Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i dune buggies and hotVWs

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Is This the Classic VWs’ Future?

Four months ago in California, Governor Newsom announced that he issued an executive order requiring sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035, and additional measures to eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation sector. What does the governor’s executive order mean? Is he just talking about new car sales? Do we have to worry about the future of our beloved air-cooled rides? And is this only regarding California, or will other states start following California’s idea, phasing out gasoline-powered cars? Could the government start a heavier tax on vehicles running fossil fuels, thus affecting our classic cars? Many questions came up right after I saw this news. While still able to drive an automobile, will the day come when I have to stop or give up driving…

4 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Boxes, Lights and Bearings

Tight Steering Box I have a ’73 Ghia equipped with 2-1/2-inch lowered spindles. I also installed a new steering box and had the ball joints replaced with ones for the lowered spindles. The steering is really tight. When I disconnect the steering, the steering wheel turns freely. With the front jacked up, the front end still feels tight. On the ground it is really, I mean, really tight. Is there any way to loosen it up without driving it a bunch? Bruce Campbell Troy, OH Bruce, since new steering boxes are rarely tight, I’m sure that your problem is with the ball joints. Pressing in ball joints is sort of an art form, and unless you measure the knurling diameter versus the trailing arm hole, you may be in for…

7 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Chassis Numbers

The Chassis Number (also called the VIN number) on Buses should be a simple number, starting at 1 and ending at something that matches the total number of Buses produced. It would be nice if things were that simple. Instead, the chassis number started out in 1950 as a 7-digit number, then became an 8-digit number, then 6 digits, then 7 digits again, then 9 digits, then finally 10 digits for the final decade of Bay Window production. This month, we will take the roller coaster ride that is the evolution of Bus chassis numbers from 1950 through 1979. In the beginning, Type 2 chassis numbers started at 20-00001. The first 10 or so Buses are believed to be the pre-production models, which were used in publicity photos, etc. The…

4 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

The Parts Bin

Round Logo Full-Zip Hoodie CB Performance Round Logo Full-Zip Hoodie - Black, printed on a soft midweight fleece material that offers a generous fit for comfort. Features a jersey-lined hood, heavy gauge draw-cord with metal eyelets and 1x1 ribbing at the cuffs and waistband. Retro-themed artwork appears worn and cracked like your favorite event shirt from the ‘90s. For more information, visit cbperformance.com JayCee 48IDA Vibration Isolators JayCee’s New Vibration Isolators are made for the performance enthusiast. Our billet aluminum retainer encapsulates two urethane gaskets. The purpose is to manage fuel pressure control from vibration along with heat rise to your fuel bowls. For more information, visit empius.com, or EMPI dealers. German Aluminum Valve Cover Made in Germany. Special O-rings are used to avoid oil leaks. Deep fins on the…

2 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

ENCORE PERFORMANCE

CHECK OUT THE APPROPRIATE NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE, ENHANCED BY 135-15 AND 215/65-15 RADIALS. HotVWs’ team has covered every single Southern Californian Bug-In since the event’s inception in 1968. Saying that the extravaganza had a profound impact on the Volkswagen scene would be an understatement. By the time the late ’70s rolled around, the Bug-In was to reach its peak; so, imagine winning America’s Most Beautiful VW award as a 19-year old enthusiast… Mark Ramirez accomplished the feat with his black 1970 Cal Look Beetle. Fast forward 40 years. Mark is back in the game, behind the wheel of a beautiful Weber 48IDA-fed ’67 sedan, cruising with longtime friends from the club he joined back in the day, Der Kleiner Kampfwagens (DKK). Incidentally, he is the current President of the group,…

5 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

SUMMER SLAM

This weekend of racing was characterized by a handful of special events. Before the competition itself began, participants paid a special tribute to a fallen racer and friend, Dennis Kaveney. Dennis owned Strictly Speed in Bremerton, Washington, building air-cooled Volkswagen transmissions and engines. Before his passing in 2018, he asked that his ashes be spread on the strip. A couple of years later, it was decided that the Medford dragstrip event would be the perfect opportunity for his final sendoff. The Marvin Racing crew headed up the memorial pass, which included packing Dennis’ ashes into the parachute, which was then released after the finish line. We couldn’t imagine a more suitable farewell than to be laid to rest in the place he loved most, by the people he most cherished.…

6 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

TACOMA’S NEW VW SUMMER JAM

Summer Jam is sort of – but not exactly – a new show as it is a partial breakaway event of the Pacific Northwest Spring Meet. Mike Tolliver has been affiliated with the Spring Meet since around 1994. He took over the show 10 years ago and has helped it to grow more popular. The main issue with a car show in the PNW during the spring time is the weather. Being the first major show of the year is always exciting for people, but the rainy and cold conditions always led to numerous complaints. For this reason, Mike decided to throw a Summer time car show. The timing was perfect as he had just become a sponsor of the LeMay Museum, which was interested in holding an all-VW event…

