HERBIE IS SICK! · Aussieveedubbers

HerbiesJem · 6 Mar 2006, 6:20 pm

Herbie is sick, Herbie is dying, but he can be resurrected with a little help.

You see, I had a non Vee Dubbie mechanic install a new clutch, but first doesnt work. It clunk clunks and shudders and makes a dreadful sound, pops out and misbehaves. All other gears work beautifully. He proceeded to say he didnt know what the problem is, and that I would have to talk to someone who knows more about the Dubs.

His battery is dead (although it isnt old, but just because he has been sick for so long hes lost his will to live and just needs a little revving up), and he needs one tyre pumped up and a little light in the back break replaced. His breaks are adjusted fine though.

I cant do it myself. I need help! I need to get my licence before August, because (heres the kicker) Im up the duff, and I bought Herbie to practice in, but since his clutch went cactus, I havent had any practice at all. I have had him almost 2 years and have driven him only a handful of times.

I am willing to swap home cooked meals, money for labour (but I dont have too much of that), icy cold drinks and even tutoring for the kids (I am a teacher of Junior Science and German)...

PLEASE can someone help??? I would have acted sooner but I only just came across this site, and didnt have the money to get the car towed, buy any new parts and also pay another mechanic to start from scratch!

I need to get mobile ASAP, I want to go for my licence before the end of April.

Thanks,
Jade.... (HerbiesJem)

kirk · 6 Mar 2006, 7:12 pm

which part of australia are you from, it helps to know where you are, so people in that area can help you out. you should'nt have much trouble finding someone on here to help you. i was in your shoes a while back and some people on here helped me out.

good luck.

MickH · 6 Mar 2006, 7:37 pm

Yeh...location would be a great help.If you were in Townsville you could cook to give me a break!!!👍👍:bounce

HerbiesJem · 6 Mar 2006, 8:53 pm

Sorry guys! I am in Paddington, Queensland! That is just on the north side of Brissie near the CBD.
I was having a ditzy moment!
:0)
Jade.

jeremy · 6 Mar 2006, 9:27 pm

If you were in Toowoomba I could lend a hand :thumb

Come on people surely someone can help out.

Jeremy

BUGBOY · 6 Mar 2006, 9:30 pm

Sounds like you have a few problems with Herbie.
I`m sure someone up your way will help you out.
sound like they didn`t fit your clutch right, or the clips have come off your thust bearing.
You should try and get your battery put on a charger.
I`m sure you`ll get some help.
Is anyone up that way up for a working bee?
I`d like to help but I`m in Victoria

Matt Ryan · 7 Mar 2006, 6:47 am

Jade,

try this link to Queensland helpers page.

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=2

Matt.

oval TOFU · 7 Mar 2006, 10:35 am

I'd love to learn more german! Good luck with it all..

shaihulud · 7 Mar 2006, 7:49 pm

bump. bump, bumpety bump.

HerbiesJem · 8 Mar 2006, 6:46 am

Actually, bob IS my uncle....
and its more of a clunk than a bump!
:0)
Jade.

fasteddie · 8 Mar 2006, 10:17 am

Guys I'm in a pickle aswell, any one in melbourne area who can help me out, give me a call on 0415 539 654

There is a slab in it for someone who can help out

thanks

ed

oval TOFU · 8 Mar 2006, 11:30 am

fasteddie wrote:Guys I'm in a pickle aswell, any one in melbourne area who can help me out, give me a call on 0415 539 654

There is a slab in it for someone who can help out

thanks

ed

What's up?

firefly · 8 Mar 2006, 12:14 pm

fasteddie wrote:Guys I'm in a pickle aswell, any one in melbourne area who can help me out, give me a call on 0415 539 654

There is a slab in it for someone who can help out

thanks

ed

Fasteddie, It is helpful when you do post things like this that you give a little more information. Like close prox of when you are north south east west??? and what your issue intales. this way things might be a little easier. Learning comes in a number of forms, but if the information is not there learning cannot be achieved.. 😉

Cheers
T

koolkarmakombi · 8 Mar 2006, 12:28 pm

u2u (top right hand corner message thingy)

Dasdubber · 8 Mar 2006, 12:34 pm

Jade I am happy to try and help out but I'm on the gold coast which makes it a bit tricky trying to organise a time/date. Sounds like the engine may have to come out to rectify the clutch problem - for this to be achieved you'll generally need a flat surface (not sure if you have a flat driveway/garage at paddington - quite hilly)?

