Afleveringen
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From the day he was brought home from the hospital in his father's split-window Beetle, it seemed Danny Allan was destined for a life surrounded by Volkswagens. As they say, he was born with the "VW Bug."
For decades, Danny has been a familiar and highly respected name in the UK Volkswagen community. Many enthusiasts first discovered him more than 35 years ago when the Mk1 GTI he built himself earned magazine cover status, establishing his reputation as a talented builder with an incredible eye for detail. Since then, he's become one of Britain's most recognized air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts, creating an impressive collection of beautifully crafted Beetles, Buses, and Cal-Look inspired cars. Whether he's building award-winning show cars or dependable drivers for close friends, Danny's work is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Beyond the garage, Danny has spent years sharing his passion through the pages of VolksWorld magazine as a contributing writer, producing feature stories, technical articles, and in-depth coverage of some of the UK's finest Volkswagens. His influence on the British VW scene extends far beyond his own builds, helping preserve and celebrate the rich history of the hobby.
In this episode, we get into Danny's lifelong journey with Volkswagens, the evolution of the UK VW scene, the stories behind some of his most memorable builds, and what it takes to create cars that continue to inspire enthusiasts around the world. We also discuss his work with VolksWorld magazine, the people who shaped the hobby in Britain, and why the Volkswagen community remains as strong as ever.
If you're a fan of vintage Volkswagens, Essex UK culture, air-cooled performance, or simply love hearing stories from someone who's lived through decades of VW history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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On this episode, we discuss Bill's Euro-trip 2026. Starting in England, then onto Hessisch Oldendorf in Germany for HO26. Then numerous Shop tours throughout the week before European bug in. We discussed the day by the events plus the all the shops we stopped at and museum tours all VW connec, if you haven't gone, you gotta go totally worth it.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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For over 40 years, Mark Prosser has been proving that you don't have to build a split-window Bus to create something truly unforgettable. While most enthusiasts chase the iconic early buses, Mark has dedicated his career to transforming 1968-and-later Bay Window Buses into some of the coolest, most performance-oriented Volkswagens on the road.
Think slammed stance, serious horsepower, perfectly dialed suspension, and a no-compromise attitude. Mark takes what many people once overlooked and turns it into something that stops people in their tracks. One look at one of his builds, and you may find yourself shopping for a Bay Window before the episode is over.
From routine tune-ups and mild performance upgrades to full, ground-up custom builds, Mark has spent decades perfecting his craft and earning a reputation for creating Bay Window buses that are as exciting to drive as they are to look at.
But this episode isn't just about incredible Volkswagens. It's also the story of a man who walked away from the security of a steady career, a guaranteed retirement, and the safe path in life to pursue the thing he truly loved. That leap of faith led him to build a business creating some of the most inspiring Bay Window buses cruising the streets of London.
Join us as we get into Mark's 40-plus years in the Volkswagen scene, the evolution of Bay Window performance, the challenges of building custom buses, and why he's made it his mission to show the world that Bay Windows deserve just as much respect as their split-window predecessors.
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www.damvolks.com
https://www.facebook.com/Autotechniks/
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If you've spent any time watching the popular how-to videos from JBugs, you've probably seen Sam Mebane and his son Nathan working side-by-side, sharing their passion for air-cooled Volkswagens while helping enthusiasts keep their classic VWs on the road. From restoration projects and maintenance tutorials to building Nathan's own Volkswagen, the father-and-son team has become a familiar and trusted source of knowledge for the VW community.
In this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, Sam shares a deeply personal story that goes far beyond Volkswagens. From a childhood spent in foster care to discovering purpose, building a successful career, and creating a life on his own terms, Sam's journey is one of perseverance, determination, and faith. His story is a powerful reminder that where you start in life doesn't have to determine where you finish.
We also get into the history of JBugs, exploring how the company grew from a small mail-order Volkswagen parts business into one of the most recognized and influential names in the air-cooled VW industry. Sam discusses the evolution of the hobby, the challenges of serving a passionate customer base, and how JBugs has adapted through decades of change while continuing to support Volkswagen enthusiasts around the world.
Whether you're a longtime air-cooled Volkswagen owner, a fan of JBugs' instructional videos, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories of overcoming adversity and building something meaningful, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Topics Covered Sam Mebane's journey from foster care to entrepreneurship Finding purpose and defining success on your own terms The origins and growth of JBugs The evolution of the air-cooled Volkswagen hobby Creating educational VW how-to content Working alongside family in business Building Nathan's Volkswagen project car The future of the classic Volkswagen aftermarketwww.vwtrendsmagazine.com
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_n1PgUZ4Uw
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The 2026 VW show season is officially underway, and Bill is gearing up for one of the biggest Volkswagen adventures of the year.
