Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast

The baddest "Kat" in the Chevy truck world might surprise you—because it all started with Volkswagens. In this episode, we sit down with  "Dino Battilana, the mastermind behind the world-famous Dino Git Down Chevy truck show in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest and most influential classic Chevy C10 events in the country. For more than 10 years, Dino Git Down has drawn Chevy pickup trucks from all over the United States and international visitors, growing into an absolute monster of a show. With over 13,000 trucks attending last year, it has become a must-attend event for classic truck enthusiasts, custom builders, and C10 fans worldwide. But before the C10 fame, Dino's automotive journey began in the Volkswagen world. In this episode, we dive deep into his VW roots, his passion for air-cooled Volkswagens, and how that foundation shaped his approach to building, design, and community. We also break down his latest personal build—a jaw-dropping 1960 Volkswagen that defies categories. While it looks like a convertible, the window channels have been permanently sealed, making it a true open-air cruiser with a unique custom twist. This VW features air suspension by Levi at Pan Draggers, traditional styling mixed with modern creativity, and even subtle Chevy-inspired interior details—a perfect crossover of two iconic automotive worlds. We talk shop on custom fabrication, air-ride setups, vintage Volkswagen styling, and how his love for VW culture helped influence the growth of one of the biggest classic truck shows in the country. If you're into classic Volkswagens, Chevy C10 trucks, custom car culture, air suspension builds, automotive event history, or the evolution of car shows, this episode is a must-listen. We cover Dino's  full journey—from air-cooled VW beginnings to building an automotive empire—and how Dino Git Down became the global phenomenon it is today.  Enjoy

Jake Raby is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts on the Volkswagen Type 4 engine, with more than 30 years of hands-on experience building, developing, and refining air-cooled Type 4 VW engines. Since the late 1990s, Jake has been deeply involved in Type 4 engine rebuilding, performance development, and long-term reliability testing for platforms used in VW Bus, Porsche 914, and high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen applications. Over the decades, Jake has pushed the limits of the Type 4 air-cooled engine platform, pioneering advancements in cooling systems, cylinder head porting, plenum and intake temperature control, camshaft profiles, and custom internal components. Many of the bespoke Type 4 engine parts used in his builds were designed or commissioned specifically to solve known weaknesses and extract maximum horsepower while maintaining street-driven reliability. What sets Jake apart in the air-cooled Volkswagen Type 4 engine world is his uncompromising work ethic and attention to detail. Every engine is built as a custom, customer-specific Type 4 VW engine, focused on longevity, drivability, and real-world performance—not shortcuts. His mission has always been the advancement of the Type 4 VW hobby, ensuring these engines remain viable, powerful, and dependable decades after their original production. Beyond engine building, Jake has played a major role in Type 4 engine education, offering classes, technical training, and early-2000s instructional videos covering Type 4 engine teardown, inspection, and rebuild processes—resources that helped countless Volkswagen enthusiasts understand and preserve this unique engine platform. That innovation didn't stop with Volkswagen. Jake later applied his engineering mindset to the Porsche flat-six engine world, where he helped develop the widely known intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing solution, along with numerous other reliability upgrades for Porsche engines. This episode is packed with deep technical insight into Volkswagen Type 4 engines, air-cooled performance development, engine reliability, and decades of real-world testing. If you're passionate about VW Type 4 engines, air-cooled Volkswagens, Porsche engineering, or engine development at the highest level, this is an episode you won't want to miss.   www.letstalkdubs..com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off your order  Info for Luft Zeigen here

San Leandro, California—an industrial Bay Area city shaped by its Portuguese community and a deep-rooted Volkswagen culture—holds a story few outside the neighborhood ever knew. Tucked away behind an unassuming fence was a Volkswagen collection unlike anything else in the region. For years, local kids would stop, peer through the slats, and take it all in: early Beetles, split windows, rare convertibles, stacks of glass, and parts that hinted at decades of careful accumulation. It was a forgotten archive of Volkswagen history—silent, untouched, and unexplained. Then came the revelation. The cars belonged to Stuart Alexander, the owner of the Sausage King facility and the man later convicted in one of San Leandro's most infamous criminal cases—the murder of health inspectors at his warehouse. A crime that shocked the community also cast a long shadow over what had once seemed like a harmless automotive mystery. In the years that followed, the Volkswagen hoard was quietly dismantled. With the help of a volunteer assisting the family, the cars were sold off—often at fair, reasonable prices—and released back into the Volkswagen world. One by one, these forgotten cars reentered the scene, restored, driven, shown, and enjoyed, largely disconnected from the dark chapter that once surrounded them. In this episode, we Me & John Limnios explore the intersection of true crime and Volkswagen history—how a legendary Bay Area VW stash came to be, how it disappeared, and where those cars may be today. Many of them are still out there, living new lives, their origins unknown to their current owners. If you own one of these cars, recognize the story, or have information about the San Leandro VW hoard, we invite you to reach out. This is more than a crime story—it's an unfinished chapter of Volkswagen history, and together, we may be able to trace it back to where it began.   www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off  

