Update on Repairs: shocks, 3rd, 4th and reverse.

The shocks have been broken since just after with their last fixed.  Those shock mounts had been sheared off since before I got her.  Andy fixed them with a welder, but that only lasted a couple days.  New job includes 6 inches of 1/4 in steel on each side.  No shakes anymore!!

Also, revers has been gone for a month, and 3rd and 4th have been terrible.  Had to smash them in!  The Samba forums suggested that the shift coupler had a loose collar.  I had already replaced that!  (Moral: do not trust new parts...)  Again, welding was the answer.  Pulled, welded, reinserted and boom!  All gears back again!  Life is good!

Welding the rear shock mounts

Blown shocks

I've had her almost a month and improved a lot so far. But she had a persistent nagging banging noise when I went over bumps. Had my broher in law bounce in the back seat while I looked around. The rear shocks are completely ripped from the mounts. In fact, some time in the past a reckless driver tore a chunk of the body out with the shocks and never repaired it! I have a good friend, neighbor, elder of the church, co-counselor at bible camp, most interesting man in the world. I called him up. He can weld it if I find an arc welder. Another church buddy says we can use his at his sign shop! Brothers taking care of brothers. Guess I'll learn about welding tomorrow!