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Title: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 20, 2011, 04:41:15 am Having been a voyeur of this site for some years I can finally post something as I just took delivery of a '54 Oval built back in the late 90's in the UK.
It's a little bit Cal Look, little bit Hot Rod which is a result of its' development over the past 10 years or so. It's original incarnation can be seen on John Mahers website as he built the original 2276 motor and it featured in the Channel 5 documentary, which is on YouTube, doing a burnout. The motor has now been increased to a 2332 by Luke at Terry's Beetles. There are many bits which don't make it traditional but I want to get a feel for it before I start changing things, although there are a few obvious early candidates, but I would appreciate your thoughts. I'm looking forward to my first race season in the UK, my uncle Mike Smith (well known in the UK and Europe, mainly for resurrecting a '67 Camaro known as Money Hungry which was an original UK 70's drag car famous for its' pound notes lacquered onto the body) is going to help me get started at the pod soon. I hope I can become a more active participant of the site and welcome help from the lounge, especially if any previous owners are lurking and have any info they can share. (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/PIC_0002.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/PIC_0004.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/PIC_0005.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/PIC_0007.jpg) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: fredy66 on January 20, 2011, 09:15:10 am nice car man
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Doktor on January 20, 2011, 13:34:34 pm I remeber that car.
It was featured in Volsworld magazine around '98 or '99. If that was mine car, I wouldn't change a thing ! 8) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: speedwell on January 20, 2011, 18:45:39 pm the car had sprinstars before no ???
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: streetvw on January 20, 2011, 20:00:49 pm yes it did have sprintstars it was built by a guy from Leeds called Rob Tomlinson met him a few times at John Maher's old workshop in Chorlton, I think he built a 2276cc with 48 IDF's for it and was know for terrorising the subaru and evo owners of leeds.
Steering wheel looks like the same Motolita (i think) wheel that Rob put in it. I think the only reason Rob sold the car was due to a pretty ugly divorce ::) JMR's web site has some pics of the car when Rob had it http://www.johnmaherracing.co.uk/jmrontv.htm (http://www.johnmaherracing.co.uk/images/featuretomlinsoncar250.gif) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Martin on January 21, 2011, 00:28:27 am wow, always wondered what happend to Robs car.
Lookin nice man ;) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Worm on January 21, 2011, 02:06:22 am Dont change a thing except the caps on the BRM's. Get some with the BRM logo and you are sweeeeeet. Great ride. Really nice.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Rennsurfer on January 21, 2011, 02:16:18 am What Worm posted and lose the horn grilles for some factory ones. Otherwise, nice car!
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: kev d on January 21, 2011, 09:28:42 am Nice car 8)
Not much needed there! Cheers, Kev Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: F-22A on January 21, 2011, 10:08:48 am That is a great looking car, congratulations on the purchase.
I can tell you that the car was bought by long time Vintage VW enthsusiast George Lloyd in 1974 for £300 with 12 months MOT & tax! I'm sure George will have more stories about it and it may actually be him that sold it to Rob Tomlinson. There's not too many 54 UK Oval's running around on their original plate so if it was mine, as stated above I'd lose the horn grille's...and then the exterior mirror and proceed to put the interior back to stock > speedo, steering wheel, seats, door panels and carpets and that's about it. I'd definately not rush to lose the wheels or any of the powetrain. ;) Please keep us updated with progress. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 21, 2011, 15:19:54 pm Thanks all for the replies. John sent me the YouTube link here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_7fInOF1FU&feature=youtube_gdata_player Anyone know or have the Volksworld feature? Would love to get a copy. It was originally on sprints, then chromed Empi 5's. I like the BRM's though and they'll stay, with caps. Agree on the horn grills which seems to be a consensus opinion. I'm psyched to own it and be part of the gang. Mark Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 21, 2011, 15:38:43 pm (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/f9fc4333.png)
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/45af4e46.png) Some older pics. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: F-22A on January 21, 2011, 17:35:13 pm Anyone know or have the Volksworld feature? Would love to get a copy Feb 99 issue Mark. Quick ebay scan found this: ;) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VOLKSWORLD-CALIFORNIA-LOOK-Feb-1999-/320617293022?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item4aa647a4de Hope that helps. Martin Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 22, 2011, 00:32:06 am Anyone know or have the Volksworld feature? Would love to get a copy Feb 99 issue Mark. Quick ebay scan found this: ;) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VOLKSWORLD-CALIFORNIA-LOOK-Feb-1999-/320617293022?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item4aa647a4de Hope that helps. Martin Many thanks - ordered! Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Cheesepanzer on January 22, 2011, 01:02:18 am Nice looking car. Don't change a thing. 8)
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Doktor on January 22, 2011, 12:27:30 pm I wouldn't change a thing on that car (if it was mine) ! 8)
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: allmenplayon10 on January 22, 2011, 14:08:36 pm Very Very Cool car
Congratulations dude! Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: jamiep_jamiep on January 22, 2011, 18:06:34 pm I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark?
