Saturday, February 25th, 2006
8am - Midnight
 

Lake Mills WI TDI GTG

Topel's Towing & Repair

1110 S Main St, Lake Mills WI

See info on previous GTGs:
http://chady.4t.com/photo.html

As a prelminiary plan, I'm hoping that by 10pm the major projects should be done and
everyone will have had a chance to complete their work.  We can go longer if needed,
but otherwise we will assume the GTG goes from 8am until 10pm. 

Topel's is located right on hwy 89 in Lake Mills. If you get lost, you can call my cell 
phone at 608-289-3577.

For those not familiar with this GTG, it is at a smaller repair garage. It has room for 7-8
cars in the garage area at any one time. There are now 4 hoists we can use. It is
prefered that you bring your own tools, but some tools may be available as needed
from the garage.

We should have the capability to do almost anything needed. The main interest
usually focuses around the timing belt changes. If there is interest, we could also do
some "clinics" walking through some of the basic maintenance items that new owners
may have interest in, such as: oil changes, fuel filter changes, cleaning the
snowscreen, rotating tires, etc. We will also do EGR recalibrations as needed. I will use
my car to show off the metal skidplate and fumuto valve. I am also hoping someone
can be there to explain/demonstrate/install chips in there is interest. I will also try to
line up biodiesel for sale if there is interest.  (Probably not due to the time of year.)

If you are interested in ordering tires, batteries, etc., you can contact Topel's at 920-
648-8115 and have them price them for you.  They also now have equipment to do
alignments.  Alignments is a service that they will charge for, and I'll try to get pricing
information. 

Monetary Issues surrounding the GTG:

Timing belt changes are one thing that people do charge for.  The reason they do
charge for it is that it is a labor intensive job (4-5 hours) and it does require special
tools which these TB techs have purchased on their own. The going rate right now
is about $200 for the labor.  I believe parts run around 250, so the total cost is 450
vs. 800+ at a dealer. 

Other than the TB change, people are generally very willing to help with any other
maintenance. Of course you should assume you are paying for your own parts (you
would think this is a no brainer, but there are some people!).  The whole basis of the
GTG's is that someone helps you out, and next time you help someone else out.  If the
veteran members aren't willing to help train the newbie's, then we don't make any
progress in taking care of our TDI's. 

The last monetary component of the GTG is the voluntary donation to Topel's Repair
Garage for use of their time, space, and equipment.  People throw in anything from a
few bucks to $100 depending on what they have done.  The reason for this is:

1.  Cover Topel's costs.  This is a heated garage in WI in February!  There are costs to
heating an 8 bay garage, amongst other utilities.
2.  Topel's generally provides several techs for the day to help us with projects.  If one
of their guys spends 2 hours helping you with a brake job, common sense says you
should donate some money for their time.
3.  Use of basic supplies.  They have brake cleaner, tools, etc. that we ultimately need
to borrow.
4.  Use of the hoists and equipment.  Any time you are doing a project that requires
the use of a hoist, a donation is probably due.  Without access to the hoist, how
would project be completed?  At a shop charging /hr?  Topel's has a full line of
pneumatic tools. Nothing like zipping off your tires with an air gun Nascar style!
5.  Loss of business.  Topel's basically close their doors for the day so we can be
there.  If we don't compensate them in some way, then they really don't have a reason
to allow us access to their great facility.

My suggested donation is $5/10 per hour that you are in the shop using the tools, hoists, heat, etc. 
Without these donations, the opportunity to continue using this shop may not exist.

While it is much preferred we bring our own tools, they do have them available. 
Unfortunately, we have had a few incidents where their tools have gone missing and
this opportunity may cease to exists!  Please make sure all loaned tools get back to their rightful owners.

To sign-up:

Please send me an email at eschady@yahoo.com.  Please include your name, tdiclub
screen name, location, vehicle, anticipated projects, Time Slot from schedule, and
potluck item.   Each time slot has an identification code.  Please refer to the code when
registering for time/space.  Please use your best judgement as to time needed, need for
hoist, etc.  If you need help determing time/space need, just ask me.  I will maintain the
list on this page. 

