Driver Yes! Mechanically Inclined...Noooooo!

Greetings All!

I am a newbie and about to take the plunge and purchase my first Replicar!

After reading through this wonderful forum, I have a question to those of you more mechanically inclined than me: Should someone like me, with little or no mechanical "know how," attempt to own a replica speedster, or am I just asking for a lifetime of frustration?

I say this because the only things that I have in my toolbox are a checkbook and a pen (these are the jokes).

Any feedback?

Thanks in advance!

Chris in Phoenix

Chris,
There are speedster owners that have zip... for mechanical knowledge and click a pen now and then to gets things fixed and that "ain't" all that bad because owning and driving a speedster is a blast.
Most of the mechanicals on these cars are easy and not really expensive so you won't break the bank if you have a qualified air cooled person do your work.
Being here with this gang of mis-fits, you'll gain speedster related knowledge and slowly be able to do some things yourself.
Go for it and I'll be the first to say: "Welcome To The Madness".
"Madness".... I'm on speedster project #21 and counting. ~Alan

Welcome Chris,

You're in good hands! There are all kinds of rocket scientists and brain surgeons (not to mention,professional mechanics,engineers, and even lawyers!) on this site, they are generous with their formidable knowledge a lot of which is already archived on this great site.I have been a SOC member for only a few months and have greatly benefited when stumped by my Speedy. The above "good drclock" is a fine example of this scholarly "car-guy" attitude.

(Warning) Beware of extreme hilarity, goofiness and poignant smart-assism all given in good nature, NEVER boring and not for the timid.

P.S. Fellow SOC member please send all death threats to my email as the snail mail ones scare my wife!

I'll also welcome you aboard, Chris, but I will say that a willingness to learn how to work on your car will not only save you some money, but will also increase the fun factor. This is a participatory obsession and the satisfaction you'll get from doing some things yourself will become a big part of the enjoyment.

Another part of the fun - perhaps the biggest - is gathering with the rest of us crazies for our group therapy sessions. Where are you located?

"Madness".... HA, I'm on speedster project #1 and counting 21 years"!

Buy a book (now) like John Muir's "How to Keep Your VW Alive." It makes the maintenace almost fun. The VW engine is simple - no miles of vacuum hoses, computers or extra accessories. As a 2nd or 3rd vehicle - the limited mileage you'll put on it will keep required maintenace down. You can always use the check book as backup.

Mine will indeed be done by Carlisle - it's not that building one from scratch takes extreme mechanical ability - its just that other things interfer with countless hours in garage. If I hurry and get in line, mine may be Alan's #22. But I don't want to give up yet.

Welcome Chris.......Guido, Luigi, and myself have planned a party for you and your check book.....Just step into this alley with us and............ Nah! .....We give newbies a week of grace before the "Humor Attacks" begin...... Dr Clock says it all......Welcome to the madness when you purchase your ride..... ;-)

Hello, Chris, and welcome to the madness.

Go ahead and write the check for a Speedster, and then ask on here for good, dependable VW mechanics in the Phoenix area. I'm sure there are a few out there that someone on here has used and can recommend so you can interview them and find one you like and trust. Once you get the car and have found your wrench-guy, take it to him/her for a good safety check and then get out there and drive it.

You might look for a car with A/C for those toasty Phoenix summers!

Good Luck!

Gordon
The Speedstah Guy from Beaufort

I'll just add a few things to the other suggestions:

1) If you positively don't want to know or do anything on your own car I suggest you either buy a new(er) water-cooled replica from IM or SAW or purchase a Miata. Otherwise you'll find yourself quite frustrated as time rolls on. Your other option is to find a certified air-cooled specialist in Phoenix who is active in the VW air-cooled scene. Someone here on this site can possibly help out with a name of a shop/individual, or you can ask over on the Samba site.

2) If you do want to work on your own car, or at least understand it, I suggest you pick up a copy of the John Muir book plus buy a copy of the Bug Me video on general maintenance.

3) My own experience (after several frustrating attempts to find a suitable shop) was to find a mechanic who is an enthusiast and work with him on my car. I'm a quick learner and Tony's a great instructor, so I'm now at the point where I can either call or email when I have an issue and pretty much take care of anything that comes along.

Remember, there will come a time where you'll find yourself on the side of the road and your choice will either be Macgyver or AAA.

I couldn't agree with Terry more. These cars are not modern, and are probably closer technologically to your lawn mower than to your "other cars". A serviceable knowledge of what's going on in the back would be a good idea.

Welcome Chris.
All great advice. Find a mechanic before the car is even delivered and buy the Muir book. It helps to have at least some knowledge about what's going on when you have a problem. You might surprise yourself and fix it!
These cars are fun but the people are more fun. IMO you have come to the right place. What and when are you buying?
Life is too short to drive an ugly car. Happy motoring.

Chris...Don't let these guys scare you...I am about as mechanically declined as possible, in fact I don't even own one of those guage thingy's to measure the gap when my mechanic adjusts the valves on my tub. But I bet I have logged more miles than most on this site when it comes to wheel time....The key of course is start with a relatively good tub from any of the makers, and find a good VW mechanic in your area...Phoenix must have their share since there is a lot of dirt riders in your area and they drive VW powered machines for the most part...They are VW's not Porsche's....
If you have any question as to whether one of these tubs is for you, buy used in the 12-15K range, if it does not work, you can recover your money.....

C.I.P Howdy and welcome too... Chris it took me 18 months to pull the trigger here and these guys on top of me here (LOL) helped me make my decision.. in fact Vince gave me my call-sign "Speedster "D". Personally I have always been a Chevy guy with little or no VW experience, but I took the dive anyways and I've had a blast ever since! Enjoy your tub. even when you breakdown you'll look COOL by the side of the road, and folks love to help out COOL guys!

