[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] [New Search]

Re: [T3] some advice for a novice?


On 2 Apr 2004 at 14:57, Jim Smith wrote:

> does that go for the tranny as well? i was always told that was a hands off
> area for the inexperienced.

You're right about the tranny innards, but you haven't told us what kinds of 
problems you're having with your tranny. Some such problems actually have 
external causes, so it's important to understand the problem before you 
consider a solution. The trannys are generally extremely reliable, so if you 
really do have a tranny internal problem getting a used tranny is usually a 
good solution. There are lots of people here who can get you a good used 
tranny.

> are the engin rebuild and seal kits from JC Whitney any good? or is there
> someone else that you all prefer?

JC Whitney quality is very varied. The gasket sets and seals will be fine, but 
I'd consider carefully what else you buy from them. Before you consider doing 
such work, you want to study the engine chapter in this book; this is a book 
you want to own anyway:

Volkswagen Official Service Manual
Type 3 Fastback and Squareback 1968-1973
published by Robert Bentley, Cambridge, Mass, 1974
ISBN 0-8376-0057-X / LPV 997 383 / VSQU
(excellent book, complete and well written)

This is still in print, but current printings have wiring diagrams in B&W only. 
Early editions are often available used; check ebay.

> i would love to be able to do it myself, at least to some degree. A learn as
> i go type of thing.Eeven if it was just as a weekend hobby. i just didnt
> know if it was going to be something where i ended up dumping thousands and
> thousands into it and getting nowhere, or screwing it up and blowing up the
> car.

It's certainly possible to screw things up. Just take it one step at a time and 
ask advice at every step and you'll probably do fine. The people who have 
trouble are generally those who assume that they already know everything.

> sorry, i am pretty sure it's a type 3 fasty,

What's your VIN?

> btw.. is there anyone from the Philadelphia area who might know some parts
> resources somewhat locally?

It's a good idea to find someone locally who can help you, but you will find 
the best VW resources in CA. IF you do a rebuild, send your case to RIMCO. Ask 
here before you buy ANYTHING. There are lots of places out there selling junk. 
Many of them have nice looking ads and defend their products, but it's still 
junk. Gene Berg is pricey, but always top quality.

A couple of things to keep in mind: 

1) The magazine, "Hot VWs" is pretty much owned by the advertisers. The 
articles in there are often written BY them and will thus push a certain 
product or shop. Be careful there.  

2) An ad with lots of nudity is probably NOT selling quality; they're selling 
something else. Ignore them.

3) The level of quality is generally inversely proportional to the number of 
exclamation points in the ad.

4) Decide what you want first. High performance costs more, and reliable high 
performance costs MUCH more. Stock performance is quite good, and can be had at 
a reasonable price, but you still have to be careful to avoid substandard 
parts.

-- 
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
List info at http://www.vwtype3.org/list | mailto:gregm@vwtype3.org


[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] [New Search]