VW Trends Magazine Vol 3, No 3, Winter 2023

2024 PULL-OUT CALENDAR $7.99 USA $9.99 CANADA

VOL. 3, NO. 3

WINTER 2024

$40,000 PURSE:

TEXAS VS. THE WORLD LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION WINNER! COULD IT BE YOU?

staff Editor-In-Chief: Dan “DG” Leadbetter Layout, Design, Editing, Kitchen Sink: Jason Smith Social Media Guru and Street Team Leader: Larry Bohannon Advertising Sales: dan@vwtrendsmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS Eric Bernal, Ryan Bonham, Dave Cormack, Rich Crafton, Arthur Junior, Dean Kirsten, Doug Kulp, Ed Leadbetter, D. Lee, Tom Morina, Paul Morton, Rick Search, Jason Smith, George Trosley, David Zemla

STA PUBLISHING Publishers: Dan Leadbetter and Rich Crafton Chief Financial Officer: Beckyjo Ohlendorf Subscription info: vwtrendsmagazine.com VW Trends Magazine ISSN APPL100001111, USPS MID 903010850 is published whenever we get around to it (but for now, quarterly) by STA Publishing, LLC, 4533 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 5208, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Reprinting in whole or in part is expressly forbidden except with written permission from the publisher. ©2023, STA Publishing, LLC. Periodical postage paid in Newport Beach, California and at additional mailing offices. For those of you who may not know, I (Dan Leadbetter) was runnerup in Showtime’s Funniest Person in America stand-up comedy contest in 1981, Northern California division. True story. Even had friends watching cable TV at 2 AM who actually saw my act years later. I think that cut out about 3 minutes of my 15 minutes of fame. People always ask me, “Why didn’t you stick to standup comedy?” I’d always say, “Well, I was afraid people would laugh at me.” Thank you, I’ll be here all week.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: A minimum of six weeks’ notice is required, and you must provide STA Publishing with old and new addresses. Send to: STA Publishing, Attn: VWT CHANGE OF ADDRESS, 4533 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 5208, Newport Beach, CA, 92660. Or change your address via email to info@vwtrendsmagazine.com.

POSTMASTER SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: STA Publishing, Attn: VWT CHANGE OF ADDRESS, 4533 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 5208, Newport Beach, CA, 92660.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S. and U.S. Possessions $29.99 for one year (4 issues).

ADVERTISING: Direct all ad inquiries to dan@ vwtrendsmagazine.com or STA Publishing, 4533 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 5208, Newport Beach, CA, 92660. You know you want to advertise with VW Trends magazine. We’re not too proud to beg, people.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS are welcome but not guaranteed unless by express written approval of VW Trends magazine staff. Photos and articles must include signed photo and property releases from the writer, photographer, vehicle owner, property owner, and any recognizable people. STA Publishing is not responsible for the return of any manuscripts or photos.

DISTRIBUTION: Want to distribute VW Trends Magazine at your place of business? Send your inquiries to info@ vwtrendsmagazine.com to see how you can sell VW Trends, and actually make some money!

VW is a registered trademark of Volkswagenwerk AG. VW Trends magazine is in no way affiliated with Volkswagen.

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VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

WINTER 2024 • VOL. 3 NO. 3

DEPARTMENTS 4 TOP DEAD CENTER: It’s the end of the year as we know it.

6 WHAT’S NEW: Intakes, nose cones, Thing fenders, and more.

8 WHAT YEAR IS IT? 1968 (by request!)

10 PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE: Slade’s on YouTube.

50 READERS’ RIDES: Nevada Tucker’s ’69 Squareback.

2024 CALENDAR

54 COLLECTOR’S CORNER: Renny Gattone.

18

56 GARAGE BUILT: The Reel Caroline.

58 TOYS IN THE ATTIC: The CKO Flip-Top. 60 COMING EVENTS: A coast-to-coast list.

PA GE 32!

62 IN THE NEXT ISSUE: What’s on tap.

64 TROSLEY: VW Friends.

FEATURES 18 PAISLEY PRIZE: Metalmorphosis’ second giveaway VW is second to none.

26 FILTHY ’54: Jason Reynolds’ Oval looks pretty clean to us.

40 THE REAL THINGIE: Art Shapiro’s ’73 is a perfect SoCal cruiser.

26

44 SNEAK ATTACK: Dave Casperson’s slithering Squareback.

EVENTS 14 TEXAS VS. THE WORLD: Largest-ever cash purse for a VW race.

34 CIRCLE YER WAGENS: A Tennessee hoedown.

46 BUGORAMAS: Phoenix and Sacramento showdowns.

34 MEDFORD’S POINTS SERIES: A whole slew of Oregon quarter-milers.

TECHNICAL 22 DOUBLE? NO TROUBLE: EMPI’s Dual 40HPMX Carb Kit.

34

36 GHIA INTERIOR REDEUX, PT. 2: It’s easy with JBugs.

14

34

46

52

On the cover: Pat Downs from behind the starting line. Wheels-up and on the bars, at the Xtreme Raceway Park, Ferris, Texas. Photo by Dean Kirsten.

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

3

TOP DEAD CENTER IT’S THE END OF THE YEAR AS WE KNOW IT (AND I FEEL FINE)

I

’m writing this from the kitchen table less than a week out from December 25th. The sun is just coming up, and it’s kinda foggy outside, and it’s the first time it feels like Christmas season. It’s chilly, so like any true Californian, I’m wearing camo shorts, a blue Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias VW Bus T-shirt and black Ugg boots. Yeah, I’m a fashion statement. I know, I know …. But let’s not throw blame on my style choices, we’ve got a new issue of VW Trends to talk about!

So this issue you are holding in your hot little hands (or on your phone or tablet if you bought the digital version) is pretty special. I mean, they are all special, but this one just happens to be the issue that ends our second year of being back in print! Pretty exciting! I mean, who would have thought that the best thing about the 2020 pandemic was that VW Trends would be reborn? At least it was for me, and judging from the feedback we’ve gotten, it was the same for a lot of you, too.

As we end 2023, I want to reflect on all that happened in the past year and look at what worked, what didn’t work, and what’s wanted and needed moving forward. There were a lot of things that worked in 2023: In March I retired, and dove headfirst into doing VW Trends full time. Less than 30 days after that, I jumped in the Showrunner Golf Sportwagon and did the shakedown run for the “Where in the World is Dan Leadbetter?” tour, starting in the Pacific Northwest. A scant week after I got back from that, I loaded up Showrunner and hit the road for nine weeks, driving back east and hitting as many VW places and events as I could.

That definitely worked, and we’re working on doing something similar in 2024. More info on that later.

4

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

Another thing that worked for us was all of the feedback we’ve gotten from you, Constant Reader. All of your suggestions and comments were taken to heart, and we’ve made changes. Another thing that’s worked is the amount of features, events, and tech we do each issue.

It’s safe to say that out of all the U. S.-based VW magazines, VW Trends has the most feature cars and events per issue! We’re going to keep that up. We want to give you the most bang for your buck.

The “Where in the World is Dan Leadbetter?” Lifetime Subscription contest was awesome! I’ve gotten to meet SO many cool people and taken thousands of selfies all over the country. People are still entering at the time of this writing, using the printout of my face on our website. Want to know who won?

Hell, as I sit here, I don’t even know who won, but I’ll be picking the winner on Christmas morning. (See who won on page 13 of this issue.)

Of course, our 48 IPA beer was something that worked. More so than we expected! In fact, we’re in the process of changing breweries so our beer can go global. So if you haven’t been able to find it, that’s the reason. Bear with us, more cool info on that coming. Speaking of cobranding, we’ve got a lot of really cool stuff on the burner for 2024, but I can’t let the cat out of the bag yet … stay tuned.

Okay, on to things that didn’t work. We had some shipping issues with the post office where some of you never got your magazines. We’ve got 99% of those issues fixed (no pun intended), so thanks for being patient with us. Please remember, we’re a VERY small team who all have day jobs (well, except me, of course) before working on Trends at night and on the weekends.

ILLUSTRATION: RON PETRO

Thank you for your patience and for bearing with us.

Another thing that didn’t work was our lack of merch. We just hooked up with a great merchandiser, and have a TON of new and cool stuff coming down the pipeline in 2024. So hang on for that. I think you’ll be pretty stoked at what we’re coming up with. We’ll have some new and really cool T-shirts, hoodies and letterman jackets coming soon! The last thing that isn’t working is the crazy cost increases all over the board. We’ve been able to absorb and shift those costs so they wouldn’t impact you on the magazine front, and I can promise you that we’re staying the same price through 2024. And we’re STILL the lowest priced VW magazine out there!

I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for all of our contributors.

Seriously! If it weren’t for those of who who contribute to VW Trends on a regular basis, you’d have to put up with my annoying voice … or typing … or whatever.

I love the variety of voices we have in our magazine, and wouldn’t change a thing. So a big hearty thank-you to everyone who’s been helping us shape VW Trends into the juggernaut it has become!

So all in all, 2023 was an amazing year for all of us at VW Trends, and again, we couldn’t do it without the love and support from you, Constant Reader. So take a break, grab a cold beverage, and peruse this issue.

I think you’re gonna like it, a lot! Don’t forget to take out the pull-out calendar from the center spread and hang it on your wall. As always, I need to hear from you, so please send your questions, comments, and concerns to dan@vwtrendsmagazine.com.

— Dan Leadbetter Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

WHAT’S NEW

X34 CARBON FIBER MQB COLD AIR INTAKE SYSTEM for 8V/8S Audi A3/S3/TT/TTS, MkVII Volkswagen Golf/GTI/R & MkVII Volkswagen GLI equipped with 1.8T/2.0T Gen 3 engines. Peak gains of up to 15 crank horsepower and 12 ft-lbs of torque on a stock vehicle, and more than 30 crank horsepower and 25 ft-lbs of torque on vehicles equipped with Stage 1/2 Performance Software.

Reduces pressure drop in the intake tract while offering OEM+ fit and finish. 100% bolt-on installation without the need for any additional pieces. Call (510) 657-6707 or visit 034motorsport.com.

RANCHO “V-GATE” NOSE CONE Rancho’s Fast Fab Verigate is a nose cone V-Gate shifting mechanism which converts the traditional “H” shift pattern to a straight-up-and-back layout.

Not really the hot ticket for street cars as down shifting requires a couple of extra movements, but the straight-up gear transition is fast, positive, and great for cutting ET times at the track.

Machined from solid billet and pre-fit with HP seals, the FAST FAB nose cones come anodized in clear or black with applications for both VW Type 1 and Mendeola 2D transaxles. Each kit ships complete with all installation hardware and retails for just $295. Note: Disassembly is required in order to drill and tap the shift rails. Requires use of a vertical gate shift linkage. Call your order direct to Rancho at 714-680-6737 or check out their site at ranchotransaxles.com.

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VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

FLAT 4 GT 17" (430mm) Type II wood steering wheel for 1959–79 Transporters!

This steering wheel has become today’s standard, and performs as good as it looks! The FLAT 4 GT steering wheel is made of one-piece mahogany wood and hairline-finished, stainless steel spokes. This steering wheel will be the crowning glory to your VW transporter’s interior, so get yours today! Call your local Flat Four dealer or visit flat4.co.jp.

RABABAK PERFORMANCE AMR500 KIT Rababak Performance’s mission has always been to provide a quality product that fits the customer’s needs and expectations. We set out to make an AMR500 kit with all that in mind. Our design is made up of all 6061 aluminum parts that make our kit noticeably different from the rest. Our kit was never designed to be covered by a decklid.

As we say, we want to show the competition what’s passing them up, so why cover it? Our kit is good for street, racing, and off-road applications. You get the quality and looks you pay for.

Each kit includes all-aluminum mounting brackets, aluminum intake manifold that adapts a Holley two-barrel 2300 series carburetor, throttle cable bracket, all hardware and gaskets, AMR500 supercharger, Holley 2300 series 350 or 500 cfm carburetor (depending on application), MST serpentine pulley system, lower intake manifold and silicone boots/ t-bolt clamps, and instruction manual. Rababak Performance offers custom applications and mods to the kit.

Please inquire for more info.

Note: Kit does not include dual-port manifolds, air filter, or throttle cable.

These can be provided upon customer’s request. Contact Rababak Performance by email at rababak@aol.com, or on Instagram at Rababak_ Performance, or call us at (760) 503 1621.

AIRCOOLED VW STARTER MOTOR BY FORST Let’s be honest: A starter motor is a pretty essential component of any automobile.

