Once the garage was open again, the effort to start the engine began immediately so that we could identify which parts are to be replaced and which could be kept.
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Fillmore was transferred to an FNG so that we could do further assessment on the present condition of the engine and other mechanicals. It was around this time that severe floods hit Kerala in 2019. Though it was not as severe as the 2018 floods, the common lives were affected quite badly. Luckily, the water did not enter the garage premises where Fillmore was parked, though it came really close. The floods bought Kerala to a standstill, most business activities were shut down and we clearly lost quite some time there.
Here are some pics from the FNG:
Can’t get over the beauty of this split face.
Once the garage was open again, the effort to start the engine began immediately so that we could identify which parts are to be replaced and which could be kept. Thebulletboy came to the rescue and he helped to get critical components like the fuel pump, carburetor, distributor and brake master cylinders checked and rectified. All these items were shipped to Thebulletboy and he repaired the carburetor and the distributor but the fuel pump and the master cylinders had to be replaced. He helped to source and import these parts.
By around this time COVID cases started getting reported in the country and people started to reduce international travel. My friend who was supposed to come down had to reschedule his travel indefinitely. The components Thebulletboy arranged for, had arrived in Bangalore and I decided to carry it on my next visit to Kerala. However, all of a sudden COVID scare spread across the country and all the plans took a back seat. The lockdown was announced abruptly and the entire project was shelved with the van parked in the FNG.
Though the lockdown was lifted in early May, it was pretty clear that I would not be able to travel from Bangalore to Kerala anytime soon. So, I decided to courier the parts. But, interstate shipment also had restrictions during this time and the items got badly stuck in transit such that it took one whole month to get delivered. Once the parts arrived, the FNG guys started the engine immediately without much hassles. The new brake master cylinders were also installed and after a round of checks, Fillmore was ready for its first run in 17 years.
The plan was to drive Fillmore back to my friend’s house, park it there and shift it later to Thebulletboy’s place when my friend comes down to India once COVID settles down for good in the next few months. But the corona virus had other plans!
However, Fillmore had a good ride that evening to the house. Here is a small video of Fillmore’s first drive after 17 years. I can’t describe how happy I felt when I saw this video that day. I’m sure my friend would have been on the moon.
Keyword: 1967 VW Split Bus restoration: First run after 17 years