Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast

Buying a car before he could drive was the best thing that could ever happen to a 14-year-old kid. Hopping on his bike and taking a carburetor to the local German mechanic to get some understanding of how to make things work, changed his life. I met John Benton at the EMPI open house last year. He built a 1641 cc motor with 48 IDs and came in there and ripped it wide open to 7000 RPMs and put out some impressive horsepower numbers 160 hp for a 1641 when I interviewed him he came across as your typical old-school Vw legend. He owns a shop called Benton Performance and he's been busy for the past few decades working on Porsche's 356s 912s and 911s. He's a charismatic guy with a great attitude and a love for classic air cooled cars. His story about how he got an Volkswagens and how that evolved eventually into working on Porsche. I think if you meet him, you definitely know he's a get it done kind of guy but he likes to have fun. If you're ever in Anaheim, look up Benton Peformance, and go check them out. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com code LTD10 for 10% off on all purchases https://thelufthaus.com https://www.germanaire.ca

Pedro Sainz is one of the most obsessed type three builders that there is. Starting with his notchback a chance meeting at the first Nona meeting with Lee Hedges as friends they pushed each other to build their cars as original as possible. From that point forward, Peter was on a mission to restore cars, not only did he restore cars, but he also built roof racks Pedro's roof racks as a matter of fact. Some of those popular wood slat roof racks made in southern California in the early 2000s his first project was razor. The second one was a 1968 automatic type 34. Then he went on to build his Pacific blue 62 which once that early car was complete which is difficult to do end of itself. He looked for something even more difficult. How about if I build a replica of the prototype convertible to an exact specification. His commitment as a builder is unmatched by enthusiast this is not his full-time job. He's a cabinet maker by trade. It's a great story about a skateboarder from Tijuana Mexico, that his love for Volkswagens and his desire to create things with his hands evolved in so many cars and building so many racks for people even on to custom making interior kits that are exact replicas of the original factory. When you talk about playing the game that's Pedro. He's in it until the end. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.thewagen.com https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen

This year's One crazy weekend is going to be debuting quite a few 80s cars. 80s tribute cars are back and on this episode. We discussed what it took to build and back then what was the condition you found them in and what level did those people restore them. We also hop in a Time Machine and check prices back then versus now to see what the difference was building cars back in the 80s. It's a fun podcast. www.letstakdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com wwwhttps://www.germanaire.ca https://vivaskegvegasvw.co.uk

On this episode, Bill discusses going to the diecast super convention what that experience was like and also being a member of DBK and meeting Bob Lacoste. The majority of this podcast is a remastered version of my original interview with Bob Lacoste from the Compound. Bob was always a super detail oriented guy who had an immense knowledge for everything Volkswagen. He was super hype type three guy and could tell you just about everything about every accessory made for type threes and then some. His quality workmanship was top-notch and he was a main factor behind the Dbk cars coming out so clean. Rest in peace Bob. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com https://type-emotorsports.com

David Craig is one of those guys that is behind the scenes most of the time. Originally starting as Volkswagen shop bugs for you in grass Valley California. David went on to partner with people like Rich Kimball on some of the early treasure hunts with him. Together they went through Mexico at old VW shops going through vintage inventory bagging it all up and bringing it back to the states. With a background in the garment industry, he started making T-shirts with cool, logos and sayings like endangered species and what's your type 12 or three. Eventually to getting into Battles with Volkswagen legal team he decided it was too big of a risk eventually getting into licensing business and manufacturing products for people with being connected with manufactures overseas. He was able to make lots of cool things that some of those are pretty collectible today it's a cool story to hear from a guy behind the scenes, but it's been responsible for a lot of stuff in the 80s and 90s that you saw or put on your Volkswagen. Check out his website for some really cool products https://motorsportscreations.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use promo code LTD10 for a disocunt

Sometimes you meet people that have been in the scene so long that the effect that they've had and the cars they've built ripple on for quite a while. That's the case with Walter Jelinek. Walter started the Bug box in 1994 but his story starts before that. As a kid in Germany, seeing a lot of cool Volkswagens and stumbling across his first Vw trans magazine that got him hooked. Then Walter has been known for constantly doing something unique and different from one of the first original patina cars the Lindy Bus to re-creating a full-size version of the sand scorcher an RC car built by Tamaya in the 80s. He's been recognized in the hobby in Europe for quite a few years. Then onto to build some of the Atwater buses finding three that exist. These were very unique tourist version VW buses that had extended roofs with plexiglass panels. Owning a restoration shop for several years and then finally having to take a break after a few years the scene brought him back, not wanting to have a big shop again. He currently manages and facilitates peoples restorations in his one man shop. He's constantly onto new endeavors, finding challenges that are very difficult with the commitment to quality to make some of the best parts on the market. His page razor skin makes the replacement lower rocker panels for type 34 gears that are almost an exact match. If you want it done right you've got to use the bug box, as now he focuses mainly on original restorations and real unique cars. He still accustomed guy at heart. This is a long one because there's a lot of history here. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089429438427 https://www.instagram.com/thebugbox/ https://www.instagram.com/thebugbox/ DUBFREEZE LINK www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off https://vivaskegvegasvw.co.uk https://www.germanaire.ca https://www.callookvw.com https://www.airmightyshow.com

On this episode, Bill and George discussed this summer's show season. The Vw revival what's that all about and is it going to emulate the VW classic weekend. I give my thoughts on the difference between the two and what me from an out-of-towners perspective really enjoyed about the original classic Vw weekend. We also discussed the new VW's magazines some surprises that we've seen in there are things changing in the scene? Hopefully so a little more variety is never a bad thing. Bill takes Zorba to the roadster show for the granddaddy drive-in having his car compete against 1000 other cars outdoors and let's see the results also George recaps buses by the bridge diesel heater before and after and more fun stuff to chat about on this weeks episode

On this weeks episode we discuss some buyers guide topics. Also, the cars that have gone through Barrett Jackson recently and how that's going to affect the current market and future market of particular models specifically the $85,000 notchback. Show updates for this summer, East Coast, West Coast and UK. And what's the deal with Brazilian buses or Brazilian cars in general. We discuss what to expect when you buy a car from Brazil. Why the cars in Brazil are the way that they are. And is there really a free lunch where you can get a 23 window or a double cab for half price, and it meets your expectations? All this on an exciting episode with Bill & Tory Alonzo we also discussed a few Facebook posts that are going down a rabbit hole all in good fun. See you this weekend at the Grand National Roadster Show. https://thelufthaus.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://www.germanaire.ca https://vivaskegvegasvw.co.uk https://www.airmightyshow.com

This podcast is an amazing story of how someone who is on a different path gets put into a trajectory that changes everything that they do. Simon Kelley's that man, world traveler, living life with a passion to discover things find himself in Thailand one day and then begins to manufacture rubber. It's a long sort of story and you get to hear all the details on this podcast. Our passion Vw hobby ends up, finding opportunities for us to be a part of it in multiple ways. And it just starts with one car and a vision. With Simmons early history working for defense contractors specializing in radar equipment. He still gets pulled to that vehicle of the most basic type the VW, getting fascinated early with threes was his problem. In the early days it was a lonely road to walk before type three became super cool but he stuck it out and now he supplies in manufactures so much for the type three hobby it's awesome a great guy cool story and buckle up. I https://thelufthaus.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://www.facebook.com/notch1500 https://www.germanaire.ca https://vivaskegvegasvw.co.uk https://www.airmightyshow.com

The 1980's was a time when pop culture influenced the car scene. Nowhere better was this exemplified than the "Eliminator Bug" built by Tony Hunter out of Loganville, Georgia. Imagine being 18 years old and having your car on the cover of a nationally published magazine. Being one of the first guys from the southeast to get the cover of magazine and to have your girlfriend on that cover as well. Talk about living the dream! That is Tony Hunter's VW story. VW magazines have mostly been featuring the west coast scene, especially in the 1980s. Tony's "Eliminator Bug" broke that ceiling. Listen to the story of building your first car and getting so many accolades then selling it after showing it for several years. Where is it now? You'll hear all about that on this episode. www.letstalksubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

On this weeks episode, let's talk dubs. We do a sit down with Cory Mac and Brian Watts two of the three promoters for the Vegas world finals. We discussed the evolution of this event, how they feel it turned out, and also will there be a Vegas world finals 2025. How the new classes went their experience with the track and also participation from people all over the world. If you love drag racing and Volkswagens, then this is a great podcast to listen to to get a lot of information about Volkswagen drag racing in Las Vegas. This event took place to Las Vegas motor Speedway December 7, 2024 and it was the first of hopefully many more Volkswagen dragracing events to happen. Subscribe to his channel and support www.letstalkdubs.com Suppot our sponsors www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.thewagen.com

an Roussel is a passionate VW enthusiast, artist, hot rod builder, and a true jack-of-all-trades. If something stays still long enough, Ian will find a way to transform it into something extraordinary—often with a creative nod to hot rods. Fans of the show Full Custom Garage will recognize Ian as the master builder behind some of the wildest custom car creations out there. Known for his unorthodox approach, Ian doesn't follow traditional rules. Instead, he uses his imagination and resourcefulness to turn everyday, overlooked materials into unique automotive masterpieces. In our conversation, we explored what inspired Ian to move to the West Coast, his first impressions upon arriving, and the driving forces behind some of his most memorable builds. Now that Full Custom Garage has ended, Ian continues to share his artistry on his YouTube channel, Full Custom Ian. As a VW enthusiast through and through—and a creative soul who builds without fear of judgment—Ian deserves the support of our community. Be sure to check out his channel, subscribe, and show him some love. Ian is one of us, and his dedication to freedom and artistic expression is truly inspiring. Keep doing your thing, Ian! https://www.youtube.com/@fullcustomIan Subscribe to his channel and support www.letstalkdubs.com Suppot our sponsors www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com MAGAZINE COVERS http://99wspeedshop.com/vwtrends.html