4 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

VW OIL PUMPS

Selecting an oil pump that is sized right for your engine can make or break your assurance of reliability. Knowing what types, quality, and gear sizes are available will make your choice an easy one! Since the only two things cooling down your VW engine are air and oil, it makes sense to choose the best possible components. The VW’s system of fan-powered air cooling the block, cylinders, and heads is pretty hard to improve upon, at least if you want a stock appearance. The oiling system, in contrast, is pretty easy to improve upon, especially when you’re talking high-heat levels and high performance. Many performance builders will in fact order higher clearances in their parts, improving oil flow past the bearings and other components, enhancing cooling. Adding even a…

8 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

The Passing of the Torch

Ideal daily with people who are selling their VWs, and have been doing so for over 20 years now, but there are certain situations that seem to take on a very special meaning to me. Every now and then, I get a call or an email from an original owner of an air-cooled VW (or a relative of an original owner) with the news of them selling their beloved car. With the very newest air-cooled VWs being decades old [except for some Mexican/Brazilian models – Ed.], there is something really special about a car that lasts that long and an owner that keeps it. I know I don’t need to tell you all how the VW becomes a part of the family; if you are reading these words, I can…

3 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Batteries: Safety first

In this article, I would like to talk about batteries for your VW. It’s not so much about the battery, but more specifically, whether you have it installed in the car safely. Bugs and Type 3s have the battery under the rear seat, and if you have one of these, then you really should do something. There are two areas of concern here. First of all, is the battery held down? Most of you are going to say “No”. How do I know this? Because I’ve been guilty of this as well for many years. Next: Is the top of the battery protected from the seat springs hitting the posts of the battery? You might say: “Who cares? I have been driving this car for years and nothing has happened.”…

5 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Appraisals

Let’s face it – our cars are one of our most valuable assets, maybe second only to our homes. And especially in this economy, it’s important to protect our investments as best we can, in case (heaven forbid) we have an accident or theft. However, these days, it feels like we’re being bombarded with commercials by insurance companies – either we’re listening to a lizard or to that poster child for 2020, Mayhem. For the record, I’m not going to buy insurance from someone showing me the worst that could happen (already lived through that this past year), nor am I going to be swayed by a cute talking reptile to switch to an insurance company that used to be for government employees. No matter where you end up getting…

4 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Frenchy was born in Congo, Africa, then moved to France in 1958. After a few years living in Europe, he moved to Montreal, Canada. That’s where he got the opportunity to get his first ride in a Volkswagen Beetle – he was 14 years old. During the winter, his aunt drove into the countryside to collect syrup from maple trees. His two cousins sat in the back and he was in the passenger seat, clearly remembering that he would own a Volkswagen someday. Four years later, he drove a VW to take a driving test, and passed. He actually learned how to drive a Beetle on the way to the DMV. RELOCATED TURN SIGNALS, U.S. BUMPER OVERRIDER HOLES AND MUFFLER CUTOUTS REMOVED Frenchy moved to Los Angeles, California in 1968,…

5 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

1967 SUNROOF BEETLE

CHASSIS FRONT SUSPENSION / Adjustable beam, Empi drop spindles, KYB shocks REAR SUSPENSION/ KYB shocks WHEELS/ Empi Fuchs-style 15x4.5 (front), Flat4 Fuchs-style 15x6 (rear) TIRES/ Firestone 135-15 & Firestone 215/65-15 BRAKES/ VW Karmann Ghia discs (front), stock VW drums (rear) ENGINE BUILDER/ Mark Ramirez CASE/ Type 1 VW H-code DISPLACEMENT/ 1776cc CRANK/ Berg/VW 69mm counterweighted RODS/ Stock VW CYLINDERS & PISTONS/ Cima 90.5mm CAM/ Engle W-110 HEADS/ VW, ported/polished by Steve Tims (Stage 2), dual valve springs VALVE SIZES/ 42mm x 37mm ROCKER ARMS/ Empi 1.25:1 COMPRESSION RATIO/ 9.5:1 IGNITION/ Bosch 009 distributor, Bosch Blue coil, VW generator CARBURATION/ dual Weber 48IDAs OIL SYSTEM / Full-flow, 1.5-quart sump, Geers oil filter, Empi cooler with fan, Clyde Berg breather box EXHAUST SYSTEM/ Fourtuned merged header, Decade Industries muffler OTHER MODIFICATIONS/ 13…

1 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

HAROLD DYER’S 1964 CAL LOOK BUG

Harold Dyer got hooked on Volkswagens in 1975, around the time hotVWs Magazine unveiled Jim Holmes/Greg Aron-son’s ’63 Ragtop, acknowledged as the first Cal Look Volkswagen. Growing up in Sounthern California, he had a neighbor named Jim Abdon, who lived around the corner and raced a Bug. Some readers who attended the OCIRera Bug-Ins might remember the vehicle, arguably the very first turbocharged VW race cars, called “Insanity”. Harold, who met Jim at age 16, used to ride his bicycle to his garage, watching him build his drag Beetle, and kept asking him questions. One day, Jim had just finished assembling his race motor and asked him: “Would you like to go for a ride?” Of course, Harold hopped in the car in no time. The crazy fast VW “scared…

5 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

SAVANNAH SURF WAGON

“ORIGINAL,WITH A LITTLE SURF INFLUENCE” Even though the couple now calls Henderson, Nevada home, that So-Cal culture still runs through their veins – and through their Bus! The couple began looking for a good restoration candidate after Sherry was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. Phil said: “We thought this would keep us busy and our minds occupied.” They had owned several VWs over the years, both air- and water-cooled; everything from a 1959 Split Bus to a 2009 Jetta SportWagen, and a few in between. They knew what they were about to embark upon personally, and a good restoration project would be just what they needed to keep them focused. In perhaps a stroke of destiny, they found their perfect restoration candidate back in their hometown of Riverside, California.…

6 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Grabbing Gears!

It’s summer 1969 and I’m not sure what we were thinking, as I was one of the pushers on Don Crane’s red 1967 Cal Look Bug! Let me explain. Don was one of the first “Panzers” [DKP member – Ed.] to have a dual-carb street car and it ran very well until he shifted into third gear – it needed third and fourth gears with different ratios. Thanks to Gene Berg’s early development, there was that option. But let me return to being a VW pusher… Don’s parents, as understanding as they were, would not allow his car up on jack stands in their driveway! One day, we needed to take the red ’67 to Renfree Motors – the authorized VW dealer in Orange – so that they could pull…

3 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Type 4 Country

Type 4 engines, as used in VW Porsche 914s, VW 411/412s and Bay Window Buses, never played a major role in the USA, besides some off-road applications. The same is actually true for every other country in the world – except Germany. A “VW big block” conversion in street legal Beetles, Ghias and Buses has a long tradition over here. The biggest advantage of the Type 4 is its large displacement and its high-performance level straight from the factory, especially when compared to the Bug’s engine, which had a maximum of 1600cc and 50 hp. The 1700cc Type 4 produced 68hp; the large 2-liter engine 100 horses, twice as much as the strongest factory Type 1. Performance numbers which Bug drivers could only dream of! Especially since the TÜV, the…

3 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Dune Buggy creator, Bruce Meyers

Bruce Meyers, 94, a prolific artist, inventor, surfer, and the creator of the original iconic Meyers Manx that popularized the dune buggy craze known the world over, has along with his wife, Winnie sold their company to Trousdale Ventures. The news came on November 9th from its Chairman, Phillip Sarofim, who named Freeman Thomas the CEO and Chief Creative Officer, and Dave Lin the CFO of the new home that will be called Meyers Manx, LLC. Following is a statement from Freeman Thomas, legendary designer known by his work at Porsche, Audi and VW and newly named CEO and CCO of Meyers Manx, LLC: “In what proved to be a stroke of genius, Bruce Meyers created and introduced the original Meyers Manx to the beaches and dunes of California in…

3 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

1966 TYPE 1

EXTERIOR COLOR/ L639 Zenith Blue BODYWORK/ Type One Restorations CHASSIS SUSPENSION WORK BY/ Jean-Louis Dehoux FRONT SUSPENSION/ Stock beam with AVIS adjusters REAR SUSPENSION/ Stock SPINDLES/ CB Performance SHOCKS/ KYB STEERING/ TRW steering box WHEELS & TIRES/ BBT BRM, Nankang 145/15 (F), Hankook 205/60-15 (R); BRAKES/ Stock 1967 drums OTHER MODIFICATIONS/ Narrowed 4 inches, powder-coated and lowered, Bus snubbers ENGINE CASE/ 1973 VW magnesium DISPLACEMENT/ 2165cc BUILDER/ Jean-Louis Dehoux CRANK/ Gene Berg 78mm RODS/ CB Performance CYLINDERS & PISTONS/ AA Performance CAM/ CB Performance 2209 OIL PUMP/ Gene Berg HEADS/ VW reworked by Mike Fisher, ported and polished by Frenchy VALVE SIZES/ 40 X 35.5mm COMPRESSION RATIO/ 8.5:1 ROCKER ARMS/ CB Performance 1.25:1 PUSHRODS/ Chromoly IGNITION/ Bosch 010 CARBURATION/ dual Italian Weber 48IDA INTAKE MANIFOLD/ Scat Trak EXHAUST SYSTEM/ Bugpack…