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: peach_ on January 22, 2011, 18:11:15 pm I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark? Steve owned this?? :o Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: jamiep_jamiep on January 22, 2011, 19:43:44 pm I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark? Steve owned this?? :o I'm pretty sure it was this one Peach, or its double. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: dannyboy on January 22, 2011, 19:54:08 pm pods open tommorow aee you there ;) ;D
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 23, 2011, 00:39:32 am I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark? Yes, that's right. He then sold to Jon Green who I bought it from. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 23, 2011, 00:42:44 am pods open tommorow aee you there ;) ;D We are planning for March for the first outing, first time I can coincide a trip back and a RWYB weekend. Hope to meet a few loungers then. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: two benders on January 23, 2011, 13:28:50 pm Hi and no way this is my old car ! I sold it to Jon he was meant to sell it me back ! You are going to love it driving around in a 1950's beetle that can nail any "fast" car off the lights only thing is it can't stop as well or go round bends ! Hope to see you and the car at the pod some time I have lots of tales to tell about this little rocket , I race a white 69 camper . Steve
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 23, 2011, 15:01:46 pm Hi and no way this is my old car ! I sold it to Jon he was meant to sell it me back ! You are going to love it driving around in a 1950's beetle that can nail any "fast" car off the lights only thing is it can't stop as well or go round bends ! Hope to see you and the car at the pod some time I have lots of tales to tell about this little rocket , I race a white 69 camper . Steve Hi Steve, I am looking forward to giving the car it's legs, I know Jon didn't get to take it out that often and I am hoping to change that. Would be great to catch up with you at the pod some time and would love to hear more about the car. Mark Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: streetvw on January 24, 2011, 16:38:26 pm I knew I had a shot of this car when Rob owned it ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/img033-2.jpg) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: jamiep_jamiep on January 24, 2011, 17:51:06 pm I remember seeing Steve tearing around Stafford in this years ago! Was always a nice car then too....Steve what time period would this have been? I know you always hoped to buy it back but it looks like its gone to a good home!
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Andy Sykes on January 24, 2011, 18:59:09 pm wow great car :)
cheers andy Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: herbieharv on January 24, 2011, 19:24:29 pm really nice car with a real good story behind it
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 25, 2011, 12:55:25 pm I knew I had a shot of this car when Rob owned it ;D (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/img033-2.jpg) Great period pic, thanks. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: streetvw on January 25, 2011, 15:59:18 pm I knew I had a shot of this car when Rob owned it ;D (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/img033-2.jpg) Great period pic, thanks. FYI Rob is the guy with the pony tail and blue shirt on and the guy with the pony tail and white shirt is Mark Thurston who helped Rob build the car can't just find a pic of his car will look later Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 26, 2011, 11:49:20 am Is anyone still in touch with Mark or Rob?