Before heading overseas, Bill will be taking the legendary Type 34 Karmann Ghia "Zorba" to two major events: Luft Zeigen on June 13th and the EMPI 70th Anniversary Celebration on June 20th. From there, the journey continues across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, where he'll pick up the famous orange Katastrophenschutz Bus and begin an epic European road trip.
The route will take Bill and friends from the UK across the Netherlands and into Germany for the world-famous Hessisch Oldendorf Volkswagen Treffen, one of the most significant vintage VW events on the planet. After Germany, the adventure continues through Europe before arriving in Belgium for the legendary European Bug-In at Chimay, where thousands of air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts gather each year.
Joining Bill this week is longtime friend and VW builder Andy Finch, who shares the details of the upcoming trip, the planning involved in driving a classic Volkswagen across multiple countries, and some of the incredible destinations, collections, and VW enthusiasts they'll be visiting along the way.
Andy also gives listeners an inside look at what's happening at his shop, including several exciting restoration projects, new builds, and some fresh equipment and products he'll be unveiling this season. The conversation dives into vintage Volkswagen culture, European road-tripping, restoration craftsmanship, and the friendships that make the VW community unlike any other automotive hobby in the world.
Whether you're dreaming about driving a split-window Bus across Europe, attending Hessisch Oldendorf, or simply love hearing stories about classic Volkswagens and the people who keep them alive, this episode is packed with adventure, history, and plenty of VW talk. We can also never thank Russel Richie enough for being so involved in the VW seem to put so much of this together. We'll have him on the podcast real soon.
In This Episode: Bill's 2026 European VW road trip plans Taking Zorba to Luft Zeigen and the EMPI 70th Anniversary Picking up the Katastrophenschutz Bus in the UK Driving across England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium Hessisch Oldendorf Volkswagen Treffen preview European Bug-In at Chimay Andy Finch's latest restoration projects New shop developments and upcoming debuts Vintage VW travel tips and road trip preparation Why the European VW scene is unlike anywhere else in the world -
What started as a great weekend at the drag strip quickly turned into a moment no racer ever wants to experience. Longtime Volkswagen enthusiast and drag racer Tony Moreci joins us to share the story behind the crash that damaged his iconic 1954 Ragtop Beetle during a recent racing event.
Tony has spent decades behind the wheel of this legendary Oval-window Beetle, campaigning it at tracks across the country and earning respect throughout the vintage Volkswagen drag racing community. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened on race day, the sequence of events leading up to the accident, and the emotions that follow when years of hard work and history are suddenly put at risk in a matter of seconds.
Beyond the crash itself, we take a look into the history of Tony's '54 Ragtopâits evolution from a classic street car into a well-known drag racing machineâand the memories attached to a car that has become part of his identity. We also reflect on our longtime friendship, the experiences we've shared over the years, and our connection through the legendary DBK Car Club.
This conversation isn't just about bent sheet metal and damaged parts. It's about perseverance, friendship, the risks that come with motorsports, and the passion that keeps racers coming back to the starting line. Whether you're a Volkswagen drag racing fan, a vintage VW enthusiast, or simply appreciate the stories behind the people and cars that shape our hobby, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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On this episode, Bill and George catch up on projects that they're currently working on. George is in the shop busy working on a 21 window Bus super Beatles and producing videos for his YouTube channel. Bill talks about the existing status of his projects plus Pookie's dream what's happening with that and One craLuft Ziegen Car Show Registrationzy weekend talk the weekend with the off-road ride to Goode Springs Nevada. Bill also shares his story about getting car jacked with his close friend Mark D back in the early 90s in South Central Los Angeles. Lots of fun stuff don't miss it..
www.vwtrendsmagazine.com
www.rosswulf.com
https://type-emotorsports.com/collections/featured-collection/products/icon-forged-piston-set-aircooled-vw
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On this episode Bill reviews the latest shows coming up for this summer in the never-ending SoCal weekend festival of shows throughout the entire summer. Lol I talk about the shows I will be at which is gonna be Luft Zegen and also Empy 70th anniversary happening June 20th. Also discuss the passing of Takashi Komori of Flat 4, Japan. I didn't get a chance to mention before I finish the recording the passing of legend Fred Simpson from performance technologies I'd like to get some people on to do a special podcast just for him. Also, I discuss some of the unique features you could find and some of the early issues of the magazine and some wild inventions, which will be a new feature coming up. also couple magazine reviews
ICON pistons
www.VWtrendsmagazine.com
www.rosswulf.com
use disocount code LTD10 for 10% off any purchase ar Ross Wulf
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Rick Sadler is one of those names you may not always hear firstâbut if you've been around the vintage Volkswagen scene long enough, you've definitely seen him. A member of the legendary Der Kleiner Panzers (DKP), Rick is what you'd call the Forrest Gump of the VW worldâalways there, always involved, and somehow part of some of the most iconic moments in VW history.
