic sleep goldmedal

 

Great stuff Zoe - beginning to feel guilty here. Just tightened my headlamp rim though

 

Bravo Zoe!
Nice to meet you, Ricky, Zed, John, Tuesday, Rob, Ermintrude et al. Thanks for making a Techenders newbie most welcome

See you at the next one!

 

Well done Zoe

 

Very impressive :dance: