Let’s Talk Dubs

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