The van's first tow

Stuck in gear

I knew going into this that the van was going to need some work, but I didn't think it was going to need a tow the very next day. While learning the gears in the driveway, a bushing which was holding the shifting rod in the proper position slid out of place locking the engine into gear.

Understanding the problem

After spending sometime trying to wiggle the van out of gear and having very little understanding of how these vans are put together, I decided it was time to reach out to the previous owner. He seemed to never have this specific issue, but was helpful to get me in touch with his mechanic, Kevin Mayer,

The solution

After a brief call it became clear Kevin was an expert. He even suggested I text him photos of the linkage and shifter so he could diagnose the specific issue. Since he worked on the van last, he was familiar with the bushing that had slid off and confirmed that the transmision would need to be opened up to take it out of gear and the bushing would need a more permanent solution.

Luckily, AAA was able to tow the van to his shop under our plan since the van could not be driven.

Mayer's Care Center

The lot was like walking into Westy heaven. Within no time Kevin had the linkage and transmision fixed, and while I had the van at the shop we decided to fix a slew of things.

• Fixed Heater and broken ducts
• Repacked cv joints with grease
• Fixed engine timing
• Fixed rear ball joint

Kevin even noticed an unhealtly bit of rust on the driver floor and cut and rewielding new metal in its place.

Back in running order

I was beyond impressed with the work Kevin did on the van and his expansion knowledge and care of my vehicle. He even took the time to take me for a test drive and teach me stick in the neighborhood around the shop. After my father drove the car home, I took drove it over the the park by my parents house and practiced for an hour or so, only stalling a few times. It may have been a rocky road getting to this point, but driving it that day put a big smile on my face.