A Volkswagen Westfalia Camper Van Blog – VW Bus

What a weekend! I finally picked up Lucy from the shop where she had her spiffy new paint job done. The paint looks fabulous! I'm very pleased with the brightness of the "Torrid" red. There was some bleed on the white bumper so it looks pink, but that will either wash off or I can do some minor touching up. Without further ado, fresh from her makeover, Juicy Lucy Matilda!

Ain't she a beaut'?!

After picking her up on Friday afternoon, I quickly realized that the gas gauge and passenger side seatbelt that I had paid to be fixed were still broken. Sheesh. I can't say that I had a good experience dealing with the folks who did this "work" and the paint job, so rather than take her back to them, I am simply going to get these items fixed at Glenn's Import & Domestic Parts & Repair, where we have an appointment this Thursday morning.

Friday evening, I cleaned Lucy out and spent some time just hanging out in her. The maiden voyage came on Saturday when I drove her around the island and picked up a friend for a ride. Unfortunately, while waiting for my friend to come down the driveway, I inadvertently left the key engaged in the ignition and drained the battery! I tried turning it over a few times, but there was simply no juice. I laughed at the ridiculousness of it all, then tried one last time and Lucy sputtered to attention! What luck! That was an easy lesson, the first of many she will teach me no doubt.

I didn't stall her on that first trip out, but I still sometimes have a hard time finding first and reverse. You have to get into the Zen of it and not think about it too much. I need to just let Lucy guide my hands. She's really fun to drive!