2025 was a huge year for documenting Volkswagen history—and in this episode, we take a full look back. We review the entire 2025 podcast episode list, breaking down highlights and key moments from nearly every show in case you missed an episode or two along the way. From early Volkswagen drag racing history and legendary builders, to modern VW product development, fresh builds, and stories shaping the hobby today, this year covered it all. With over 50 episodes released, there's a ton of ground to cover. This recap episode ties everything together, revisits standout conversations, and reflects on why preserving and sharing air-cooled Volkswagen history still matters. So sit back, relax, and get a full rundown of the stories, guests, and moments that made 2025 an unforgettable year for the VW community.   www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off www.ssaircooled.com ICON pistons  

What if the Volkswagen you built as a teenager never really left you? In this episode, we get into the incredible full-circle story of David Lawler and his 1971 Volkswagen Beetle from Southeast England. David bought his very first VW at just 14 years old, poured years into building it, and saw that dream rewarded when the car landed in a Volkswagen magazine in 1995. But life changes. Priorities shift. The unthinkable happens—and the car is sold. Watching your first show-winning Volkswagen drive away is a regret that never fully fades. For decades, the Beetle would resurface in David's life, always just out of reach. Nearly 30 years later, he finally gets the chance to buy it back—only to discover it's far worse than he imagined. Rather than restore what was lost, David makes a bold decision: start over and build something entirely new. The result is a radically re-imagined 1971 VW Beetle—a modern, hot-rod-inspired machine that stands completely apart from anything else in the Volkswagen world. From extensive paint and bodywork, to chop-top modifications, a full roof conversion, and a cartoon-style window treatment, this build rewrites the rulebook. The hot-rod-meets-custom interior seals the deal as a true one-off. That risk paid off in a big way. The car was selected Top Five at the VolksWorld Show and went on to land the cover of the November 2025 Volkswagen magazine. This episode covers the emotional journey, the design decisions, the fabrication challenges, and what it means to let go of the past—only to build something even better. If you love custom Volkswagen Beetles, VW show cars, chop-top VWs, and real stories from the global air-cooled scene, this one is a must-listen.   www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off of your order www.ssaircooled.com ICON pistons here

The East Coast of Canada is cold, and the car season is short — usually May through October. New Brunswick isn't known as a hotbed for the air-cooled Volkswagen scene, but when the VW bug bites you out there, you're all in. Terry grew up in a drag-racing family, and everything changed the day his father gifted him a convertible Karmann Ghia. That single car sparked a lifelong obsession with all things air-cooled VW. From flat-towing a '67 Beetle over 2,000 miles from Alabama, to drag-racing a Herbie-themed bug, to eventually owning the legendary Save-A-Bugcampaigned by Jack Shacettie — Terry's passion has taken him across the continent. His vacations? They weren't for relaxing — they were spent in Southern California, wrenching in work clothes at Jack's shop just to be part of the action. Now retired from a career in insurance, Terry finally opened a small but official shop in New Brunswick. Not for business — but to help keep his cars and his friends' cars on the road. Terry's collection tells the story of a life dedicated to Volkswagens: "Cinco," his all-original 1955 Beetle, bought with just 25,000 miles. A 1955 Kombi running an SO-42 interior setup. And his driver — a 1950 split window, restored by Dr. Dick Christiansen, which he puts real miles on. So many cars, so many stories, and a lifetime of air-cooled passion from one of Canada's most dedicated VW enthusiasts. This is a great listen — tune in. www.letstalkdubs.com/store www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com BUY ICON Pistons https://www.ssaircooled.com  