In this episode of *Let's Talk Dubs*, we sit down with Tom Simon, an iconic figure in the world of drag racing and a long-time enthusiast of classic Volkswagens. Tom shares his incredible journey, from early days in the racing scene to the challenges and triumphs of competing on and off the track. We delve into the technical secrets behind building a high-performance VW drag car, the evolution of racing culture, and Tom's personal insights into what it means to live a life of speed. If you're a fan of VWs, racing, or the stories of legends who push boundaries, this episode is a must-listen. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com https://www.facebook.com/simonracing325/

On this weeks episode, we discussed the Vegas world finals drag racing. I bring on Adam Wik to get a drag racers perspective on how the event went down and his impressions. Also, I give my thoughts and two cents on the dragracing community what they can do to come together and also what's gonna happen now that Irwindale is gone. After that, we get on the microphone from world finals in Las Vegas and discuss drag racing in Belgium with the Belgian drag racing Association representatives. We sit down with Vito Versluys and Michael Spiessens. Vito runs a Drag bug that's running quite fast into the tens second-quarter mile. We get how they started and how the Belgian drag racing Association came about. Also what it's like to race in Belgium versus what we have here in the US. cool guys, great story good podcast. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1575682792751616/ https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast

This weekend coming up is the Vegas world finals drag racing at the Las Vegas motor Speedway. We discuss a little bit of that toward the end of the podcast but we spent some time talking about the new video that Bill and @VegasMicahG. just put out on the crew cab, a.k.a. the carbon cab. Micha does some pretty rad videos and I really like his style so we decided to collaborate on shooting a cool video for the carbon cab. Some rolling shots driving through Vegas as well as the story and the build process of it and what went on I've had to request for some wal spot make sure you watch this video on your Hi-Rez TV. It shot in a cinematic format so it should come across really cool. Also hoping to be able to interview a lot of W. drag racers this weekend at the Las Vegas motor Speedway for the Vegas world finals I know there are people coming from Austria, Hawaii, belgium, England, and much much more looking forward to a good drag race weekend here. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel link below so if I live stream, you'll be there with us. https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast9361 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6FQ4XI03wg

This year December 7th is the first Cory Mac's Vegas world finals. Putting on a drag racing event is no small feat. Las Vegas motor Speedway is one of the premier tracks on the West Coast and to put on a Volkswagen event. There is a special thing. We have Brian Watts on the podcast today the promoter for this event and we discuss some of the details with, this car show Swap meet and drag race event. Without events like this, what happens to our hobby my suggestion is to promote and support these events. For more information click the links below. We also discuss with Jorge some of the One crazy weekend changes for this following year as well as the link for room reservations for 2025 for One crazy weekend. Get Tickets for Vegas World Finals here www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com OCW 2025 Room Discount Link

On this episode, we discussed the history of the type three 1500 better known in the US by the models the square back, the notchback and the type 34 ghia were never officially imported to the United States. This podcast will give you a summarized history of VW's purpose behind designing the type three 1500 the reasoning behind it and what went into producing this car. In addition to those fun facts, you'll also get to hear a lot of specific details that make the type three different than the type one also, stumbles across a bunch of reviews that he's never read from overseas and goes through a half dozen reviews so if you never heard your shot out, you'll get your shot out today. So if you love VW history, you will love this podcast. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

Restoring the oldest type 34 Karmann Ghia. In this month hot VW's December 2024 check out Lee Hedges oldest type 34 Ghia fully restored. It's the 11th Type 34 ever produced. This is the in-depth interview for tons of detail on the uniqueness of an early 1962 type 34 Ghia. These cars are really unique to begin with, but this one's even more special, being the first handful that came off the assembly line there were lots of other really unique parts and pieces for this car that make it very special. Who better to own it than Lee Hedges who is the foremost expert of type 34 Ghia has started the registry years and years ago and a guy who , He's helped the hobby in such a massive way and we always learn something when we talk to Lee Hedges https://www.t34world.org Www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

The binz all right double cab is kind of a mystery mostly produced from 57 to 59. The first Sales literature shows up as a special order for Volkswagen in 1953. On this podcast we go through the story of the Binz double cab, the purpose that ignited the creation and a lot of the details and history that went along with this pick up truck that was built essentially for two years. Now there may be more out there that we're built from 53 to 57. None that are on the registry at this point for more information go to the links below. Also, we interviewed my friend and special guest Chris Vuchovic and hear the story of how he purchased his two bins double caps one being a 1957 one being one being in 1958 one being in 1959 Volkswagen went onto produce the double cab in 1959 as the first production year. It's a pretty cool story and thanks to my listener for requesting this history. If you have any history you'd like to hear, or hit me up on Facebook and reach out to me through the website www.let'stalkdubs.com https://hayburner.co.uk/binz-coachbuilt-history/ http://dropgates.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendzmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

