Well, some more progress on the toy. Got the gas guage hooked up and working, but since we're using a spun aluminum tank, we'll have to play with the angle of the float to get a more accurate reading. Right now the gusage is reading almost empty when a look inside the tank says it's near to half full. That'll be a trial and error thing, but it's easy enough to get the sending unit out so it shouldn't take too long.

The front brakes are giving us trouble tho. I ordered all new hardware and shoes (old VWs have drum brakes all around) so we put those in. Still no joy, so we got new wheel cylinders and hoses as well. Better, but it still seems like the rear brakes are doing most of the work. I didn't want to do it yet, but it seems I'm going to have to invest in a disc brake conversion soon. I was hoping to hold on for a while, but I don't want to sink a lot of money into the drum brakes only to replace them in a year.

Oy, sometimes hobbies are so expensive...

Well, the wiring is mostly done. I need some indicator lights for the turn signals and a license plate light but that's about it. We're not sure the wipers are working correctly either, they seem to have only one speed, but they're not a priority at the moment.

Had to replace the mechanical fuel pump; the "rebuildable" one leaked no matter what we did to it. A "stock" replacement and all is well there. Surprisingly after having sat for so long, it started and ran well.

Since I just moved, I now have a garage of my own to work on it, but at the moment things are too hectic for me to get to it. I'm hoping to have it in driveable condition by fall so I can use it for commuting. I love my truck, but the mileage isn't the best.

All the wiring is in, save for a few details. Since the Beetle uses a single dash indicator for both turn signals and the new harness doesn't, I need to get 2 indicators for that. I also need a new indicator for the high-beam. I need a horn button too, but I can't seem to find one for the steering wheel I have. I may end up having to buy a whole new wheel with button kit.

On the other hand, the bug still doesn't run. The mechanical fuel pump is bad. I'd prefer using mechanical so I'll have to get another. Also the brakes need to be rebuilt, and I want to replace the front with a disc set up. Since I just spent a lot on the Dakota, the bug will wait for now. Dang it.

My brother has my bug at the moment for the installation of the Kwik Wire harness. He's done this before, just not on a VW. Things aren't going as easily as they could due to the "univeral" nature of the harness, and the quality of the VW wiring diagram. But I'm hoping he'll have it done in the next month. Looking forward to getting it back on the road.