Think about it!

Chris, Vince makes good advice. He can't even sharpen a pencil let alone turn a wrench. (At least that's what Gerd told me).

Welcome to the Mad side!.... Heh-Heh

~WB

hi cris,just ask the good guys where you put the gasolin and you are in the fun,some naysayers think you have to be a rocketscientist to drive a speedster,[ its a porsche,nothing else,its always a porsche ] i hate that they say it is a replica,i was born 500 feet from ferri porsche,s birthplace,drove all my life 356,s and drive now a car john steele build for me,it is the same car 53 years later but the same principles,a real sportscar from the 50ths,everybody loves oldtimers,and aircooled puts you on top of the world,have fun,herbert hofer.

Chris, I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I waited until 48 to get my first "hot rod." I stacked the deck a little (alot) by getting a turnkey from one of the best builders (Carey Hines from Special Edition) and abused the fine folks on this sight for specification advice. Other than the fact that the Speedster has always been my dream car, I was also attracted to the fact, that, mechanically, it's pretty close to the original. Structurally, mine is stiffer, lighter, and won't rust. The powertrain is better, and all of the parts are new and easily replaced. The car couldn't be more basic or robust. I've learned to change the oil, adjust the valves, change the plugs, and adjust the clutch cable, so far (as well as a couple of minor start-up repairs). Lane is right, I don't have the pride of building it myself, but I do take pride in learning how to to keep it running. You have to approach it as a hobby and, as John Muir said in his book "with love." The folks at this sight have already uploaded lots of good info and if you lurk on the board, you learn from others issues and everyone is always eager to help with your issues. Through the board, I met my friend Bill, who is a long time Porsche mechanic in my area who drives a Speedster and has been of infinite help. Take the plunge. You can do it and you will have lots of help! Buying this car is like buying into a family.

"....... Buying this car is like buying into a family."

Our speedster gatherings are like a family reunion without all the bitch'n. ~Alan

If your family reunions look like this, you'll feel right at home.

Yup, that be some of the gang ~

Chris, don't let those pic's scare you, they are the "East" enders, the "West"enders are a lot less civilized....

Someone say Party?

And she was the designated driver... Us west-enders are not that bad.. I don't think Vince or GERD have even worn their thong lately...

You east-enders DO look like family and that part stares me! Where are all the Mexicans, beside the folks serving YOU? BAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAA

I crack myself up!

Wow!

I've obviously come to the right place! Thanks to each and every one of you for taking the time to welcome me and pass on your valuable advice.

I guess I'm just a wee bit intimidated, although thinking back I had no problem rebuilding the engine of my first car back in college ('68 Nova

Chris - Welcome to the Madness! Give a shout-out the next time you're going to be in SoCal. There are enough of us SOCers in SoCal that will take ANY excuse to get together for a cruise. Don't worry if you don't have your car, there is always a right-seat available!

Peace - Out!

Unless you're in a huge hurry to buy, do some research and join in one or both of the gatherings next spring. The left coast folks have one in Pismo Beach (is that correct?) in April, and us right coast folk have one in Carlisle, PA in May. The Carlisle gathering is at the Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals - the largest kit/replicar show outside of England, I believe. Several of the manufacturers show up and join in our shenanigans, which would give you a great spot to compare and ask questions. Check out www.carsatcarlisle.com/ce/events/import/.

CHRIS I DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MECHANICS WHEN I BOUGHT MY SPEEDSTER IN 06.
NOW ITS 2010 AND I HAVE A COUPE.
AND THE ONLY THING I HAVE LEARNED IS TIE DOWN THE FRONT TIRES WHEN U R TOWING THE CAR. :)
THE POSITIVE IS U GET A NEW SET OF FRIENDS THAT GO ALONG WITH THE PURCHASE.
OH AND VINCE

"TIE DOWN THE FRONT TIRES" Bwaaaahahahahaha

To fill you in Chris, gravity took hold of Gerd's previous speedtser while it was on a roll-back and gave it a tug ...gravity won. ~Alan

Chris, if you already rebuilt a Chevy 250 you'll have no trouble learning the VW ropes. My own personal Nova was the 1967 model. Also a chick magnet.

BTW, these cars really are chick magnets. They're actually everyone magnets.

Chris, you must come to So Cal and join us....
We usually go to Gerd's for some fishing and wine drinking to start our cruises..
I mean AFTER the cruises

Gerd's Aunt will cook any fish you catch, and his son is an expert when it comes to wine, but be careful not to drink to much, sometimes I think Gerd has some Indian in him the way he holds his alcohol...
Oh, i'm sorry, that isn't politically correct, is it....

...and for sure you don't want to miss any of the SoCal SOC parties...

Now that's a West Coast SOC party.....Be afraid, be very Afraid...

HEY VINCE, ARE RICHARD AND MIKE STILL IN JAIL FROM THAT LAST SOC PARTY

Richard ended up being a big Dick, which worked out well because Mike's real name was Michele, and they lived happily ever after....

Chris.....DID I WARN YOU OR NOT! These are "actual" photos of the SOC WestCoast get togethers..... with the rank ones not shown do to a variety of laws (legal and natural) being broken. I'm personally trying to work up the nerve to go to a SOC meeting myself.

Chris, welcome to it. This joint is crawling with characters.
Out here on the East Coast, we're a little less Oban-prone ... Since we spend a lot of time wrenching and driving.
We prefer beer. :)

Here's what you're getting yourself into: