Seeing as we’re pretty much confined to barracks during the middle of a global pandemic, there isn’t really any excuse for not bringing the site up to date. Not that a massive amount of VW related stuff has happened so far in 2020 thanks to a ridiculously wet start to the year and now Covid-19. I’m not going to dwell on the fact that Clarence and me should have been going to the Lakes next week, because there are so many people who are in a much worse position than I am, but I couldn’t help but have a wry smile to myself at the irony of the weather forecast being wall to wall sunshine!!

As I’ve had to slightly rejig my time off to make things fit a little better with year end (and also make it easier on my mental health being stuck at home) I’m hoping I should be able to get a few little jobs sorted on both the bus and the bug. Especially seeing as the weather is apparently going to be ok.

The only really noteworthy VW news is that March is MOT time for Clarence and his first at the new home of the Herbie Hospital out towards Wetherby. It’s a great spot, but a bit of a PITA to get to. The accessibility issues (2 hours from BIW via 2 buses) are almost tempered by the fact that they have a whole load more room there so can store the bus for longer than the old premises.

Normal Service Is Resumed

Naturally he failed first time around:

  • Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))
  • Nearside Inner Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
  • Nearside Outer Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
  • Offside Inner Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
  • Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))
  • Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nothing too material there, but obviously a couple of hundred quid left my pocket! My joy at that was compounded 10 days letter when he developed an issue with the clutch. I’m not sure what the issue actually is, because I can’t get him to the garage thanks to this lockdown business. It could well be the cable which, speaking with Johnny should be a fairly straightforward replacement. Having got the back end up on axle stands I’m not sure I want to have a go at it – felt super vulnerable under there!

In other news, I have a new lady in my life. I can’t see her right now other than via video call, which sucks, but it’s going pretty well. The brewing is going from strength to strength and I’m making some pretty good stuff these days. Santa brought me some lovely shiny stainless steel kit at Christmas which has not only made life easier but has also increased output!

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