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Neil Davies on January 26, 2011, 13:05:42 pm Can't really help much, but I'm sure that my brother's wife has some connection to Rob somewhere, his aunt is married to one of Sarah's Dads cousins or something like that! :D :D
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Martin on January 26, 2011, 13:21:01 pm Is anyone still in touch with Mark or Rob? Mark was is my shop yesturday, i showed him the thread. We've not seen Rob in years he moved out the area after the devorce. Mark remembers loads about the car, its about the 3rd RHD oval to enter the contry he was telling me. PM me and i'll send you his number. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: F-22A on January 26, 2011, 13:55:26 pm its about the 3rd RHD oval to enter the contry he was telling me That would be fantastic if true but I don't think it is. Assuming Mark the car is a 54, the first official RHD VW's were imported in late May/early June 53 and a total of 945 Beetle's came in that year. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: streetvw on January 26, 2011, 15:11:38 pm Is anyone still in touch with Mark or Rob? Mark was is my shop yesturday, i showed him the thread. We've not seen Rob in years he moved out the area after the devorce. Mark remembers loads about the car, its about the 3rd RHD oval to enter the contry he was telling me. PM me and i'll send you his number. Hey Martin does Mark stil have his mad oval? Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on February 03, 2011, 03:04:04 am its about the 3rd RHD oval to enter the contry he was telling me That would be fantastic if true but I don't think it is. Assuming Mark the car is a 54, the first official RHD VW's were imported in late May/early June 53 and a total of 945 Beetle's came in that year. Car was manufactured on 19th May 1954 and first registered in the UK on 3rd June 1954. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on February 08, 2011, 15:07:10 pm Thanks to Martin got this today
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/TKX836a.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/TKX836aa.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/TKX836bb.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/TKX836b.jpg) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/TKX836c_2.jpg) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: peach_ on February 08, 2011, 20:52:01 pm Bit cheeky but is there anychance of getting this in high res?
:D Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on February 09, 2011, 00:20:22 am Bit cheeky but is there anychance of getting this in high res? :D PM me your email address and I'll send it. Cheers Mark Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: jamiep_jamiep on February 10, 2011, 14:52:35 pm Bit cheeky but is there anychance of getting this in high res? :D If you pop around to my place you can read it :D How long I let you look at it depends how much time you've spent on the 66 this week though ;) :o Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on February 10, 2011, 15:31:35 pm Bit cheeky but is there anychance of getting this in high res? :D If you pop around to my place you can read it :D How long I let you look at it depends how much time you've spent on the 66 this week though ;) :o Has to be said it's a pretty good issue... Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: streetvw on February 11, 2011, 01:01:16 am Bit cheeky but is there anychance of getting this in high res? :D If you pop around to my place you can read it :D How long I let you look at it depends how much time you've spent on the 66 this week though ;) :o Has to be said it's a pretty good issue... one of my favorite issues as it has my bothers old 67 in it ;D Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: jamiep_jamiep on February 11, 2011, 09:15:26 am Bit cheeky but is there anychance of getting this in high res? :D If you pop around to my place you can read it :D How long I let you look at it depends how much time you've spent on the 66 this week though ;) :o Has to be said it's a pretty good issue... one of muy favorite issues as it has my bothers old 67 in it ;D Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 19, 2011, 01:29:18 am I'll be at Volksworld in the oval next Sunday. If anyone's around say hello.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on April 09, 2011, 08:45:00 am Anyone else have one of these? Any story behind this?
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/IMG00108-20110328-1014.jpg) And I know the trim is wrong - surprisingly was sold as a >62 set to the p/o. Just one of the many things on the list. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Rtomuk on January 10, 2015, 21:43:43 pm Wow ! Always wondered if this had stood the test of time !
