Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 i dune buggies and hotVWs

What is a mid-mount and do you need one? Read this first and then decide if you need one. If you own a 1968 or later Bus, you can stop reading as there is no way to put a mid-mount on later Buses. Or you can read on and impress your friends. What is a mid-mount? It is an after-market mount for the transmission that usually bolts to the cluster housing on the transmission, then is attached to the transmission forks. It provides a stronger front mount in a sense. There are two types and tons of different styles. The style isn’t as important as the type. There are solid ones that usually weld in to the forks, and rubber ones that pretty much bolt in. So, which one do…

It’s another Monday evening and I am sitting in front of my computer, checking some air-cooled VW forums and Facebook. Simultaneously, I am chatting with a friend via a messenger, writing about the good old days. Back then, we used our Beetles, Ghias and Type 3s as daily drivers in the summertime. A second car? Just for the winter months. And just as long as winter lasted. Then we got rid of those stale vehicles and back behind the wheels of our beloved Vee-Dubs. When I started in the VW hobby (that was even before I got my driver license), VW shows were high on the agenda. As often as possible, I drove to events, checking out other Volkswagens. At first in my area, soon further away. The first big…

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that it will end production of the iconic Beetle in 2019. To celebrate the Beetle’s rich heritage, two special models will join the lineup for its last model year – Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL. “The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it. But as we have seen with the I.D. BUZZ – which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus –…

If you are in the 40 and older age group, you probably remember how the custom VW culture in the 1980s and early ’90s was so unique, big and crazy. I imagine you witnessed a lot of colorful, shiny and tastefully different VW custom styles, along with gigantic trophies, wild bikini girl contests, awesome friendships and love at the shows. Volkswagens were the perfect blank canvas for everyone into the lifestyle of the era. I’m pretty sure most folks will agree: the ’80s and early ’90s were the golden era of the custom VW culture. “So, there was no doubt in Gary Jr.’s mind: He would commission Buddy to build it” ONE of the top VW builders in the air-cooled Volkswagen scene, Buddy Hale of Type One Restorations, did it…

Alright American readers: Raise your hand, if you’ve ever dreamed of driving your air-cooled ride on the German “Autobahn” and participate in local Volkswagen events! Conversely, some European enthusiasts fantasize about shipping their VWs to the United States, to enjoy cruising Route 66 or Pacific Coast Highway. But the dream often remains, well, a dream. Introducing a trio of friends who made the jump last June. Their Vee Dubs were entirely or partly built by Nostalgia Cars, a Belgian shop located just a few miles away from the French border. Diégo Delespeaux, the Belgian owner of the Sahara Beige Westfalia SO42, happens to be one of the company’s partners. The shop has helped produce a series of notable project cars in recent years, including a Jupiter Grey Standard Oval and…

First, let’s get this straight… This ’65 Bus does not belong to Diégo Delespeaux, but to his wife Audrey! While she could not attend the So-Cal VW Week with her other half, she will have returned to California by the time you read this, to enjoy a summer family trip. You see, Diégo purchased this desirable ’65 Westfalia as a present to her in 2011, traveling all the way from Belgium to Scotland to seal the deal. It almost didn’t happen. When he and friend Pit arrived, they discovered a vehicle that wasn’t quite as described, especially the poor paint job. The buddies debated about buying their find, ultimately arriving to their senses after a test drive. It revealed a Type 2 with an engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension seemingly…

ARRIVING at the show, we found a line of cars on the grass along the front of the business and more parked on the street totaling around 20 cars. I was thinking to myself “I hope this isn’t the whole show.” As we entered the actual Avery’s facility, my fears quickly turned to excitement as the large show area was absolutely packed with VWs! The cars parked out front were actually an overflow area due to the lack of room as 160-plus cars were already tucked inside. The Avery’s show is advertised as a “non-trophy” event; so, one might think that would affect the quality of the cars in attendance, but that was certainly not the case. In fact, it seemed to appeal to deep rooted VW fans that were…

