'62 VW Bug. Fabric-covered rubber line to the carburetor. Half way up
through the orchard to the GF's house, I hear "Phoom!". Look in rear view
mirror to see flames coming out of the vents below the rear window. Throw
nylon windbreaker on fire (whadya know when you're 19?). It shrivels and
disappears. Fire grows. Talk neighbor lady out of a wool blanket which I
destroy putting out the fire. Not long after, the valves go south, requiring
rebuilt engine. Paint car banana yellow, sell for BSA motorcycle, yeah,
that's it!
Sad thing is, I traded a BEAUTIFUL blood red '54 Austin Healey 100 for that
VW. Healey had stripped wheel lug studs & a busted reverse cluster gear. I
coulda fixed that. The VW was just as dangerous with that stupid fuel line.
I mourn trading away that Healey (with all of it's mechanical weaknesses) to
this day. Gawd it was photogenic!!!
Rich (boo hoo, waaaa!!!)
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