Aircooled VW South Africa

have you been running the sound system hard with the engine on???? You will need to start looking into an alternator conversion....

I have the sound system powered totally separately not including the generator but you are right, what I'm going to do is an alternator conversion and then connect the leisure battery to the alternator too but that's now next year as run out of time!

So today I hit rock bottom.....very bad day! All started OK apart from the generator or regulator not working anymore but I risked driving to get the bus inspected for the insurance. That went well and all the items for the insurance now done

The I had to take the bus to the Upholsters and whilst driving down the R44 the back wheel came off

So the nuts had not been tightened or something but first the chrome hub cap few off with 3 wheel nuts and seconds later that was it....I'm really pissed any upset. I can only assume that the nuts weren't tightened enough or the painting of the rims has allowed the nuts to loosen.

I spend ages on the side of the road, this is becoming a habit I don't like but now I have to investigate the damage. So the bus has gone into storage until I get back from Aus as we fly tomorrow and when I get back I will work out what to do.

I suppose you could say it's my fault as I should have checked the bus over completely but I assumed it was all done. I have learnt a lesson today, don't trust anyone to do a proper job.....I'm going to do all the work from now on by myself so I know that it's been done properly.

I tried to support the local trades and it helped me as I don't really have the time and wanted to use the bus with the family but there's no way now until I have completely checked and fixed all the items that where not done to my standard.....

There is something to be said about the work done here against the work done in the UK...sorry everyone but I'm hurting and upset!

Anyway fly tomorrow, I'll work out the damage when I get back as I have to pack now!

Have a great Christmas (if you celebrate) and happy New Year!

Frank, Frank, Frank get the paint of your rims, especially where the nuts grab the rim. I had the same problem 3 times before I removed the paint. You'll probably finr your nuts were tight to begin with but the paint is a def. no no.

Enjoy OZ.

I always say.... if you want something done right.... you have to do it yourself.
The UK isn't exempt from botch jobs either though. I had a a leaking(read they didn't use a sealing washer) in banjo fitting on my fuel filter in my S4, right above my turbo and exhaust manifold, after a "service" in London. I took it back and the guy said...."yeah they couldn't find a washer"
Glad you are ok though!

Glad you're OK too, Eben. Pack of wankers... Been there, got the T-shirt

Thanks guys....apart from getting hot and mad....I'm fine. See you all in Jan!

Hey Frank - I saw you driving on the R44 just past Steelenbosch Square. Was going to post about how good it looked on the road!! Sorry to hear about the problems.

As to quality of work locally - a personal bugbear of mine!!! No you're not immune elsewhere, but we do seem to have it pretty bad here in SA. To some extent it is because of people expecting work to be done cheaply, but I have also seen some people get royally shafted, and still end up with a crap job!!!

Having to do the work yourself really isn't a solution, but is often the only option.....

Barry

Sorry to hear of your bad luck

Sorry about that. Enjoy your christmas and new jear. Talk again in Jan.

Sorry to hear about your trouble DD. There's nothing as demoralising as standing next to the road.
Have a good Xmas and New year. When you get back you'll feel beter. You can't feel bad when you're driving such a stunning bus!

Hi all from down under.....driving today saw 2 buses for sale on the side of the road. One was a pop top bay in beige and white the other was a bay bus.... prices were A$4000 and A$1000. Not bad I thought. I'll try and take a few pics tomorrow as I've also seen a bay crew cab in nice condition....loads of ACVW here.

Enjoy your time there. There should be a couple of Fleetlines running around there as well.

Now, now Eben. Where can I send a big spoon?

If I imported an Aus bus into SA....would you guys all hate me? Would I be considered an exporter or an importer?