The Bungee Cord - Le Garage Newsletter 12.9.22

Back in the day (1978-1987), I drove an old VW bus. I actually had 2 of them over the course of ten years. I have so many great memories of my bus days which is really why I searched and found Ivy. The mobile winery idea came along after I found her.

One such memory was when the fuel pump broke and I thought it was out of gas so I pushed it to the gas pump, filled the tank, and when it still wouldn’t start I pushed it to a small incline and tried to pop start it before giving up and waiting for a tow truck. This story is really much longer because at the time my ignition switch was broken and I had to hold it in an on position with my right hand, which left the stick shift unattended. This is how my daughter Kate learned to shift gears albeit with her left hand.

VW buses have rust issues which cause airflow through the floor surrounding the gas pedal, brakes, and clutch pedal. I found a square piece of sheet metal and duct taped it to the floor being very careful to close the gaps around the pedals. There was still no heat but at least my workmanship cut down on the winter breezes past my feet and into my face.

Some things don’t change over time. With Sue Miller as my co-pilot in Ivy we were on our way home from a wine and cheese event recently. We heard a loud crash and metal dragging in the front of the bus. While I was pulling up to the stop sign reviewing in my mind what it could be, Sue said “turn here”. We turned and both jumped out. Within minutes we had picked the front bumper off the ground and used a bungee cord to hold it onto the bus so we could get it home.

Even with my love for VW buses I don’t particularly enjoy having things breakdown while I’m driving. However, I am happy that I know how to jump start a stick shift, I am not afraid to use duct tape to do body work, and now we have bungee cords.

I am eternally grateful to my friends for all their help and my neighbor Rich who is very skilled at fixing things the right way! I am also thankful for wine which makes it all worthwhile.