An occasional bump start might get you going in an emergency, but for everyday driving, you need something you know will work when you turn the key. And the guys and girls at Heritage Parts Centre have been in touch with news of just that — a starter motor for a host of air-cooled VW applications from one of their favorite suppliers, FORST. Suitable for 12-volt models with manual gearbox, including Splits, most Bays, Beetles, Type 3s and Karmann Ghias, this unit is brand new, not reconditioned. To pick one up, head over to HeritagePartsCentre.com and search for part number 311911-023/DX or email sales@heritagepartscentre.com.

CREATIVE CAR CRAFT THING FENDERS Creative Car Craft offers these cool Type 181 Thing stock-style fenders made from high-quality, handlaid fiberglass. Unlike inferior reproductions, Creative Car Craft Thing fenders feature headlight buckets with all necessary metal tabs to make headlight installation a snap! If you have a Thing project, you NEED these fenders! Find them online at creativecarcraft.com or email Creative Car Craft at creativecarcraftco@charter.net.

CB PERFORMANCE SUPER PRO HEADS Looking to up your street or dragstrip game? The CB Performance Super Pro heads are a horsepower-making machine! The larger 45mm intake flows an incredible 224 CFM, but still retains great port velocity with its 81cc intake port. This head produces huge horsepower on naturally aspirated engines. Great for hot street cars and bracket race cars.

With 45 x 37.5mm stainless steel valves, CNC porting, dual hi-rev springs, chromoly retainers, and SUPERGRIPTM valve locks. 94mm bore. Heads are sold as a pair. Please specify camshaft and rockers (brand and ratio) when ordering (sold separately). Contact CB Performance: 800-274-8337 (outside CA), 559-733-8222, or online at cbperformance.com.

VW TRENDS TRUCKER HAT You asked and VW Trends heard you! Brand new truckerstyle hats now in stock! Black with a cool mesh back and an embroidered VW Trends logo on the front. Perfect for wearing at car shows, swap meets, cars and coffee events, funerals or other formal occasions.

One size fits most. Only $25 with free shipping. Get yours today at vwtrendsmagazine.com.

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

7

1968 WHAT YEAR IS IT?

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAMBA

MODIFICATIONS FOR 1968*

’68 Beetles came in eight colors. Sedan chassis numbers were 118 000 000 to 118 1 016 098.

T

BIG changes by the company that thought small • by Jason Smith

here were so many modifications and improvements to the Beetle for the 1968 model year that we could fill half a magazine writing about all of them (just have a look at the probably-not-quitecomplete list over to the right).

The big-picture exterior changes: The bumpers were completely redesigned, incorporating a significantly strengthened U-shaped profile, and they were also positioned higher up than bumpers had been on previous models. The deck lid and hood were made shorter to clear the bumpers. The tail lights were made larger and reshaped into what has become known as the “tombstone” design, and for the first time, the tail lights incorporated backup lights. The gas filler was moved from the frunk to the right front fender. Both the door handles and the hubcaps were redesigned and made flatter. 1968 spelled the end of the old wide-5 wheel, as VW introduced a 4-lug pattern that would stick around for the rest of the Beetle’s life.

Inside, the lowback seats were replaced with redesigned units featuring head restraints. The dash was padded,

8

VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

presumably under the assumption that it would do less damage to your noggin in a crash. The steering column was collapsible, the idea being that it might not impale you in a wreck, and it was lockable, the idea being that it might be a tiny bit more difficult to steal the car. The oil warning light, which for some reason had been green until 1968, was changed to red, probably a more appropriate color than green-meansgo to let you know that you were about to cook your engine. The fuel gauge, formerly a separate unit, was incorporated into the speedometer. VW introduced a fresh-air ventilation system — previously handled by the windows — and the gear shift lever was straightened and made shorter and more, um, girthy. 1968 also saw the debut of the optional automatic stick shift.

Heinz Heinrich Nordhoff, who had overseen the rebuilding of the company from a single bombed-out factory at the end of WWII to the fourth-largest car company in the world, died in 1968.

Despite declining demand for sales in Germany, in the rest of the world the Beetle was still selling strongly in 1968.

 One-piece bumpers (no bows or overriders); height raised  Optional auto-stick shift  Gas filler moved from under hood to right front fender, springloaded flap, finger groove in body  Front hood air-intake louvers  Push-button hood release  Flattened door handles with built-in trigger release, door dimpled for new handle style  Hubcaps now flatter than before  Wheels are now four-lug  Size of front and rear brakes increased  Back-up/brake lights and rear turn signals in single larger housing  Brake fluid reservoir moved to driver side wall inside frunk  Certification sticker added to door post  Head restraints added to front seats  Fuel gauge integrated into speedo, and is now electrical, not mechanical  Oil warning light changed to red  Fresh-air ventilating system  Gear shift lever is larger and straight  Dash is now padded  Large black knob added to ventwindow latch  Locking, energy-absorbing collapsible steering column  Ignition switch in steering column  Trunk release moved to glove box  Fuel-filler cover has inside release  Exhaust emission control system  Solex 30 PICT-2 carburetor *PARTIAL LIST. PRIMARILY APPLIES TO U.S.-MARKET CARS.

AUCTION REPORT

’68 Beetles on bringatrailer.com

$30K $25K $20K $15K $10K $5K $0

1/16 1/17 1/18 1/19 1/20 1/21 1/22 1/23

• Sold • Reserve not met

BEETLE PRODUCTION, 1949–79

1968 PAINT COLORS L41 BLACK

BE

USED 1967–70

L633 VW BLUE

FINAL YEAR. USED 1967–68

L639 ZENITH BLUE

FINAL YEAR. USED 1967–68

1,136,134 TOTAL

1.25M

: 68

L620 SAVANNAH BEIGE

BUILT IN LES 19 ET

1+99

USED ALL YEARS, 1949–79

’68

13,354 CABRIOLETS

1M

750K

L70F CHINCHILLA GRAY

DEBUT YEAR USED 1968, 1970

500K

500K

L282 LOTUS WHITE

FINAL YEAR. USED 1967–68

250K

L30A ROYAL RED

DEBUT YEAR USED 1968, 1970

’49

L610 DELTA GREEN

’59

’69

’79

USED ONLY FOR 1968

PRODUCTION FOR 1968 TOTAL NUMBER BUILT: 1,136,134  5.2% of total Beetle production, 1931–2004 CABRIOLETS BUILT: 13,354  1.1% of 1968 Beetle production NUMBER BUILT IN GERMANY: 1,024,375  90.1% of total 1968 production was built in Germany  111,759 were built outside Germany  All Cabriolets were built in Germany

1968 BEETLE PRODUCTION TRIVIA:  1968 was the sixth-largest production year for the Beetle.  1968 Beetles were built at the German factories in Wolfsburg, Osnabrück, Emden, and Ingolstadt. Worldwide, they were built in Auckland, Brazil, Brussels, Dublin, Malaysia, Manila, Melbourne, Mexico, Montevideo, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Uitenhage, and Valencia.

Two memos about the new ‘68 models from Volkswagen of America P.R. man Chet Bahn.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SAMBA

ALSO IN 1968 1968 gave us the movies 2001: A Space Odyssey, Once Upon a Time in the West, Planet of the Apes, Bullitt, and Night of the Living Dead. A patent was granted for the jacuzzi hot tub, and astronomers discovered pulsars.

The Beatles were singing Hey Jude and Lady Madonna, Otis Redding was Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay, and the Rolling Stones were going on about somebody named Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

The U.S. had LBJ in the White House and a population of about 201 million.

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24

9

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE Slade’s DIY YouTube channel

By DG Leadbetter • Photos courtesy of Slade

P

eople in the VW scene really know what being a part of a community is.

To that end, our good friend Misty over at Valley VW & The V-Dub Store told us to check out Slade’s YouTube Channel. And check it out we did! Slade has more than 20,000 subscribers for what is a rich and vibrant resource of awesome DIY videos.

We reached out to Slade to get the skinny on how his channel came to be.

Slade and his wife Heather are the driving (no pun intended) force behind the Slade’s VWT: So how did you get into VWs? Beetle YouTube channel. They are such a fun and energetic team, with more VW Slade: I started at the age of 15. My first knowledge than you can shake a stick at. car was a 1968 Beetle I found in someone’s back yard, pretty much rusted to death. I grabbed it for $25 in 1979, and knew I was VWT: So it kinda happened by accident. hooked instantly. From helping my father Slade: After a short time on YouTube, at a young age in the garage and learning it grew quickly, and drew a lot of attention. from everything he showed me, it aided in The response completely amazed me. my new adventure. That was my first mild At that point I knew I had to take it very restoration, that I drove for years, and I seriously, and start a DIY channel for very much enjoyed it. air-cooled VWs to help others and build a VWT: Did you own others? community! Along the way I built an index Slade: I owned many air-cooled Beetles on the Slade’s VW Beetle YouTube channel for years and realized it was something I so folks could find what they needed would always have deep in my heart. While quickly, from a playlist, while in the garage. being mostly self-taught, I still would meet VWT: The videos are really informative old timers years back, that had shown me and awesome! Is YouTube your only social Slade’s YouTube page has a ton of different tricks, and tips. Years passed by, as media outlet? videos that are easy to search, very I raised four children, and worked numerSlade: I started a Facebook group called fun, in-depth, and easy to watch! ous hours as a mechanic. I still managed to Slade’s VW Community for quicker online have Beetles in the help from other club background that I members.

Slade’s VW Beetle: drove when possible.

All of this has youtube.com/SladesVWBeetle After retirement I really caught me knew I had to go back off guard, and truly to what I enjoyed the makes me smile most: air-cooled VWs. knowing folks use this YouTube channel VWT: How’d the YouTube Channel for help all over the world. I would never come about? change a thing, and I am very thankful Slade: After a few of my children menfor all involved. I have met many new From interior to engine, Slade’s tioned a YouTube channel to have videos folks which I now consider friends. All the channel is an invaluable resource that for them to watch later on, I realized I may wonderful folks coming together is what’s can help the novice as well as the be able to help some other people that were created Slade’s VW Beetle. I can’t thank seasoned pro. trying to keep their VWs alive. everyone enough.

10 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 11

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Tech: how not to buy a Bug; gas tank resto.

Events: Florida, Arizona, California. Interview: Shannon Rae. Artist Spotlight: Johnny Jalopy. Eight features … and much more!

Tech: no-weld pan repair.

Events: Ohio; El Prado; Bruce Meyers memorial.

Collector’s Corner: BoB Gilmore’s man cave.

Eleven feature stories …and much more!

Tech: Bus hinges; dual-carb control.

Events: Texas, SoCal, Pennsylvania, Fresno, Sacramento, Vegas.

History Lesson: a weird VW trucklet. Six feature stories …and much more!

Tech: e-brake mods; new milled carbs; two-fold rag; new engine tin.

Events: Pomona and Big Bair. Book Review: Volkswagen Complete.

Seven feature stories …and much more!

Tech: adjustable decklid standoffs; shortening your pan, pt. 1. Events: eight of ‘em… too many to list here. What’s new: the latest loot. Five feature stories …and much more!

Tech: Hopping up a Type 3; shortening your pan, pt. 2; testing your thermostat. Events: Orange County; Chandler, Arizona; and Sacremento.

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Tech: Hoover bit; tunnel plate; throttle cable.

Events: Florida, Oregon, and Las Vegas. Toys in the Attic: savers bank.

Nine feature stories … and much more!

Tech: Beer making; rebuilding fuel pumps.

Events: Japan and California. What Year Is It? ’58. Garage Built: 1,000 horses in Idaho.

Five features …and much more!

Tech: TDI upgrade; beam in a box; cat-back exhaust. Events: Colorado, California, Virginia, Illinois, and Tennessee. Club Spotlight: Desert Dubs.

Six feature stories … and much more!

Tech: fuel injection; autostick; historic motor; Ghia interior redo.

Events: Farmington and Canada. Shop tour: MetalMorphosis. Six feature stories …and much more!

Tech: dual carb kit; Ghia interior redo pt. 2.

Events: Texas, Tennessee, California, Arizona, and Oregon. Four feature stories, a pull-out calendar …and much more!

So what are you waiting for, Bucko? Go get your issues! Don’t bother reading the rest of this box — it doesn’t really say anything. (Look, we tried to warn you. We really did.)

HEBMÜLLER HIJINKS JOLLY GOOD SHOWS A GOOD THING GOING

WINNER

12 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION

WINNER COULD IT BE YOU? READ ON!

By Dan Leadbetter

I

t seems like yesterday when I set out on my 12,000-mile Where In The World Is Dan Leadbetter trip across the country to hit as many VW shows as I could, and to meet people and see what the VW enthusiast level was all over the United States. And you folks didn’t disappoint!

As part of the tour we gave everyone a chance to win a lifetime VW Trends subscription by taking a selfie with me (or with a Dan mask that was available on our site.) When it was time to hold our random drawing for the winner, we went through 12 full reams of paper and about 7 inkjet tanks to print all the entries, then folded and stuffed them into a huge yellow VW Trendsbranded lawn trash bag (available at all fine retailers).

