I rolled about 40,000 miles that Jeep. From May to September, it was home.
I bought the Grumbler when I was a senior in High School. It looked a little rough.
Early on, it had some issues. I blew through two radiators, all the hoses, and a water pump.
Then the clutch gave out in the middle of snowmagedon last February.
That was a bummer. Probably the only time that four wheel drive and max-traction tires would have been practical, and it wasn't drivable. Once the snow melted in March and I was able to crawl under it, it took about 15 minutes to fix.
In spite of everyone's predictions (including my own), it made the 3,000 mile round trip to Breck this summer.
Not comfortably, but it made it.
As much as I liked the Grumbler, it wasn't a good vehicle for the open road. I could pull 20mpg if I drove really nicely, but I could never go faster than 65 on the flat and 50 up a hill. That's fine in Pennsylvania, but out West where the speed limit is 70 and everybody drives 90, I felt like an old woman pushing a shopping cart in the sand.
I bought a little VW Golf that should be ready sometime next week. I don't think I'll be able to sleep in it as easily, but it is twice as fuel efficient. And it has carpet, a sunroof, and a working radio. So luxurious.
11 comments:
That last picture is awesome.
I'll miss the grumbler, and I was only ever in it once or twice.
You'll just need to paint the golf the same pea green.
Aw poor car, well at least it had a long and interesting life.
I wish I could've given it one last pat on the hood...
Did sock monkey go with Grumbler..?!
what year golf? what motor?
A 97 2.0
Been rockin a golf for road trips the past few years. Just rip out the rear seats and replace them with a plywood platform and BAM - a 2 seater station wagon that's great for sleeping in. Sure you can't haul friends around but you can live for extended periods in it and get 30+ mpg.
Sweet. I wasn't sure if it was gonna be big enough to lay down in. Good to know. I just wish I could have found a diesel
I guess I should clarify. I'm rather stubby at 5'8" and I fit if I slide the front seat forward and shove a backpack down into the space behind the seat for a pillow. If solo you can always sleep diagonally but I fit straight in because I'm on the shorter side.
Well I'm also 5'8", and the girlfriend is 5'2" or something. So it should be peaches.
I can probably find a diesel to throw in there.
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