Early Christmas
Christmas is coming early this year. Well, at least we are.
Due to a very long and growing set of reasons, it just made sense for us to book a flight back to the EE.UU. in the very near future. So, in just a few short weeks, we’ll take a red-eye from Santiago to Houston, via Dallas. It’s not exactly a preferred itinerary for international jet-setters, but a timely bargain nonetheless.
We literally watched prices fluctuate an order of magnitude on a daily basis before hitting upon a deal. Purely by luck, we’ve managed to snag what seems to be a yearly-low for airfares and it couldn’t have come at a better time. One of the many benefits of sitting down with internet access for a while.
Most importantly, of course, Bode needs to visit his grandparents before we commit to the run on Tierra del Fuego and south South America. If we get much farther south, there just aren’t any major international airports and I suspect we’ll be down there a while. I think I’ve adequately documented my increasing bummery, so some U.S.-bargain shopping will also be in order to replace my disintegrating wardrobe. You can’t live on VW-club shirts and duct-taped shoes forever – but I’m trying.
The car parts issue keeps lingering too. I can finally find repuestas in Chile, but everything is much cheaper in the U.S. Besides, maybe I can convince some of our readers to donate a few parts if they have them lying around in the garage (hint, hint – especially if you’re connected to a supplier – we’re cheap to sponsor) We’ve already scored an electronic ignition (thanks, Larry!) but still need a new piston/cylinder set (stock or 88 mm?), gaskets, some random rubber bits, carb parts, a door lock cylinder (can you even buy this separately?), and who knows what else. Heck, does anyone make a magnetic drain plug anymore? That might be a good idea too.
Bode needs books, Legos and other random 6-year old stuff. Angela wants a ukulele. And, we’ve got to sort out some banking issues, amend taxes, renew licenses, etc. etc. We’re not completely divested of our US residency and things tend to pile up. By the time you add it all up, it may actually be cheaper to fly home than to try to do it all from here. Making a ‘big list’ of lists is on my list of things to do.
So anyway, if you are inclined to help us out with some VW parts, or if you are in the greater Galveston-Houston-Austin corridor in late October and just want to meet up for a beer, just let us know. I’ll put it on my list.
Angela!
That photo of you and the slingshot makes you into the coolest mom EVER!
Have a great trip to the US.
Ghislain and the girls.
When you get to austin we can chase down whatever you need. Give me a shout.
please provide an address for mailing goodies to Texas so I can help a bit. I have several 71 door locks but do you need front door, side, or rear. Can you find someone there to change the tumblers to match keys or perhaps in Tejas? What rubber and plastic pieces do you need-I have lots.Try Chirco.com for liners-best prices and cheap shipping. What carb parts-Kadron chokes etc? Let me know. rusty
Rusty – thanks for the offer to help! We appreciate anything you might be able to salvage from your parts bin. No worries either way! You can send it to:
Jason Rehm
16907 Memorial Oaks
Spring, TX 77379
Off the top of my head, here’s our wish list so far…
Front door lock cylinder. I can re-key it myself and have done it before. (I also saved the pins from the broken one).
For rubber, we need the engine compartment seal and front door inner window scrapers (both doors).
Also need a Westy cabinet handle with innards.
For the Kadrons, we need a choke element, 2 choke vacuum/diaphragm fast idle thingies, and new carb filters (or an oil bath filter option). Any experience using “wraps?”
engine gasket kit
flywheel seal (it’s leaking already!)
piston kit
magnetic oil drain plug
oil breather solution – currently just a hose routed out the bottom of the tin to the ground
I’m sure there’s more, but it’s already a long list!
If you’re going to be in Austin, you’d better put us on your list. They make magnetic drain plugs for Triumphs (big surprise) . . . not sure if the threads would match, but let me know if you need me to line one up. Love the picture of Angela hunting dinner with the slingshot.
I’d love to join you for a beer in Houston! Perhaps a little West Alabama Ice House, now that the weather makes it a wonderful place to hang out. Unfortunately I don’t think my Vanagon will make it, though… I just had to leave it in California after they dropped in ANOTHER faulty engine, so I’m without my rolling home for an unknown period of time… Welcome back for an early Christmas!
Jim- the last time i was there (long ago), it was 8 am and the bar was already full. Good choice!
hey jason Email me I might be able to help you with some P&L sets later md
email coming…. thanks, Mark!
what’s that strange design on your pockets, angela?
Angela wants a ukulele. – right on! you can play that train song for me. i’ll sing!!! SO EXCITED! XOXO
Angela! (and Jason and of course Bode)
I’m a for-real ukulele teacher of 4th and 5th graders at Horace Mann School in Beverly Hills (I also own a 91 vanagon camper). While it doesn’t make a lot of sense for me to send you a ukulele (you can buy one cheaper than I can send one), I’d be delighted to give you free lessons over the web, recommend books etc.
I’m studying myself with James Hill via the internet. Check out his “Billy Jean” on youtube. Send me an email and we’ll set it up!
Best,
Ethan
p.s. my brother is still in Paraguay if you get back that way on your way back north.
Ethan-
That is so cool! Yes, if Santa brings me a uke I’ll be contacting you!
Angela, I’m not sure if it was Santa, but I’m pretty sure one of his elves as been talking to me.
Ethan