Most everyone who has a German-built Split Bus manufactured after mid-October 1958 knows about the M-code plate, which tells certain production data for a Bus. It is located on the right-hand side of the partition wall behind the front seat. I quickly found the plate on the first Type 2 that I owned back in 1992, and I was immediately curious as to what it said. Back in the good old days (like when I had to drive my Bus to school in the snow, barefoot and uphill), there was no internet, and information on M-codes was sparse. I first found the M-code plate before any book or magazine had given any information in decoding them. So, I figured them out on my own – sort of. The top row…

I.D. BUZZ CARGO has the potential to write history as one of the most advanced light commercial vehicles. Spacious electric transporter concept vehicle is based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). With the biggest available battery, the MEB has a range of more than 340 miles on the WLTP cycle. Digital cargo system connects cockpit and cargo space and brings super fast “Internet of things” on board. In “I.D. Pilot” mode, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO concept vehicle drives at Level 4 full autonomy to its next destination. 230V socket provides power for workers’ tools for hours with no additional generator. A large solar roof extends the daily range of the I.D. BUZZ CARGO by up to 9.3 miles. The original Volkswagen Transporter (Type 2) is the most recognizable light…

It took Bertrand Droupsy over a quarter of a century to complete his project. But, boy, was it worth the wait! Back in ’92, he went on a hunt for an old VW while studying at the university, stumbling upon a private car collection in France, its owner having a few Volkswagens for sale. Bertrand initially contemplated buying a rare Type 34 Karmann Ghia from him, until the man mentioned he had another unusual vehicle available: a ’62 1500 Notchback, a model our hero had never seen before. It was quite a find indeed, being an early model in great shape with only 73,000 kilometers (45,000 miles) since sold new in France. Additionally, it featured a desirable sunroof, as well as its desirable 1962 6-digit license plate (69CS59) and plenty…

Originally, this vintage Bus show was not authorized by the City of Huntington Beach. The founder of the Köwabunga Van Klan, Don Ramsey, took over all the parking spots; he filled them with his friends’ Buses on HB’s Main Street in the early morning, then kept feeding quarters to the parking meters. His surprise event not only blew the tourists/visitors’ minds, but also the City of Huntington Beach execs as well. A year after this unofficial event, the city approached Don to renew the feat. Officials asked Don to organize a vintage Bus event at the HB Pier, an iconic landmark which he did not even consider using. This was the moment the Köwabunga Van Klan Vintage Bus Show became part of the Huntington Beach official event calendar. Don is…

As we approached the Madera Fairgrounds early the morning of April 29th, the number of cars in the spectator parking lot told us it was going to be another exciting VW Spring Fling. After paying the “outrageous” entry fee of one canned good (donated to the Poverello House), we could see the swap meet was at sellout capacity, while those camping just beyond (many who arrived Friday night) were busy making breakfast. After a thorough assessment of the swap, I spotted one of the coolest VW barbecues ever — a VW converted into a mega grill! Rescued by members of the German Rejects after fire destroyed their club president’s Bug, it was a great example of how the VW faithful turn tragedies into good times! It should be mentioned that…

CB Performance BLAZECUT Fire Protection System. Gift Certificates are also available! Go to cbperformance.com Periscope 50th Anniversary BUG-IN #43 collectibles. Trucker hats, T-shirts, Dash Plaques, Car Badge, and License Plate frame. Go to shop.bugin.com EMPI EMPI Spare Tire Tool Box complete with tools. Contact local EMPI dealers. VdubHub DURASTRAP VW leather accessories handcrafted in California. Go to www.TheVdub-Hub.com Maisto Harley-Davidson Custom VW Type 2 RC. Includes the pistol grip controller. www.maisto.com Vintage Speed Laser-cut polished stainless-steel magazine display. Go to www.vintagespeed.com.tw Hasbro The Masterpiece Movie Series Bumblebee MPM-7 collectible figure from Hasbro. Go to www.hasbrotoyshop.com HotVWs Official Hot VWs metal license frame. Get yours at hotVWs.com Wolfsburg West Wolfsburg West gift certificates. Go to www.wolfsburgwest.com Wolfgang Gas Mask Nostalgia Racing T-shirts. Available in black or red. Go to wolfgangint.com Mooneyes…

