Update

Ok, here is the update. We have been working night and day on Sloth. We attempted to change the seals on the oil cooler. What was VW thinking when they put the oil cooler is the most hard to get to place ever!!!! We lowered the engine, pulled off the two left tins, lowered the alternator (changed the belt while we were there) and then ran into a snag. We could not remove the last three bolts!!! Our luck with bolts has been less than optimal. We snapped off the temperature sensor (the one that is by the third cylinder). We ended up drilling it out (14 hours later) and re-tapping the hole. Kurt is nervous that it is not seated well (I agree but won't tell him that).

So last night we started putting it all back together (we gave up on the oil cooler). We are also taking the opportunity to replace hoses as we go along. If Sloth comes together before our trip it will truly be a miracle!!! Wish us luck. I have lots of pictures to post and will put them up in the next entry.

More Soundproofing, rustproofing and electrical

The weekends are starting to fly by (as if they did not pass fast enough). We have been working on Sloth non-stop. Kudos to Kurt for perservering WAY past me. This weekend we reset the back seat (had to find the screw holes), soundproofed the doors, rustproofed and soundproofed the front floor, and Kurt installed relays for the headlights. Kurt studied the diagrams and figured out the wiring (it was a rat's nest) and then rewired a number of things and installed relays for the headlights (they required more amperage). The only thing that I helped with was identifying the colors of the wires (color blind). He continued to explain the schematic and how it all worked to me (kind of him) but it was as useful as me trying to explain differential equations to him. He will be posting his schematic of how he did the relays (quite clever) when he is done drawing them out. For now here are some pictures of our work:
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Seats and More Soundproofing

Today Kurt got in the seats. He had to redo the flooring because it was a bit crooked and I am notorious for being completely disturbed about the small stuff! So, he reset the floor and started putting in the seats. We finished when I got home from work. Now we are starting to work on the rest of the soundproofing (driver's side and passenger's side flooring.)

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Seats and flooring are in!

We have been looking very carefully at the suggestions posted on the forum "The Samba" and are sound proofing Sloth while everything is out. Today we worked on the floor and engine cover.
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Yippee!!!

We picked up Sloth today! It ended up costing a bit more than we had planned on, however, we are very happy with the outcome. Sloth looks brand new!

So here is the work that we accomplished:

• replaced the rear hatch struts (the new struts, from GoWesty, needed extra washers at the bottom to hold it out enough to clear the door, we ended up using the two plastic washers - that came off the original - and two metal washers)
• replaced all the bulbs (taillight and two front turn signals)
• replaced the headlights with H4's (Unfortunately, the regular headlights do not work, only the high beams. We are trying to debug this now.)

Below are some pictures of the beautiful Sloth. Today, I am going to finish reinsulating the engine cover (cover with B-Quiet and then NASA insulation from JC Whitney), get all the dust vacuumed out, and clean the pop-top.

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Picking up Sloth

We will be picking up Sloth either today or tomorrow. We are VERY excited! We have added a count down for our trip. We need to get VERY busy now. Just waiting for Mark to call us and give us the all clear to pick Sloth up.

Whew!!!

Just got word from Mark (at TZS) that Sloth is ready to be sprayed. It is getting closer. Kurt and I are making our list and checking it twice!

Still WAITING.....

Oh, this is killing us. We are really behind now. We are not going to be able to get Sloth back for another two weeks. Mark is doing a fantastic job (from TZS) but we thought that it was going to only take 3 weeks not 3 months. Waiting.....

Arm Rest

You thought that I forgot about that arm rest? Nope!
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Cushions are finished!!!!!

So in total it took (two people) 3 hours cutting and (one person) 10 hours sewing - but it is done!!! Now I only wish that I could go back and do the first two cushions again. I have the corner thing, the zipper thing and the cording thing all figured out now - just look at this third cushion (not one mistake).

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Two Pillows

Ok, now I have got two pillows and two cushions completed. I only have three pillows, two pillow covers, and one cushion left to make (and partidge in a pear tree...)!

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Two down, One to go!

I finished two cushions!!! Check it out!! I am going to work on the third one tomorrow. But here are some pictures so far.


