Floor Pan Progress

6-21-08

Last weekend was not as productive as I intended but there was some definitive progress. My good buddy Jon came over and gave me a great lesson in welding. First we took a cutting air tool and tried to cut out the floor pans. This proved to be quite laborious. Quickly we ran over to the Bus Man, Steve and begged to borrow his sawzall. We cut the same amount of metal in a fraction of the time. We spent most of the day just gabbing about aircooled stuff and checking in with Steve to take a look at his 72’ Bus. Now the floor pan is ready for its new pans that I ordered. I only needed three because the front right proved to be in great shape. I ordered the Danish Quarter Pans because they are a much higher quality than the crap that comes out of Brazil. I don’t want to be driving down the road and have my seats fly off the track! They took entirely too long to get here. There was a backorder and things took about 2 weeks longer than I had expected.

I decided to make my move on the front beam. I have taken it apart down as far as I can go. I’m amazed at the condition of the bearings. They are in great shape with no signs of wear. The next step will be to spray the front beam and rear transaxle with some Engine Brite and take it to the local car wash to spray off. Then I can start bring both back to life. I have to order about $250.00 worth of parts for it but it should keep me busy for awhile. Jon’s coming over tomorrow!!! Can’t wait ‘cause we’ll have a solid floor pan when he leaves……and that’s a good thing.

Looking Back

Perspective can be a quagmire. I was overwhelmed this weekend by a photograph that I haven't seen in a long time. My birthday was this weekend and I was surprised with a picture of myself with my first Volkswagen. It was the 1965 VW Bug in original black.

My mother took this picture in the summer of 1991. I was a Junior in high school and a rising senior. My mother choreographed the pose emulating a picture of my grandfather whose had a picture taken in 1965 on the same beetle. I hesitantly sauntered up to my beetle and posed for my mother. She informed me after the fact why this was so important. I felt silly at first, then proud knowing I posed analogous to my grandfather who I never had the pleasure of getting to know.

What is most strange is the emotion that I felt as I gazed at the picture. I always knew that I missed driving this car but what was shocking was the emotions that surfaced. I more than owned this vehicle. I did more than just drive it. I recalled how endearing this car was to me. I also noticed how nice the driveway looked. It reminded me of better times at my parents house during my high school years. The driveway looked great which hasn't been this way until lately. This simple picture has changed my perspective and what continues to drive me to bring this new 57 oval restoration to fruition. It is more than just a project. It has meaning to me. I'm looking forward to taking another picture next to the diamond green metallic with my foot resting on the running board. This time, however, I will feel differently and more proud. Perhaps Whitney, Bailey or Nick will want to put their foot up with me and smile.