The big winner of the lifetime subscription is Steven Caufman of Fairfield, Pennsylvania! This dude braved the Pennsylvania rain to come out and say hi! Well Ray Montoya Steven, your dedicaposted his tion paid off! We hope selfie at least you enjoy VW Trends 100,000 times. for the rest of your (or For all that our) life! keyboard clacking, Ray I was planning is getting a to give out only one one-year VWT prize, but after seeing subscription. the tenacity of one fan, I had to hook him up with something. Ray Montoya is getting a one-year sub, as he must have posted the selfie he took about 10,000 times! Damn dude, you were blowing up the internet. Well done, sir.

Finally, I had to give something to the creepiest selfie ever: Olliver from @ollisveedubgarage. His entry made me laugh and scared me at the same time. You, my friend, are getting a sticker prize pack!

All in all, the Where In The World Is Dan Leadbetter tour was a HUGE success! Stay tuned: Dan will be hitting the road again in 2024…

This one creeped me out … but I liked it! It looked like something from one of the Saw movies. So Olliver, you are getting a VWT sticker pack for your trouble.

Steven Caufman of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, is the winner of the VW Trends lifetime subscription! A hearty congrats to Steven.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 39TH ANNUAL

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024 KELLEY PARK, SAN JOSE, CA

WWW.GGCVVWCA.ORG VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 13

 California’s David Stark was tops in Super Stock, running a string of mid6s. Power comes from Shawn Geers.

VS. THE WORLD vW SHOOTOUT The largest cash purse ever offered for a VW drag race!

By Dean Kirsten

I

t was promoted as the VW race of the century, and rightfully so. More than $40,000 in cash was up for grabs on this September weekend in Ferris, Texas. The location was the Xtreme Raceway Park 1/8th-mile track, which usually hosts night races for some of the nation’s wildest Pro Mods. Since it is normally so blasted hot that you could fry tacos on the starting line, most of these events take place at night — even until the wee hours of the morning.

This massive undertaking by the VW community was the brainstorm of Clint Cox and Jason Poynter, who assembled a huge group of supporters to make this killer event happen. But we should mention that this story only covers the drag-race portion of the event. There was also a car show on Saturday morning, along with a swap meet, raffle, and Power Wheels for the younger set. But around 3:00 o’clock on both Friday and Saturday afternoon, the action moved to the drag strip, and that’s where we took in some serious VW racing.

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Right off the top, major kudos need to be given to the Xtreme track crew, who prepared this surface like it was the NHRA World Finals at Pomona. They groomed the starting line, they dragged the lanes, applied VHT, and used a blower to remove the debris from the burnout area — all rarely seen at most VW events. And the results were some of the best side-by-side VW action we’ve ever seen. Fantastic!

Cash prizes at a VW drag race are not something we seen very often. But once word got out about the amount of money offered to win, entries from all over the States and Mexico met in the tiny town of Ferris. Since we are talking about winning big bucks, the guy who took home the most was Ohio’s Alex Curry, in the Pro Stock category, which had a record 15 cars entered.

The class final came down to Curry and Pat Downs, with Alex taking the win as Pat was unable to engage third gear. The win paid a whopping $7,500, a record amount for a VW event. Pat earned $3,500 for the runner-up

position. The next big winner, or family of winners in this case, were the Marshalls.

Jason Marshall took home $600 for his win Friday night in the Gambler’s race against Brendan McGahey. On Saturday, Jason won the Street class and another $3,000 with his win over Daniel Roth. Jason’s dad, Ricky Marshall, was runner-up in the Super Stock class ($1,000), losing to David Stark from California. All total, the Marshalls gathered up $4,600 for the weekend. You can now easily see why there were over 120 race cars entered in this Texas Bug Rodeo.

If there was one car that really kept the crowd on its feet, it was the famous red turbo sedan of Eric Calabrese from California.

From the get-go, Eric laid down a series of mid-5s, making him the guy to beat for the Outlaw class. Even with a full field of 17 fast turbo sedans, many from California, Eric moved to the finals against local Cody Alvey. Calabrese marched his Red Baron right down the track, taking the win and $4,500.

The Texans provided a class just for the

Rick Tarter had an easy Pro final when Raymond Nolen red-lighted.

Ryan Peloquin debuted his newly completed Pro Turbo “Bug Catcher” sedan at Ferris.

Beautiful car, to say the least.

Sherlyn Watts was runner-up to Susan Brooke in the Lady Bug final.

RACE RESULTS (Payouts) PRO Rick Tarter ($3,000) 8.52, 65.01mph Raymond Nolen ($1,500) red light STREET Jason Marshall ($3,000) 9.75, 62.94mph Daniel Roth ($1,500) 11.92, 56.18mph LADY BUGS Susan Brooke ($1,000) 11.06, 65.25mph Sherlyn Watts ($500) 11.01, 64.97mph EXTREME VW Jake Frazier ($800) 5.54, 125mph Mike Cummings ($400) 6.37, 113mph OUTLAW Eric Calabrese ($4,500) 5.35, 134.41mph Cody Alvey ($2,500) 6.21, 108mph PRO STOCK Alex Curry ($7,500) 6.12, 113mph Pat Downs ($3,500) 7.99, 57mph SUPER STOCK David Stark ($1,500) 6.59, 102mph Ricky Marshall ($1,000) 6.80, 99mph GAMBLER’S BRACKET Jason Marshall ($800)

ladies, and posted $1,000 for the win to boot! Susan Brooke drove her late-model VW to the win light, and Sherlyn Watts came in runner-up ($500).

Cars that just didn’t fit into any of the other classes found a home in the Extreme VW class. The class final came down to Jake Frazier and his front-mounted VR6-powered Type 3, against the blown Chevy-powered Bug of Mike Cummings.

The race of the weekend was the Pro Stock Final. Pat Downs got the early jump, but couldn’t find third gear, handing the win to the Ghia of Alex Curry.

Frazier cashed in with the win and took home $800 with a 5.54/125mph.

In classic Texas drag-racing style, the awards were handed out at 12:00 a.m. Saturday, which was a feat in itself, due to the high number of runs recorded. You have to give everyone credit for the lack of oildowns or broken parts, as this race ran so smoothly. In addition, we should spot-light a large group of racers who either towed or

drove up from Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico. This enthusiastic group just had a ball at this race. There had to be a dozen fast VWs, along with dozens of crew members, most of them sporting matching team shirts.

In closing, Clint Cox and Jason Poynter plan to have another race next September at this track. So stayed tuned to get the dates and potential cash purse!

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Texan Ethan Dunlap broils the hides at Xtreme Raceway Park.

The Outlaw final was a classic California vs. Texas matchup, with Eric Calabrese edging out Texan Cody Alvey for $4,500 cash money.

Friday night’s Gambler’s race saw Jason Marshall (near lane) take out Daniel Roth for the win.

Friday’s first round of Pro Stock qualifying with Pat Downs’ on-thebars pass. He was certainly the man to beat in this class.

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In addition to a cash award, each class winner received these awesome belt buckles, which were made especially for this event.

Johnny Leso (left) and Bobby Miller (right) do some betweenrounds maintenance on Miller’s Pro Turbo sedan.

California’s Aaron Brown ran his Pro Turbo sedan in the Outlaw class.

Brian Marvin’s Pro Turbo stays in the groove, thanks to his wife Joy.

A close look at Kevin Gonzales’ Eaton supercharged 2040cc engine from Mexico.

Xtreme’s sticky track broke a few transaxles, including this one from Mexico. The team had a fresh gearbox flown in the following morning.

Tom Kinney, now a Texas resident, got right with the program with a new tire and wheel setup. Great looking ride!

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Blake’s 1960 Euro Beetle has some amazing Metalmorphosis mods!

Check out the red fender beading, red leather running boards, and sweet paisley and chrome side accents!

Metalmorphosis’ second giveaway VW is second to none • By VW Trends staff • Photos courtesy of Metalmorphosis

T

here’s a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers with lyrics that go, “ridin’ wild on a paisley dragon through the Hollywood Hills.” Well, Blake Parson may not be riding through the Hollywood Hills — he lives in Crandell, Georgia — but he’s definitely cruising in style in this amazing 1960 Euro Type I. Blake won the Beetle in the second Metalmorphosis Customs charity Beetle giveaway.

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Metalmorphosis Customs, of Danville, Alabama, builds awesome custom VWs and then raffles them off, with the proceeds going to support the Foundation 18 Orphanage, a charity in Bali, Indonesia, which is owned and run by Metalmorphosis owners Cate and Rodney Culp. (See Shop Tour, VW Trends, Fall 2023.)

Raffle winner Blake is a man of many

interests — museums, space exploration, paranormal, cryptids, and the funeral industry. (Editor’s note: This guy sounds like he could be my long-lost brother.) And he’s been a VW lover for the last 20 years, having what he calls a “tri-colored” (yellow, rust, and primer) ’73 Super Beetle as his first. Blake has also owned a ’66 Beetle, a ’99 New Beetle, a ’67 sunroof Bug, and a ’64 Bug. Now he’s the proud owner of Paisley,

Here’s Blake (left) getting the keys to his new ride from Rodney Culp of Metalmorphosis.

Wanna win a Metalmorphosis VW of your own? Go to www.charitybeetle.com.

this awesome 1960 Euro Beetle, which Metalmorphosis resurrected from a literal pile of rust. Let’s have a look at what went into Paisley’s re-birth.

Cate and Rodney at Metalmorphosis found the ’60 Euro Bug and negotiated the seller’s asking price down to $900. Sweet deal, but as you can see from the “before” photos, there was a LOT of work to be done — about 1,200 hours of labor and $34,768.06 to bring Paisley back to life.

This had to be a pan-off remake. The whole Beetle was disassembled. Then the pan was completely rebuilt, blasted, and sent off for powder coating at Stateline Powder Coating in Ardmore, Alabama. The car’s roof had to be completely replaced (no short order), and it needed other extensive repairs. The now-naked body was massaged to take out the dents and dings that 64 years of service can bring.

Nothing crazy was done to the exterior … it’s all stock. But that doesn’t mean the body is plain. Rodney sanded it super smooth using up to 400 grit sandpaper, then wet sanding after paint, with 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, and 5000 sandpaper.

Rodney chose Tamco primer and Nason base before spraying the L633 VW Blue.

Then he finished it with several coats of Tamco clear.

One of the things we like about Metalmorphosis’ builds is their use of contrasting colors on the interior — and not just on the upholstery! The entire inside of the Bug, including the inside of the hood, was painted in a custom-blended red which looks awesome next to the L633 VW Blue.

Sound damping material was used throughout the interior, which will make things nice and quiet for Blake while he cruises the Georgia highways.

Once the paint had cured, two stages of polishing took place before the body was returned to its almost brand-new chassis.

Then it was time for Cate to work her magic on the interior.

When you open the door of this VW, you’ll need a set of dark sunglasses: The red leather interior almost lights up like a spotlight! Cate was the mastermind behind

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Like Sammy Hagar says, “Some like it hot, I like it red!” A ton of red Italia leather was used to cover the seats, headliner, and running boards.

this beautiful contrasting, conversationstarting interior. The first thing to go in was a red Nappa Italia leather headliner with an embossed center piece.

The stock low back seat frames were powder coated and given the leather treatment as well, and feature colormatched welts, embossed accents, and hidden pleats. The door panels are red leather with color-matched welt and

The interior has all the goodies: Retrosound Bluetooth Stereo, CoolRydes Custom Signature Series pedals, Vintage Speed steering wheel and shifter, and more!

embossed accents and feature custom map pockets. Of course, it’s always safety first, and to that end, color-matched lap belts were installed. For carpet, Cate chose red Daytona-weave bound in red Italia leather.

No detail is too small. There’s a ton of red inside Paisley … but wait, there’s more!

The red paint color from the interior was carried over to the Vintage Speed Classic custom-wrapped steering wheel

It’s hard to believe Paisley had such humble beginnings. But all good things must start somewhere. In Cate’s words: “Paisley was the second giveaway car in our Charity Beetle promotion, and one of the most rotten shells we’ve ever had to work with. If it was any other car, we probably wouldn’t have thought it worth it, but for a 1960 Euro Beetle with semaphores, we figured it deserved a second chance at life.” Well, looking at the “before” shot compared to the after, we can say it was DEFINITELY worth it!

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with a horn button engraved by Austin Waggoner at Engraved by Austin. The stock pedals were swapped out for a set of CoolRydes Custom Signature Series pedals. At first glance, the dash looks pretty stock, but on closer inspection you note the custom dash knobs, Retrosound in-dash sterero with Bluetooth and an in-dash USB port, and an ISP West Speedo. Remember when we said cool? We really meant cold!