I have a battery charger you could borrow (just a cheap one but it would do the job until you get it running and then the alternator/generator will help recharge it). The brake light should be easy to fix (do you know if your beetle is still on 6V or has it been upgraded to 12V)? or also do you know what year your beetle is?

I don't know how other people feel about trying to organise a date for a working bee - the next available saturday I'd have would be Saturday 1 April (up until 3pmish)- I guess this could be a start to get the ball rolling. If someone can get it sorted sooner than that, then fantastic, unfortunately I'm tied up until that weekend. Anyone else?

Cheers
Alan

HerbiesJem · 8 Mar 2006, 10:10 pm

Hi Alan,
Herbie is a 1967 Superdelux, all origninal, so that means he is still 6 volt. I wanted to keep him that way until I get confident enough to do night driving, then I might consider a conversion. Still, I wanted to keep him mostly original.
I have a flat garage, and yes, it is SUPER hilly here! I will have to get my husband to move his car out for that one.
I wish he was handy with cars! (You should see the state of his car atm!)
Any help at all would be appreciated. Any time it suits you. Thank you so much for your kind offer.
And if there is something you would like in return, let me know.
:0)
Jade.

HerbiesJem · 8 Mar 2006, 10:11 pm

Hi KoolKarmaKombi,
There was nothing in my inbox.
Is that what you meant?
Sorry,
Jade.

Dasdubber · 8 Mar 2006, 11:18 pm

Okay cool - well if we shoot for April 1 hopefully it will all go to plan. I am not sure how I'll go but I'll try and round up a friend or two to help (unless someone on here is keen to volunteer as well)....you never know - if we get enough helpers we may even be able to adjust your brakes, grease your front end, and (hopefully) get your beetle back on the road.

I'll be able to bring up a trolley jack, jack stands, grease gun, general tools required to pull an engine. For those reading this, how do you guys travel removing an engine when you A) don't have a removable apron like I do, and B) don't have a block and tackle to hoist the rear of the car up (like I have access to with all my beetle engine removals). I figure getting the rear end up high enough on jack stands is a start, but are the normal jackstands high enough?

Oh and don't worry about anything in return for the work, maybe just a cold beer upon completion of the work (not too early though as motivation can be adversely affected by increased consumption!). I just hope that when the engine is pulled, it is something that can be repaired on the day (and hopefully won't be stranded by the need to replace a part thus not allowing the job to be finished).

Dub-Buggier · 9 Mar 2006, 12:18 am

I am dalby bound ( 3 hrs from brissie) and usually work on a little bigger gear( dozers) but if this gets up i could try and come down and then move on to visit siblings. i was in the QLD helpers thingy but i am not sure if i still am listed after the server trouble, Im not bad on the tools but am limited in VW work.

u2u me closer to the date.

cheers dub.

[ Edited on 8-3-2006 by Dub-Buggier ]

sorry jade no longer able to make it discovered today that i am obliged to attened a family 21st on april fools.

hope your bug gets up and running about in no time tho!!

cheers dub

[ Edited on 9-3-2006 by Dub-Buggier ]

HerbiesJem · 9 Mar 2006, 8:20 am

As long as I know how many are coming to help out, I can put on an april fools day BBQ. That may lure more helpers.
I will buy a carton or a few six packs if you like different beers, and we can throw some sausages on the barbeque.
I apprecaite the help. My husbane will be there to help with lifting too, and hopefully Herbie will indeed be back on the road by the end of the day!
That would be fantastic.
:0)
Jade.

oval TOFU · 9 Mar 2006, 10:03 am

Das: In my experience with removing an engine, It's best to get the heavier duty car stands as they are generally taller at their max setting. Some of the older screw-style ones also have a higher extension. IN regards to the trolley jack, it'll need to be one of the 2 tonne+ ones as they also have the greater lift height. Failing that, you can get creative with bits of 2X4 under the wheels of the jack. But I find you'll still need the larger jack to get the engine out from the gearbox (the car's at an angle remember! so the rear end is going to be even higher than at the car stands!) You probably know all this anyways... hope it helps.

