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This summer my husband spun the wheels on our '88 Grand Wagoneer and broke the rear end. Since we had just put about $1000 into the Jeep and with gas prices soaring we figured it was time to buy a second car. As the jeep was used as a daily commuter with a round trip of 60 miles which turned out to cost almost $400 a month in GAS!! Anyway, I wanted a convertible, automatic, all power something and my husband wanted a VW, more specifically a Type III. Funds were tight and we didn't want to spend over $2000 for a car, but needed something that could be driven everyday 60 miles round trip. We looked at all kinds of cars and for $2000 well you pretty much get what you pay for. They all looked like junk and seemed as thou they would barely make it home. We finally found a car I could be happy with! A '71 Fastback. I test drove it since I was to be the daily driver, felt good...sturdy...of course my husband asked all the appropriate questions...when was the last time it was registered...did it pass smog test...are you original owner...etc. Anyway this car looked pretty clean. One little spot of rot on passenger door and a small spot near the vents...otherwise the body was clean and didn't seem to have any body work done to it. Interior was very clean. Of course, my husband inspected the car inside/out. I figured since I had picked the Jeep, I would please my husband by accepting the VW he wanted and we only paid $1500. I told him, buy me a CD, Sheep seat covers and a bra for the VW and I'll be happy. This was back in June. This VW has been driven everyday 60 miles round trip and my gas bill is now about $100/month. Just recently I informed my husband that the engine seemed to be on its last leg an that I thought the starter was on its way too. (Oil started leaking out!) Of course, he didn't listen to me. So, instead of test driving to get a feel for the car, he just tuned it up(Stripped a plug, took all weekend to fix), checked all the connections, etc. Didn't even test drive it! Bought a '70 Fastback that had front end damage for spare parts. (I have posted a note looking for rubber for rear pop out windows that I want to remove from '70 for my '71-All to no avail) Monday morning off to work and my long commute...VW seems o.k. seems to be running better...hmmm. On the way home, almost there, Me and the kids are flying in the car pool lane, then it ends and the traffic begins...OH NO! Oil light comes on and stays on!! I read the manual when we first got the car and I remember reading that you should not drive with the oil light on...so I pull off the freeway and my car dies...I restart it and limp to a corner parking lot a block away, pull in and let my baby rest. Checked the oil and its dry! The oil I had placed in the rear is gone! Husband forgot to put it back! Call husband to come to the rescue. He checks out the car does a little tinkering, puts oil and we barely got it home (about 1-2 mi) White smoke was blowing all the way. Sounds like sh*t! Then he informs me that the engine was blown. Please keep in mind that we have never owned a VW before, but have bought Haynes, Bently, Muir and I have been printing mailnotes, and Web pages referencing T3 stuff that I have found which I felt might be useful.Boy! was it ever!! Husband has gotten carried away!!!! Completely stripped the '70 for useable parts...Had a new tranny on it (w/receipts) Pulled engine on '71 and ordered a rebuilt one...Ordered new tranny for freeway driving...completely cleaned out engine compartment...primered it...undercoated complete underside and wheel wells. Rebuilt axels, replaced cv boots, repacked U joints(?) 6 of 8 were good (using both '70 & '71 parts)...replaced starter...replaced gas hoses...bought new oil full flow system...new muffler...new shocks(front&rear)...obtained missing heater parts...rewired completely...pulled all exhaust and remaining stuff and sandblasted and coated with special heat resistant paint...new clutch...Checked gas tank and it was rusting on top...removed rust and painted...checked under battery which was also rusting, scrapped and cleaned out rust, placing a special mat under battery...redid fuel injection. I know I'm leaving some stuff out, can't remember it all. It has been two weeks now and everything is coming together after spending about $2000, rewiring is done. Just need to prime the oil, put in the plugs, time it and try to turn it over and pray that it starts and runs good. I am really excited as everything is new. This Fastback has really grown on me, its cute and fun to drive. Have someone who will cherry out the body[remove the rust] and repaint for me. But now hopefully I won't have anymore car problems for some time. Just hope some nit wit doesn't run into me or try to steal it! Trying to get my husband to write a note to this dl with info on what he has learned, shops that supply parts, etc. Will keep you posted, Sonya