Paisley has air conditioning. A Gilmore Enterprises air system was color-matched to the interior.

Under the trunk, you’ll find a completely custom-upholstered affair, complete with a new custom wiring harness from Rebel Wire and a stock gas tank with a sending unit welded in by Rodney. The chrome hood hinges were also given the Engraved

by Austin treatment.

Aside from the super-cool paisley Aussie flash trim panel, Paisley features chrome stainless steel bumpers, halogen headlights with LED signals, and working semaphores.

Wait, did we forget to mention the red leather running boards? Wait … WHAT?!?!

You don’t see that every day. When you open the engine compartment, you’ll find the stock 1600cc motor and a fully-engraved firewall. Engraved by Austin came to the rescue to with the perfect accent.

Around 90% of the parts used in this

The hood hinges were engraved by Austin Waggoner at Engraved by Austin. The trunk is finished in red leather.

build were brand new — almost like getting a VW fresh from the assembly line! Paisley got a new 1600cc dual-port powerplant, new front beam, brand new 1967 Chirco Performance-built transaxle, and EMPI 5x205 wide-five disc brakes all the way around. To tighten things up in the corners, Rodney added an upgraded front sway bar.

The powerplant is a brand-new 1600cc motor with a Gilmore Enterprises air conditioning system. Note the the Engraved by Austin treatment on the firewall.

Cate and Rodney chose stock smoothie wide-five wheels wrapped in Coker whitewalls at all four corners.

To quote the good folks at Metalmorphosis, “Blake had been entering the Charity Beetle giveaways since the beginning and had a bunch of entries in the first draw but didn’t win. I think he had six entries in

the draw for Paisley and was lucky enough to have his name drawn on July 5th, last year. He’s been such an awesome owner for Paisley and takes her out to every show he possibly can. He’s a really nice guy — humble, appreciative. We couldn’t have hoped for a better owner.”

CENTRAL VALLEY AIRCOOLED PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

1225 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA 95203

(209) 776-4333

CENTRALVALLEYAIRCOOLEDVW.COM VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 21

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Fresh out of the box and ready to go! No rebuilding or repairs required. As with any carb, proper tuning is required. You may also need to re-jet, depending on your specific engine.

DOUBLE? NO TROUBLE! Feel the Pleasure of EMPI’s Dual 40HPMX Carb Kit

By Paul Morton

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nless you’re an all-stock purist, dual carburetor expert, how do you know you carbs may be the most desirable are getting carbs in good condition? There’s VW engine upgrade. But they can be nothing wrong with going the used route. intimidating, especially for first-timers.

But if you’re a first-timer, it just seems They seem complicated, hard to install like a better route to go with a complete and difficult to tune. And kit with new carbs that have you have to synchronize been initially set up and come EMPI Inc. them left to right, but how?!? with all the necessary parts Anaheim, CA We understand as we had and detailed installation (800) 666-3674 empius.com all these fears with Project instructions. The EMPI Dual Cruisin’. This is why we stuck 40HPMX kit fit the bill for with that old progressive this project. We’re here to tell carb as long as we did, even though we you, this kit really is pretty easy to install, could never get it dialed in. We looked at and it’s affordable to boot. Check out our buying a used dual-carb setup, but those DIY installation and see for yourself! have gotten pricey and unless you’re a

22 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

1. We spread out all the kit’s parts on the workbench. Then we freaked out, boxed it all back up and returned it.

Just kidding! All these parts may seem intimidating, but if we can do it, the rest of you will have no problem.

2. After disconnecting the battery, we removed the old carb and manifold, making sure to plug the fuel line. This old progressive carb is controversial, to say the least. The new EMPI HPMX dual-carb kit should be quite the upgrade!

3. Narrow down that pile-o-parts by putting the springs in the linkage plates and the studs in the intake manifolds.

Then assemble the linkage rods.

9. Once both manifolds and carbs are installed, you can install the linkage plate, air cleaner bottom, and velocity stacks on one side. Don’t forget the gaskets!

7. With a flange gasket on top of the manifold, the carb can be set in place and secured with the provided nuts and lock washers. Don’t over-tighten these: They should only be 12-14 ft/lbs.

10. Problems getting the nylon bushing into the linkage plate? Harbor Freight has a tool for that. A giant C-clamp made short work of it.

4. To help organize the remaining small parts, a magnetic bowl like this works great.

5. Make sure the head’s intake mating surface is as clean as it can be, then set a new gasket in place.

6. Drop the manifold in place and secure it with the provided brass nuts. Don’t overtighten the nuts, but make sure the intake is seated properly for an air-tight seal.

8. We used a variety of open-end wrenches to tighten down the carb.

This socket/breaker bar combo was all we could get on the nuts between the intake and head. It’s pretty tight confines in the engine bay, but it is possible get everything installed.

11. The linkage rods are made to be cut.

That first line is just enough for it to fit between the plates. The second line in makes room for the swivel ball and jam nut. The short mark is where we cut the rod to make sure there was at least 1/32” of end play.

12. To ensure a nice straight cut, we used a hacksaw in a cheap woodworking miterbox. It worked great!

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 23

13. After we had cut the linkage rod to length and installed the swivel balls at both ends, we lubed them with the provided grease. Then we installed the rod, along with the remaining linkage plate, air cleaner base, and velocity stacks.

16. After synchronizing the carbs left to right with a Synchrometer (it’s easier than it sounds, but that’s a whole different article), the linkage rods can be installed. Make sure they don’t bind.

14. We kept the mechanical fuel pump. We ran a fuel line back to the provided T-fitting, then secured it with hose clamps before running one end to each carb. We also made sure our fuel pressure didn’t exceed 4 psi.

15. A bar clamp attaches to the throttle cable and is secured to the cable adapter that links to the hex-rod throttle arms. We made sure to install that on the hex bar before putting it in place. If you can get your hands on one, the best tool for cutting the throttle cable is a bicycle brake cable cutter.

24 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

17. That’s it! The EMPI kit really does make the job easy and doable for even the most entry-level V-Dub DIYer. Not only is the performance much better, but the HPMX dual carbs are just sexy!

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 25

FILTHY ’54 Jason Reynolds’ ’54 Oval is called “Filthy,” but it looks super clean to us!

Story and photos by DG Leadbetter

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Jason’s ’54 Oval looks great with its multiple coats of PPG Volkswagen White L87 paint. The exhaust is a 1 5/8-inch stainless Sidewinder.

J

ason Reynolds (also known as Filthy Gringo) didn’t work at becoming a VW enthusiast, he was literally born into it. His dad, Todd, was drag racing Volkswagens before Jason was even born.

Todd drove the SoCal Imports Pro Stock car, which just happened to be featured in VW Trends back in November, 1994. Jason got hold of a ’61 ragtop, and it was game on from there. Since then, he’s been the proud owner of 11 VWs, all in various forms of cool. But let’s look at his favorite ride, the Filthy ’54 Oval window.

Jason bought it for $1,000. He says it took about 5 years to collect all the parts, and in 2019, Jason and Todd tore the Oval apart for a complete makeover. This wasn’t a “drop-it-off-somewhere-and-writea-check” build. Nope. Jason and Todd literally turned every single nut and bolt on the car.

The pan was removed, repaired, and got a silver-vein powder coat. A Vintage V Dubs 6-inch narrowed front beam was

28 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

installed, along with Porsche 944 disc brakes with Wilwood calipers at all four corners. There are no shocks up front, but a set of Monroe oil shocks were used in the rear. The rear end was lowered a groundscraping 4 inches using JayCee spring plate retainers and Sway-A-Way spring plates.

Jason chose Continental tires (145/65/15 in the front and 215/65/15 in the back)

To be sure, Jason is proud of what he and his dad created… one of the cleanest filthy Ovals we’ve seen!

wrapped around black Gasburner wheels with polished lips and ribs.

The powerplant in this beast was built

by Jason’s dad, Todd. He machined an AS41 case to accept a BugPack 82mm crank and Mahle 94mm pistons and barrels, bringing the CCs up to a staggering 2276!

Breathing is aided by an Engle KK-87 camshaft, and a set of CB Performance 5.5 Chevy journal rods keeps the pistons connected to the crank.

The heads are 044 dual-ports which include 44x37.5 valves and PSI springs, with a Stage 3 mod done by Brothers VW Machine. Weber 48IDA carbs sit on old-school Scat short manifolds and are topped with a set of JayCee red anodized carb stacks. Tiger at A1 created a 1 5/8-inch stainless Sidewinder exhaust system.

Other engine mods include a full MSD ignition system, MST alternator stand, JayCee pulleys and linkage, and an electric fuel pump. The 36hp fan shroud was powder coated black and pinstriped by Mr.

The 2276cc powerplant in this beast was built by Jason’s dad, Todd, using a BugPack 82mm crank and Mahle 94mm pistons and barrels. Red JayCee stacks sit atop the 48 IDA carbs. The pinstriping on the 36hp fan shroud is by Mr. Rhythm in Pomona, California.

Rhythm in Pomona, California. When the tires hit the pavement, all this coolness clocks in at an estimated 200+ ponies!

A Benco-built Rhino transaxle helps get all that horsepower to the ground.

The trans features 4:12 ring and pinion, performance side covers, Hi-Torque starter, super main shaft, Super Diff, Erco axles, and Type II nosecone. Upgraded gears include 1:48 3rd and 0.89 4th gear.

The horn grilles were removed and split hood handles were added. When the body was 100% straight and smooth, Jason had it sprayed with numerous coats of PPG L87 Volkswagen White. The bumpers were replaced with new front and rears from Wolfsburg West, as were the running boards, which feature early covers. The rear deck lid is from a convertible, which has an extra set of vents to help cool the engine.

When you’re building from the ground up, you want to have a new, clean rewire of the whole vehicle. That was handled by Jeremy Hutchinson (a.k.a. VW Gigolo). The VW also has working semaphores, and popout rear windows. All of the chrome trim is retained and looks as good as new.

For the interior, Jason wanted to add a little bit of pop, so he chose to redo the seats and door panels in Scarlet Red vinyl with black piping. The floors are covered in Oatmeal carpet with black

What’s the point of having semaphores that don’t work? These rewired babies are in good working condition. Hard to believe some people Bondo these in.

ribbed floormats. The headliner is a tan plaid mohair from Wolfsburg West. The dash was modified with a Zwitter ashtray, and also has a rebuilt speedo and Rocket tachometer. The oil cooler and fog light switches are located inside the glovebox.

Other interior mods include a black Batwing steering wheel, bamboo underdash accessory shelf, center grille clock, and a custom Gene Berg shifter engraved with “Filthy 54” on the T-handle.

Jason’s Oval is one of those VWs that is subtly cool, but with a ton of details to be seen! Thanks, Jason, for letting us share your super-clean Filthy Oval with the rest of the world.

The interior features Scarlet Red vinyl with black piping. Oatmeal carpet is topped with black ribbed floormats. The dash has a rebuilt speedo and Rocket tach. Other mods include a Batwing steering wheel, center grille clock, and a Gene Berg shifter engraved with “Filthy 54” on the T-handle.

The gas tank was modded so a fuel gauge could be added, and then Mr. Rhythm spiffed it up with pinstripes.

The front wheels are nicely tucked in, thanks to a 6-inch shortened front end.

Black Gasburner wheels feature polished lips and ribs.

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PLUS +

www.hayburner.co.uk 30 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 31

2024 CALENDAR

Held alongside the Pigeon River in Sevierville, Tennessee, the three-day Circle Yer Wagens show has been going for more than 26 years.

CIRCLE YER WAGENS A good old-fashioned cruise-in show in the heart of the Smoky Mountains • By Doug Kulp

T

here’s a total bug infestation in Best of Show went to Curtis Barnes’ ’62 Sevierville! But don’t call the Bug, which also took the Best Engine title. exterminator — these are good bugs.

Ermal Washam and crew have been Located near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, doing this show in Sevierville twice a year Sevier County Fairgrounds hosted the for more than 28 years. Jay Adams, the Circle Yer Wagons VW show with hundreds voice of Circle Yer Wagens, has been the of Beetles, Things, Buses, and even some DJ/MC for 54 of the last 56 shows, and also VWs that defy a category. represents the Appalachian Volkswagen One cool thing about the event was that Association. those with vans could camp on the show The swap meet offered new and used grounds alongside the Pigeon River. For parts and accessories for every model of some noisy fun there was a stereo sound off VW and dune buggy. Food trucks provided This radical build features a vintage and a loudest engine competition. Ouch! a nice selection of grub and drinks.

Chevy truck cab and bed highly modified to fit a Bug chassis.