Dasdubber · 9 Mar 2006, 11:42 am

cheers mate, yep I have one of the big high lift jacks, but may need to review jack stand situation - anyone in brissy happy to loan theirs for a day if you have the tall ones?

jeremy · 9 Mar 2006, 1:28 pm

Did someone say BBQ :P

Add me to the list Jade.

If theres going to be a maintance/repair day made of it, then I could organise to come aswell.

Jeremy

[ Edited on 9-3-2006 by jeremy ]

jeremy · 9 Mar 2006, 1:35 pm

don't have a block and tackle to hoist the rear of the car up

If we can get enough people we could use our collective "Super Human Lifting Power"

Dasdubber · 9 Mar 2006, 9:19 pm

DIY-DUB wrote:tell me when and where

Saturday April 1 (morning start)
Paddington (don't really want/need to put an address on the forum - closer to the time those going could receive this info by U2U).

Cheers for the offer guys.

Volkswagenboy · 9 Mar 2006, 9:39 pm

I'll try to lend a hand if I'm free (I have to do a motor swap on my Magna this month) So if that's all finished by then, Veronika (My Superbug) and I might pop over for a few hours.
U2U me closer to date please.
-Staggers.

penguin · 10 Mar 2006, 10:18 pm

Guys
can't help on the 1st (well at least for all day as I have a four hour class at Clontarf to get to) but have four car stands (probably the same as yours Das, but can measure the height at full stretch if you like to see if they are higher).
DIY, can drop you off there and probably stay for a while if you can get away from familiy and or work stuff.
Have a grease gun I can bring as well.
Let me know on u2u or on my mobile number okay. DIY and Stan have it. I am cutting back my time on here till I get the net connected at home.

koolkarmakombi · 11 Mar 2006, 3:59 pm

let me know the details, I have sent the lady a u2u but she no see

Ive a big trolly jack, any other tools Das?

Dasdubber · 11 Mar 2006, 9:44 pm

koolkarmakombi wrote:let me know the details, I have sent the lady a u2u but she no see

Ive a big trolly jack, any other tools Das?

Thanks mate - another jack would be handy as well as general tools....you always need more than one 10, 13 and 17mm spanner at a time!

I haven't got the address yet - I'll find out and let you know. When it comes time (ie. probably a few days before April 1 when people can give a definite yes or no), we can give out the necessary details.

Cheers
Alan

penguin · 19 Mar 2006, 12:27 pm

Guys,

have got the full day free, so count me in at this stage, either in person or just tools 🙂

Cheers

Dasdubber · 19 Mar 2006, 8:48 pm

Cheers mate, I will U2U Jade to get details and will contact people next week who have indicated they will help.

Thanks
Alan

HerbiesJem · 20 Mar 2006, 8:03 pm

Hi Alan, I have messaged you with my details. Please let me know final numbers so I can organise food and drink. Also, Im not sure how we will pump herbies tyres up or charge his little 6 volt ticker. Also I will pay for a new rear brakelight bulb if anyone is going to a car light shop soon.
Thanks,
Jade.
PS the mecanic who took his engine out last time just used a simple jack, and did it alone.

Dasdubber · 20 Mar 2006, 10:29 pm

Thanks Jade - I've replied to your U2U. To everyone else who has replied and intends to help I'll U2U you all next week with final details (address, phone number etc).

😉

penguin · 21 Mar 2006, 7:09 am

Das,

here's a suggestion. If anyone can think of the most obvious tools to bring along, post a list. That way we can bring whats needed (and two or more of some things) but not think 'someone else will bring that'.......

