Quote from: apmaman on March 01, 2017, 01:07:59 PM


I was waiting for that! Its the new seat shape honest! or the new belts are short. Plenty of length on the shoulders etc just the waist ones are tiny!

Dont know how yours are mounted but mine use the beetle tunnel for one side and on the other I fitted one of those clips with the screw joint  (like a carabiner) rated 40 ton so should do. That extended it about 3"

The story continues.

Put a fair bit of miles on it now in the run up to Stoneleigh and IBW. I still have a bit of breakdown anxiety driving it but not as much as I did when I first got the buggy.

While I have been around in the buggy I have noticed that I dont know how much fuel I really have in the tank, and along with the fuel tank being at an odd angle. It might be something for me to think about changing or replacing but I will need to take it out for a good long run until it conks out. (take a jerry along as well mind you)

Took a pic of the od' so will get a rough mpg and last time I filled up I have done 50 miles and the tanks reading next to empty 

I assume its the fuel tank being at an odd angle and the filler being at the front of the car rather than like on the beetle it would be reasonably flat. So it limits the amount of fuel getting in, and as its at an angle there is a large part of the tank where fuel will sit but wont be drained as the outlet is not at the lowest point of the tank.


So I guess I can take the bonnet off and adjust the tank so that the inlet is rotated to the near the driver, or tap a new outlet right at the bottom of the tank at its lowest point. Dont know how I'd go about that, welding a new bung in for an outlet.

50 miles is only 2 gallons worth you should get 7 In. Best dain the tank then put 1 gallon back in and see how the gauge reads then down to the petrol station and fill it up.
Our jas refills every 150 miles the kango every 200 both are not empty at that just getting low.

Quote from: apmaman on April 11, 2017, 10:12:49 PM
The story continues.

Put a fair bit of miles on it now in the run up to Stoneleigh and IBW. I still have a bit of breakdown anxiety driving it but not as much as I did when I first got the buggy.

While I have been around in the buggy I have noticed that I dont know how much fuel I really have in the tank, and along with the fuel tank being at an odd angle. It might be something for me to think about changing or replacing but I will need to take it out for a good long run until it conks out. (take a jerry along as well mind you)

Took a pic of the od' so will get a rough mpg and last time I filled up I have done 50 miles and the tanks reading next to empty 

I assume its the fuel tank being at an odd angle and the filler being at the front of the car rather than like on the beetle it would be reasonably flat. So it limits the amount of fuel getting in, and as its at an angle there is a large part of the tank where fuel will sit but wont be drained as the outlet is not at the lowest point of the tank.


So I guess I can take the bonnet off and adjust the tank so that the inlet is rotated to the near the driver, or tap a new outlet right at the bottom of the tank at its lowest point. Dont know how I'd go about that, welding a new bung in for an outlet.

Get yourself a green garden Cain..... Its a journey saver!   Dip it in and the fuel level shows.   I wouldn't be without my one and its always tucked down the side of my seat.   My fuel gauge is OK until half full after that its quite random especially when going up and down hills.

After filling mine up on Saturday morning I realised I managed to get back from the MBC monthly meet (a 110 mile round trip) with just one litre left in the tank. I obviously set off with less fuel than I thought

Sounds close Paul but do you know how many miles you then got on the full tank down to only a litre ?

Last time I checked on a long run I got 43 mpg so a full tank (6 gallons) is 255 ish obviously a lot less if running around town. Guessing I must have set off to the MBC meet with about 3 gallons in the tank although I thought I had more so maybe I should do an mpg check again

Quote from: Merscury on April 12, 2017, 02:52:41 PM
Last time I checked on a long run I got 43 mpg so a full tank (6 gallons) is 255 ish obviously a lot less if running around town. Guessing I must have set off to the MBC meet with about 3 gallons in the tank although I thought I had more so maybe I should do an mpg check again

43mpg?  Have you got a diesel motor in it, or don't you drive like you're having fun? 