In this episode, Rick takes us into his journey through the Type 4 performance sceneâa path far less traveled when most builders were focused on Type 1 engines. From his early days racing at Ascot Park Speedway to pushing the limits in drag racing, Rick shares the evolution of his builds, including custom cylinder head development, experimental setups, and the relentless pursuit of horsepower.
One of the highlights of Rick's story is living out a dream that most VW enthusiasts only imagineâgetting the opportunity to rebuild the engine for the legendary Schley Brothers' Type 4 dragster. It's a full-circle moment that perfectly captures the passion, persistence, and community that define the VW scene.
This episode is packed with history, innovation, and firsthand insight into what it really takes to go against the grain and develop serious performance from a Type 4 platform. If you're into vintage Volkswagen racing, engine development, or just love hearing stories from the guys who were there, this is one you don't want to miss.
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Supercharging a classic Volkswagen isn't a new ideaâit's been around since the 1960sâbut today's technology is taking air-cooled performance to a whole new level. With the rise of modern kits like the AMR500, more VW enthusiasts are exploring forced induction as a serious upgrade for their street and performance builds.
In this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, we welcome back Ron and Kevin Trewhella from Rababak Performance to break down their latest innovationâthe all-new MK supercharger kit. Designed specifically for larger displacement air-cooled VW engines like 2276cc, 2332cc, and 2.2L+ builds, this system is built for real, usable power. We're talking dyno-proven numbers pushing up to 240 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3000 RPMâthe kind of low-end torque you can actually feel on the street.
We get into the development process behind the MK kit, what makes it different from smaller AMR500 setups, and what engine combinations work best to maximize performance and reliability. Whether you're building a street-driven Volkswagen, a weekend warrior, or just curious about bolt-on supercharger kits for air-cooled VWs, this episode is packed with insight straight from the source.
If you're into supercharged VW engines, air-cooled performance upgrades, Volkswagen engine builds, or forced induction setups for classic Beetles and buses, this is one you don't want to miss.
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What does it really take to build a true street Volkswagen that can survive the cruise⊠and then go heads-up on the drag strip?
On this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, we sit down with Dino Mendoza â one of the driving forces behind the VW Real Street racing scene â to break down one of the most exciting and authentic forms of air-cooled Volkswagen drag racing happening today.
Dino gives us an inside look at how Real Street VW racing was built from the ground up, what separates it from traditional bracket racing, and why the rulesâpump gas, all motor, carbureted, and mandatory street cruiseâare what make this class so competitive and respected.
We dive deep into:
The origins and evolution of VW Real Street racing What it takes to build a fast, reliable air-cooled VW drag car Why "real street" means more than just a name Engine combinations, tuning strategies, and common mistakes The difference between heads-up drag racing vs bracket racing Stories from the track and the people pushing the limits of street-driven VolkswagensIf you're into classic Volkswagen performance, VW drag racing, air-cooled engine builds, or street-driven race cars, this episode is packed with real-world knowledge straight from someone shaping the scene.
Whether you're building your own VW or just love the culture, this is one you don't want to miss.
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One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is preserving the history of the Volkswagen sceneâand sometimes, that history shows up in ways you don't expect.
While catching up with my friend Dean Kirsten, I was blown away to learn he had a collection of long-form digital interviews he recorded back in the early 2000s for Hot VWs Magazine. These weren't just quick quotes for printâthey were deep, unfiltered conversations with some of the most influential figures in the VW world.
What you're about to hear is Part One of a two-part series from one of those interviewsâoriginally conducted for Lyle Cherry's feature article in the January 2013 issue of Hot VWs.
And let me tell youâthis is where long-form really shines.
In a magazine, you're limited by page space and word count. But in a conversation like this, you get the full storyâthe details, the personality, the behind-the-scenes moments that never make it into print.
Lyle Cherry was a true force in Volkswagen drag racing for over 40 years, representing Richland Hills, Texas, and a whole crew of racers who were pushing the limits of performance. The Texas scene wasn't just competitiveâit was innovative. These guys were building fast cars and forcing the West Coast to step up their game.
So as you listen, pay attention. You'll hear the roots of a lot of the technology and development that shaped VW drag racingâand a lot of it came straight out of Texas.