Brian Hyerstay G Dragster has a 1680cc engine revs to over 10,000 RPM & has a best ET of 8.43. And thats with NO POWER ADDERS. Brian has been involed n VWs since his first Bug in the early 70's. Since then hes raced his 1962 Beetle that hes owned since then. He then switcehd over to a Manx buggy for drag racing. When he reched the pinnacle of that, he bought a used G-Dragster and started his journey up the ranks of Competition Eliminator. His 1680 CC has custom builr cylinder heads, an overhead cam, fuel injection, all off of a stock case. Hes racked up over 20 Wally's the covedted NHRA award for any racer. Brian is pusing the envelope with this 1680cc engine. He also ha a 1977 348 RWH street beetle in all stock trim. Can you say SLEEPER. Come meet him December 7th at the World Finals in Las Vegas. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/g6DkTQNAhEyM1h3c/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Brian-Hyerstay-racing-engines-100062928716496/?_rdr https://www.facebook.com/groups/1028580878239828 www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.letstalkdubs.com

Bill, Andy Finch (Spikes Vintage Restoration) Tory Alonzo @vdubber4life discuss One Crazy Weekend 2024. The Strip Cruise, The car Show & The Poker Run!!!!! Jumping the El Ritchie Ghia tribute car.. Crusing the strip and all teh fun that follows. Desert dubs did a video on it. George T did a build video check out the links below. Andy discusses the 3 Day 80's Tribute build of the 1986 VW Trends Cover car of Ritchie King. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://youtu.be/IRN-xsGXk-s?si=i1d3J9Cxl8K9H4pp

The 1980s were a super cool time and show cars. Most of the guys in the scene were in their early 20s and not only did they have a big hand in building their own cars. A lot of guys drove them to the shows and back with full wheels off mirror displays. Cal-dub was no different. Built by Jack Digiacomo painted by Steve Knecht coming out of Bakersfield. These guys were ready to shake up the SoCal Vw scene. And that, they did with lots of battles out there in the show circuit. This story is about cal-dub the car built by Jack Jack Digiacomo Sen, sold during life changes and re-purchased by his son some 20 years later. The next time the car debuts at the Grand National Roadster Show where I originally did this interview with father and son and Steve Knecht which that original podcast is lost in Mexico. Fastforward to 2024 One crazy weekend, we were all reunited again where we could record that podcast over also displaying three cars all painted by Steve connect and two he built. We discussed the Bakersfield days and what it was like during competitions. A great story about how these cars sometimes mean more than just steal, glass, and rubber. Enjoy. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.thewagen.com https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast9361

What Happend to the original inch pincher? A fviral Video from a podcast called west of Tulsa had a guest Peter Kappen He spoke about a guy Blase Mcfadden who claimed to have the orignal Inch Pincher. This podcast takes on a wild ride as to who exactly blaze McFadden was as well as the history of the inch pincher years and dates when things happen modifications took place to try to validate whether this is the actual inch pincher or not or something totally different. The VW hobby is filled with so many different intricacies with respect to, the trails, the different cars and people took and this is no different. There's lots of interesting tidbits of information that have crossovers to other parts of the automotive world. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswullf.com https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast9361 https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen

Andy Finch From spikes VIntage restoration is in the studio. He has brought Zorba, the Ghia and his bus here to Las Vegas. For a couple weeks of fun in the sun. We discuss how the Zorba project started some of the challenges we ran into and as well a lot of the people that really helped in the build process. What he thought of my theme when we started. The bumps in the road as builder and customer, but the culmination of my ideas the spikes, vintage teams, hard work and the successful unveiling at George's Shop. It was definitely experience of a lifetime for me and to be able to have who I now consider a really great friend. Be able to build it for me in a record amount of time and debut it at my favorite Volkswagen event. ONE CRAZY WEEKEND. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrends.com www.spikesvintagerestoration.com for the best how to Videos got to https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen www.rosswulf.com

Sometimes steering is the craziest thing to deal with on your vintage bus. Rusty, who hail out of the Netherlands, decided to help some friends, modify their buses and install some rack and pinion set ups. From that became a business. Since then he sold over 100 rack and pinion bus steering set ups. We get into the details of what makes the difference between a warm drive and rack and pinion steering. Also what it takes to install and what the difference is between the different set ups. Can you have a bus with big tires in the front and have it feel like power assist steering? Will find out on this weeks episode Don't forget to check out One crazy weekend sponsored by EMPI www.empius.com http://www.airteriors.co.uk https://www.rustys.nl www.vwtrends.com www.rosswulf.com www.letstalkdubs.com