Nice to see it still out there, I don't get on here much but if you want to Facebook me or email me I'll try and fill you in with what I can remember ? Rob Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on January 12, 2015, 12:52:04 pm Wow ! Always wondered if this had stood the test of time ! Nice to see it still out there, I don't get on here much but if you want to Facebook me or email me I'll try and fill you in with what I can remember ? Rob Wow, great to hear from you Rob. The old girl is indeed alive and well. Not many changes though as we moved house last year to a real fixer upper. I have however changed the wheel caps, horn grills and also the wing mirror. (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/2013%2014%20Refurb/IMG_0329.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/Bathtub57/media/TKX%20836/2013%2014%20Refurb/IMG_0329.jpg.html) I also got hold of a pair of OG oval wings which SVR restored and painted for me, these need to be fitted. The previous wings are later style without the lovely shape oval wings have. (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/747073dd8a56d411c297d1114b8766cd.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/Bathtub57/media/TKX%20836/747073dd8a56d411c297d1114b8766cd.jpg.html) (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/2015%20TKX%20836/IMG_9421.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/Bathtub57/media/TKX%20836/2015%20TKX%20836/IMG_9421.jpg.html) Luke at Terry's has done a good job of servicing the engine. Did make it to the Pod for Action but only running low 15's at this stage, I do have a pair of 48 ida's lurking which may find their way into the engine bay at some point. So here's how it looks now... (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Bathtub57/TKX%20836/2015%20TKX%20836/IMG_1820.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/Bathtub57/media/TKX%20836/2015%20TKX%20836/IMG_1820.jpg.html) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: rspsteve on January 12, 2015, 19:10:05 pm FAB!
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Jim Ratto on January 12, 2015, 20:04:01 pm Nice car. 8)
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Sam K on January 12, 2015, 21:01:39 pm Beautiful car! I've read the issue of Volksworld tons of times as my car is in the reader's rides section.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Rtomuk on January 13, 2015, 11:23:30 am Looks fantastic !
Hopefully get to meet up and have a chat about the car soon ! Nice to see it alive and loved ! Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Doktor on February 11, 2015, 13:33:29 pm I remeber this car from Volksworld.
It still looks brilliant. Black bugs rule ! ;) 8) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on May 02, 2018, 22:41:39 pm I wanted to post today to mark the passing of Rob Tomlinson, the guy who built this car back in 1999. Sadly the plans to meet and catch up never materialised and now it's too late. A part of him will live on in the car.
For anyone interested Rob and the car appear in this documentary at 5:01 https://youtu.be/M_7fInOF1FU Only the good die young. Rest in peace dude. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: leec on May 02, 2018, 23:24:56 pm That's really sad news. I never met Rob but this car/him were definitely an inspiration for me to get a quick bug.
The documentary clip shows Rob clearly liked to give the car some stick :) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: streetvw on May 03, 2018, 02:27:32 am Rob was a top bloke met him on several occasions, he was always smiling and chatty.
his passing leaves a big hole for his friends and family :'( Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Richierich56 on May 03, 2018, 09:04:05 am Remember seeing the car in the early 2000's. Really sad news to hear of his passing.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Doktor on May 03, 2018, 15:13:59 pm Sad news... :-[
But car still looks great, and is a true inspiration ! 8) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: UltraOrange67-2443 on May 03, 2018, 21:37:08 pm Grim news, met Rob a few times when we went to his club.
Your doing a nice job with the car. ps I like the Koch horn grills ;) Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on May 04, 2018, 14:03:02 pm Oh dear, it’s back on standard grills now!
I am working on a cew small changes for the summer, should be on the road in 2 weeks time. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: jamiep_jamiep on May 04, 2018, 15:19:40 pm That's terrible news very sorry to hear of his death.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Neil Davies on May 05, 2018, 13:01:32 pm That's terrible news. He couldn't have been too old either, under 50? From what I'd heard about him, a really chilled guy. Condolences to friends and family.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on February 05, 2019, 22:44:18 pm A little update and I hope some interesting news...
