Trabant 601 - The Beast from the East (of Germany)
Discussion
First day on the road!
Shame Jon wasn't here but I did a good 55km shake down this evening which was amazing fun with LewG, and flagged up a few issues. We got it up to 110km/h though which was scary
Snagging List
-Tracking needs doing
-Brake judder under hard braking (probably a warped drum)
-Steering wheel moves backwards and forwards almost an inch
-Rear left indicator bulb blown
-Headlights need adjusting (way too low)
-Door straps need fitting
-Air filter fell out once
Even with all that though it is surprisingly good to drive. It rides well, grips well and will be a hoot with the tracking done!
The 3rd and 4th gear freewheel is an odd sensation. Buzzing along at 60mph if you take your foot off the throttle the engine disconnects and goes straight to tickover with obviously no engine braking, and at that speed you can't hear the engine so it feels like its cut out. It does this to stop oil starvation to the engine as obviously no fuel = no oil, so if you were coasting down a long hill and the wheels were keeping the engine spinning at speed it would likely seize.
Shame Jon wasn't here but I did a good 55km shake down this evening which was amazing fun with LewG, and flagged up a few issues. We got it up to 110km/h though which was scary
Snagging List
-Tracking needs doing
-Brake judder under hard braking (probably a warped drum)
-Steering wheel moves backwards and forwards almost an inch
-Rear left indicator bulb blown
-Headlights need adjusting (way too low)
-Door straps need fitting
-Air filter fell out once
Even with all that though it is surprisingly good to drive. It rides well, grips well and will be a hoot with the tracking done!
The 3rd and 4th gear freewheel is an odd sensation. Buzzing along at 60mph if you take your foot off the throttle the engine disconnects and goes straight to tickover with obviously no engine braking, and at that speed you can't hear the engine so it feels like its cut out. It does this to stop oil starvation to the engine as obviously no fuel = no oil, so if you were coasting down a long hill and the wheels were keeping the engine spinning at speed it would likely seize.
Edited by AceOfHearts on Monday 22 May 23:29
Busy night . . .
Snagging List
-Tracking needs doing
-Brake judder under hard braking (probably a warped drum)
-Steering wheel moves backwards and forwards almost an inch hehe (Loose clamping bolt)
-Rear left indicator bulb blown (Bulb had shaken out of holder!)
-Headlights need adjusting (way too low)
-Door straps need fitting
-Air filter fell out once (Checked clamps and seems all ok now)
One more thing to add though is that the drivers seat belt is fubar
Snagging List
-Tracking needs doing
-Brake judder under hard braking (probably a warped drum)
One more thing to add though is that the drivers seat belt is fubar
Edited by AceOfHearts on Wednesday 24th May 22:36
AceOfHearts said:
Busy night . . .
Snagging List
-Tracking needs doing
-Brake judder under hard braking (probably a warped drum)
-Steering wheel moves backwards and forwards almost an inch hehe (Loose clamping bolt)
-Rear left indicator bulb blown (Bulb had shaken out of holder!)
-Headlights need adjusting (way too low)
-Door straps need fitting
-Air filter fell out once (Checked clamps and seems all ok now)
One more thing to add though is that the drivers seat belt is fubar
All good simple stuff, doesn't require a laptop, bluetooth and software to fix. Adjustable spanner and lump hammer, most satisfyingSnagging List
-Tracking needs doing
-Brake judder under hard braking (probably a warped drum)
One more thing to add though is that the drivers seat belt is fubar
Edited by AceOfHearts on Wednesday 24th May 22:36
It is with a sad heart that I must say the Trabant has been sold... The need to make way for another project on my part, and AceOfHearts world travel on his meant it had to go.
I'm pleased that it's gone to a young guy who seemed very enthusiatic - and it made it home with him to the south coast, so reliable transport too!
I'm pleased that it's gone to a young guy who seemed very enthusiatic - and it made it home with him to the south coast, so reliable transport too!
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