Tony Viera hails from San Jose, California. His connection with Volkswagens started at an early age working at a speed shop (Goodies speed shop) and thinking they were cool. He built a Manx he saw those cars being so cool. He opened up a business by the name of Meg's house. After a few years moved on and partnered in a company called Bugformance and Sunnyvale, California. His history starts in the 60, late 70s with Volkswagens. Being an exclusive Manx dealer for a few years as well as the "thunder bug" buggy. He dabbled and off-road racing in the early days. Even racing at the old Stardust raceway here in Las Vegas in 1968. He's got a lot of great stories from the early days of, the dune buggy craze Volkswagens and customizing those cars which eventually evolved into more than this. It's a great story with lots of history. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

After my podcast last week talking about a Myers Manx that I was posting up for sale I got an inbox message from Kenny Nash. Kenny referred me to his body Todd Cooper, who had a really great story on finding an all original one owner Max in the basement of a house in Virginia. When he tried to buy it from the original owner, it was a no sale. Things changed when the owner passed away. He left his good friend in charge of all the cars, but the buggy was supposed to go to an ex-girlfriend as luck would have it, Todd ends up with the car. It's a wild story and a cool project. Also, we follow up on Bill getting flamed on a Face classified for Myers Manx Cars. When he post his 1969 titled series one makes up for sale. Bill has no problem getting attacked by the gatekeepers. But as fate would have it, Bill would soon be vindicated. We call out some of those Facebook people by name and we denounce their expertise in the Manx forums. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com https://booksbymeyers.com

Bill & Tory talk about OCW updates. How can shows effect / enhance the VW scene. Bill found his 1963 VW. The 3rd owner has had it over 25 Years... I owned it for 5 years hes owned it 25. Im conflicted. We discuss the 80s Car stereo scene. What was the set up that you have ? Lufhause Blake sends me some MB Quart Speakers. What I have been collecting for vintage car audio. Some of yor favorite test tracks. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.lufthaus.com

Bill & Tory Alonzo discuss the last podcast it got some good response. It was about why do we not see people expressing their individuality through their cars like they once did in the 1980s and 90s. Lots of factors came in to play. We read some listener feedback. We also discussed in evolution of what could've caused this change and what factors are pressing on this. Also, our car shows part of the problem? Have they fed into this lackluster scene that we see right now? Will, Tori, Alonso and myself have a lot of ideas about this. You can give us your feedback if you think we're wrong. www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.letstalkdubs.com

Has the VW scene gotten stock? Are we seeing a lot of the same cars being featured at the shows focused on stock paint stock engines wheels lowered? Does it seem like people are more focused on keeping cars stock colors than doing custom. Are people building cars within guidelines of keeping it as close to vintage and original and resell Abel? On this episode, Bill takes a deep dive and we walk through his opinion of the evolution of the hobby since the early 80s. The different styles that have been prominent and where he sees a majority of the scene building cars. All of this to lead up with decisions made during the build process of Zorba the Ghia, if you think you've got an opposing opinion, feel free to email me at bill@let'stalkdubs.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine https://www.twitch.tv/djricoradio

Damon Harmon name should be familiar if you've followed Volkswagen Drag racing. He was the dirver for Quarter Toy 1, 2 & now 3. He loves racing so much he even had campained 2 cars at once. He seems not be able to get enough. He held the record until it was taken by Pat Downs, but He holds the best MPH record 5.99 @117mph (Pat Downs holds the ET record at 5.90 @116mph) this podcast took place at European Buggin in 2024 in the pits of Max speed Carmenia. That's where I met Damon in Belgium in the drag pits as he was pitting for a fellow drag racer. If that doesn't tell you, the quality of people drag racing I don't know what does. He's got some awesome stories specifically one about Denver where he actually had to push a car across the finish line. We talk about engine building also transaxle building and some of the specifics with regards to building reliable drag cars. He's a great guy and if you get a chance to meet him, you'll be glad you did. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

On todays Round table. Bill & George discuss Bills European trip. 1500 miles in the Katasrtophenshutz supplied by andy Finch. From Badcamburg, to Wolfsburg, to Chimay for EBI.The expereiance and where to see the videos. We discuss the build of Zorba the Ghia. Some of the details. How the scene is with car builds and what some of the trends are. Check out Georges Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen My Youtube Channel Here www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

Intro to this podcast I talk a little bit about Zorba the Ghia also picking your own style and rolling with it. Don't worry about what anybody else thinks you do you and forget about the haters. The guts of this podcast we get into auto Craft how the company started Mike see more the new owner his passion, the company their commitment to quality and also what makes their product stand out it's a story about an enthusiast who ended up buying a company that he believed in and continuing the business so that plenty of people can have high-quality aftermarket Engine cases & heads for drag racing. We also discuss product development and modifications that they've made along the way. And if you really don't have time, they can actually build you an engine as well. Autocraft Website https://www.instagram.com/autocraftengines/ www.letstalkdubs.com