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Sloth is coming home (soon)!

I called Mark today (at TZS the autobody shop) and he said that he will be painting the beginning of next week. So, we should have him back by next weekend or during the middle of the following week (sometime around May 10th). Today, Sam and I went to Keene Mill Ends (in Keene) and Frank's (in Charlestown) and got fabric for her senior project and the rest of the material for the cushions. Kurt and I cut all the fabric for the cushions (only one miscalculation) and I will be a sewing fanatic tomorrow. I am going to "install" my first zipper tomorrow!!!!!

Still Waiting....

I am going to call Mark today (at TZS Autobody) to get an update on Sloth and schedule an appointment for my Mom's Jeep.

Waiting....I am NOT a patient person!

We are continuing to wait. We are trying to sort through all the advice that we have been given in the meantime and make our to do list. The last order went in today - mudflaps and fuel sending unit. We are going to continue to look for the VDO guages. We are hoping to have Sloth home this week. Stoney's in Milford said that they work on "VeeDubs" so we are going to try them out for the inspection. If all goes well then we are happy. If not then we have a place in Hampton that specializes in Vanagons. Keep your fingers crossed. We will post LOTS of pictures once Sloth comes home. We miss him but are glad at the same time that he is in a nice heated garage through all of these snow storms.

Up on the Rack!

Sloth is up on the rack! Here are some underbody shots. We are anxiously awaiting his homecoming! We have a 1972 - 1978 muffler that we are going to put on him when he gets home. We are going to get rid of the catalytic converter and bypass with the old muffler. There are a few adjustments that we are going to have to make and we will document them as we go. Wish us luck (or give us advice)!
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Biting at the Bit (or so to speak)!

We are getting very anxious!!!! So far we have been collecting, researching, and storing parts to install on Sloth. We have also been looking for a reliable garage to do the inspection. We know that we are going to need a muffler. We purchased one from Gordie and are just waiting till we can put it in. Today, the fabric for the cushions and pillows came in. We are still on the hunt for curtain fabric.

On Friday, Kurt will be going to TZS to check on Sloth and drop off a few of the items that have come in: the sliding door seal, the foot steps, and the door handle gaskets. He is also dropping off the next check :-)

We do not have any thing to take pictures of yet - but we will!!!!! We are just getting so antsy - we want to be working on him!

Rocker Panels

We ordered and received the two outer rocker panels from Bus Depot (they were just stamped - not welded - but that is ok because we are not going for original here). Kurt dropped them off at TZS Autobody. While he was there he visited with Sloth (he is looking good). We are hoping that he will come back home in two weeks. We are getting nervous about being able to finish our list.

Our "To Do" List is GROWING!!!

I am starting to get nervous as to whether or not we are going to be ready by July 12th! Here is our current to do list (updated today by the wonderful people on theSamba):

1. Sew covers for all cushions (done)
2. Make curtains
3. treat floor with POR-15
4. Sound proof while everything is out
5. Get rid of the insulation on the engine lid (too heavy) and replace with NASA insulation (purchased from JC Whitney)
6. Install Bamboo flooring
7. Make cabinetry (order the wood - we are still trying to determine the best wood to use)
8. Install fridge and stove
9. Install muffler
10. Install rear hatch struts (from BusDepot)
11. Install fuel tank sender unit
12. Replace all fuel lines and fuel filter
13. Get alternator and starter checked
14. Get gauges (at least cylinder head temperature - not sure if we can afford any more, though we would like to have oil pressure and temperature as well)
15. Change oil and filter
16. Mount our Hankook RA08 tires on rims (check spare)
17. Purchase safety equipment (road reflectors and the such)
18. Pack a tool box with belts, spark plugs, oil filter, wipers, and light bulbs
19. Check CV boots and all rubber on front suspension and ball joints
20. torque down seals on tranny
21. Replace all light bulbs with new brighter bulbs from Terry in Prospect, Illinois
22. Install the 12V power supply
23. Install flourescent lamp
24. FIX the RADIO!
25. Install speakers
26. Install new horn
27. Make center console
28. Get Vanagon checked over by Gordie at 4 ever 4
29. Have FUN!

So, how are we doing? Anybody free next weekend?

