So it's been 7 months since we first bought our 1984 1.9 VW t25 Piglet.
As we all know winter in the UK can be tough on our cars and vans, and this year was a really tough year. We have had snow, freezing temperatures and roads full of salt and potholes.
Just what you need when owning an old van.
Rust on these old vans is always a problem and believe us we have had our fair share already. We treated the rust a few months ago but unfortunately, some of it is coming back trough meaning we need to do it again and then eventually get some nice new shiny panels for pig.
The van itself has been amazing, the engine runs beautifully "touch wood" and has been a trooper covering mile after mile with only a few problems such as our trigger wire needs replacing and oil light sensor needs a new wire.
After covering a large number of miles since we have owned the van and the 170,000 miles the van has done before we owned it the gears were starting to play up.
It started with not being able to get from first gear to second gear without feeling like you had just bench pressed a small car. and then a few days later piglet decided she liked third gear so much she wanted to stay there, luckily we got her home and started to find out the problem
We started with the shifter and gear stick rebuilding the components with all new parts, cleaning and greasing until we were happy. After putting it all back together the gears are much more manageable, but could still be better so we plan to replace the gear linkages next.
The rest of the jobs are small but still adding up such as door handles need repairing some wires need looking at and we need to replace our pushrod tubes. But it all costs money and one thing we are not is rich, possibly because or money tree failed to grow.
But that won't stop us we make a list of jobs that need doing and then fix them in order of importance, hoping the engine holds out that bit longer for us. Other people buy clothes and food we just buy van parts.
But don't let this put you off, it certainly has not scared us off and in fact, has made us learn more about how to fix the van than anything else. We have been on some amazing adventures already this year and wild camping in some amazing locations waking up to a frosty morning with the sun pushing its way through the curtains and warming up the van slowly.
And now spring is on the way were even being treated to some sunshine
After seven months of ownership one thing, we can say is that we absolutely love Piglet. Even with all the problems and restoration, we would not trade her in for anything else. The freedom we get from the van is incredible, we can go anywhere we want and wake up in some remote and beautiful parts of the UK.
For the past few months, we have been keeping it close to home so we can get used to the van and find any problems, but know we are ready for the real adventures. So its time to get the fridge stocked, the gas ready, and the map in hand. Were off on our travels and can't wait to share them with you all, well that's if Piglet wants to as she can be stubborn sometimes
happy adventures all
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