VW Kombi.comA new year, a new look - Ethel has had a make-over. Truth be told, I’ve noticed I’ve been calling the van Ethel less and less recently. I think it’s because as time has gone on, I’ve removed more of the stock Aussie camper parts (like the roo bar and spare tire, the stock engine parts) and with each subtle tweak the bus is looking a little cooler; in other words, I don’t see her as a frumpy old lady so much!
The most recent changes have taken a while to come to fruition. Back in December I got the bus lowered, taking up a timeslot that was available at short notice - I had hoped to get the bus lowered and on the set of shiny new Empi 5-spokes before my wedding day (it was going to be used as a wedding vehicle). The timing was good - it would give me three weeks before the wedding to get MoT sorted. But disaster struck.
On the way back from getting the van lowered, the engine was getting progressively louder. Half way through the journey, as I pulled up at a set of lights, I heard the reflected sound of the engine bouncing off the cars next to me. Jeez, it sounded like a friggin tractor! And a very unhealthy one at that! Before not to long, I pulled over to investigate and by the end of the journey I was crawling back on hazard lights, with the engine popping loudly all the way of the 20mph journey.
Prognosis - knackered cam shaft. There was no way I was going to get it running before the wedding.
We got married, everything went smoothly and then we went on honeymoon. When I got back, I started thinking about the bus situation - it had been in the garage while I was away having a new (recon) Remtec engine installed. There had been a few teething troubles getting it to fit in, but earlier this week I collected the bus and now she’s driving nicely, quietly and with the lowering I can really feel a difference in handling, especially going round roundabouts or other sharp turns. I’ve still got to get used to slowing down much more for speed ramps (otherwise I’ll grind out!) but that’s a small price to pay. So, say hello to Ethel version 2.0 - doesn’t she look the part?
