Quick update.
Went to the licensing department with letter from the attorneys and AGAIN - rejected, sorry sir, you also need a certified copy of the previous (deceased) owners ID ! aarrgghghh.
Busy arranging this with the attorneys handling the estate. Wonder what they will ask for next time we go there !!
BUT, little challenges aside, I have such a big smile on my face.
Wanted to go to the Sasol down the road from us to get a little late night snack. (what can I say , it was a rough monday and I needed a sugar rush.) On my way out, I realized that since I have bought this beetle, I have not even taken it for a spin yet (besides up and down the yard) ! How pathetic is that, especially after all the work to get it going.
Back to the livingroom, grab the keys, to the ACVW we go! Pulled the choke out all the way, primed the fuel pump a bit, and after a couple of turns blackbird starts as true and easy as always
.
I reach for the seatbelt, oh wait, no seatbelt
, lights on, click, whats that midget with the torch doing under the bonnet - I lie, it wasn't that bad, not GREAT, but adequate for town driving (6V lights for those who don't know).
Pull out of the driveway and I can hear the whole neighbourhood's dogs barking their approval
Since I have not yet had the pleasure of driving blackbird on a public road, you can understand my trepidation, also, the little matter of
it being unlicensed - but we are working on that
Down the hill we go, whats that wine ? CRASHBOX , or, no synchro first at least. Stop before you try and engage first gear, and when I say stop, I mean COMPLETE STANDSTILL. My 2nd attempt at engaging 1st was much better
Round the turn and here we are at the STEEP hill into the sasol service station. Down the hill we go, hand on the handbrake ! But my fears were unfounded, no problems, brakes as good as the day they left the factory.
Park and get my fix. She looks a bit ratty standing outside the sasol - rust to be repaired painted with rust inhibitor, looks almost like bird droppings all over the front, bumpers off , just the brackets standing proud of the body work, but still has more character than all the other cars parked outside by a LONG shot.
Get in the car, now where will I put my sweets, no problem, on the parcel tray
Now there is something every acvw should have.
Start her up and now its back up the hill. Try it in second, but not enough momentum. STOP, first gear, and up the hill we go, no problem whatsoever. Feels ready for the SANI PASS
Park her back home safe and sound. Never before has going to the shop for a couple of sweets and coldrinks been this much fun. LONG LIVE THE ACVW!
Only a fellow enthusiast will understand