In this episode of the Let's Talk Dubs podcast, we dive into a big development in the VW drag racing world — the ROC Cory Mack Race cancellation and what it means for racers, fans, and the upcoming season. We also celebrate a major milestone as Zorba the Ghia finally appears in VW Trends Magazine after a year of waiting. Bill shares his unfiltered thoughts on seeing a go-kart featured on the cover of a major Volkswagen magazine and what that means for the direction of the hobby. From there we shift gears to the SEMA Show, breaking down the MST booth, the best Volkswagens at SEMA, standout builds, and trends shaping the air-cooled VW community for 2025. Plus, we get into updates on Bill's projects including new upgrades for #WhiteFlash, installing an Alpine audio system, tackling a new wiring harness, chasing down oil leaks, and dealing with powder-coating issues that every builder can relate to. If you're passionate about classic air-cooled Volkswagens, VW magazines, SEMA show coverage, Las Vegas VW culture, and real-world project car updates, this episode packs in a ton of great conversation. www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off ICON pistons here VWs of SEMA 1 John Ludwicks SP1000 Randy W/ Phat fabs car at SEMA

Social media has become a powerhouse in today's Volkswagen hobby, and if you've spent any time online, you've definitely seen the rise of content creators shaping the air-cooled VW scene. One of the biggest names pushing the culture forward is Chris Davern, better known as @Driven60VW on Instagram. Based in Arizona, Chris has built a massive following of over 100,000 VW enthusiasts by consistently posting high-quality content centered around classic Volkswagens, restoration insights, and the day-to-day life inside the air-cooled community. In many ways, social media has become the new VW magazine, delivering fresh Volkswagen content straight to your phone in real time. This week on the show, we sit down with Chris to talk about his journey into the VW world, what sparked his passion, and how his online presence has evolved over the past five years. Chris brings a ton of positivity to the hobby, and his enthusiasm for vintage Volkswagens truly comes through in his posts, videos, and behind-the-scenes stories. If you're into the air-cooled VW lifestyle—or you want to learn how to grow your own social media following within a niche automotive community—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a deep dive into building community, creating consistent content, and keeping the VW hobby fun and thriving.   Follo his social https://www.instagram.com/driven60vw/ www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use cupom code LTD10 for 10% off BUY ICON PISTONS HERE

Brett Hawkbee is a name that's known throughout the UK for creating a legendary bug jam. The largest show in the UK and it's third year it broke all records for any show that was happening in the UK car show specific. Going to other shows and feeling like he could do better, he decided to put something together with an idea and a couple opportunities. The doubters were stacked against him thinking it would be a flop instead 38 years later it still, pushing right along. He's also the builder of the legendary Targa Ghia that was at One crazy weekend. That's now owned by Russell Ritchie. That car has a place in Volkswagen history of one of the most iconic 80s cars ever produced in the UK. This is a story of what happens when you have the desire, determination and a love for the hobby. Brett has gone on to do skateboard shows. Music festivals and other events. He was also the founder of the UK's VWDRC .  www.letstalkdubs www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use LTD10 doe 10% off ICON Pistons here      

Scott Hopkins hails from Hyrum Gerogia his 1956 oval window is quite unique. What happens when you build a Volkswagen that doesn't follow the norms of your typical fue wheels and original paint colors and no customization. Well, in this case it will get you noticed at the triple Crown of hot rodding car show. And receiving a top 30 award that's example of modern Volkswagen builds that blend some hot rod flavor with traditional Volkswagen enthusiast styling. Over the past few years, we've seen influx of Volkswagens starting to show up at some of the hot rod shows and picking off some of the top awards. It's a trend. I enjoy seeing because it continues to push the hobby further into a new crowd that can expand their ideas into other car builds not just hot rods. this is a unique build that has a really good balance of hot rod and Vw creativity. One of the great things is that other than Paint Scott has done a lot of this work himself out of his garage over the past few years. A true labor of love while trying to be different and unique. Keeping true to his roots and dipping over to the Mini Truck side, this split window/oval window is bagged to where it will lay the pan on the ground 17 inch Budnick wheels stuffed into some mini tubs and hot rod inspired leather interior. Check out the pictures below and enjoy.    Click here for Pictures of the build !!!!!! www.letstalkdubs.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com buy ICON Pistons