Update on Sloth's beauty treatment

Well there were a few more problems than we expected but we are now committed and I am really looking forward to having a VW that will give us years of happiness. We are so impressed with the work that Mark is doing (owner of TZS Auto, Wilton NH)Here are some pictures of how Sloth is looking now:

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Foam!

We checked over the rest of the cushions from the Vanagon and decided to order new foam all around. We were not expecting this expense but looked at the alternative (sleeping on worn out foam) and chose to go forward. Sammy and I are trying to pick the fabric and I found some curtain glides at Camping World.

Cargo Screen

We found this terrific VW enthusiast from Peterborough who used to have a Vanagon but now has a really sweet 1965 Bug (that is my next car). He had a cargo door screen for sale and we were thinking that on those hot nights, it would be great to be able to leave the cargo door open (minus the mosquitos).

Look how tiny the camera is!

When the camera was delivered, Kurt thought that they might have sent the wrong package. When he opened the box he was amazed to see how small the camera really was! When Sammy got home, she was just as amazed. The picture above shows both of our cameras. the one on the left is our old one that bit the dust last December, the new one is a Panasonic PV-GS320, and after 2 hours of playing with it, we are completely in love with it!!! Kurt and Sammy are biting at the bit to make a movie this weekend!

And we got a NEW CAMERA!!!

Can you believe it? After Sammy had to scramble around for a camera for her college videos, and then a month long battle to finally get one... WE HAVE A NEW CAMERA!!! Sammy can use this for her school projects and we can also take it with us on our trip.

Yiippee!! Time off Request is APPROVED!

So Kurt finally got the approval for the time off this summer. He saved up vacation from last and has added it to this year. We are so thankful to SkySkan for understanding that this is quite unusual and giving us the thumbs up!!!

The Plates are IN!!!!

...the plates are in...so he had been officially named! Sloth is out for his beauty treatment right now...so we can focus on the cabinet designs.

Genet Kindergarten Art 2006-2007 / Sam.JPG

Genet Kindergarten Art 2006-2007 / Sam.JPG

Ok, not quite an update on Sloth - but it is a GREAT picture done by my nephew!

Brought Sloth in for Makeover

Brought Sloth in to TZS Auto for his beauty treatment!

The Bamboo Has Arrived!

We are so excited to get going - we can hardly wait!!! Here are a few pictures of the bamboo flooring. It is double the width that we were expecting (less work) and we are so excited (less seams)!!! Now we are starting to contemplate installing bamboo flooring in the basement - it would really lighten up the room. There are also a couple REALLY cute shots of Mouser - she is such a model!
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Removal of the Inside!

Kurt spent the better part of the day removing the interior of the VW. I spent the better part of the day in bed nursing my cold. I think that he was much more effective than I was - he is finished and I am still nursing the cold!
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BubbleShare

We are experimenting with this new service, BubbleShare. Let me know what you think!
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Two Key Events....

First, we took the lovely ride to Charlestown yesterday to visit with Uncle Roger and Little Roger at Dean's Hill RV. We had so much fun!!! What a terrific place, I love their used product section. While we were there we picked up a used Norcold 323 3-way, 1.7 cu. ft. refridgerator! We are so excited to be able to have cold food with us on the trip!!! This will make bringing our hommus with us a lot easier :-).

.

Second key event, we think that we found a great couple to stay at our house. We are still corresponding so nothing is definite yet but the three of us are feeling more comfortable knowing that our fish, Mouser, and the house may be well taken care of. They seem to be a lovely couple that enjoys the outdoors and has a son that currently lives in Boston!

MindMyHouse.Com

We are starting to get nervous about leaving our house for a month and don't want to put Mouser through the trauma of adapting to a new home. We have enlisted the help of Mind My House; a site that puts house sitters together with houses that need to be sat. View our ad here. So far, we have received 9 responses from people that are interested and we only posted two days ago! I am really hoping to find someone that will love our house, fish, and Mouser like we do!

Fantastic Family!