Your first car is always something special. No matter how good or bad is it holds a place in your heart. Well this podcast is about what the experience would be like to drive your same first car or a recreation to it 50 years later. Dean Kirsten's been on the podcast several times before, he's the first guest to be on for a third time. And it's only fitting after driving across Europe with him in the 2024 Cal look caravan and watching him drive the recreation of his first car the Vw blue 1967 Cal look. This car spotted some Dino alloys, Brad's interior, 1700 CC engine with 48 IDs and all the traditional Cal look fixings. There was a lot of painstaking detail taken through photographs down to stitch measurements to re-create the Brad's upholstery. Actually finding a both of the possible same fabric from the 70s that was used in this car. So many cool things came together on this project that Russel Richie decided to put together as a recreation for Dean's first car. It's a great story about how your first car holds such a special place in your heart. Not only is it fitting that this is podcast 275 because the car was featured in the February 1975, Cal looks spec. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.spikesvintagerestoration.com

Origanlly hailing from Boston Mass. A cross crounty trip in a new 1968 VW Bus would change this family hobbies. Moving to California then the meet MR Lee Leighton. The family sarts racing with Rodney Jr. known as "Radical Rod" Dad (Rodney Seinor) gets the itch & Lee sells them a Drag car fomally known as the Pied Piper that would soon become the "Sum Fun" Pro Stock drag bug. Larry the younger brother has a 56 Oval hes driving to highschool. in 1984 he pulls it apart for a restoration. The car never get put back together unitll the early 2000's. Its ultimatly featured in Hot VW's . The Drag car is eventually sold to Collector / enthusiest Russell Ritchie. Its agreat story with history of the 80's-90's drag racing. Larry latest project is featured in Hot VW's February 2024 "My Hot 56"

Martin Freidschröder is the pilot of the Mexxspeed Ghia. This is the worlds fastest naturally asperated Volkswagen. With a best ET of 8.6 secons in the 1/4 mile. Martin is a bit excited about his car. So excited you can feel it through his interview. He never stops thinking. He has custom built most parts on this what started life out as a karmann Ghia. From the carbon fiber body parts to the overhead fuel injection rails that quirt the menthonal into this beast of an engne. He custom built his own cylinderheads, intake manifolds, throttle boddies, and so much more. The trans axel uses a Porsche G50 housing with all custom internals handles the power to the axel. He has a enuique perspective on thinking & theories that he has put to the test in prusute of being the fastest naturally asperated Volkswagen. Here is some video footage I took while at EBI 2024 https://youtu.be/-dPyHB63Oa8?si=JPiQgkunGtVfSPmZ www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrends.com www.rosswulf.com Follow Mexxspeed here

The cal-look caravan started as an Idea. Woudlnt it be cool to see a bunch of California Look VW's Drive from Wolfsburg Germany to Chimay Belgium. Russell Ritchie & George Otto collaberated on the plan. Start at Wolfsburg tour the VW museum Photo shoot in front of the factory. Then a 138 mile drive to the Karmann factory for a special tour of proptorypes. Also a special photo in front of the factory. From Onsabruck, on to Gelderland Porsche in the Netherlands. for lunch & a tour of the Porsche, VW & Audi collection. Then to the Fletecher Hotel. Then the final leg was to Flatliner Lowrider Kurt Von Perre Massive Empi collection and add more cars to the group. Then to Chimay. We also talk to Podcast alumni DKP's Bill Schwimmer & Lanny Hussey talk about their experiance on the caravan so far. www.callookvw.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com

For most of us, EMPI has been a name that has been synonymous with the aftermarket parts since we started the hobby. Especially for those of us that were in the hobby in the 80s and 90s there was a time when vintage EMPI stuff was on the rampage. The culmination of which was Scott Smith, 1967 black EMPI accessorized to the max sedan. On this podcast I talk about headed to EMPI this weekend as well as some of the history from a short part of the early history what started EMPI to the different levels of products that they took as well as the name change. a year by year catalog decripton with the first time products are scene. So this Saturday 9:00am 2024 Engine Battle. EMPI YouTube channel www.letstalkdubs.com www.thewagen.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

If you're familiar at all with Arizona or the southwest, you have for sure heard of Chirco Vw. Joe Cihrco started the business in 1984. As a teenager he met a neighbor that had a classic Volkswagen and he would go hang out one day that neighbor gave him that Volkswagen. His family built a shop and he started Turco Vw 16,000 ft.² of Vw heaven. In this podcast, we talk about the last 40 years of being in business. The customers he's met. The cars he's purchased and sold. From split windows to double cab. He also has connection to Dean Lowry famous drag racer from the 60s and 70s. At Churco they do everything from maintenance to full restoration. It's obvious you can hear in the interview. The love that Joe still has for this hobby of great people and great cars. When one of his suppliers stop selling wholesale fiberglass buggy Part needed. Joe decided to manufactured them himself making him one of the only manufactures for Baja buggy parts and five VW parts selling on eBay to shipping parts around the world. Joe has experienced every aspect of the Vw hobby. He'll be surprised to hear where some of his mechanics Hale from but it totally makes sens, a good podcast with a great guy! www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