Brad Long of Long Restoration in So if you’re in the East Tennessee area Sale Creek, Tennessee, brought out his in the spring or fall, check the calendar for award-winning, highly modified ’62 the dates of the Circle Yer Wagons shows.

Beetle. Brad converted it to right-hand drive, and also made many Better yet, follow them on Facebook to get the scoop on what the subtle changes, like lowering the headlights, smoothing the dash, Appalachian Volkswagen Association is doing so you can plan your modifying front and rear bumpers, and even using an original VW next trip! key cutout for a third brake light.

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This guy loves riding the Short Bus!

Brad Long’s ’62 Beetle was converted to right-hand drive and features many subtle custom body mods.

Diggin’ the handmade luggage rack on this slammed ’66!

Water-cooled Dubs like this pickup found their place among the hundreds of vintage air-cooled vehicles.

The Sevier County Fairgrounds was packed with VWs of all kinds, and the crowds couldn’t get enough!

Holley 4-barrel carb, turbo, full roll cage, carbon fiber, and the list goes on: This ragtop Bug will clean your clock no matter what you drive!

Kelly Sherril’s ’73 freeway flyer Bug took Best Interior for the awesome custom-built stereo enclosure and amazing leather and suede seats.

A large turnout of Bus owners enjoyed camping on the river that runs alongside the fairgrounds.

Here’s a very cool roadster Bug.

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TECH

E

veryone loves a sequel! Whether it’s the Godfather 2, Friday the 13th Part Whatever, Phantasm IV, or Terrifier 3, sequels are awesome. To that end, we present the second installment of our Ghia interior makeover from our good friends at JBugs.

In the part one (VWT Fall 2023), the folks at JBugs showed us how to properly disassemble the interior and install brand new, updated insides that’ll make our donor Ghia look better than when it rolled off the factory line in Germany. We got as far as the getting the new carpet installed — but that’s just the start!

We need to re-do the seats, door panels, and install a new headliner. So follow along as we bring the KG closer to the finish line!

JBugs (800) 231-1784 jbugs.com

Well, it’s not horrible — it just looks like it belongs in an ’84 Chevy Astro van. Yep, this Ghia is in need of a serious interior upgrade. And thankfully, JBugs is on the case!

KARMANN GHIA

INTERIOR REDEUX PART DEUX

It’s easy when you do it with JBugs!

By VWT staff • Photos courtesy of JBugs 36 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

1, 2, and 3. The headliner installation begins by trimming and mocking up the loose material so it can be glued on the A-pillars. Landau top glue (made specifically for gluing vinyl to metal) is brushed onto both the body andbe the 2. The quarter window can now back of the Once the glue removed bymaterial. unscrewing it from the is dry the touch, the Then material set onto top to and the bottom. theisquarterthe metal, stretched, heatedmolding as needed, window seal and aluminum can and pressed into place. Then the excess be removed. material is trimmed away. The same process is followed on the C-pillars.

4. The original headliner bows are transferred into the same bow pocket positions in the new headliner.

5. The new headliner is set in place with the bows holding it to the roof, centered and mocked up. With the front material temporarily clipped in place, the material is pulled through the rear window. Then glue is applied to both surfaces and the headliner is glued into the center of the rear window opening.

6. The headliner is trimmed to the rear window opening and at the C-pillars where it will overlap the vinyl on the pillar. Once the rear of the headliner is glued in place, it is stretched and glued along either side of the roof (but not yet over the A-pillars).

7. The headliner is pulled through the windshield opening, glued to the body, and over the A-pillar (like we did in the rear). The excess material is cut and the material is rolled over the window seam.

8. The sun visors, clips, and rear-view mirror are re-installed. The finished view of the front portion of the headliner, before the window trim is reinstalled.

9. Door panels are easy to remove: Remove the door handle and gently unsnap the panel from the door. While the panels are off, we remove the check rod rollers and pins so the old check rods can be removed.

10. Comparing the old check rod to the new, we can see the rubber from the old check rod has completely deteriorated.

The raised edges on the check rod hold the door open, and of course the check rod itself prevents the door from being opened too far and hitting the fender.

11. Once the new check rods are installed through the door, the rollers and pins inside the door are installed and the pins at the A-pillars are installed.

12. New door panel clips are installed into the quarter panel. If you have the old door panel for reference, line up the clips as they came off. If not, install the clip toward the edge of the panel. Adjust the clip as needed when the panel is installed.

13. After locating which armrest holes will be used, the holes are punched through the door panel, and the armrest and bracket are installed.

14. Check the alignment of the door panel clips along the edges of the door panel. Line up the armrest bracket over the hanger on the door before clipping in the door panel.

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 37

15. Now that the headliner glue is set, it’s time to reinstall the windshield. This would be a good time to put in new windshield rubber. If you’ve never done this, you may want a friend to help.

22. The backrest is screwed into place at the rear of the car.

19. The upholstery is stretched and pulled over and stapled to the back of the seat.

23. All the staples from the rear seat bottom upholstery are removed so the old upholstery can be removed.

16. All the staples from the rear seat backrest upholstery are removed, along with the seat hinges and clip, so the old upholstery can be removed.

17. This original padding is still in good shape and can be reused. Spray glue is used on the contoured areas of the seat to hold the upholstery to the padding.

18. Once the glue is tacked up, the upholstery is centered on the backrest and pressed down to the pad.

38 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

20. Once the upholstery is stapled in place and the excess is trimmed, the hinges are reinstalled.

21. The backrest and backrest carpet piece are coated with glue and glued to the back of the seat to finish off the backrest.

24. Our original seat bottom padding is still in good shape, so we use spray glue is on the contoured areas of the seat to hold the upholstery to the padding. The seat upholstery is stretched, pulled and folded over the bottom of the seat frame and stapled in place.

25. The bottom seat is set in place in front of the backrest to finish off the rear seat upholstery.

SHOP NOW

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 39

THE REAL

THINGIE 40 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

Art Shapiro’s ’73 Thing is a perfect SoCal Cruiser!

Story and photos by Dan Leadbetter VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 41

The bodywork and paint was handled by Gongora Paint and Body in Pomona, California. The all-white exterior looks awesome!

V

W people are an interesting lot.

Sure, we all have our favorites, but there’s a general mutual respect for all things Volkswagen. And why not? The People’s Car has been a staple in our society longer than many people reading this have been alive. Art Shapiro knows this all too well. A VW guy from the moment he got his first ’65 convertible in high school, to now having owned nine VWs total, Art is a definite enthusiast. Let’s take a look at one of the jewels in his collection, his ’73 Thing.

The Thing was Volkswagen’s answer to the Jeep market — as well as a repurposing of some of their military-style vehicles — and it soon became a fan favorite, especially with the beach crowd. When Art got his Thing, he immediately started the refurbing process, making it his own.

Art took off all the body parts that needed tending to. The sheet metal was then massaged to get rid of all of the dings and dents that had accumulated over time. Art took the Thing to Gongora Paint and Body in Pomona, California, to get it sprayed white. As is the case with most convertibles, the top needed a good going over, so Art replaced the cage, cage top frame, and the top itself.

42 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

The bumpers were completely refurbished, powder coated black, and chromed by Atlas in Pomona to look factory new. Yellow-lens fog lights were added to help Art navigate those less-than-clear days. The stock headlights got new chrome trim rings.

The inside of Art’s Thing is clean and simple, with some upgrades. From the out-

Art loves hitting the road in his Type 181 … and from the smile on her face, you can tell his daughter Madison agrees!

set, the Thing was designed as a utility vehicle: Obviously, there are no seat heaters, backup camera, or other creature comforts found in most modern cars. But that leaves plenty of room for upgrades! So Art took the Type 181 over to Elegance Interiors in Upland, California, for a black vinyl makeover. The black is a great contrast to the all-white vehicle.

You can’t have a cool ride like this and NOT add a few custom accessories. Art went to Vintage Speed and got a new steering wheel, shifter, and pedal set to add that little bit of flair. While most of the flooring is the stock black powder coated pan, Art added some perforated black floor mats to keep the floor from getting too scuffed up.

You can’t really cruise southern California in a convertible without having some awesome tunes, so Art brought the Thing to Unlimited Fabrication in Cherry Valley, California, to remedy the situation.

They added a Pioneer DEH-S4220BT AM/ FM CD player head unit with Bluetooth in a custom housing under the dash. A Pioneer 200-watt amplifier powers four Infinity 6x9 speakers in custom pods and a single Kicker subwoofer in the back.

Art wanted to give his Thing a bit of an

Polished 15-inch Centerline rims are wrapped in Yokohama Geolander 215/75/R15 off-road tires.

The 2180cc powerplant was created by Lennie Mojica from Garden Grove, California.

A magnesium VW case holds an 82mm Scat crankshaft, 92mm pistons and cylinders, a Engle W-120 camshaft, EMPI cylinder heads with 40x35.5 valves, and a set of Redline Weber 48 IDA carbs on black manifolds.

Art wanted an exhaust as cool as his Thing, so he hit up Tiger at A1 for a stainless steel Sidewinder.

off-road look, so he lifted the body four inches and added a set of polished 15-inch Centerline rims wrapped in Yokohama off-road tires (215/75/R15s front and rear).

Porsche disc brakes were added all the way around, so the Thing would stop just as well as it accelerates.

Speaking of acceleration, the 2180cc powerplant in the back makes easy work of the 0 to 60! Art tapped Lennie Mojica from Garden Grove, California, to create this big-bore monster. Lennie upgraded a magnesium VW case for reliability before opening it up to house a 82mm Scat crankshaft. A set of 92mm pistons mated to EMPI 5.5 H-beam rods were added, along with a Engle W-120 camshaft. EMPI cylinder heads with 40x35.5 valves make the perfect base for a set of Redline Weber 48 IDA carbs on black manifolds. The engine tin was painted red as a nice offset to the all-white exterior. An A1 stainless steel Sidewinder exhaust system sends the spent gasses out into the wild.

To be sure, Art’s ’73 really is the real Thing. It’s got brains, beauty, and brawn.

And that’s a deadly street combination!

Stay tuned for some of Art’s other VWs in upcoming issues!

The interior was utilitarian, but that left room for plenty of upgrades. Vintage Speed had just what Art wanted: a new steering wheel, shifter, and pedal set to add some flair.

The bumpers were completely refurbished, powder coated black, and chromed by Atlas in Pomona, California, to look factory new. A set of yellow-lens fog lights was also added.

Under the hood sits a gaspowered heater.

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 43

Dave Casperson’s Slithering Squareback • By Dave Cormack

D

ave Casperson, of Grant’s Pass, Oregon, says he came by the VW gene quite innocently — he and his brother-in-law built a Baja Bug for his niece’s 16th birthday, and according to Dave, “It was so much fun, that it was ON after that.” Since then, he has built many Baja Bugs, a 1970 Camper Bus, and a Baja/truck conversion he affectionately called Bucksnort. This Squareback, though, is probably his best VW to date, and, although its name is “Sneak Attack,” if you can’t see this car, you probably can’t even read this feature!

This sneaky Square started life as a 1968, which Dave proceeded to strip everything out of. The chassis received an aluminum Type 1 front beam, and it was narrowed three inches on each side in the back to accommodate the slicks. The steering box, battery, and an 8-gallon fuel cell occupy the front. Rolling stock consists of Weld wheels, 4-inch in front and 8-inch in back, with M&H tires.

The bodywork — narrowed rear end, one-piece windows, and 3-inch top chop — was handled by Dave and his good friend Jason Veal. The base paint was done by Tom Kinney and crew at California Auto Image in Crescent City, California. Tony Chavez of King Hat Designs in Grant’s Pass, Oregon, laid on the amazing lettering and graphics.

After all the the suspension, body, and paint work was done, Dave turned his attention to the motivation. Dave stuffed an aluminum case with an 82mm stroke Chevy journal crankshaft,

44 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

EMPI H-beam connecting rods, Wiseco 94mm pistons and rings,EMPI #89 cam with .416" lift and 282 degrees duration, EMPI Lube-A-Lobe lifter, and Pauter 1.4-to-1 ratio rockers. The Super Flo heads house stainless steel valves — 44mm intake and 37.5mm exhaust. A 30mm Schadek oil pump and WIX filter finish up the long block, and it’s all topped off by a pair of 48 DRLA Dellorto carburetors. All this go-fast goodness goes though a 12.5 pound flywheel, a Kennedy Stage 2 200mm pressure plate, and a Kush-Lok disc.

A 1968 Type 1 transaxle, built by Dave, gets the power to the ground. Innards consist of 3:88 ring and pinion gears, 3.78 1st, 2.06 2nd, 1.58 3rd, and 1.21 4th gear. Side covers are heavy-duty units, and a spool transmits power to both rear wheels. A doghouse-style fan shroud helps keep the engine cool. EMPI rear disc brakes supply the stopping power, and SAW Performance supplied the torsion bars for the back.