I spoke with my Uncle Roger last night about the interior of the Vanagon. He is a WEALTH of information!!! He also has a used RV 3-way fridge at Little Roger's store. It is a deal! We are going up this Saturday to bring him photos and pick up the fridge. We would love to bring up Sloth but we are not planning on registering him until March so, for now, he is grounded. We have run into one little hitch, while Kurt was investigating why the sliding door is not opening and closing properly, he discovered that the runner has rust. We are going to see if our AutoBody shop can weld on a piece for the runner. So far (knock on wood) that is the only area of concern.

Nip and Tuck

Kurt spent the better part of today with Sloth. He was trying to figure out the maze of cabinets. He has come to the conclusion that they were originally installed using magic.

Hoard-a-saurus!

We are in the process of collecting materials for the grand makeover!!! We have new foam for the backseat, soundproofing material for the walls and floor, new muffler, end cap for the bumper, and new insulation (to replace the asbestos in the engine compartment - boy does that stuff make me nervous). We brought Sloth into the body shop for an estimate. He is going to get a new look (close shave and new hairstyle). We cannot wait! Sam and I are busy looking for just the right colors to do the inside. And, oh, did I mention the bamboo wood floors?

Sam's new bed

This week has been uneventful. We have not been able to do much because of the ice storm. However, we have been trying to plan. We were looking at the options of rebuilding the bunking areas. The upper bunk is going to be just two halves of a piece of plywood (sanded and polyed for smoothness) and that is it. Doing cushions is not in the picture (too much of a hassle to tear the bed down each night. So we bought Sam an AeroBed. It is twin size, memory foam covered. Looks absolutely comfortable!!! I am also posting the picture of all the packaging that this plastic bed came in - a box, in a box, that was in a box!

We are thinking of traveling some of Route 66. We have the maps and have been reading "Route 66: The Mother Road" by Michael Wallis. I am getting excited!

New "Kitchen"

We are looking to remodel the interior space. The refrigerator is something that is going to need to be replaced. We are looking at the Norcold DE0051 - but we need to find one that is affordable. These things are more expensive then the one in our house!!!

Interior Colors

These are the colors that we are thinking of doing the interior. What do you think?

Sam learns how to drive a standard

Sam has been begging to learn a standard and I think that it is a really good skill SO we put her behind the wheel of the Vanagon yesterday. If she can learn to drive this - then she can drive any standard!!! She did FANTASTIC - like she was born to it :-)!

Pick up!!!

We picked up the Vanagon yesterday and boy does this one have POWER!!!!!! Kurt could not keep up with me. Though I wouldn't want to drive it any faster than 55 mph - it was FUN!!!!! We immediately went to Target, Bed & Bath, and Home Depot to look for ideas.

Picking up the VW tomorrow

We are picking up the VW tomorrow morning at 10 am. We are pretty excited!!!!

Temporary Plates

Sam and I were able to make it to the NH-DMV today to get temporary plates for Sloth. I think that we are going to stick to the name. Sam wants to get a Sloth bumper sticker. I LOVE the idea!!! 20 hours till Vanagon pickup!!

License Plate

We are thinking of "SLOTH" for a name. Kurt has just tossed out a few more - "RIVI", "RVIERA." We will have a decision by next week.

Trials and Tribulations of Registering a 'No Title' Vehicle

Pulled out the money from the bank today - that was the easy part (believe it or not). Then drove to Lyndeborough at the speed of lightening to try to get to the town offices before 4pm (small town and not many hours); only to be told that we could not register the vehicle without filling in the "blue form." This means that we are going to have to get temporary plates. So in the mean time we are trying to think of a good vanity plate. So far our ideas are -- VANAG1 (for VanaGone), GEORGIE, GIDGET, and BERTHA. Any thoughts?

Interior

Sammy and I are going to be "remodeling" the interior. Get a good look at the before shots. Kurt is going to use his handyman skills and build all new cabinets. We are also going to (hopefully) install a wood floor.

Our new (very ugly) VW Riviera Vanagon!

We are picking up our new (to us) vanagon this weekend!!! Yippee!!! I am going to have to remember how to drive an old standard and we are going to have to teach Sammy how to drive an old standard. We are very excited!!! It is a Riviera conversion, that is why the top goes straight up and there are some differenent features with the interior (but Sam and I are going to alter some of those).