Posts Tagged ‘1986’

From Cameron McKirdy – 

The 1986 VW Vanagon runs into a problem on the commute to a Lifeguard training program in #Oregon  My car just won’t stop honking due to cold weather.  So odd.  Please comment if you know how this car trouble issue can be fixed!  Thanks for visiting our preparedness blog #survivalbros  Follow by entering your email address above on the left side of the page. You’ll get all of the articles sent directly to your inbox, no spam, and we won’t give away your info.  Thanks.

Come back often for #vandwelling updates and adventures in the wild.

frozen horn

Screenshot from the video.  My RPM gauge is the only instrument that works in the VW Vanagon!  I can’t figure out how to reset the clock either.  Plus, the odometer and speedometer are broken, so I go the the GPS unit for more information on my drive sometimes.  The van needs some love.  My heater fan went out last summer, but will require taking off the dash.

Please like, comment, and share this vlog post with your friends.  The Survival Bros community is really growing, and taking off – because of your help and support.  

By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros sleeps in a 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL, down by the Columbia River for free.  You can stay at in the Safeway parking lot in Astoria, Oregon at no cost, and you won’t be hassled for being there, according an employee running the gas station.  I was polite, and purchased distilled water in the store anyways.  Find out if the sea lions drove me crazy from all the noise.  I kept imagining the loud animals being destroyed by killer whales, great white sharks, and nuclear war heads.  However, if your cruising the Oregon Coast, keep this location in mind so you don’t have to pay to live, or for a view.  I love the car camping lifestyle.  If you can stay mobile, and explore The World, why do anything else?  More van dwelling videos in High Definition coming soon.  Thanks for liking, and commenting ahead of time.  Cheers!

safeway car camping

My RV parked next to other travelers stationed at Safeway in Astoria, OR

 

By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros gives you a tour of the 1986 Volkswagon Vanagon, and discusses van dwelling.  I use the Coast Products TX100 LED flashlight to show you how dark the windows are now with tint and black vinyl covering them.  Look at the other gear I use and how, including my Kelty Recluse 2.5 insulated sleeping pad.  You have to have some kind of mat to lay on to be comfortable camping.

I’ve been doing a great job of staying clear of local police.  I continue to camp on private property with permission from the owner, or legally at camp grounds.  Plus, by staying at designated rest areas, the cops can’t charge me with overnight camping.  The police have better things to do anyways, like uphold their oath to The Constitution, and keep the peace.  We know law enforcement is big fans of our emergency preparedness blog, so thanks for visiting!  More adventures from the road soon.  

tx100

By Cameron McKirdy

I bought myself a dirty hippy van.  Last week I took a gamble on a vintage Volkswagon Vanagon.  I was her knight in shining armor.  Her my companion for the open road.  The adventure is on.

Take a look at how I found her in Hammond, Oregon.  Plopped in a mud puddle.  Unloved.  Covered in bright green duct tape.  My baby started right up, and I went for a test drive.  The seller had to move immediately, so I scored the van for less than it’s worth – just $1,300.

0505142040

Don’t duct tape your car kids.  It sounds cool, but it’s NOT.  I’ve spent four plus hours peeling tape off of the paint, and getting the goo removed with citrus cleaner.  There’s still disgusting residue on it.  Plus, there was some water underneath.

duct tape van

Look at it!  Cleaning this should be a form of torture.  My finger tips hurt. 

van towShe broke down on day two.  Blew a hose and a belt.  It cost $65 cash to get her towed across town to a trusted mechanic.  

Yesterday I had to introduce my baby to Seaside Oregon’s finest surfing destination, The Cove.  I shot this HD video walk around, and filmed the interior.  I have lots of work to do, but at least the VW is clean.  I scrubbed the carpets and upholstery, and they came out fresh, exceeding my expectations.  Thanks to my Dad for helping gut her.  It was a big job, but now the Vanagon is in acceptable camping condition.  What should I name the Volkswagon?  Lots more soon.  Comment if you like.  Best wishes.