While I can guarantee the schedule will NOT be followed exactly, it will be used to
help organize the event and get people in and out in the most efficient manner
possible.  If you need to cancel, please let me know to open up the space. 

Please do remember to bring some sort of food or drink.  Some of us are there from 7am until 2am or later. 
Some good eats go a long way to keeping those people energized and
willing to help out throughout the day.

Amsoil Products For Sale by Paul Fisher
(and available for pickup at the GTG)


I'll be bringing my brake pressure bleeder. I'll do the work for $40
per car including fluid or you can buy fluid from me for $12 per liter,
which is enough to do 2 average cars. I sell and use ATE Blue
Racing Fluid which is DOT 4.

In addition, you can borrow the bleeder for no charge, assuming
I'm not booked. You don't have to buy anything to borrow the
bleeder.

I am putting together the pricing for the Amsoil products and will
have it ready shortly. Amsoil will not allow me to post prices on the
web but if you send an email to gtg_price@paul-fisher.com I will
send you a price list. If you want something that is not on the list, let
me know.

Please let me know how much of which item you want so I can be
sure I have enough product.

Just a reminder, the Amsoil Synthetic 5W-40 European Engine Oil
now meets VW505.01 specs so it is good for all years TDIs,
including the PD engined ones.

For the Amsoil stuff, I will need a firm order by 8:00 am Friday
2/24/06. Anything after that I might not have the stock to fulfill.

I will also be bringing my laptop with VAG-COM and time
permitting can assist with timing checks and adjustments.

Thanks!
Paul L Fisher

Based on some emails I have received, I wanted to clarify what the GTG is about...


Don't worry about being a newbie. They are much more informal than they seem!!!
 It is basically a forum for TDI owners to get together and talk about their cars, and do
maintenance and other projects. This benefits everyone because there are always
experts out there who have done what you want to do. So there is always a helping
and (and everyone is very willing to help). It also benefits those who want to watch a
job being done so they can do it to their own vehicles.

Basically, everyone will meet up, and starting working on projects. Generally, there
are several people having the same project done, so one person who knows the
procedure may perform the job on one while others follow along with assistance from
other members.


Don't worry if you don't have your own tools. There will be plenty of tools available
for just about anything you want done.


The benefits are mainly costs savings compared to what dealerships charge, you get
to know your vehicle better, and you can meet some cools guys and gals that can
help if you ever have a problem with your car.


Hope this helps those of you who have lurked, but have been afraid to come to a GTG.

Schedule:
My brother and I will arrive early  to start clearing cars and tow trucks from the
parking lot to make room for us.  By 8am we hope to have the garages empty and name
tag stickers waiting at the front door.  When you arrive, find a spot to park and enter
into the office area.  Those doing TB changes will have first priority to get into the
garage area.  I'll arrange to have a grill available, but we will probably need a chief
chef around 5pmish.  I believe there is also a microwave available.  Otherwise, I'll
leave food up to the majority.  Bring what you would like to share with us all. 

This is my attempt to describe the layout or the shop:

-----C1-----H1-----H2-----H4

--------------C2-----H3-----H5

----------------------C3-----C4-C5

-----------------------E------E

Explanation: H is a hoist, C is space for a car, and E is an entry way. As you can see,
the left side of the garage has one entry for the 6 slots. So it is best to plan lengthy
jobs on the left and back side of the garage (C1, H1, C2, and H2). Hoists 1 and 2 will
definitely be used for TB changes, and possibly C1. I will probably try to keep H3
open for tire rotations, oil changes, etc. C1 and C2 will probably be used for longer
procedures such as intake cleanings. C3 will be used as our quick in and out location
for items such as a filter changes, EGR, etc.

To those planning a TB change: contact Brad (deafbug) to make sure you have the
necessary parts. Due to the space limitations, we will probably only be able to do 2 TB
changes at a time. I give preference oon TB slots to those traveling the farthest.

