"Homeschool" repair jobs
Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 11:55 pm
I am writing this to chum the waters for some 'down home' repair tips and tricks. You know what I'm talking about, ...first you take the bailing wire, then you....
I am looking for a particular "repair idea" at the moment. The shift linkage rod ('80 vanagon), that connects to the manual tranny had a boot that covered the grease and the rod that guides the linkage. No boot, the grease dries, everything gets all stiff!! Not preferred.
THis was my attempt to make my own...
I cut a piece of bicycle tire tube, packed the connection with grease after cleaning, and clamped both sides with an ample "accordian" of slack. It lasted for about 4-6 months but has ripped and we are heading back to dried out, etc.. It doesn't appear to be damaging anything, or interfering with shifting. I have had no luck finding a replacement boot. Any ideas out there? (Not a bad run - 4-6 months. Cheap pieces- tube and zip ties).
I would be interested in hearing some tried and true tips that a v-dub schmoe should know. I'll be watching "Wayne's Question of the week" but maybe you know a cool solution to a problem.
Here's an example...
I have heard that the fuses can "refresh" their connection in the holder by gently turning the fuse in the holder. I'm told that this was intentional design. Makes sense. Seems to work.
Just funzies, o'course. But I know there must be some cool (and hopefully wacky) ideas out there.
I am looking for a particular "repair idea" at the moment. The shift linkage rod ('80 vanagon), that connects to the manual tranny had a boot that covered the grease and the rod that guides the linkage. No boot, the grease dries, everything gets all stiff!! Not preferred.
THis was my attempt to make my own...
I cut a piece of bicycle tire tube, packed the connection with grease after cleaning, and clamped both sides with an ample "accordian" of slack. It lasted for about 4-6 months but has ripped and we are heading back to dried out, etc.. It doesn't appear to be damaging anything, or interfering with shifting. I have had no luck finding a replacement boot. Any ideas out there? (Not a bad run - 4-6 months. Cheap pieces- tube and zip ties).
I would be interested in hearing some tried and true tips that a v-dub schmoe should know. I'll be watching "Wayne's Question of the week" but maybe you know a cool solution to a problem.
Here's an example...
I have heard that the fuses can "refresh" their connection in the holder by gently turning the fuse in the holder. I'm told that this was intentional design. Makes sense. Seems to work.
Just funzies, o'course. But I know there must be some cool (and hopefully wacky) ideas out there.