Arran, which way does your fuel outlet from the tank point? I was wondering if the elbow from the bottom of the tank points towards the bulkhead, then flexible pipe continues that direction a lottle before pointing down to the pan, thrn you might have a U bend effect limiting the amount of fuel able to exit the tank.
If so, redirrcting that oioe woild be a whole world easier than fitting another exit point.
(In all honesty I expect you have already investigated this)

Quote from: Buggybaggy on April 15, 2017, 07:51:19 AM
Arran, which way does your fuel outlet from the tank point? I was wondering if the elbow from the bottom of the tank points towards the bulkhead, then flexible pipe continues that direction a lottle before pointing down to the pan, thrn you might have a U bend effect limiting the amount of fuel able to exit the tank.
If so, redirrcting that oioe woild be a whole world easier than fitting another exit point.
(In all honesty I expect you have already investigated this)

Its a great point that could be easily missed but yeah i have routed mines downwards in a slight spiral as i put tue angled pipe oulet facing left.

Tbh i dont even know if i could get a new outlet welded on. The chap i use only as a basic mig setup. So the metal might be a hair too thin. Different case if he had a tig.
With it having petrol in it previously as well its a bit of a who knows.  Really i am just trying to avoid buying another new fuel tank.

Something to think about over winter.

IBW 2017
With the biggest journey of my buggy ahead me and Roisin had decided that IBW would be one of those adventures you just wont forget, and we were not wrong! What a weekend away…..

Day 1
After packing the stuff up the night before it seemed like we had less things to take to Germany than we did for Stoneleigh, I don’t know if this was better packing or we took less things, but never the less we were set to go.
5AM wake up to get ready and sneak up to the garage at my mums place where the buggy lives. We creeped up at about 5:30am and pushed the buggy out the garage and down the steep drive way. As we were trying to hold in the laughs we pushed it around the corner, one of the neighbours came back home from nightshift. God knows what he must have been thinking.


We set off and headed towards Queensferry Tesco where we arranged to meet Alan aka Golddigga like we did at Stoneleigh. This 60 mile blast was fine with little traffic until we hit the Fourth Road Bridge and crawled along to meet him. We were still 30mins early as me and Roisin had thought we best beat the rush hour traffic. Meeting Alan for a quick cuppa coffee we filled up and took the Edinburgh by-pass. This was still before 8am and the traffic was brutal. We finally managed to hit the open road on the A1 all the way down meeting little traffic once we passed out of Edinburgh.

Stopping only once before Newcastle to fill up, as my fuel gauge is not accurate and the outlet is above the lowest point in the tank its hard to know how much is left. We usually aim for about 120miles a go. That way we can get fuel, stretch the legs and the odd pee stop. Always a relief!
The meet point with the northern crew was to be for 2pm at Ferry Bridge services on the A1 M62 junction. Team Scotland made great progress arriving quite early giving us time for some dinner and a good rest.



Shortly the others came along, Davyd, Jools, Dave, Tony, Mandy and Arron. We met up with them and chatted a bit just as Stephen and Claire appeared we chatted briefly and decided to get fuel and head straight for the ferry in Hull to keep things smooth.
Hitting Hull we met a lot of traffic and I was concerned the buggy might over heat, as the vdo sump gauge rarely ever reads above 50°C it was reaching near 90°C but moving through the traffic and getting to another fuel stop just outside the ferry we stopped fuelled up and thought about getting some food.
As we searched for the local McD’s Daves sidewinder cut out at a junction (we think it was the heat from sitting in the traffic) after pushing it out and getting started again the group decided it was best to head straight for the ferry. That way if dave did need to do some extra work we were at least on the ferry.


Just as we rolled up to the ferry my odometer re-set to 000000. A brand new buggy haha!

After unpacking we met to have drinks, food and generally have high spirits looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the UK crew at Portland fuel stop and heading towards IBW for a great buggy weekend.

Day 2
It was up bright and early with the boats PA system waking us all up. With not much time for breakfast we decided to skip it pack up and get something in Portland as it was not far from coming off the ferry. Plus it would no doubt be cheaper than the ferry prices.
We all met up beside the cars and were chatting away to some other classic car owners who were touring Holland in an MGB. What luxury they had, a large boot and a roof!

From here on Davyd lead the way through to Portland where we were to meet the rest of the gang and cruise down to the next stop for lunch. When we arrived after a gentle cruise through the tunnels blasting away we met up with only some of the southern crew. As the boat they sailed on arrived slightly earlier they took the opportunity to head along after collecting the directions from Ruben. Since we were the “last” group we headed off in a convoy to catch up with the rest of the southerners at a fuel stop about half an hour down the road.
Meeting up with them was great to see so many buggies I haven’t seen before along with new faces to meet and greet. From here on in we stayed as one large convoy of over 20 buggies taking up the slow lane on the motorway cruising through to the next stop just outside of Arnhem. It was great to see such a place which was ravaged by the war being rebuilt and almost as if it never happened. The short stop at lunch was met with some bad news for myself and Flags.