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Super Beetles have long been one of the most misunderstoodâand often underappreciatedâair-cooled Volkswagens here in the United States. But if you look across the pond, or even dig into certain corners of the hardcore VW scene, the story is completely different.
Built from 1971 to 1977, the Super Beetle was actually Volkswagen's most advanced evolution of the classic Beetle platform. With its MacPherson strut front suspension, improved handling, and increased comfort, it marked a major leap forward in performance and drivability. Yet despite those advancements, it never quite earned the respect it deserved in the U.S.âwhile in Europe, it's celebrated, raced, and even has its own dedicated series: the Kafer Cup.
On this episode, we sit down with John List, one of the original founders of SuperBeetlesOnly.com, to dive deep into what makes the Super Beetle special. We talk about the platform's untapped potential, the best performance upgrades, and how parts from other Volkswagen and Porsche models can be adapted to take these cars to the next level.
If you're into German Look Beetles, suspension tuning, or just want to understand why the Super Beetle might be the most overlooked performance VW out thereâthis episode is packed with insight, real-world experience, and inspiration to rethink everything you thought you knew about the Super.
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He's not dead⊠and neither is true VW innovation.
In the world of classic Volkswagens, creativity has always been part of the DNA. From backyard builders to full-blown innovators, the VW scene thrives on people who see a problemâand build something better.
That's exactly what happened with Kent Wallace and Dave Patten.
Frustrated with the messy, outdated process of filling oil in their VW engines, these two enthusiasts set out to solve a problem we've all dealt with. What came out of it? A simple but brilliant oil fill adapter that changed the game. Originally selling for just $19, this clever piece has since skyrocketedâfetching over $300 on the secondary market.
In this episode, we dive into:
The early inspiration rooted in Las Vegas off-road racing
The journey from idea to product development
The challenges of manufacturing and bringing a part to market
And the real question⊠what happened next?
Did it become a lasting successâor did something come along that killed it?
This is more than just a part⊠it's the story of the VW inventor mindset.
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Carburetors have long been one of the very first performance upgrades people make to their classic Volkswagens. But with so many choices out thereâWeber DCNFs, IDAs, IDFs, and the various Dellorto options in 36, 40, and 45mmâit can be hard to know which setup is right for your engine.
In this episode, we sit down with Rick Hunt of Rick Hunt Industries, a man who rebuilds carburetors every single day. Rick has been part of the Volkswagen scene since the mid-1980s, when he started working at a VW shop in Simi Valley. There he learned mechanical work, engine rebuilding, and eventually developed a specialty in carburetorsâsomething he's become widely known for throughout the VW community.
Today, Rick rebuilds carburetors for professional engine builders and enthusiasts alike. His deep knowledge of Weber and Dellorto carburetors helps people choose the right setup for their engine combination and get the most performance out of their dual-carb systems.
We talk about the differences between popular carburetor models, common mistakes people make when selecting carbs, and what information you should provide when sending your carburetors in for a rebuild. The more details you give, the better the end result when you receive those freshly rebuilt Webers back.
If you've ever wondered which carburetor setup is right for your VWâor how to get the most performance and drivability out of your dual carbsâthis episode is packed with practical tips and real-world knowledge from someone who's been doing it for nearly 40 years.
Heres a link to one of Georges videos on Syncronizig carburators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f5E1oZyajw&t=26s
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On this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, Bill breaks down his latest Volkswagen marketplace find â a 1973 VW Sport Bug, one of the coolest factory special editions Volkswagen produced in the early '70s. These cars were offered in just two colors, Marathon Blue Metallic or Saturn Yellow, and came from the factory with a unique package that included wider sport wheels, close-ratio steering, Recaro sport seats, a custom sport steering wheel, blacked-out trim, and the signature side racing stripe that made the Sport Bug stand out from the standard Beetle lineup.
Bill talks about what makes the 1973 Sport Bug so unique, how rare these special edition Beetles really are, and what his plans are for this latest addition to the fleet.
We also dive into the 2026 Volkswagen show season, previewing some of the major VW events coming up this year. Plus we recap Desert Dub Fest 5 in Phoenix, Arizona, which took place over Valentine's weekend and brought out a great crowd of air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts.
George T. joins the conversation for a round-table discussion, along with updates on a few projects currently in the works.
If you're into air-cooled VW Beetles, special edition Volkswagens, and the stories behind the cars, this is a fun one you won't want to miss.
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"Karma" is the latest ground-breaking creation from Type 1 Restoration â Dennis Troggio's 1955 Lowlight Karmann Ghia that just captured the coveted Al Slonaker Award at the Grand National Roadster Show, the highest honor for non-roadster vehicles at the most prestigious indoor custom car show in the world.
