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Well, I’m glad my breakdown spurred a good round of posts about must-haves. Not being especially adept at mechanical diagnosis or repair, my primary tool is my Hagerty’s card. I’ve probably made good use of it at least once a year since acquiring the Lafer in 2007.
My problem turned out to be electrical. I seem to have been driving on the battery alone when everything went south. I’d had it towed to a shop near the house, primarily because the garage that’s done most of the work over the years was closed for the day. And as it’s located right alongside a major freeway, leaving the Lafer there overnight would’ve been too great a temptation for thieves.
The owner of the shop where it was towed didn’t feel any of his guys were up to dealing with the problem, as they mostly work on American cars. So I just had them replace the battery (mine had exceeded its warranty date by about three years) and I drove it home today. Sometime in the next couple days my regular mechanic will be able to look at it. He’s told me in the past that the generator is too small for the car, and more than once has recommended swapping it out for an alternator. This may be the time to get it done, because I’m tired of having to charge the battery two or three times a month.
For what it’s worth, Ed’s accessory is my favorite.
1981 Lafer TI
1600 cc Type 1 engineI changed mine out not long after I brought Eliza Jane home. It was easy peasy! Id suggest getting the 75 amp alternator since it doesnt have the heat problems that the 90 amp unit has. The higher amp helps when you want to use lots of accessories. Remember that if this is a car youll own for years to come then replace parts with the best your budget will allow and better to over build than to cut corners to save a buck. With these cars the old saying “the cheap is always expensive” holds true. Besides with the money Ive saved by doing the work myself with the great advice found here I can offord the better parts.
50s tomorrow with lows in the mid 20s. Typical for around here.
Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackAs predicted the heat wave I touch on earlier has begun 3 degrees outside 8:30 pm . Sunday a high of -3 degrees . think spring
I drove my MGTDr today
12 degrees on the way to church
A sweltering 30 degrees on the way home.
Not too bad due to the following…
A well functioning VW heater
Electric seat heater
A nice lap blanket made by the sweet wife
Winter coat, gloves, muffler and driving cap.
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