I tried to move the buggy out of its parking spot and boom, the steering wheel would freely spin in my hands. The steering coupling had broken. Normally the “red ring of death” of to blame but this was a rubber “top quality” item. I believe it broke under the pressure of trying to get out of the tight stop from the parking and snapped.
After a fair effort to get it off Ruben came through with a local Hot Rod Shop which specialise in making buggies and racing beetles. Couldn’t of really asked for a better place to break down I suppose!


Chad thankfully chucked me into his buggy and we headed off towards the store to pick up the replacement parts. I felt really bad having let the team down by stopping the convoy but alas, when we arrived it was like mecca for buggies. It was just incredible inside. We got a good tour around the shop with buggys up on ramps getting worked on, a machine shop with engines everywhere. It was an amazing place.


With the parts Chad and I headed back and thankfully Flags had also stayed behind as he was having issues with handbrake cables.
Their expert skills got the coupling back on in no time, with excellent help from Roisin operating the wheel
While we were away the majority of the buggies headed off to camp. It was Alan, Flags, Chad and myself with Roisin left.
We took a gentle cruise heading to IBW in order to hopfully catch up with the rest of the gang, and by the time we got in it was going on 7pm.



Once again lads I can’t thank you enough for the help!!!
The tent was set up, and the hunt for an ATM began so I could pay the camping fee’s. We didn’t see one the entire journey apart from in Glandorf. You get them everywhere in the UK so something to remember.
The Northern crew took a walk up into the town and got some food, it was excellent. A kebab/pizza place which was just what we needed after the long trek. On returning it was time for some beers and a well earned rest.

Day 3
The first day at camp GB was met with glorious sunshine to dry out the damp from the overnight rain.
I felt a little hungover after all the beer and the busy day driving so today was quite chilled out. We spent most of the day in the camp after a little cruise through to onsaburk to see some of the sites we returned after a pit stop at lidl to get supplies for the weekend. Myself and Alan took a tour of the campsite while Roisin went off with the girls for a shower off at the BnB. While we toured around we found some wild cars. From huge jacked up off roaders to low slung road racers there was something for everyone.










From then on it was Wheres Wally night….. Well. What a laugh. It was a fantastic night with lot of drink and dancing. I remember some things here and there but I can remember laughing all night long. A great time! Especially the drinking game with the little plane and hiding in ridiculous places as Wally. Hearing all the German and Belgian accents rumble out wally and waldo wondering what on earth we were up too.

Day 4.
We woke up again to brilliant sunshine but with a fragile head it was time to take it easy and fill up with coffee before the day ahead took place. We decided that a tour to the dark forest a few hours out was a good cruise to head on. It was Huge’s tour of where the Roman Army was decimated by the German Barbarians in 7AD. Apparently one of the bloodiest battles of human history.
The cruise was a bit confusing with no satnavs really working but we got their in the end. Even some of the Belgians came along for a brief period however some of the cruise got split. So they returned to base and managed to catch the show and shine, along with the offroad show for some of the mad buggies.

We on the other hand made it to a restaurant near “ Bad Lippspringe “ for some cakes coffee and feed some friendly little deer before heading off back home.


From here it was another party night, but a lot less crazy as we were leaving in the morning. So it was best not to enjoy the beers too much.
Tonight was also the presentation night. We were all huddled into the large hall where all of the clubs gathered in order to see the winners for each of the catagories. From show and shine, largest club and the furthest travelled.
Unbeknown to me I was in line to win this and after meeting the club president to confirm who had won it was decided that I would take the prize for furthest travelled.


It was such a great feeling to win and I owe it all to the brilliant folk on BeachBuggy info for all their help with my buggy. I loved the chants of Flower of Scotland, and the Proclaimers I would Walk 500 miles! Put a huge smile on my face! Hahaha! Brilliant.
Chad also picked up an award for second place in the show and shine. A credit to him as that Doon is some machine. Well done! Team GB took home two prizes.