1 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

LIVING THE LIFESTYLE

Being at the right place and the right time certainly helped Mark Ramirez to get involved in the Cal Look scene during the ’70s. But there is more to the story, as he was also lucky enough to be raised by a car-loving dad, Carlos, who owned a VW shop in Whittier, a few miles away from Orange County. Mark began working there in 1975 and, with his Driver License test just a couple of months away, he and his father built a ’59 Beetle inspired by the emerging California Look. Dechromed body, powder blue paint job, chrome Porsche 356 wheels and T-bars – it was all there. “Working at the shop, a lot of customers wanted to buy our cars sitting outside on display. There went my ’59”, he…

3 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

1964 TYPE 1

EXTERIOR COLOR/ L87 Pearl White BODYWORK/ Harold Dyer CHASSIS SUSPENSION WORK BY/ Harold Dyer FRONT SUSPENSION/ Stock beam with Avis-style adjusters REAR SUSPENSION/ 27mm torsion bars, adjustable swing plate SPINDLES/ Stock SHOCKS/ KYB GR-2 WHEELS/ Cip1 BRM TIRES/ Nankang 145R15 (F), Yokohama P205/65R15 (R) BRAKES/ Stock ENGINE CASE/ AS41 magnesium DISPLACEMENT/ 2161cc BUILDER/ Harold Dyer CRANK/ 84mm Pauter RODS/ Scat 5.5-inch chromoly H-beam CYLINDERS & PISTONS/ 90.5mm Mahle CAM/ Web Cam 218 OIL PUMP/ Melling HEADS/ CB Performance 044 CNC Ultra Mag VALVE SIZES/ 42x37.5mm COMPRESSION RATIO/ 8.2:1 ROCKER ARMS/ Scat PUSHRODS/ Scat 3/8-inch chromoly IGNITION/ Bosch 009 with Pertronix Ignitor CARBURATION/ Dual Weber 48IDA with 37mm venturis INTAKE MANIFOLDS/ Empi match ported EXHAUST SYSTEM/ A-1 merged ceramic-coated with Dynomax muffler FLYWHEEL/ Scat 200mm 8 dowels, 12lbs. CLUTCH/ Kennedy stage…

1 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

’57 Oval – Code Name “Abbey Road”

ABBEY ROAD ROLLED OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE ON JANUARY 28, 1957 As half a million people gathered at Woodstock, not far from my home in New York, my love affair with VW Beetles was emerging. I was in high school and about to start my first job 30 miles away and needed transportation. It was then that my father rolled into the driveway with a ’58 VW Beetle that barely ran. My Dad served 22 years in the U.S. Navy as a submariner during WWII and the Korean War, and was able to fix anything that came along. The ’58 became our training platform and soon afterwards we started doing minor repairs for friends that led to overhauling engines. To pay for college, I started buying VWs with mechanical problems,…

5 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

Who, What, When & Where

January 30, 2021 Winter Volksfest 15 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC at the Expo Building. Description: Swap spaces and Show car entries: We recommend pre-registration. This is a Saturday event with pre-show setup on Friday afternoon/evening. Hours: 10-4. Admission $10 (12 & under free), Show car entry $30 (includes one entry). All Vendors $50 (includes one admission), 10x20 space. All vendors will have to fit all their items within their space allowed. If you only reserved one, then you must fit everything within your space. Please make that decision as you pre-register. Vendors will be allowed in on Friday to get their items in, especially if you have a trailer. We want to be able to accommodate as many as we can. FREE SPECTATOR PARKING.…

5 min

dune buggies and hotVWs|March 2021

DINKY TOYS OVAL VW TOY CARS

I remember growing up in an era in which DINKY TOYS were very popular in the line of toy cars, trucks, military vehicles etc. In fact, the name was so popular, just about any small toy vehicle was called a DINKY TOY, whether it was one or not. These popular diecast vehicles were produced by the Meccano Toy Company and sold under the DINKY TOYS name. As far as the history goes, Frank Hornby of the Meccano Toy Company designed and launched the original DINKY TOYS series in 1933. They became very popular in the toy market before World War II. Just after the war started, Meccano converted its diecast metal factory to produce diecast parts for the war efforts. Then in 1945 after the war ended, the resumption of…

4 min