Dasdubber · 27 Mar 2006, 9:16 pm

Okay guys - looking back through this post it looks like the following people have indicated they will be able to help (post here if you cannot make it);

jeremy
DIY-DUB
koolkarmakombi
penguin
volkswagenboy1
myself

Any others??

Okay here are the tools/bits I will bring;
2 x standard cheap axle stands (not high lift ones)
fulll set metric spanners
full socket set
Oil drip pan
5L oil & funnel
big trolley jack
rags
screwdrivers
allen keys
feeler gauges (for valve adjustment)
grease gun
misc hand tools (shifters, pliers etc etc)

I figure kick off at 9am (if this is okay with you Jade?) - that is a reasonable hour for everyone (including me who has to come up from the gold coast). I will U2U those above the address and my mobile as a point of contact if required. Anyone else who can help would be appreciated.

cheers
Alan

[ Edited on 27-3-2006 by Dasdubber ]

Dasdubber · 27 Mar 2006, 9:18 pm

We could do with a pair of tappet cover gaskets, oil strainer gaskets - I'd bring them if I had any laying around. I might have some 6V bulbs. We really need to get the engine out quickly sat morning in case there are any clutch components that need replacing (so we can scoot out to a vw shop before 12pm when most shut).

Cheers :kiss

Volkswagenboy · 27 Mar 2006, 9:20 pm

Does anyone here own or manage a DubShop?
-Staggers.

jeremy · 27 Mar 2006, 9:52 pm

Saturday April 1 (morning start)

Ok I better ask this now, just in case????

This isn't one of those plans that has been hatching for the last few weeks to catch us all on April Fool Day is it???

:o:o:o:o:o:o:o

[ Edited on 27-3-2006 by jeremy ]

Dasdubber · 27 Mar 2006, 9:54 pm

Glad you asked, but I can assure you it is no joke 😂

You'll just have to trust me on that one 😵

Volkswagenboy · 27 Mar 2006, 9:57 pm

Hehe... Cool.
-Staggers.

HerbiesJem · 27 Mar 2006, 10:00 pm

All three clutch components are brand new. Driven round the block once. I dont think we will need anything else. See, I got the new clutch put in because the old one was slipping (springs had worn on one side) and since then first hasnt worked.
Shouldnt be the parts though.
Oh, and dont forget to post what you want to eat and drink.
:0)
Jade.

Dasdubber · 27 Mar 2006, 10:24 pm

Thanks Jade - hopefully we'll get it all sorted! Don't go too nuts on the catering side - I'm sure we'd all appreciate a few snags on bread and a beer (mid strength for me though - have to drive!). But please don't feel obliged as by the sounds of it you have more important things to put your money towards (ie. another mouth to feed on the way!). 😊

66deluxe · 28 Mar 2006, 7:46 am

I can Help out no worries, as for tools i have Everything, Gaskets also, i even have a clutch alignment tool(input shaft from old trans). I have a tow truck coming hopefully early morning to pick up my old kombi as it is going to a new owner, so i can be there after it has been taken, Cheers Damien.

Dasdubber · 28 Mar 2006, 8:34 am

Cheers Damien - your help will be much appreciated!

Dasdubber · 29 Mar 2006, 3:18 pm

Okay, updated list of helpers....thanks to;

koolkarmakombi (Todd)
penguin (Chris)
66deluxe (Damien)

Unfortunately Jeremy can't make it, and haven't heard back from volkswagenboy1 via U2U yet...I think DIY-DUB may be able to make it but not sure (was waiting to see if he can get a lift with penguin).

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to a successful day of vw assistance! 9am this saturday (66deluxe will be there a little later).
Cheers
Alan 🤓 😉

david · 29 Mar 2006, 5:28 pm

after all the work you have done on your beetle you still want to go out of your way to help some one else ,that is cool good thing about most dubbers hey

koolkarmakombi · 29 Mar 2006, 9:57 pm

cu there

Im bringing a large trolley jack, milk crate for the engine, an extra set of sockets and spanners, enthusiasm, bad humour and a bottle of windex ;-)

also my assorted box of cans and tubes (degreaser, oil, sealers, neversieze, cableties etc etc)