The office of Dave’s sneaky Square, is, as you would expect, pared down to the bare essentials: An aluminum seat, covered in gray, keeps Dave comfortable, while a 5-point harness keeps him in place during his low-13-second runs. To date, his best time has been a 13.2-second blast at 104 miles per hour in the quarter mile. But be prepared: Dave has some ideas for upgrades during the winter off-season, something like, maybe… a turbo? Keep an eye out for this one: Even if Dave thinks it’s a Sneak Attack, we have a feeling it won’t be hard to spot!

Dave stands proudly with his one-of-a-kind creation.

Believing the adage, “chrome won’t get you home,” Dave kept the interior strictly business.

Nothing fancy, just horsepower, coming in at 2276cc’s.

Tony Chavez of King Hat Designs in Grant’s Pass, Oregon, really went all the way with the graphics on this not-so-sneaky Squareback.

Dave made the fiberglass front end into a hinged unit for ease of access.

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 45

DOUG’S BUGGS

BUGORAMA BUGORAMA SOUTHWEST 2023:

Story and photos by Paul Morton

LAST BLAST FROM THE PASS?

Chris Bubetz’ bright red ’67 Beetle was sittin’ right on Porsche alloys. It made us nostalgic for cruising in the mid ‘80s on a Saturday summer night.

The German Folks never disappoint! Left to right: Simon’s black ‘52 Zwitter, Victor’s ’51 Split, Big Joe’s ‘52 Split, and Jason’s ’58 RHD. No surprise they’re the top 4 of the Top 25.

T

he 2023 instalment of the show and race extravaganza will be the last Bugorama held at Wild Horse Pass. Wait, will it though? That’s what the hordes of spectators and vendors claimed, though whispers of this rumor have been circulating for years, with talk of the landowners repurposing the track as a more profitable development project. This time, however, the rumor seemed to be becoming a reality. It wasn’t until recently we found out the track will be saved from the bulldozers — for next few years anyway.

That being said, the 2023 Southwest Bugorama at the Wild Horse Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, sponsored by Doug’s Buggs and Bunnys, was in full swing as usual.

46 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

Show vehicles rolled in throughout the morning while the drag racers prepared for battle. Our game plan, per usual, was to start at the far end of the swap meet.

The early bird gets the Bug (parts). This typically puts us back at the show car area just as it fills out. The expansive show area seemed to burst at the seams with VWs of all Types and styles. It seems the impending track closure brought out the masses. But how was the racing? The best in the Southwest, of course! Racers of all levels showed up from all over the Southwest and even Mexico.

So the track was issued a reprieve. But will Bugorama be back? Time will tell. We hope the madness will continue, and when it does, you know we’ll be there!

This orange creamsicle Bus belongs to Pepe from G-Style Volks.

You don’t tend to see that many Things these days — definitely not four custom Things in a row.

The drag racing was on point, with stiff competition from all over the U.S. and Mexico.

Can you believe this is an all-original, unrestored Type 34? Yes, engine and all! It’s a 1968 vintage and its caretakers are Don and Marsha Self.

TOP 25 1. Simon, ’52 Bug Zwitter 2. Victor, ’51 Bug Split 3. Big Joe, ’52 Bug Split 4. Jason, ’58 Bug RHD 5. Tavo, 23-window Bus 6. Freddy, ’59 Grey Goose 7. Johnny Acosta, ’60 Vert 8.

Arturo, ’80 Scirocco 9. Ben Johnson, ’65 Baja 10. Steve Alward, ’65 Double Cab 11. Ricky, ’04 GLI 12. John Kempf, ’92 Corrado 13. Jason Preacher, ’55 Bug Oval 14. Collin Weisenburger, ’63 Double Cab 15. Michael Lewis, ’64 Bug 16.

Karl & Cindy Copenhaven, ’69 Double Cab 17.

Moe Kandlyek, ’67 21-Window Bus 18. Jason & Denise Liborio, ’66 Bug Vert 19. Paul Ebbino, ’60 Bug 20. Joe, ’74 Thing 21. Jesus Sanchez, ’67 Bug 22. Stacey Wetnight, ’59 Bug Euro 23.

Reggie Tibbetts, ’58 Bug 24. Lionel Mendoza, ’66 Notchback 25. Steve Cooke, ’71 Karmann Ghia Top 10 Vintage 1. Daril Hartle, ’69 Single Cab 2. Jesus & Lety A, ’60 Panel Bus 3. Scott Beldrum, ’61 Bus 4.

Collin Weisenburger, ’63 Double Cab 5. Ron Waller, ’67 Bug 6. Nathan Steier, ’69 Bug 7. Dan Lawson, ’63 Notchback 8. Doug & Marsha Self, ’68 Type 34 9. Kyle & Shena Orian, ’57 Bug 10.

Justin Bue, ’71 Bus Special Awards ■ Most Outstanding Engine, Best Interior, Best Engineered Car, and Promoter’s Choice: Turmoil, ’62 Split ■ Coolest Off Road: Harold Pendergasp, Sandrail ■ Best Patina: Brian King, ’55 Bug ■ Most Original Car: Emma Faith, ’56 Bug ■ Host Club Choice: Simon, ’52 Bug Zwitter

Stacey Wetnight brought Gwendoline May, a patina ’59 Euro, all the way down from Sacramento. The car earned a spot in the Top 25.

Turmoil swept the Best Of categories including Best: Engine, Interior, Engineered Car, and Promotor’s Choice.

It’s always busy, but the show area seemed extra packed this year.

Race Finals ■ Super Combo: John Schuerger, FTW 12.007 @ 104.03 (11.90 Index). David Bendig, Runner Up 11.110 @ 108.80 (10.90 Index) ■ Pro Eliminator: Ernie Crowley, FTW. Brandon Hemming, Runner Up ■ Sportsman Eliminator: Francisco Gill Jr, FTW. Dan Wing, Runner Up ■ Pro 1/8: Hyland Foster, FTW. Ernie Crowley, Runner Up -.052 Red

Francisco Gil Jr. came up from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico to win races and wow the crowd with wheelies. He took home top honors in Sportsman Eliminator.

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 47

CB PERFORMANCE

BUGORAMA IS THIS THE LAST SACRAMENTO BUGORAMA?

By Ed Leadbetter • Photos by Ed Leadbetter and D. Lee

Rawson & Camden’s low-slung ‘64 Panel Bus proved that understatement can be its own form of emphasis.

Jim Baltzer’s Green Hornet won the Pro Eliminator class with a reaction time of .005(!) and a 12.400 run at 91.03 mph.

T

The Sacramento Bugorama has been a fixture of the VW scene since 1978. But times change, and with the pending closure of Sacramento Raceway, Bugorama 90 will be the last at this historic venue.

This year’s filled-to-capacity parking lot and tightly packed car show were a testament to how perfect a day it was to celebrate all things VW. People flocked to the event from as far away as the Netherlands.

The swap meet had just about anything you might need, from sponsors CB Performance and Bugformance to independent booths with magazines and swag. Type 1 body shells and upcycled Bus-specific trim parts that nobody makes anymore were lined up next to engines and components both vintage and new.

48 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

Scattered throughout the event were plenty of cars with For Sale signs on them.

The competition on the strip was red hot: daily driver bracket racing, 200 mph turbocharged monstrosities, enthusiasts new to the sport, and local air-cooled legends like Houston Bros Racing — there was a race for everyone.

The car show was a microcosm of NorCal VW culture. Squeaky clean beach Buses and custom Ghias lined up next to well-loved Manxes and patina Beetles, and the drift pad was full of modern watercooled tuners.

The mood among veteran attendees was somber. Many show entrants and drag racers have come to Sacramento Raceway for more than a decade — and some, like Rick of CB Performance, have attended

Ken Porter (Sportsman Eliminator) and Marcus Palmquist (Super Combo) arrived at the Winners Circle at the same time and figured, “Well, why don’t we celebrate together?”

every show since 1978. For those who have spent more than half a lifetime building cars and friendships at Sacramento Raceway Park, this is the end of an era — not only for Bugorama, but for quartermile racing as a whole. But there’s hope that another venue with an eighth-mile track might host future Bugorama events.

Keep an ear to the ground, because Bugorama isn’t out of the race yet!

TOP 25 1. Mailo Robles, ’68 Bug 2. Kathleen Romero, ’66 Bug 3. Al Rensen, ’62 Double Cab 4.

Gardella, ’67 Bus 5. April Baird, ’62 Bug 6.

Zamzow, ’63 Bug Vert 7. Shaun Stallman, ’65 Bug 8. Patrick Friel, ’56 Bug 9. Rawson & Camden, ’64 Bus 10. Jaime & Alex Borjon, ’64 Bug 11. Jeff Garmeson, ’66 Fastback 12.

Anthony Galvan, ’68 Bug 13. Brett Davison, ’67 Bus 14. Thomas & Roxanna Husselstein, ’67 Squareback 15. David Gregoire, ’70 Bug Custom 16. Christian Gonzalez, ’65 Bug 17. Brian Zambrano, ’57 Bug 18. Bobby Hedden, ’61 Bus 19. Julius E., ’66 Bug Vert 20. Rick Gascon, ’68 Bug Ragtop 21. Al, ’69 Karmann Ghia Vert 22. Madison, ’70 Bug Taxi 23. Jason Cecchini, ’59 Bug 24. Drew Fountain, ’73 Thing 25. Paul McEnery, ’70 Karmann Ghia Top 10 WATERCOOLED 1. Tyler, ’91 Jetta 2. JC Salas, ’18 Tiguan 3. Ivan Rodriguez, ’85 Scirocco 4. Jose Romero, ’91 Golf 5. Axel Perez, ’98 GTI 6. D. Navarro, ’04 Golf R32 7. John Nafia, ’92 Scirocco 8. Alessandro, ’04 Golf R32 9. Joe Bone, ’93 Corrado 10.

Connor Myren, ’05 Jetta GLI Special Awards ■ Coolest Off Road: Dante Baker, ’63 Baja ■ Best Patina: Edgar Hernandez, ’63 Bug ■ Most Original Car: Mike Letcher, ’58 Rhd Bug ■ Most Outstanding Engine: Shawn Herrera, ’54 Bug Vert ■ Best Interior: Zamzow, ’63 Bug Vert ■ Host Club Choice: Gerardo Bazan, ’77 Hormiga ■ Best Engineered Car: Burl Beveridge, ’70 Baja ■ Promoter’s Choice: Mike Griswold, ’68 Bug Race report Low E.T.: Leah Evans 8.588 Top Speed: Leah Evans 154.78 Best Light: Steve Poderzay .000 Best Save(s): Bryan Houston Best Race Team: Houston Bros.

Best Race Crew: Brian Marvin Best Female Racer: Alisha Chavez Long Distance: Bret Matney Best Sportsmanship: Lee Bushaw Best Wheelie: Cruz Garay Best Burnout: Brian Marvin Best Appearing Racecar: Ron Vanderschaaf Top Eliminator: Todd Houston (r/u: Steve Phillips) Pro Mod: Brian Marvin (r/u: Drew Kremers) Super Combo: Jim Martin (r/u: Ron Vanderschaafa) Real Street: Tony Klink (r/u: Kaimi Coonrad) Pro Eliminator 1/4 Mile: Steve Poderzay (r/u: Bill Kiethley) Sportsman Eliminator: Ken Porter (r/u: Cruz Garay) Pro 1/8: Bryan Houston (r/u: Ryan Smithson)

Jason Fuller took the top slot in the Pro Mod class with his ‘56 Bug.

In a show full of brightly colored cars, Shuga’s Sunkist-themed ‘64 Beetle still drew the eye.

Jose Romero’s ’91 Golf took a slot in this year’s Top 10 Water-cooled category.

Chris Gregoire built this ‘66 Bug with his father Mike when he was in high school.

The years might not have been kind to the paint, but Chris decided to turn the patina into a feature.

Bill & Steve’s

For Your VW Part Needs Darren Baker’s ‘63 Baja took the Coolest Off-Road award for the second year.