Rick Stanchfield has VW history starting back in the 1970's. His passion was fuled by the hearing some fast VWs while slinging drywall. His life was changed forever. He started with a single port engine then off to the races with his new "race Motor" running in the 12's. His path is  long & winding with the likes of Steve Tims. driving for lots of different people like Eric Ballard and many more. He moves from drywall to transaxels. Steve Timms buys the Lee Leighton Oval then they rebuilt the car and ran 10.30's. So much history in this podcast. Crazy stories about drag racing events.    www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com ICON pistons here  www.letstalkdubs.com  

One Crazy weekend has passed and we sit down with Andy Finch & Trav lawton and discuss the weekend events from the weekend. Lots happend this week up to and during the event. Top 20 awards Best of show winner for $1,000 and the specialty awards. Travs perspective as a visitor from out of country. Andys push to get the OCW 68 & Sin City 69 to the finishline. We dicuss the events of the Poker tournament, Bowling torunament & strip cruise then the car show with the finally of the Poker Run! what an event!

For anyone who lived through the classic Volkswagen scene of the 1980s, the Raspberry Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback with the Targa Top is impossible to forget. This one-of-a-kind custom VW build captured the spirit of the era and became one of the most talked-about Type 3s of its time. In this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, I sit down with Eddie, the man behind this legendary Fastback, to hear the full story. From the moment a teenage enthusiast first stumbled onto the car, to the late nights in the neighborhood garage, this build represents the passion that fueled the VW hobby in the 80s. We cover how the custom Type 3 Fastback dominated the awards at Type 3 Day, went on to appear in Volkswagen magazines across the globe, and cemented its place in VW history. Whether you're into Type 3 restoration, 80s Volkswagen culture, or iconic show cars that changed the scene, this is an episode you won't want to miss.     www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com  

Two weeks to go until one crazy weekend. This week on the podcast Joey Geridano from Werkstat Restoration talking about the  80's car he's building for Andy Finch from spikes vintage restoration in the UK. Also, he's got something else up his sleeve. Tory Alonzo is going to debut latest project AFTERSHOCK. An 80s style build roadster with a 2025 technology twist we talk about the cars building some of the things that are being done and more about what makes One crazy. We can such an exciting experience for anyone that's able to make it. Make sure you go to let's talk.com and register today! www.letstalkdubs.com always support our sponsors www.letstalkdubs.com https://sewfineproducts.com www.vvwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com  

🚨 It's almost showtime! We're just 3 weeks away from One Crazy Weekend 2025 Volkswagen Car Show & Event in Las Vegas, happening October 2–4 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). On this episode, Bill and George break down the can't-miss VW weekend schedule: 🎲 Thursday Night – VW Trends Magazine Poker Tournament: Kick things off with cards, camaraderie, and VW legends. 🎳 Friday Afternoon – Ross Wulf Bowling Tournament with Clyde Berg: A fun-filled tradition for the Volkswagen community. 🚦 Friday Night 8PM – World-Famous Las Vegas Strip Cruise: Hundreds of Volkswagens—Bugs, Buses, Ghias, and more—rolling under the neon lights of the Vegas Strip. 🏆 Saturday 8AM–2PM – Volkswagen Car Show: Featuring $1,000 cash for Best of Show, Top 20 awards, and specialty trophies for standout classic air-cooled Volkswagens. 💵 Saturday Afternoon – Let's Talk Dubs Poker Run: The ultimate VW driving adventure with $2,500 in cash prizeson the line! 🌟 Whether you love classic air-cooled VW Bugs, Buses, Ghias, or Cal-Look Volkswagens, this is the biggest Volkswagen event of 2025—and it only happens in Las Vegas. 📍 Rooms are still available, so book now at www.letstalkdubs.com. 🔥 Get ready for the best Volkswagen weekend all year long. Don't just hear about it—be part of the action at One Crazy Weekend 2025!