On this episode, George and I discuss the upcoming show season Southern California which events we will be at. We discuss Zorba the Ghia and Spike's Vintage Restoration process with the restoration. Its moving fast for sure. Bill almost has the interior re-done due to camera Color That's taking place. We reach out to John Limnios, the winner of the real Street class for the Volks group race in Samoa. 900 hp drift widebody bus being built by Kenny Pfitzer. Lots of cars coming down for one crazy weekend this year. We also discuss a special trophy for cars that will be debuting at one crazy weekend. Is George going to trade his bus for a stock 58 single cab? We talk about Bill's trip in the next few weeks to the UK for the Cal-look Caravan 2024 that's gonna go from bad Camberg to Chimay Belgium. We also review a few of the podcast that just came out John Maher, Ron revere Russell with old speed and more. We read some listener emails and also of course give some shot outs. its a fun episode. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com https://www.callookvw.com

Autohaus! The name that is synonomus with VW aftermarket parts. Started by Ron Rosevear in 1968. Starting as a small stereo shop in Buena Park California. Ron decides to buy some chorme VW accessories and they started selling like hot cakes. We find out about thier business stratagies. Who drew the world famous logo. How they started as a parts re-seller and then on to a VW empire with brands like Race-trim and fiberglass manufacturing. The connection with Paul Schley. Armorall and so much more. A business pioneer with a vison to teh future. Theres also a connection about Micky Thompson. The first VW Trends magazine with their 40 page catalog included. Bruce Meyers ex-wife tries to get him to make some kits of the Manx SR. So many stories you'll love the history and behind the scene to our hobby. https://www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.thewagen.com

John Maher is known to some people as the drummer for the early punk rock band the Buzzcocks. Starting in a punk band in the beginning of the punk rock era is pretty legendary. He also happen to be at the same place in the UK in the early days of when Volkswagen dragracing started to takeoff. John, after being in a band had an engine mishap (done by another shop) started repairing Volkswagens and soon after started rebuilding engines. His competition started at his first VW event when he entered the engine pull competition. Soon after he was building competition race engines on to building his first oval window drag car studying the pages of hot VW's magazine to see what was happening in the US. On this podcast you'll hear a lot about the early days of drag racing in the United Kingdom. Lots of good information and we go over what John's favorite engine build. Why did he move to Isle of Harris and more. Although he's living on the isle of Harris off of Scotland. He still builds engines to this day, so if you're needing an excellent motor built, check him out at johnmarracing.com https://johnmaherracing.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

Some projects are more extreme than others. When buidling a custom VW, how far do you go? Well, if its an all out project and you team up with illegal speed shop prepare for it to go crazy. This project started as a brainchild of one of their customers that laid dead in another shop for about 10 years. It was put up for sale and when Harrison saw it, he reached out to the owner to talk about the project and he ends up, convincing the owner to bring it to illegal speed shop and get that project finish. Already started on a full frame down the center, they went forward and full tubed the whole car moving the seats back for the driver who 6 foot eight. This thing has it all 400 hp TDI motor. Six speed manual transmission, C6 front brakes and cantilever rear suspension. Harrisons' a hard-core VW guy and we also talk about his 64 Beetleand some of the cool ways that he slammed the living crap out of it and drove it static. Check out their YouTube channel on the link below and give them a follow on Instagram. I believe these guys will be around doing some cool stuff so be on the lookout. https://www.illegalspeedshop.com https://www.youtube.com/@Illegalspeedshop https://www.instagram.com/illegalspeedshop/ www.letstalkdubs.com

Transaxles have always been a shifty subject. With less and less people rebuilding them it seems the world is getting smaller in the world of transaxles. Ben Berniklau is a second generation transactional builder. His father was half owner of one of the largest transaxle rebuilding shops in Riverside. He learned how to build tranny mostly on his own after not listening to his dad and following his heart and being in the VW industry. Working for several different shops and learning how to build transaxles because he was always good with his hands. We always hear their VW stories and we get to hear the trail as how he learned to build trans axles. Now today he's the owner of Benco transaxles in Riverside California. He personally has built hundreds of transmissions over the years. His years of experience in dealing with parts alone give him the insight as to what parts work and what parts don't. With an industry leading five year, unlimited mileage warranty on his trans axles we peel back the layers and a him lots of questions specifically pertaining to your transaxle needs. from diff covers to shift forks bearing covers and axle tube and castings. We talk about it all. What are some of his favorite trans axle combinations for gearing and what he thinks about five speeds. He'll also change your gears for free for the life of your transaxel. https://bencotransaxles.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwtrends.com George's Youtube channel LTD Youtube Channel

