Much Needed Oil Bath

Highly recommend the fantastic guys at Australian VW Performance Centre in Croydon, who gave the Kombi a “once-over” at short notice, are replacing a few parts, and getting us back on the road to continue our adventure.

The Universe has directed us here via our trials and tribulations, to learn about all things Kombi and get a handle on the mechanical side of things. Ern said it’s like a comic book shop for Kombi owners. They have everything here and know their stuff. The guys and gals here couldn’t be more helpful, and Daph got offered a cup of tea by every staff member (this makes her happy).

High fives to Mick the mechanic who loves a chat. He explained everything he was doing along the way, showing us the old parts, and referring to the “dizzy” like we knew what he was talking about. It’s nice to deal with a mechanic who involved Daph in the conversation instead of blocking her out to talk to the man. Darting his eye contact between Daph and Ern, he animatedly waffled on about compressors, points, and electric ignitions, “You know what I mean, like?” Not really. But... thanks anyway.

He even got us out the back in the workshop, underneath the Kombi, and showed us what everything was and how it all worked. What a guy!

Whilst awaiting the works to be done, Daph is perusing the photo albums of automobile makeovers, and Ern is getting excited about all things shiny and chrome in the front shop… and making new friends.

***

We made it! We started the day with trepidation, but all’s well that ends well. Back on track and making it to Phillip Island as planned, somewhat later than expected, but in time for sunset.

Highlights of the day:

1) The Kombi got its much-needed oil bath (“thank the maker”[1]) and is running like a dream.

2) Ern was a kid in a candy store at the VW Performance Centre, learning stuff and meeting more new friends.

3) Daph excelled in the navigation department, avoiding rush hour traffic, and getting us to Phillip Island in record time. Almost perfect navigation, only being slightly late with “Turn right here!” on two occasions. Daph blamed the ‘blue dot’ on Google maps for not keeping up with the newly pimped Kombi.

[1] Dialogue from C3PO, a Star Wars character - for those of you that aren’t familiar with the franchise and don’t frequently use Pop Culture catchphrases to spritz up your vocabulary as we do.