Truthfully, we all will sometimes put off work that we know really needs to be done. In my case, the sum total has been almost two years in delaying taking care of some issues on my 1986 VW Cabriolet. Stuff just happens.
I have spent five days handling a multitude of automotive services on my little 'vert. Not consecutive days but five actual work days. Right now, I'm enjoying a celebratory adult beverage or three while I pound this keyboard.
Motor Mounts: There's four of 'em and the two primary left n' right mounts require a machine shop service to press out the old and punch in the new. Of course, you can only do one at a time so there were four lost days just waiting. Impatient and grumpy... a bit. New mounts have eliminated the buzzing dash and blurred mirror.
Air Conditioning Delete: Yes, I know. It's hottern' Hades during the five months of a Texas summer. However, the compressor was bad, the clutch didn't and the drag on the engine contributed to some overheating issues. Lost a total 45 pounds off the front end. I have three cages; two with AC. Pick one. The parasitic drag is gone and the car feels as if it has an extra 10 horses... German ponies anyway.
Timing Belt: Good golly, Miss Molly. Three fan belts, the crankshaft and water pump pulleys plus two covers have to come off just to even see the timing belt. I thought we whipped Germany? Certainly runs better now.
Camshaft Oil Seal: As long as the front end of the engine is field stripped, may as well replace the weepy seal. Had a new seal in stock that my favorite VW supplier had on sale for $2.54. For fun, I checked the price at my local bearing supply house... I couldn't believe they wanted $33.00!
Seat Back Release: Had to yank the seat out and un-upholster the driver's seat just to replace a cable. Also discovered I need new nylon seat track guides when the OEM bits fell out in pieces parts.
The good news is that the work is done and the old Cabrio fired up first twist of the key.