Day 5
Today was a day to head home. We packed up the campsite quickly in order to hit the road for 10am sharp.
While we packed up Stephen had some trouble with his alternator shaking loose and managed to get another strap quickly. Sorted! Chad arranged the buggies into a line to get Team GB’s photo’s with the cars, and the people behind them. From here on we stuck with the Northeners and said our goodbyes. It was a bitter sweet moment. Such a fantastic weekend had to come to an end, but we were looking forward to seeing more of the country and back into the UK.

Shortly down the road Stephen again had a slight issue and Alan came to the rescue with a HT lead. We hit the road again. Unfortuantly for me my clutch cable slackened off. I lost 1st and 2nd gear! We were lucky that little traffic was seen through the villages until we hit the motorway and the first stop for fuel.
I managed to get into 4th and we made it to the stop. From here a quick tightening up of the EMPI shortening kit got me all my gears back and thankfully disaster avoided. Tony on the other hand had complained about a lack of power and some work was done on his buggy. Jets stripped and plugs changed and we hit the road again.
Making good progress we headed straight for the ferry and made it with plenty of time to spare. The road in was filled with tunnels as we headed towards the port, and we all love a good tunnel!

Through passport control and we made it! We made it…



I couldn’t believe it but we made it. It didn’t matter if we broke down or not now! Although that’s not the point is it?!

Later we met for more drinks, food and chatted about the weekend we had. What a journey it had been.
Day 6
The weather reports were not promising for the UK getting in. It was forecast to be pretty damp all the way home. Up early we made efforts to waterproof the buggy as much as possible prior to heading off. Davyd again took the lead through passport control and the rush hour of Hull in the rain. The buggies were all having slight issues with the wet weather but we made it back to the ferry bridge services without stopping.
The rain stopped slightly as we had some breakfast in the service station. We said our goodbyes and left the services heading north. Alan, Stephen and Claire came with us up the A1 towards leeds. Soon after the rain began to come down and luckily for Stephen and Claire they took their turn off and it was now just Team Scotland.
Progress was smooth but very wet. Heading to Newcastle the rain however became much, much worse. Visibility was down to less than 50m and it was horrible. We were soaked, and still had 4 hours of driving to go!
The miles muched by and the rain did not let up. It was torrential and the buggy soon started filling up with rain water. Poor Roisin got the most as the rain seemed to prefer flying into her side of the car. I felt so bad for her.  After a short stop at Durham my speedometer broke so about 200 miles haven’t been clocked.


Never the less we made it back into Scotland. The run up to the boarder was thick with fog. I couldn’t see passed a HGV that Alan was behind, so less than 100m visibility. I did think about stopping but with the pair of us soaked to the skin it would of just prolonged the journey.

More miles went and we said fairwell to Alan at the Edinburgh bypass. The rain was still hammering down and to make things worse the A702 bypass was closed down to one lane as flooding had closed a lane. We crawled through the rain for nearly 20 minutes before we made it back onto the open road towards the Fourth Bridge. Roisin had facebook going letting me know what the others had been up too, saying most had already got home! Lucky them haha!
We eventually got into Dundee and parked up. It was such a relief, coming passed Perth the rain let off and we had a reasonably dry run in. It felt like hours passed and getting nowhere, but we finally got in.

We had done it. We made it home! What a trip. One we wont forget for a long time.




Roisin has loads more pics from the wally night I will add on later as she's back home in Ireland for a week.

Great write up Arran.

You so so deserve the IBW award from furthest travelled.

We all look forward to seeing Team Scotland south of the border anytime.

Great story, you two never stopped smiling the whole weekend

Great write up Arran, see you both soon

Gary

So. A post IBW check and started the car up.

Man it sounds like a bag of sh..! A quick look around and the alternator bracket has lost a stud! Pressing down on the alternator stopped a bit of the noise.

I had a threaded bar into the tinware and it must have rattled loose and got sucked down into the fan shroud.

A good inspection of the blades showes no damage but i suspect the threaded stud is either somewhere in Europe or its in the bottom of the shroud. Which i cant access as i need to remove a mahoosive nut off the crank. Good ol type 3!

Put my magnet grabby down but no luck.

So took the alternator off and started it up. Still sounds sh... Like its not firing on all 4.

Gotta say tho the dizzy is bone dry. That holtz damp start coated the dizzy well. It looks horrible with a milky coating of the product but works well.

Will take the plugs off tomorrow and see whats what. Hope its nothing too serious.