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Cruz Garay may not have taken the top spot in the Sportsman Eliminator class, but he did win the track staff’s Best Wheelie award.

provolks@yahoo.com

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VW Engine Rebuilding • Volkswagen Repair • New Parts VW Dismantling • Seat Upholstery • Headliners

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 49

ILLUSTRATION: RON PETRO

READER’S SPOTLIGHT

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Nevada Tucker’s Super Slick ’69 Squareback

By Nevada Tucker with Dave Cormack

S

Nevada Tucker’s ’69 features rare KAMEI fresh-air screens for the wing windows, a Sears and Roebuck swamp cooler, popout windows, and a beautiful Pedro Sainz full-length rack.

ometimes, a car feature practically writes itself. Nevada Tucker’s every reason there is, and always manage to get back on the road. ’69 Squareback is one such case. I think it’s best to let you read the In 1996 at a show in Vallejo, California, a guy pulled up next story in Nevada’s own words. to me in a beautiful black 1968 Squareback. The car had some “It was the year 1994, the summer before my senior year in high amazing accessories on it, like the original overriders for the school. I had saved some money and was on the hunt for my first bumpers, the full circle horn ring, and just about every other car. Not knowing what I wanted, I was noticing cars and trucks accessory ever made for the Type 3. I went over to meet the owner that I had never noticed before. One day, as I was walking out of a and he introduced himself as Dave Orozco (aka Type 3 Dave). movie theater in Morgan Hill, California, I saw a car in the parking That began the search for all the Type 3 accessories I could find, lot — a car that seemed to be looking at me and smiling at me — and as I wanted to be just like him. He passed away in October, 1998 — I fell in love with it. So, I began the hunt for a Squareback.

R.I.P. Dave.

“I bought a local Auto Trader to see what was available, and lo “I moved to Southern Oregon with my family and thenand behold, there was a 1969 Squareback for sale in Pacifica, Califor- girlfriend Leslie (now Mrs. Tucker). I started a new life but always nia. I figured it was too far away for me to go look at it, but my friend, kept the Squareback for outings with Leslie and the kids, Taylor Dude Decker, said we needed to go look. So I went to see the car with and Cash.” my dad. The seller said it had all new paint and engine (yeah, don’t Nevada’s quest for Type 3 goodies has yielded some impressive they all?). On the test drive, the car died on a very steep San Franresults, including: a full-length wood-slat roof rack, Bambus cisco-type hill. The brakes were barely working, and the emergency parcel tray, steering wheel clock, full-circle horn ring, cargo cover, brake was no better. Rolling backwards down a steep hill, all I could original overriders, fog light bar, fog lights, swamp cooler, Type 3 do was turn the wheels in and put it up against the curb.

Blaupunkt radio, one-piece hinge cover with light, “Flat” Euro“The owner had no idea what was wrong with the car, so he style tail light lenses, front vent scoops, clear bullet front lenses, couldn’t fix it. He offered to take $600 off the asking price. I original coco mats, original mud flaps, original front gravel guards, talked it over with my dad original Type 3 bud vase and and friend and we decided to bracket, wing window screen come back the next weekend. cover, original Australian visor, Once we towed it home, by red needle gauges, tachometer, some miracle of the VW Gods, rear and quarter safari the car started! It ran for 8 windows (Loose Nuts), Window months before the engine Fresh air screens, HULS started knocking and had to be camping hinges, tow hitch, replaced. I had Dennis Iverson VW#1218 Diagnostic D-Jet of Morgan Hill, California, fuel injection tester, KAMEI rebuild the 1600cc engine.

Cruise gas pedal, KAMEI fresh Over the last 29 years, I have air screens, flat Euro taillight learned just about everything lenses, Helphos spotlight, there is to know about these BlazeCut Fire Suppression, cars. Having the VW diagnostic and more! Nevada has dressed Nevada has dressed the car up as the Ghostbusters Ecto-3 for for the fuel injection sure helps. the car up as the Ghostbusters Halloween since 1997 – always a blast!

I have broken down for almost Ecto-3 for Halloween since

50 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

•Stacks •Pulleys •Block Offs  The interior is super clean, with so many old accessories that catch the eye of onlookers. Note the coco mats, clock in the steering wheel, under-dash storage area and bud vase.  The reproduction accessory Kamei cargo cover is by Michael Runyon; the rear and quarter windows safaris are from Jeremy Brooks (LooseNuts Safaris).

•Dist Clamps

ROSSWULF Purveyors of Speed & Style Vintage AirCooled

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The stock 1600cc fuel-injected motor features a custom fuelpressure gauge and a BlazeCut Fire Suppression kit.

1997 — always a blast.

Nevada’s thank-you list is a long one: Leslie, Taylor, and Cash Tucker; Mom and Dad (Carmen and Todd); Brien Roth (Roth Vintage); Dude Decker; Scott Finch; Travis McFate; Paul Gradwell; Tony Chavez (KingHat De-signs); Jeremy Brooks (LooseNuts Safaris); Michael Runyon; Micah Watkins; Dave Gran; Dave Loveless; Dave Casperson; Virgina Carrillo; Jay Hale; Randy Winters; and Chris and Stuart Freedman.

After 29 years, Nevada is still going strong in the VW hobby. In 2011, he inherited a stock ’69 Squareback after meeting the owner at a local car show. She told him if he kept the car maintained for her, he would get the car upon her passing. With two ’69 Squarebacks in the garage, you could say Nevada and Leslie now have a matching his-and-hers set.

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 51

Dan Van Ess Sr. races under the Outlaw VW Racing Team banner in a sedan that serves as an inspiring tribute to fallen soldiers SSG Jay E. Perkins III, CPL Manny Lopez III, and Specialist Joel Bertoldie and proudly features the stars and stripes on the roof.

Racers wait patiently in the staging lanes for their next pass down Medford, Oregon’s premiere quarter-mile track.

MEDFORD DRAGSTRIP’S VW POINTS SERIES A successful draw for racers and a fun day at the strip! • By Ryan Bonham Photos by Ryan Bonham, Tom Morina, and Eric Bernal

O

ver the past seven years, a yearly VW points series at Medford Dragstrip in Medford, Oregon, has grown from a fledgling effort attracting a handful of cars to a competitive opportunity for VW racing enthusiasts. In fact, the VW points series is now drawing the biggest consistent participation at the track, according to series progenitor and racer John Morse.

Morse said the origins of the series date back to 2015, when he and the Southern Oregon Hooligans VW Club put on the Southern Oregon Dub-In event at the track, complete with drag racing, car show, and swap meet. This led to conversations with track management about establishing a dedicated VW class. Once John exposed track owner Justin Goodlett to a successful VW event at Woodburn Dragstrip, the wheels were set in motion to bring VW racing action to southern Oregon.

Historically, Medford is no stranger to

52 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

VW action. During the 1980s, the track hosted the Oregon Bug-In, successfully promoted into the early ’90s by Mark Gosson. VW fever is coming back around, thanks to the local VW points series and events held by other groups such as the Fast4Cartel. VW racers get their own lanes to run alongside the V8 programs. Racers earn points at each of more than half a dozen races scheduled in a typical season.

When the series started in 2015, six or seven VW racers consistently showed up. Typical car counts in the VW series presently number 18 to 20 at a typical race.

The series’ success led to VW racers getting their own ‘Wally’ trophy race at the end of the 2022 season, thanks to Ann Marie Alfrey, the track’s vice president. The trophy features the likeness of Wally Parks, the founding father of the National Hot Rod Association and organized drag racing.

Grants Pass-based racer Eric Bernal,

who took his first trip down the drag strip five short years ago in his then-daily driver ’74 Beetle, won the inaugural ‘Wally’ trophy race held in October 2022, in his dedicated race car known as the Secret Squirrel 2.0. In the final round, Bernal (13.2541/13.10, 89.78 mph) squared off with and defeated Craig Hobbs (12.7925/12.89, 101.53 mph).

From daily driven street cars to 10-second turbocharged quarter-mile terrors, and everything in between, bracket racing is the great equalizer.

The cars participating run the gamut from traditional Cal Look street cars to VolksRods and purpose-built track-only machines.

Participating drivers represent virtually every walk of life, and come out each year to try their hand at good old-fashioned grassroots drag racing. And what would drag racing be without some good oldfashioned rivalries? The Medford series has two camps annually battling it out for glory — all in good fun, of course.

The Four Amigos Racing Team consists of Mark Wolter, proprietor of Strictly Foreign, a Grants Pass, Oregon-based VW engine and transaxle specialty shop; John Bates, proprietor of JB Machining Services; Aaron Pate; and Paul Gradwell.

Bates coined the name a few years ago after posting a photo of their four cars parked together at Woodburn Dragstrip.

The group gets together to bench race over dinner and craft beers, he said.

The opposing squad, easily identified by their distinct team logo window decals — which are accented by the jibe, “Adios Amigo” — is the Outlaw VW Racing Team.

Shown here squaring off are John Morse and Richard Kidd, both avid Outlaw VW Racing Team competitors.

Dave Casperson’s chopped Squareback definitely stands out in a crowd!

Eric Bernal was the Medford Dragstrip’s inaugural VW Points Series Wally Trophy winner for 2022. His girlfriend, Jessica Magarine, is at left, and his dad, Mike Bernal, is at right.

Outlaw VW teammate Paul Hornbeck launches hard in his Time Keeper sedan.

Morse produced the name after he and several other locals parted ways with the Hooligans club following disagreements over the Southern Oregon Dub-In event.

Morse spearheaded this group that includes active members in not only southern Oregon, but also Washington state and northern California.

The Four Amigos formed a few seasons later, and the rivalry is purely friendly and tons of fun. Both groups race together and hang out bench racing in the pits between rounds. However, it’s all business once they line up, roll into the beams and the green light drops! Track owner Justin Goodlett said the success of the series has been a success in multiple ways. Not only do the racers support the facility with their participation, they are also quick to pitch in and lend a hand as needed.

“Working with and watching the VW series grow at the track has been amazing,”

John Bates boils the hides in preparation for another solid 12-second pass in his ’67 sedan.

he said. “The VW community is like no other. Their willingness to help and support the track is really a blessing.”

For information on Medford Dragstrip, visit medforddragstrip.com or search for Medford Dragstrip on Facebook.

John Bates, Mark Wolter, Aaron Pate, and Paul Gradwell, a.k.a. the Four Amigos Racing Team, enjoy a photo opp in front of Wolter’s Jawbreaker drag sedan.

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 53

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

THE RENNY GATTONE

COLLECTION

By DG Leadbetter Photos courtesy of Rick Search

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ne of the many cool things about the VW community is the varying levels of enthusiasm. I mean, you can own a whole stable of VWs, or just own a wind-up toy you had when you were five years old, and still be a part of the family. The whole point of being a community is having a common love — in our case, it’s the Volkswagen. This is why all of us at VW Trends LOVE collectors: These are the folks that make their hobby an integral part of their lives. Case in point is Renny Gatton. Let’s dive into his awesome collection!

VWT: So Renny. Give us the rundown on the who, what, when, where, and how you got into VWs. RG: On another world, in a parallel universe, it was 1969 and I was an eighteen-year-old, second-semester freshman at West Chester State College, West Renny started Chester, Pennsylva- collecting VW nia, and I wanted a toys about 40 car. Not just any car, years ago. He has I wanted a Volka special interest swagen Beetle! For in Splits, Ovals, $980, I purchased Buses, and other my first Volkswatoys from the gen, a 1963 Beetle vintage VW era.

Sedan. I drove that car throughout my college years. During spring break in 1970, my friend Ernie Mingo and I drove my VW to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The distance each way was 1,100 miles. It cost us $12 for gas each way!

Gas was sold by the gallon for pennies back then. Over Christmas break 1971–72, my fraternity brother Tom Oaster and I drove my ’63 Beetle to Miami, Florida. … It was always such a joy driving the 1963 Beetle Sedan!

VWT: Is your significant other into VWs as well?

RG: I taught my girlfriend, Sue — now my wife of 42 years — how to drive a car with a manual transmission using that ’63

54 VW TRENDS • WINTER WINTER’24 ’24

Renny Gattone is one of those guys you just gotta love! And the fact he’s a VW nut makes him all the cooler!

Beetle. Today, she drives a 2018 BMW 340i with a 6-speed manual. I would still own my first VW if not for the fact that in 1974 it was rear-ended by an MG sports car and my VW was totaled. Today, most likely, it would have been repaired.

VWT: OUCH! Nothing worse than losing a beloved VW to an accident. Do you have any others?

RG: My second VW is a ’63 Karmann Cabrio which I bought for $425 in 1974. I have this Cabrio VW to this day and it is painted black with ruby red sides. It was my daily driver for so many years and was very dependable, especially in the winters in Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have owned

a ’62 Sunroof Beetle, a ’60 Karmann Ghia, a ’67 Beetle, and a ’69 Van. VWT: Is collecting a recent development, or something you’ve been doing for a while?

RG: I started collecting VW toys about 40 years ago with a special interest in the vintage VW era such as the Splits, Ovals, Convertibles, and VW Buses. I now find myself collecting automotive signs, ashtrays, lighters, posters, mugs, etc.

VWT: It’s a pretty intense and sizable collection. I’m more than a little jealous. Do you collect anything else?

RG: Besides toy cars, I also collect small-scale garages, service stations, and

This is just part of the collection Renny’s been amassing for 40-plus years. Check out the VW service stations on the second shelf.