Im with Das, sanger in white bread for me! No pan galactic gargle blasters for me as Im a driving too. I will bring coffee :-)

kkk

penguin · 30 Mar 2006, 7:09 am

DIY
let me know what time, I am planning on staying out at my place Friday night and can drop you back to yours afterwards so long as we aren't there all day (I have to do some work for my folks).
I guess I'll have to leave there around 3pm (Sorry guys) so hopefully we can get most if not all of the heavy work done by then.
If I can find it all: Sockets, some spanners, grease gun, a trolley jack and car stands. (Oh, and a couple of VW destruction books 😉)
No beer for me either thanks (will bring a few cokes etc), a sanger is fine for me, or even advice on where the nearest Pizza place is 🙂

koolkarmakombi · 30 Mar 2006, 8:15 pm

not long now!

jeremy · 30 Mar 2006, 9:47 pm

Like aready post I will not be able to attend. Have had sick kids all week, the first one gets sick then passes it to the next and next and the next and so on. (I have 4 kids under 5, and my wife 7 months pregnant)

Sorry Jade and fella's I know I will be missing a great day. :cry :cry

Jeremy

Volkswagenboy · 30 Mar 2006, 9:51 pm

It seems I can't help out! I've got to pick my bus up Saturday morning. If Paddington is on the way back from Alderly to Browns Plains I can stop in and say hi though.
-Staggers.

It seems that way according to whereis.com!

[ Edited on 30-3-2006 by Volkswagenboy1 ]

Volkswagenboy · 30 Mar 2006, 9:56 pm

P.S: Sorry for not replying to your U2U sooner.
-Staggers.

Dasdubber · 31 Mar 2006, 7:23 am

No problems staggers and jeremy - I understand. We should have enough guys to get the job done so thanks for offerring in the first place. 👍

koolkarmakombi · 31 Mar 2006, 7:48 am

So, are we fitting nitrous, dropped beam, wide 5 and a phat tacho with a shift lite?

😂😂😂😂😂😂

66deluxe · 31 Mar 2006, 9:11 am

No phat tacho with shift lites, if you need a shift light to tell you when to change gears you should be drivin an auto.

Dasdubber · 31 Mar 2006, 10:12 am

Hey c'mon....I have a shift light 😊

Then again my type IV with stock cam struggles to get to 5000rpm so I don't think I have ever had the light on (apart from when the car starts!).

I think Jade will happy to just to have the beetle running....of course it would look better slammed with some trick mods, but we only have one day 🙄

66deluxe · 31 Mar 2006, 12:24 pm

Sorry Das, i didn't know you had one, I just like the tacho to be in the dash old skool style like the 911's.

Dasdubber · 31 Mar 2006, 10:48 pm

Sorry I won't be in my dub - its in bits at the moment (engine work). Will see you all there in the morning - hopefully we can update this thread with good news and some pics of success for Jade! :kiss

Volkswagenboy · 1 Apr 2006, 7:43 am

Is it still okay if I come, it seems I'm not busy this mornin' after all!!
-Staggers.

Volkswagenboy · 1 Apr 2006, 4:11 pm

Engine Bay Detailing done by VWBOY!!!!
-Staggers.

Volkswagenboy · 1 Apr 2006, 4:13 pm

All in all it was a great day, thanks Jade for the lunch and drinks. It was a fun day even if the Clutch Grab is still there. (Damn Brazilian solid friction plates). Hope everyone else had a great time!
-Staggers.

penguin · 1 Apr 2006, 9:11 pm

Had a good time, nice to meet folk about the place. Pity again that we didn't get it sorted out completly though.

Volkswagenboy · 1 Apr 2006, 9:49 pm

Yeah, bit of a bummer.
-Staggers.

HerbiesJem · 2 Apr 2006, 9:44 am

Guys I am just appreciative that you came, and for the time and effort you put in.
The car is better than before, even if the grab doesnt fix. I will ring my uncle tonight, and micks in the morning to see if they know what the problem is. I wish I had had the car towed to Micks in the beginning before getting the mobile mechanic out, but you dont know these things do you?
So, THANKS! And, I still have a coffee plunger and some Coffee that we wont drink, and if I could hear how to get it back to its owner that would be great.
:0)
Jade.

koolkarmakombi · 2 Apr 2006, 11:39 am

Umm , the coffee gear would be mine....