Rusty Lee Pickering started in the Volkswagen hobby with a bright pink beetle. He couldn't have been more proud to drive that pink beetle in the early 90s. That led to a succession of different Volkswagens to own and always looking to make friends with other VW enthusiasts. When his neighbors owned buses and he wanted to meet him, an opportunity came where they could use his skill set. After leaving school, he learned to become a welder fabricator. When his new friend needed help with a rock 'n' roll bed, he looked at it and thought he could make a better version. That begins Rusty Lee's rock 'n' roll beds. At first he was just making them to presold orders by word-of-mouth before long. He was missing shows for an entire weekend because he never made it out of the car park from delivering pre-sold rock 'n' roll beds. With the help of a supportive wife who told him to bet on himself, he decided to go full-time and into making rock 'n' roll beds. He now has eight people helping build those beds in their workshop he's never been busier, a hard-core VW enthusiast from the beginning and a love for all things. Volkswagen is clear when you talk to him. Betting on yourself to win. Check out his website below. https://www.vwrustylee.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.kompressorhaus.uk use code LTD for a discount.

Rick Mortensen has been a VW enthusiast for over 50 years. His love started in northern California in the late 60s. Building his first cow look car in the early 70s. He has a love for all things early style col-look.  on this episode we discussed his history moving from Northern California to Phoenix, Arizona. Starting the Phoenix Bug o rama. The original Bug o rama in Sacramento, He used to fill-in when Dyno Don wasn't available as an announcer. We discuss the varied vehicles that he's had and his cover car from 1996 Cal-look edition Hot VW's magazine. His Chop Top Bug and Numerous other cars he's had throughout the hobby. Cool stories about driving his 2276 from Arizona to Michigan to the VW factory and his friendship with Gene Berg and much more.

Roundtable! On this podcast, Bill and George discuss YouTube channels, Instagram followers, upcoming events and much much more. Also, Bill finds his Vin number for his original 1963 ragtop beetle that he would like to buy back any help would be much appreciated. We talk about the problem with, il the VW scene is larger than just southern California. Why do some people not pay attention to that. People that post on Instagram just to be posting. The problem some people have with car shows today. Motivation to build cars where it comes from and what gives cars sentimental value. www.letstalkdubs.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.thewagen.com

1990's UK VW Scene. Thump thump is a name synonymous with wild custom out of the park builds from the 90s. Jay Townsend's on this weeks podcast. His eye for style and creativity was exuded in the cars that were built through thump thump. Whether it was custom script where the rear air vents used to be. To reverse intake, manifolds and carburetors hidden behind the fan shroud. His ideas were definitely ahead of their time and style was the most important part of the build. It wasn't always good times on the road to build in custom cars at thump thump. Friends, family, and lots of different avenues of your life get impacted when you're immersed in working on cars seven days a. Sometimes the site gets lost when you're so focused on building something new and cool for the hobby. The creativeness in the ideas still show in some of the things that Jay does to this day whether it's his unique bubble man suit that he wore a Volk world or trophies, he custom designs, always marches on a beat of his own. And find out which custom car builder that's in the UK today was given some tough love and went back to the drawing board when given some constructive criticism by Jay. A great podcast and a great guy one thing you can always say is Jay tells it like he sees it. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10005758638360 https://kompressorhaus.co.uk Use Lets talk dubs for $100 discount www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com

Pat Downs Has been building perfromance motors for the last 35 years. He was the main engine builde rat CB Performance for 30 years. On this episode we discuss what was the reason he left his last emolyer. What life has been like starting your new career in your mid-50s. What his expectation was and how it's turned out so far. We also discuss several new product lines. He's bringing to market the problem with main bearings and the solution. And we can't have this conversation without talking about drag racing. Pat also owns the ECPRA Pro Stock record at 5.90 seconds. 1/8th mile. That's right 5.9 seconds all motor no power adders that's very impressive. We also discussed the challenges and building performance motors today . Pat also went down to Texas versus the world and we talk about what happened that weekend. https://patdownsperformance.com www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwnos.com use code LTD need a supercharger click https://kompressorhaus.co.uk "lets talk dubs" for discount

Russel Ludwig is the owner operator of Oldspeed out of Paramount California. His shop has been in business since the late 80s. Starting as a source of income to get through college it turned into a business that filled a need in the Volkswagen scene. From buying and flipping cars at Pomona and giving them the "Oldspeed "look. Starting in the early 80s he seen it all in the Vw scene from days of the street races to building engines and cars for drag racers and gang members alike. His shop in Long Beach was neutral territory. His best friend Roland made for his first employee and they were together until Roland passed away. We get an insight to his early upbringing, his parents wanting him to be an accountant, and the draw that Volkswagens had on his desire to pursue his passion. Through the ups and downs oldspeed has been a constant. If you know Russel you know he give you the shirt off his back. A genuine guy and a great friend. A wealth of knowledge and always willing to share. https://www.instagram.com/oldspeedusa/ www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwnos.com discount code LTD https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast9361