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Hi all, and thanks to jaco for the invite. My name is Dave and am a complete newbie to the vw world. I bought a Baja Bug just over a month ago to use for a trip up to Namibia. Although admittedly not my first choice of vehicle (I was looking for a 4wd), I fell in love with "her" the moment I went to view. It then became a challenge to see if she (and I) could handle the journey. After a thorough going over (new tie-rod ends/ carburettor/ distributor/ coil/ fuel pump, and a bit of re-wiring and a re-threading of the rear half-shaft because the holding nut had stripped the thread, and having done the paperwork, I set off...........
The first day from Johannesburg to Augrabies was the beginning of a series of mechanical glitches that was to dog me in spurts along the intended route. Not a true mechanic but handy with a spanner I would continue to re-set the points until I decided to refit the old Bosch coil nearly at the end of the two weeks I was on the road and my hassles came to an end. Overheating was only a problem when forced to slow down for long periods during severely corrugated stretches of road. Dust in the air-filter meant regular cleanings. I bust a bearing on the rear right and traveled from just past Grunau via Canon Roadhouse (Fish River Canyon) to Keetmanshoop where I got a replacement, pausing every five clicks for 15 minutes to let things cool en route. Then between Sesriem and Kuiseb pass a campervan threw up a stone which caused the old type windscreen to explode, showering glass everywhere - the upside being that I had great air-conditioning all the way to Swakopmund where I got a brand-new, I was told the last one in town, fitted.
Apart from these annoyances I had a great trip - JoBurg-Augrabies-Fish River Canyon-Sossusvlei-Kuiseb-Swakopmund-Spitzkoppe- and back via Otjiwarongo-Windhoek-Keetmanshoop-Fish river canyon again-Nakop-Upington-Witsand-and back. On the last stretch the regulator played up a bit.
I was asked to send in some pics and these are basically the ones used on Gumtree and other sites as I have now grudgingly have to sell her before I return to my job in
London where I've lived for the past twelve years.
The journey was a way to get away and find much needed rest solitude following a mid-life crisis and heart-bypass surgery earlier last year. I'm chuffed I found and did it all in a volksie - and got through it all with a bit of tinkering, something a modern car with all the computerized gadgetry could not have managed without a tow-truck.
I intend to do it all again soon - the plan was to go all the way to Vic Falls via Etosha-Caprivi- and then maybe Maun-Sowa Pan way, but the tight budget got hammered by the extra costs incurred. I didn't chance the sandy bits too much this time either (digging out at my age seems too much like serious work) but who knows that I may not be tempted again to do it all with another Bug.
Regards
Dave.
Welcome, maybe you'll get yourself an Aircooled when back in the UK? seeing that you enjoyed the trip in the Baja..
Awesome trip report, sounds like it was a ton of fun.. the Baja reminds me soooooooo much of one my dad had when I was a kid..
Just keep on BUGGIN'
Protect the endangered, say NO to exporting our AirCooled spares & cars..
Hi - my name is Derek Serra. I am new to air-cooled VW's, having previously dabbled in WC Syncro campers and I have recently purchased the following campers:
1978 Autovilla
1982 Westfalia with right-hand sliding door and Joker 5 pop-top
My intention is to start Classic Camper Hire, to give locals and tourists an opportunity to travel around the Western Cape in a classic VW camper. I intend purchasing a few more vehicles as I come across them in fair condition...
hey guys iv been on the forum a while now and only realized now that i have not introduced my self as yet, my apologies but i'm not a big talker lol
iv posted one of my late builds in the projects threads hope you guys like it and i would appreciate any and all replies
This is a very useful forum and it's great to see a strong air-cooled crowd in SA.
Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a long time VW guy, I started with mk1s, owned one mk2 and then went back to mk1s. I recently returned to SA and bought myself a Beetle. It's my main form of transport and I hope to have fun with it! I'm orginally from Woodstock, Cape Town so a part of building this car will be building contacts in and around Gauteng.
Please post a thread of your ride, we love photos, and enjoy interaction.
Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
Hi all, I am a newby to beetles. I am busy with a project. Just started to build a volksrod.
Its always been my dream to build a hotrod. So with n small budget i will attempt this project.
Welcome guys,
you'll find a wealth of information here, and a number of friendly and helpful guru's.. Don't forget to share Pics with us of your builds.
My name is Roelf.
I recently bought a Beach Buggy, which I intend to make into something Nice.
I'm from Brits and actually looking to maybe start a Buggy Club for those who share my compassion for these cool cars.
I'm looking for some headlights for my buggy, but want something nice.
Any ideas?
My name is Roelf.
I recently bought a Beach Buggy, which I intend to make into something Nice.
I'm from Brits and actually looking to maybe start a Buggy Club for those who share my compassion for these cool cars.
I'm looking for some headlights for my buggy, but want something nice.
Any ideas?
Hi and welcome Roelf.. You want to speak to Pine here on the forum, he's a fully qualified buggy nutter, he can help out..
Just keep on BUGGIN'
Protect the endangered, say NO to exporting our AirCooled spares & cars..
Greetings from The Lost Coast of Northern California. I've been into and driving AC VW since 1975. I hope to someday soon visit SA , and take in a VW Show.
Now If I could figure out what some of the words such as bakkie ect; mean LOL. Mark
Lost Coast wrote:Greetings from The Lost Coast of Northern California. I've been into and driving AC VW since 1975. I hope to someday soon visit SA , and take in a VW Show.
Now If I could figure out what some of the words such as bakkie ect; mean LOL. Mark
Lost Coast wrote:Greetings from The Lost Coast of Northern California. I've been into and driving AC VW since 1975. I hope to someday soon visit SA , and take in a VW Show.
Now If I could figure out what some of the words such as bakkie ect; mean LOL. Mark
Howzit boet, welcome here..
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(howzit = how are you/hi/hello, boet = brother)
Just keep on BUGGIN'
Protect the endangered, say NO to exporting our AirCooled spares & cars..
Currently on the 3rd Beetle, also owned a bay window panel van a few years back. Been an aircooled VW nut since I was little, hope to share and learn on the forum.
