Headliner: Rear Window progress

Ok, this time I think I have the rear window 90% cut out and 99% past the idiot (I screwed up again) stage. Installing the rear fabric is by far the most nerve racking thing one could ever endure. It feels like you are pissing away $120 per try. In the past, I lost $700 dollars from a hole in my favorite worn out jean pants pocket, but something about failing more than three times on a $120 headliner was way more fustrating . At least I live in hope that one day I will find my $700 lost four years ago in some weird hiding place in my apartment. Yes, I still pray for my money! :-)

The last remaining peice is clamping the lower section to the window ledge. I was getting to close with my cuts so I left the shop for the day. Also, the most important thing that helped me out this far was having a second pair of eyes (which) was the only brian. Evidently, my eyes and lack of a brain helped me fail two tries ago by myself.

More to come next week. Wish me luck or send me $120.00, I'd be trying once more if I do... :-(

Headliner: Install update - Failed

Today was my second attempted to install my headliners. I used a tutorial off the web that gave the wrong instructions and left out an important step in its documentation. I figured I can fail 5 times before it cost me more attempting than having it done professionally. The prices I have been getting for the install in the North East is roughly $600. The way I figure, this is my project and I would really like to install the headliners perfectly myself. I am ordering my third kit today (sux!). Once I have completed the project, I will write a complete update on the process which will include photo, so that others can learn from my experience and not by three headliner units.

General: 1958 Peanut turn signal Installation

Just when you thought most VW parts were interchangeable, some install will completely reminds you that they are not. I purchased a nice set of chromed peanut turning signal from a VW show for my 1958 project. Although the Hella lenses were pretty cracked up, the chrome was in great shape. I purchased it from one of those guys that have everything setup completely and nicely with a yellow or green price tag strapped to it. I am sure those type swappers exist in every Volks show across America. Presentation = more money. :-) This also translate into an easy installation process. Fortunately, I bumped into the #1 price negotiator on the East coast, my friend Bob. He talked the vendor down from $75 to $50 dollars because of the cracky Lenses. So, I took them back to my lab, replaced the lenses with my original non-cracked pair and tried to assemble them to my car. The bolts were too short and after one hour of trying to push the signal down so the screw could catch underneath the fender, I stood up and check my original turn signal and I noticed the post were about an 1/8 of an inch longer. So, I swapped them out and mounted the signals. At that time I noticed the wire connector was different as well. The older one had a screw in wire apparatus vs the 1963 version that had a prong for clipping. So, basically I purchased the chrome for $50. I already had the seals and plastic. The moral of the story is, make sure you review things carefully before purchasing things from at swap meets. What you think you are about purchase, might not be what you need. I think swap vendors start as people who purchased a whole bunch of parts the thought they needed, but found out it was not applicable. So, if you never want to have a surplus of parts that do not work for you, make sure you select carefully. Ask question and cross reference with people in the Auto Show, their cars are already done.

General: Help with choosing a Logo

vs.

vs

Which of these logos have the most appeal?

All three of these logos are copyrighted by VolksRide 2006 - All rights reserved.

Headlights: Seeing with both eyes

I have finally received my replacement H4 headlight beam for my Bug's left eye. When my car was at the last shop in New Jersey, I guess someone walked in and stole the EMPI H4 light that I slated for my project (-$15.00, just the chip of all lost parts there). I purchased a replacement and installed it. Now my headlight restoration project is complete. My car now has two eyes to see with.