Kombi Ownership

VW NOTES AND ANECDOTES

Now you have a Volkswagen , especially a Kombi, you have entered into

ownership of the most favourite “cult” car in the world.

From Company Directors, movie stars & millionaires to hippies and the varied people who inhabit our planet you will find VW owners have one thing in common, they laugh, and are happy, even when their VW upsets them. VW’s are probably a bit like cats, you don’t own them , they own you.

Things to do :

1. Buy John Muir’s book “ How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive- a Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot.

There are many other Manuals and Maintenance books but this is the one.

Logical and anyone can understand it. It is also very funny.

2. Learn to check basic procedures- regularly check oil- most people think a VW engine is aircooled-it is- but also oil cooled or kept at correct operating temperature. Water “cooled” engines are not kept cool by the radiator but kept at correct operating level.

If your VW does not have temperature gauge there is an easy way to check before the red idiot light comes on to warn you. If you can hold dipstick in your hand or even if you have to swap it from hand to hand it is not too hot.

3. Learn “the wave”. This is probably the most important part of owning a VW, especially the Bus, Van , Camper, Pickup etc. Just a gentle acknowledgement through windscreen is OK though you often find frantic waving by new owners who have only just found out about “the wave”.

4. Somewhere close to home there will be a VW specialist, maybe young, maybe old, he could be gruff or happy but he will have the knowledge to help you as long as he or maybe even she, knows you look after your VW.

5. If you can’t find one there will be someone who will stop to talk to you and they will know someone. In most countries there are VW Clubs, many online and many with groups with FAQs sections. As an example I had an enquiry from UK and sent e-mail with phone number to contact and within 10 minutes the enquirer had a phone call from a VW owner less than a mile way from his home who solved his minor electrical problem.

6. Most VWs whether with standard carburation or later model after market usually start by turning ignition on- getting the pretty lights –depress accelerator once- take foot off and turn to start.

In colder climates you may need to do it a couple of times but don’t hold your foot down.

Like most good engines VWs need a little time to warm up to correct temperature and you will soon to get to know when this is.

7. You don’t have to check water, so no antifreeze, only oil and tyre pressures are the daily, weekly checks. Being rear engined it is essential that tyre pressures are correct. Porsches, Ferraris and other exotica need same care.

8.There are many after market suppliers of parts and accessories especially in UK and USA. Even body panels and mechanical parts are manufactured by non VW companies plus there is suppliers of original parts in Europe, UK, USA, Australia plus a huge source are the VW suppliers in Brazil and Mexico where production of the Beetle and the Kombi only ceased last year (2003)

9.In most countries there are regular events like the Day of the Volkswagen, Bugfest, Run to the Sun etc plus swap meets, Concourse Shows etc. Some of these are like rock concerts, other catering more for the enthusiast and family.

10. Most VWs have a name. You may change this if you wish providing you use similar procedure to changing the name of a boat.

Select a bottle of wine, brandy, or whatever is your favourite, pour a little over the front bumper and announce the new name. You then drink the rest of bottle with friends who must also contribute a bottle to this auspicious occasion.

For the many who go through a midlife crisis a VW is safer than a Harley,

less expensive than a Porsche or even an E-Type or MG etc, far less problem than a mistress or a gigolo, as your wife/husband can learn to love your VW, and also if looked after should be an appreciating asset.

Warren Matthews

Australia

July 2004 ©