We will do a pot luck. If you want to sign up for something specific, just shoot me an
email and I'll try to keep a list on my website so that we can get an assortment of good
eats.

One other note. For those of you who attend last year, you can expect a change at
Topel's. Since buying the garage from his dad, Dan has started to put quite a bit into
repairing the building including the front office area. He is also considering a new
addition (approx 6 more stalls). He has also added some equipment (alignment
machine, 3rd and 4th hoists). There are also plans to re-layout the parking situation
(hopefully allowing all of us to park next to each other in the lot). Overall, I would say
he is doing an excellent job in improving the image of his business. We should all be
grateful that he continues to allow us access to his facility!

List of those Attending:

Edward Chady, eschady, Milton WI, 2003 Jetta, hosting
Dan Topel, Lake Mills WI, hosting
John Chady, Fort Atkinson WI, hosting
Rob Wood, vikingrob, Miineapolis MN, 2004 NB, filters, tire rotation, snow screen (brats)
Rob Kieser, silverstreak, Milwaukee WI, 2003 Golf, intake cleaning (brats and soda)
Ben, mctdi , WI, 2004 Golf GLS TDI 5-speed, alignment, intake cleaning, (buns and plates)
Christopher Belmas, BumbleBeetle, Black Earth WI, 2003 NB,
Matt Gericke, vdubverruckt, Middleton WI, 2003 Golf, has vagcom
Paul Boeck , paulboeck  , Madison WI, 2000 Golf, may attend
Jason Daniele, jasonTDI, Madison WI, Jetta, performs TB changes
Terry, Red Golf TDI, Minneapolis MN, 1999 Golf, SELLS TDI HEATERS
Matthew Miks, MiksTDI, Kenosha WI, 2001 Jetta, performs TB changes
Brad Knaack, Deafbug, MN, NB, performs TB changes
Steve Muntz, reflextdi, Rockford IL, 03 Jetta, Intake Cleaning
Vince Anevicius, VWAof Wisconsin, Stockbridge WI, 1998 Jetta, tb change
Jeff Canar, Dr_canak, IL, 2000 Golf, oil change, fuel filter, stainless steel vacuum hoses
Gary Jansen, has air in grease kit lines
Jeff Williamson, jobob307, Janesville WI, 2001 Jetta, TB
Dennis Pantazis, sinneD, Chicago IL, 2004 Jetta, provent install
Paul Fisher, Paul_L_Fisher, Elkhorn WI, 2002 Jetta, has brake fluid tool & sells amsoil products
Ben, Deming, Chicago IL, 2006 Jetta, new lights,  (Brats)
Will Douglas, Copilot, Zion IL, 01 Jetta, skidplate, TDIHeater, (Chicken breasts, soda, chips)
Rich Renzy, CoolWhiteDude, Rockford IL,
Ryan Krause, arrowman, Milwaukee WI, 2003 Jetta, brake fluid change (taco dip and chips)
Derek Schwechel, WI, Intake cleaning, oil change, TDIHeater, EGR recalibration (venison sausage)
Steve Frey, scotchboy, Hartford WI, 2000 Jetta, TB, TDIHeater, Brake Fluid Change (lasagna)
Dave Bordeaux, Portage WI, TB
AllofUs, Brookfield IL, 2006 Jetta
Donny, Middlemanincrisis, Oshkosh WI, 96 Passat, timing check, vagcom
George Smith, gcsdls, Bolingbrook IL, 2001 Jetta,  intake cleaning
Colby Brown, 2cities_jetta, St Paul MN, 2001 Jetta, MAF change, (potato salad)
Jon Lourigan, Oregon WI, 1999 Beetle, rear brakes, oil change, TDIHeater
Cas, manual transmission fluid change
Chris Campanelli, Bonedaddy, Wheaton, IL , '04 NB, observing
Brian Metz, bkmetz, IL, 97 Passat
Joe Shireman, skidude, Rockford IL, 2000 Golf