I will arange to get it can you u2u me your number?

pics to follow.

kkk

HerbiesJem wrote:Guys I am just appreciative that you came, and for the time and effort you put in.
The car is better than before, even if the grab doesnt fix. I will ring my uncle tonight, and micks in the morning to see if they know what the problem is. I wish I had had the car towed to Micks in the beginning before getting the mobile mechanic out, but you dont know these things do you?
So, THANKS! And, I still have a coffee plunger and some Coffee that we wont drink, and if I could hear how to get it back to its owner that would be great.
:0)
Jade.

Dasdubber · 2 Apr 2006, 2:02 pm

Cheers Jade, sorry we were unable to fix the clutch shudder - despite the accumulated years of experience of those present, unfortunately sometimes things just don't go to plan! The professionals sometimes have to step in as you'd think doing this stuff every day, they would have come across it before and hopefully will be able to sort it out with minimal expense.

There is a new clutch plate, new pressure plate, new throwout bearing, clutch cable seems okay, new clutch lever return spring....so I am hoping it is the adjustment of the bowden tube which the clutch cable runs through that may be causing the shudder. Unfortunately we just ran out of time to sort this out :cry

Thanks for your hospitality. 😉

penguin · 2 Apr 2006, 2:30 pm

And trust me Jade
if you ever feel like Herbie is just too much 🙂 I am more than wiling to step in.
In case all our comments went unnoticed - You have a very nice car, very well deserving of the care that you want to give him.

Volkswagenboy · 2 Apr 2006, 7:07 pm

Hey Jade, is my Snap-On torch still at your house? (Possibly in the engine bay)
I can't find it!
-Staggers.
P.S: Thanks from me for the hospitality too!

HerbiesJem · 5 Apr 2006, 5:29 pm

Damn, I will have to check before the RACQ comes tomorrow to take him to Micks.
I spoke to Mick briefly, and he said he would have to look at it, but should know what the problem is straight away.
He said it could cost 20, it could cost 320... He said he would ring to tell me how much before working on him.
Anyway, I didnt tell him definately that he would be coming tomorrow, but hopefully he wont mind when Herbie shows up on the doorstep!!!
:0)
Guys, thanks for the help, and I will let you know ASAP as to what is happening with him. As soon as he is fixed, I will be starting lessons, and hope to be quite practiced before the end of the school holidays.
Wish us luck!
:0)
Jade.

HerbiesJem · 6 Apr 2006, 4:36 pm

Got your torch!!! But no clip for it... I thought you said it was a clip on?
Also have the coffee plunger and coffee. If at any stage you want me to leave it out for you, just let me know.
:0)
Thanks, Jade.

koolkarmakombi · 6 Apr 2006, 6:11 pm

Hey jade, can u2u me your number

ta

kkk

Volkswagenboy · 6 Apr 2006, 6:15 pm

Hey, it's Snap-On (Snap-On is the brand) Either way, if it's black and bright, it's mine! Thanks for that, I'll have to come pick it up soon. I knew I'd leave it somewhere, I kept losing it all day!
-Staggers.

HerbiesJem · 6 Apr 2006, 10:02 pm

Well it is small and black. Not hard to lose in a black and greasy engine bay! You need to get yourself a metalic yellow or red one... harder to lose!
:0)
Jade.
PS: Herbie is now safely at Micks. I forgot to send the new rego sticker with him.... hope that doesnt matter. Perhaps I should post it over? He is getting looked at tomorrow, so wont be ready until after monday anyway.

penguin · 8 Apr 2006, 5:45 pm

Whew
glad you found the torch as I looked in my toolbox (I thought it may be there when no one else answered) but couldn't see it either.

Hope Herbie gets better soon Jade. When did the new rego sticker turn up? in the last week? if so I reckon you could just take it over with you when you go to pick him up.