This section allows Volkswagen enthusiasts to make special VW tools. Volkswagen used to publish this fascinating information using blueprints, in case you couldn’t source a VW special tool locally – you could therefore make your own. VW 645 Push Rod Tube Centering Tool The centering tool facilitates quick and proper fitting of the pushrod tubes when installing the cylinder heads. The tubes are accurately located during the assembly operation ond this helps to prevent leakage and damage to the tubes. The sequence is as follows: 1. Push the tool through the pushrod holes in the cylinder head from the valve gear side. 2. Slide the pushrod tubes with seals over centering tool guides and locate tubes in the cylinder head recesses. 3. Place the cylinder head complete with tool on…

A specially modified Bonneville Jetta broke the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) G/BGC record, with a track speed of 210.16 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, during the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s (USFRA) World of Speed event. In the course of the run, the car broke the SCTA’s Blown Gas Coupe (G/BGC) class record of 208.472 mph. Built by Bonneville preparation specialists THR Manufacturing, based in Ventura, Calif., the Bonneville Jetta’s record run showcased both the potential performance that the EA888 engine can achieve with modifications, and the all-new Jetta’s exceptionally aerodynamic shape, which yields a drag coefficient of just 0.27. The 2.0-liter direct-injection and turbocharged engine in the Bonneville Jetta was modified for high output with new connecting rods, pistons, valves, camshafts, turbocharger, and exhaust system, but the…

Here is something you don’t often see on the roads of America: a 1955 Standard Oval. Even better, the car features a factory sunroof, an option rarely selected by customers who bought the low-priced Beetle at the time! Greg Peere has owned over 50 air-cooled VWs over the years; yet, this example remains one of the rarest of the bunch. The grey Ragtop had been purchased new from a gentleman who belonged to the German ecclesiastical military corps. It seemingly remained in the Fatherland, with the latest owner being a military vehicle collector, whose treasures included Kübelwagens. He originally planned on transforming the Oval into a WWII KdF replica, though he conceded having too many projects, which explained why it ended up on the market. Greg traveled over 600 miles…

I’m sure some of our readers have gotten into their own engine building during the course of their VW hobby years. I highly encourage this, and am always pleased when a hobbyist can turn semi-pro after a few successful builds. These folks are usually avid readers of manuals and magazines, as well as watchers of YouTube and other tech sources. I applaud you guys! So, let’s say you’ve built two or three engine, and you’ve used a “standard” or “0” (zero) cam gear without incident. It’s true that most engines will use a standard cam gear. However, once in a while you’ll go to lay the cam gear against the crank gear and ouch! It’s hard to even get the cam to slip down into it’s bearing saddles. Then, as…

After years and many miles of use, 002 and 091 transaxles have a nasty habit of developing small, but very annoying, oil leaks between the drive flange shaft and the seal that rides on it. These leaks can also be attributed to non-use where pitting and surface rust can occur. Most often, leaks are simply a matter of long time use and associated wear between the shaft and seal. The plastic seal which is pressed into the screw collar can and will, at some point, actually wear a shallow grove in the flange surface. Long term friction removes minute amounts of material from the shaft surface allowing oil to seep between the two surfaces. Surface rust, pitting and scratches can also contribute to leakage in the area. And of course,…

The Tail of the Dragon... Here in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, there is a road designated as US Highway 129 that motorcyclists and car enthusiasts across the eastern United States have been traveling for years. This stretch of roadway is 11 miles long with 318 curves and back turns, which challenge a rider’s or driver’s skill. US 129 is located between Robbinsville, North Carolina and Maryville, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For decades the road was used by dam workers from the nearby town of Tapoco as well as by locals and moonshine runners. The formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s made the area more accessible to motor vehicles. By the 1950s, tourists flocked to the area for its beauty…