Check out the car hauler carrying VWs. Also, note the Wolfsburg ashtray, and the VW badges under the bottom shelf.

Renny and his wife Sue with the ‘63 Cabriolet Renny bought in 1974 for $425.

memorabilia which provide a background diorama for displaying the toys. … I am not a computer-type guy and I do not even own one. In fact, I do not even have an email address. … The things in my collection were mainly purchased at flea markets and local swap meets. Nothing was purchased online. I have found many of the rarer

KdF Wagen-era items as well as vintage Volkswagen items from the 1940s through the 1970s.

VWT: Wow! You’ve been very lucky to find those toys just at local flea markets!

I’m sure you’ve made some great friends in the VW community.

RG: One of the best things about being a

You can’t be a VW collector without some random hubcaps, badges and other memorabilia.

VW guy are the friends I have made. I want to give a shoutout to my international VW friends Trevor and Cilla Jones in England, Norbert and Verena Reindl in Germany, and Rick and Wanda Search in the USA. VWT: Renny, thanks so much for giving us a peek at your cool collection!

VW VWTRENDS TRENDS •• WINTER ’24 55

T

ILLUSTRATION: RON PETRO

Caroline and her Dad James have transformed their ’74 Bug from rusted hulk to genuine driver and put it through its paces on a number of road trips.

THE REEL CAROLINE

By David Zemla

Trace the custom VW scene back to its origins and you’ll find men and women toiling in dimly lit shops using basic tools and making air-cooled magic happen. The killer Baja that inspired yours? Likely built in a humble residential garage. Most of the ’80s Cal Look cars?

Garage built, with an unabashed passion and creativity that is alive and well today. Each issue we’ll highlight a deserving builder, their space, and their cars. If you have a VW problem and like many of us are self-medicating, drop us a line. We’d love to feature your cars and your space. Email dzemla@gmail.com, DM @airkooledgarage or tag #garagebuiltvws.

56 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

his issue we’re featuring our second father-daughter team and our first SEMA exhibitors. Both are admirable achievements for garage builders, made even more significant here by the fact that the daughter is only twenty-four. If you follow any sort of VW-related social media, you may have already seen the bombastic Caroline and her Marina Blue Bug rod named Speedle. If not, you’re in for a treat.

Caroline traces her VW obsession back to a childhood passion for wrenching with her Dad, James, and to the ever-present influence of Herbie movies. “As a kid I had always wanted a Bug,” she said, “and when I finally had the opportunity, I spent nearly two months negotiating for the car that became the Speedle.”

The ’74 Bug came to her in a typical East-Coast state of decay, including bad pans, bad engine, and questionable electrical. Like most of us, Caroline saw past the flaws and bought it anyway. “A few years back we attended Buggin’ On the Beach in Amelia Island, Florida, and I got to experience the VW community at its best,” she said. “The show was a game changer for me. I broke down, was helped out, learned a lot, and absolutely fell in love with the Volkswagen community.”

Since then, Caroline and James have picked up a previously abandoned Laser 917 kit car. “The Laser is such a crazy car,” Caroline said. “I knew I wanted it and tossed out a lowball offer. The woman that owned it surprised me with a yes, and my Dad and I had it running within a month. I also have to give credit to local VW expert Jeff from Type 4 Revolution; he’s been a great friend and amazing teacher.”

The pair have also dragged home a ’78 Vert, a ’73 Ghia, a ’66 Split Window Bus, and a very rough Thing.

It wasn’t long before they outgrew their garage. These days the duo work out of several industrial units furnished with second- hand lifts and Harbor Freight sponsored tools. They’ve grown their hobby into a legit revenue source without taking on any outside work. The creator life is not for everyone, but Caroline and her Dad have a solid following, and their oncamera antics have drawn in brands like Cerakote, Prismatic Powder, and Raptor Liner, to name a few.

“My Dad and I really have a great time doing this and we’ve been lucky that it

An invitation to attend SEMA in Las Vegas spurred a Speedle update that included Raptor Liner and electrical improvements.

The dynamic duo of Caroline and her father James in their East-Coast shop, which doubles as the center of their media empire.

comes across on camera, which has helped us to continue to dream up crazy road trips and crazier builds,” Caroline said.

Caroline has learned virtually every aspect of custom VW construction, including paint and body, engine work, fabrication, and electrical. “I’m not afraid to take something apart and figure it out, and I’ll tackle just about every aspect of a build,” she said.

And there’s plenty of YouTube content to prove her out.

What’s next for this unstoppable father-daughter team? “My Dad is retiring from his day job soon and will be joining me full time in the shop,” Caroline told us.

“The next big project for us will probably

be getting the thirteen-window Splitty on the road. Maybe not restored, but drivable, and for sure the Ghia needs a motor. The Speedle is done, and I’m looking forward to hitting local events with that car.”

We’re looking forward to that as well, and hope to run across Caroline and her garage-built VWs down the road. If you don’t already, you can follow the team’s builds on Instagram and other channels at @reelcaroline @hh_wheels and on Youtube at @HHWheels.

If you have a garage full of VWs you’d like to share, drop your submission to dzemla@gmail.com or DM David @ airkooledgarage.

Caroline has shown no fear, and tackles every aspect of building her VWs.

This ’66 Bus was a surprise from her Dad and is next up on the build list.

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 57

ILLUSTRATION: RON PETRO

CKO “FLIP TOP” VW TOY MODEL

by Arthur Junior

T

his issue features the German CKO introduced a new line of mechanical Verwandlungs VW. “Verwandlungs” miniatures. Sales were good and the means “conversion” or “transformation.” company prospered.

It’s commonly known among In 1938, one hundred collectors as the CKO Flip Top workers were employed at the The CKO KdF Beetle. It was designed and CKO factory producing tin toys, Wagen had a built by the German toy firm and during this time, the KdF special feature founded by Georg Kellermann Wagen was introduced to the in which the top in 1910. Kellermann learned his German people. Kellermann section could be trade while working at the toy picked up on the growing popflipped, making firm of Bub (Germany) and was ularity of the KdF Wagen and a sedan turn into later a Werk Meister at the toy introduced a scale version of a convertible. firm of Distler (also German). the “People’s Car.” The CKO tin In 1920, the special logo or lithographed KdF Wagen had insignia of “CKO” was created. a special mechanical feature This logo was formed from the letters CKO in which the top section could be flipped, with a large K and a small O inside a large making a sedan model turn into a convertC represented as a broken circle. Although ible model. The idea came from the fact that the company’s proper name is Kellermann the full size KdF Wagen would be offered & Co., because of the logo design it was in a sedan as well as a convertible. This Flip more natural to say CKO. In the early 1930s, Top mechanical feature toy would become

58 VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24

very popular and a top seller for CKO in the years to come.

The CKO Flip Top KdF Wagen was a stamped, tin-plate lithograph design at 1/25th scale (about 160mm, or 6.25 inches in length). The lithographed color scheme was blue-gray (the standard color of the KdF Wagen). The CKO is easily identified by the license plate registration number IA 359. The toy had white and black striping on the front hood, doors, windows, rear deck lid and license plate assembly. Striping was also used for the rear window air louvers, roof section, and body’s seam lines.

When the CKO toy was flipped to the convertible position, details of the lithographed interior could be seen. It included tan seats and a two-glove-box dashboard.

A plastic driver, painted white or tan with flesh tones, was fastened to the front seat.

A tin steering wheel was secured to the dashboard. In either position, the top fits quite well with the lower body section of the car — quite a unique design.

The chassis was also of a tin-plate design and stamped “D.R.G.M. D.R.R. USA Pat. Engle. Pat.” The toy featured indestructible metal button wheels with a lithographed design; the front wheels had a mechanism allowing them to turn left to right. A keywound clockwork motor was standard equipment, with the keyhole located on the lower right area of the rear deck lid. CKO bought clockwork motors, wheels, etc. for their toys from the company Paul Weiss Laufwerk Fabrik, located in Nürnberg, Germany.

The bumpers were part of the stamped chassis, and the chassis was secured to the body by small metal ears that were bent over. Some bumpers were marked KdF. A lever underneath the car was used to acti-

In the early 1950s, CKO introduced a new lithographed design that depicts the Karmann Convertible Volkswagen.

The body was brown with creamcolored sides.

A key-wound clockwork motor was standard equipment, with the keyhole located on the lower right area of the rear deck lid.

vate the mechanics to flip the top of the car from sedan to convertible.

Examples of original CKO boxes appeared in magazine advertisements and brochures from 1939. They illustrate the CKO Flip Top KdF Wagen and a similar red/black colored car with a front grille design. This alternate design represents the German Adler car, whichhad a front grille, split front windshield, split rear window, and a rear trunk with molding to secure luggage. The Adler’s doors are shaped differently from the Flip Top’s, and there are semaphores in the rear quarter panel.

All these Adler characteristics are noted in the lithographed design on this CKO Flip Top version. For sure, this design is not a Volkswagen. This Adler car had a license plate registration number of K-358. CKO was quite clever in producing two different cars using the same dies and process and changing only the lithographed design. Unfortunately, especially to buyers, this red/ black Adler K-358 with front grille is always called a Volkswagen, which it is clearly not.

In 1941, Kellermann halted production of his toy firm due to WWII but restarted it in 1945. Production of the red and black Adler Flip Top car continued, and it was also introduced in a pale green/black design.

The original blue-gray KdF Wagen was no longer produced. The same press and dies that were used to make the post-WWII Adlers were probably still used, but the chassis stamping was changed to reflect the “Made in U.S. Zone-Germany” requirement of the post-WWII period. The chassis were stamped “CKO – Made in U.S.-Zone Germany – Foreign Patents D.R.P. D.R.G. M.” In the early 1950s, CKO introduced a new lithograph design that depicts the

A plastic driver painted white or tan was fastened to the front seat, and a tin steering wheel was secured to the dashboard.

The chassis were stamped “CKO – Made in U.S.-Zone Germany – Foreign Patents D.R.P. D.R.G. M.”

CKO toys were very good quality. The KdF Wagen IA 359 and the K-359 Karmann VW are seldom found and very pricey.

Karmann Convertible Volkswagen. The body was brown with cream-colored sides.

Black and cream color striping outlined the details of the car. The rear deck lid was of the bumblebee wing design with air louvers, and there were semaphore markings in the rear quarter panels. The windows were light gray with darker lines to represent the glazing effect, the rear-view mirror, and the wiper blades. The front hood has a VW emblem and the CKO insignia is located near the hood handle. “MADE IN GERMANY” is printed above the rear deck lid, and the license plate reads K-359. The chassis was stamped “CKO – Made in U.S.-Zone Germany – Foreign Patents D.R.P. D.R.G.M.” although the production was during the 1950s “Made in Western Germany” era.

As the toy industry turned more toward lower-cost plastics, Kellermann specialized in tin-plate products right up to the end of the company in 1979, when the firm was shut down and production of about thirty different types of tin cars ceased. It is believed that George Kellermann was one of the first to develop the tin lithograph technique in mechanical toy cars. The CKO toys produced were of very good quality and the KdF Wagen IA 359 as well as the K-359 Karmann VW are seldom found and are very pricey. The pale green/black Adler version is a little more commonly found. The K-358 red/black Adler is the most common and easiest to find, often available on online auctions and is usually listed as a Volkswagen. Good luck and happy collecting.

VW TRENDS • WINTER ’24 59

IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

ILLUSTRATION: RON PETRO

Cool Custom Karmann Ghia

JANUARY 12: Freeze Your Bus Off 12, Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine, NJ freezeyourbusoff.com 13: Southeast Eurofest St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL southeasteuromotorsports.com/ southeasteurofeststaugustine 14: Quaker Steak and Lube Bugfest, Clearwater, FL Info: Joe C. at 813-5167061 or qslbugfest2024@gmail.com FEBRUARY Dubs by the Dam 14, Millerton Lake, Friant, CA Low-key VW campout with events.

Info: 559-286-7588 24: Winter Volkfest, Raleigh, NC southeasteuromotorsports.com/winter-volksfest

Fluffy’s Got the Bug!

MARCH 08: Volkswagens on the River, Yuma, AZ Camping and VW show 17: The Lakeland VW Classic, Lakeland, FL Info: 863-660-7731 23: Das Blühende Gute Schau XVII, Nacogdoches, TX etvdub.com or facebook. com/groups/easttexasveedubclub 30: Meet In the Middle, Solvang, CA APRIL 21: Kelley Park 39th Annual Spring Meet, San Jose, CA

BILL OESTEREICH/THE ROAMING DRONE

Groovefest

JBugs Karmann Ghia Interior, Part 3

All this and more coming to your mailbox mid-April 2024

60 VW TRENDS • FALL WINTER WINTER ’22 ’24 ’24

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