On this episode, I sit down with my friend Paul Bernardo—an engineer, builder, and true mechanical savant who has left his mark on both Volkswagen and Porsche history. I first met Paul more than a decade ago, and ever since hearing his story, I've wanted to bring it to the podcast. If you're a fan of VW drag racing, you've probably heard of Mini Mike—the shortened wheelbase Volkswagen drag car that turned heads at the Bug-Ins back in the 1970s. That car was Paul's creation. With a background in engineering, Paul could have gone in any direction, but he chose to dive into Volkswagens and eventually Porsches, turning his passion into a career that's inspired countless enthusiasts. Paul is a true Renaissance man: a builder who can make almost anything happen, a guy who sees opportunities where others see limits, and someone who has always been driven by creativity and precision. In this episode, we unpack his journey—from early VW drag racing days to building a legacy around some of the most iconic cars in our hobby.   www.letstalkdubs.com ICON pistons  

Sewfine Interiors has been a cornerstone in the Volkswagen community since 1983, building a reputation as one of the premier upholstery and interior shops for classic VWs. Known for their award-winning craftsmanship, Sewfine has had their interiors featured in high-end show cars, concours-level restorations, and even on the hit TV series Bitchin' Rides. Now based in Denver, Colorado, the new generation of Sewfine owners continues the tradition of excellence—specializing in factory-style VW upholstery, OEM-quality restorations, and full custom interior design for air-cooled Volkswagens, hot rods, and beyond. Whether you're restoring a vintage Beetle, slamming a Bay Window Bus, or building a one-of-a-kind Cal-Look Bug, Sewfine can bring your vision to life with unmatched attention to detail. In this episode, Logan from Sewfine shares their process, from custom fabric matching and stitching to modern upgrades that blend seamlessly with classic Volkswagen style. If you're looking to restore your VW interior or create a show-stopping custom look, Sewfine is the shop that Volkswagen enthusiasts around the world turn to. We're proud to have Sewfine as a sponsor of the 80s Car Display at this year's One Crazy Weekend VW Show in Las Vegas. Come by, meet the Sewfine crew, and see their craftsmanship up close.   https://sewfineproducts.com/Home www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.letstlakdubs.com  

The Bay Window Volkswagen Bus — affectionately (and sometimes not so affectionately) known as the Fat Chick, Late Model, Round Window, or Big Boy — covers the iconic 1968–1979 VW Bus era. It was the successor to the legendary split-window Bus, made famous on TV shows like Eight Is Enough, and while some purists dismissed it at first, others saw its potential and fell in love. In this episode, we look into the culture, history, and revival of these late-model Type 2 buses with Craig Gonzales (AKA Bay Window Mafia)  a true champion of the Bay Window scene. Craig's passion for slammed, stylish late bays led him to create an Instagram page that exploded almost overnight, feeding the community's hunger for photos, inspiration, and connection. He's especially fond of early bays (1968–1971) — from high-roof postals to deluxe models — but appreciates every version in the lineup. We break down the key differences between early, mid, and late bay windows, explore their evolution, and talk about how Craig puts his own spin on styling them. Whether it's cruising into a split-bus-heavy show and turning heads, or highlighting the unique character of the 68–79 VW Bus, Craig proves that bay windows are every bit as cool as their predecessors. If you're a vintage Volkswagen enthusiast, a classic VW bus collector, or just curious about the growing new generation of bay window fans, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and plenty of VW bus love.   Check out Craigs Socials Here www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com Use code LTD10 for 10%off Buy ICON pistons here  https://www.thepunkrockmuseum.com  

If you're restoring a classic Volkswagen, chances are you've thought about the details that make your VW truly authentic – and few details matter more than a properly restored speedometer. Steve Burdett is one of the most interesting craftsmen in the hobby today. With a background in shaping fiberglass and building custom surfboards, Steve has always had a gift for creating things by hand. When the surfboard industry began to slow, he turned his skills toward another passion – vintage vehicles. Having restored Vespas and Lambretta scooters, Steve's love for mechanical artistry eventually brought him back to his first automotive love: Volkswagens. After buying back his original Super Beetle from his brother, Steve began rebuilding VW speedometers, combining precision craftsmanship with a deep passion for the hobby. Today, through his business SpeedoKing.com, he offers expert speedometer restoration, repair, and customization for classic Volkswagen Beetles, Buses, Karmann Ghias, and more. In this episode, we dive into the world of VW speedometer restoration – from common issues to watch for, to performance upgrades, custom faces, and personalized touches that make your dash stand out. Whether you're restoring a split-window Beetle, a '60s Bus, or a Type 3, Steve shares insider tips and stories that only come from years of hands-on experience. If you care about authenticity, craftsmanship, and working with someone who truly loves the Volkswagen hobby, this episode is a must-listen. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com Use code LTD10 for 10%off Buy ICON pistons here