The car will be shown at the Volksworld 2019 show at the end of March. Although it is nowhere near show condition there is, sadly, now some special interest value and we thought it would be a nice gesture and tribute to Rob to show the car. There are people on here who know the car, or knew Rob and it would be great to meet anyone who has memories to share. Rob’s wife is hoping to attend with the two boys. I’m scrabbling around to get the car closer to the way it was when it was featured in the February ‘99 issue though I’m probably going to stop short at reinstalling the fender guards - unless others think it would be appropriate?? Hopefully I’ll get to meet more peeps from the forum at the show. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 04, 2019, 23:15:21 pm I’ve been spending some time doing the best I can to get the car half way presentable for Volksworld. On the basis that it is not a show car and could not pretend to be I am just trying to make sure it’s clean and put together as best I can get it. I’ve also got a set of OG Sprintstars fitted with Michelins (205/70 and 135) to make it more as it was back in the late 90’s. Check out the picture below and compare with the picture on page one.
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1881672.jpg) (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1881683.jpg) I have some Lemmerz wheel caps on their way. I do need to sort out the studs / spacers on the rear - i.e. remove them and go back to bolts. (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1881681.jpg) (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1881682.jpg) The car originally ran an interior correct for the car as per factory in beige vinyl. These seats got swapped for some buggy seats before my ownership and now have OG EMPI buckets I put in recently. The door cards were from a post 55, the originals long gone. I have had some custom cards made up which I think suit the style of the car better. They don’t match the carpet now so I’ll switch that out to black or grey after the summer. (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1881673.jpg) (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1881675.jpg) Getting there! Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: leec on March 04, 2019, 23:20:14 pm The sprints are awesome. Just as I remember it :)
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 04, 2019, 23:29:27 pm The sprints are awesome. Just as I remember it :) Thanks dude - I must admit when they came back from the tyre fitters I changed my opinion as I was a bit in two minds having been wanting a traditional BRM or Fuchs wheel - they are very cool and the Michelins look great. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Richierich56 on March 05, 2019, 00:07:33 am .
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: .... on March 08, 2019, 19:35:28 pm Saw the sprints at mikes the other day. Looking good.
Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 08, 2019, 21:44:24 pm Saw the sprints at mikes the other day. Looking good. Stalker :D :D :D Mike is a great guy and knows his stuff. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: .... on March 09, 2019, 13:38:32 pm Yes he is. Although he did think they were worth 50 quid....
;D Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 19, 2019, 10:37:32 am Getting ready for Volksworld is proving tricky. The BRM studs are too long for the Sprintstars but I'm not going to get into changing them at such short notice so will have to run them on open ended nuts. Will probably look a bit off which is a shame as the wheels and new tyres look ace, I also got some nice caps on it today.
Headlight fit I always struggle with, if there is a knack I do not have it! They are now on at least but I have had to remove the seal to get the right fit. Now it's just down to polishing as best I can to make it presentable. Hopefully will see some of you over the weekend, I'll post pictures. Cheers Mark Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: brewsy on March 24, 2019, 22:23:33 pm Hey Mark,
Looked good at Sandown Park. Good job. Cheers Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: leec on March 24, 2019, 23:10:45 pm Yep, agree.
I really enjoyed seeing it. The mag pictures on the floor scared me, 20 years ago :o Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 25, 2019, 07:46:27 am Hey Mark, Looked good at Sandown Park. Good job. Cheers Thanks - was a bit nerve racking putting it in the hall with all the show cars, I thought they may have put me downstairs with the rat looks but worked out OK in the end. Ron’s son enjoyed seeing his Dad’s old car. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 25, 2019, 07:49:09 am Yep, agree. I really enjoyed seeing it. The mag pictures on the floor scared me, 20 years ago :o Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Title: Re: 54 Oval Post by: Bathtub57 on March 26, 2019, 23:28:55 pm Volksworld show
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1889928.jpg) (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1889927.jpg) It was nice that Rob’s wife and son made the trip down and the son got to sit in his Dad’s old car. There were some amazing cars there, a couple of really nice Cal Lookers and lots of inspiration to bring mine more up to scratch. I did buy a cabriolet decklid and got the number of someone to rebuild my 48 IDA’s |