This wasn't their first shot at Slonaker glory.
We get into the second attempt â and how lessons learned from the legendary "Turmoil" split-window Beetle (a build that redefined what was possible in the VW and hot rod world) shaped the philosophy behind Karma. Turmoil raised the bar. Karma shattered it.
The 1955 Lowlight Karmann Ghia is already one of the rarest early production Volkswagens ever built â the very first year of Ghia production. Owner Dennis Troggio was also hands on with this build. But this car goes far beyond restoration. Nearly everything on Karma has been re-engineered, re-imagined, or custom-machined from scratch. The list of untouched parts is shorter than the list of one-off components.
From custom-machined brake rotors carved out of solid cast iron, to intricate mechanical detailing throughout, no surface was overlooked. The interior, crafted by the world-renowned Recovery Room, is a masterclass in craftsmanship and restraint. Power comes from a 300 horsepower, full-race engine built by Doug Gonzales of RevMaster â a monster Type 1 powerplant that proves air-cooled performance belongs on the biggest stage.
Competing against multi-million-dollar customs and elite coach-built machines, Karma didn't just show up â it changed the conversation. This win is proof that when precision engineering meets vision, a Volkswagen can stand toe-to-toe with the best custom cars in the world.
We also talk about the evolution of Type 1 Restoration, the misunderstood builds, the favorites, the setbacks, and the relentless drive to keep pushing the envelope.
If history has shown us anything, it's this: the next build coming from their shop will redefine expectations all over again.
This episode is about craftsmanship, competition, redemption â and changing the game for Volkswagens on the biggest stage in custom car culture.
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On this episode, Bill dives headfirst into One Crazy Weekend 2026 and what you can expect from what's shaping up to be the biggest, baddest weekend of the year. If you're planning to attend, now's the time to start saving, booking rooms, and getting mentally preparedâthis one's going to be special.
Bill breaks down the latest updates, including the new Sunday Cool-Down Pool Party, presented by Spikes Restoration and Werk Restorationâa perfect way to wind down after a full throttle weekend of Volkswagens, friends, and late nights.
The episode also covers Bill's road trip to the Grand National Show, where he went to support the VW community and those competing for the prestigious Al Slonker Award. Congrats go out to Buddy Hile with One Restoration, who took home the top honors.
Rounding things out, Bill shares thoughts from stopping by the Doug Berg Memorial Celebration of Life, reflecting on legacy, community, and the people who shaped the VW world.
Packed with updates, stories from the road, and what's coming nextâthis episode sets the tone for an exciting year ahead. Enjoy.
https://www.letstalkdubs.com/one-crazy-weekend.html
www.vwtrendsmagazine.com
www.rosswulf.com
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There's been a lot of noise lately about engine performance, dyno numbers, and expectationsâand instead of adding to the speculation, I brought in someone who actually lives this stuff. This week, I sit down with Fred Simpson for a good conversation on cylinder head technology, porting and polishing, and how all of it really translates into horsepower.
Fred breaks down engine combinations, airflow calculations, and what kind of power you can realistically expect from different motor setupsâwhile also being honest about the limitations he's run into over the years. We also get into camshaft technology and ask the big question: has cam design kept pace with modern cylinder head development?
To round it out, Fred shares his unfiltered take on exhaust systemsâwhat works, what doesn't, and which designs he says flat-out choke an engine. If you're into engine theory, real-world results, and no-BS technical insight, this is one of those episodes you won't want to miss.
www.vwtrendsmagazine.com
www.rosswulf.com use LTD10 for a discount
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I made it a whole two weeks into the new year without buying a new project⊠and then I blew it đ. This episode kicks off with the story of how I ended up with "Pookie's Dream," the iconic VW Trends August 1991 cover car. We touch on what that car meant to the hobby back then and why it still matters today.
But the real heart of this episode is The Great Engine Debate. A recent dyno session sparked a massive discussion after comments posted by Ross Wolf revealed an engine that didn't deliver the expected results. What followed was an explosion of opinionsâover 65 comments deepâcovering engine specs, dyno expectations, real-world performance, and long-standing air-cooled engine-building philosophies.
We get deep into the weeds on what numbers really matter, why expectations don't always match results, and how different builders approach power, reliability, and intent. To balance the conversation, we bring in feedback from both sides, including insight from Jared Winton and a direct take from Pat Downs Performance on the topic.
This is one of those discussions that never really ends in the VW worldâbut that's what makes it so good. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy another episode of Let's Talk Dubs, where history, opinion, and air-cooled passion collide.
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