The Cal-look Lounge

Well, we all like stories with happy endings, so listen to this.

Back in 1982, Doug Mische had his Ghia stolen. It was, as far as Doug knew, stripped and burned. And that's the way the story ends in the chapter on Doug's Ghia in my new book.
BUT things have taken a different turn since then, for Doug has discovered his car wasn't burned out after all, but sold on and then put back on the street with a different motor, interior, wheels and license plate.

To cut a long story short – a story which you'll be able to read in full in the November issue of Ultra VW (thanks Doug!) – Doug was approached by the current owner and.... He now has the car back!
Here's just one photo to whet your appetite. You'll have to wait for the rest, OK! ;D
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/Photokernow/8ffba766.jpg)

Looks to have been fairly well cared for during its 26 years absence.

VERY COOL! We were talking with Doug about this at his house over the Classic weekend, I'm glad he found the car, and that it looks like it is in fairly good condition!

http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,2121.0.html

We need to get Doug back on here! I wonder how it will go back together??? With the Rivieras? Or the Fuchs? Or something completely different??

Congrats Doug!!

Wow, that's really cool  :)

cool the return of  the "FASTER THEN YOU"
souvenirs  ;)

 ;)

 ;)

Way cool man.

--louis

very, very cool find!!

That's fantastic!!!

That couldn't be the same Oriole Yellow paint.... could it???

Thanks all...

It's been home for a week, and I still can't believe it.  I keep going in the garage to look at it, expecting it to be gone again.  I get so emotional I kiss the car, even the dirty places.  ;-)

It will be restored as closely as possible to the way it was the day it left, with lots of old school, period-correct pieces.  Already have an Okrasa 84mm crank with Carillo rods in the works, and I've already got the correct Formuling France steering wheel.

Now if I could just find the license plate...

Are you going to repaint or rub on the old stuff? :-\

It'll need a full repaint.  Though it looks very straight in pics, it's not quite good enough to rub out and drive.  There are lots of little things that need to be fixed.  Creases, ripples, dings, kinks, etc.  And a couple of rust areas that should get fixed as soon as possible.  But it's incredibly straight overall.

According to Darin, the guy that did the body work on the Wocket, the Ghia was repainted some time ago, and it's not a great job.

If I'm not mistaken, the plate should still be issued to your name, and you could have a new one made up. It wouldn't be the original, but it's better than nothing, I suppose. Or you could go here... http://www.licenseplates.tv/prod/1969_california_stat_1569.html#lpgen
I don't think it's legal though!! ::)

(http://www.licenseplates.tv/lpgenI.php?productId=USACA69&text1=FASRNU)

The plate stayed with the car, after I signed the pink slip over to the towing yard, and one of the owners that had it after me kept it.  It's no longer mine.

I'll see if I can find who owns it and offer to buy it back.  It would be really great to have the original blue and gold plate.

Doug  ,how are you sure  that it is indeed your kg you had made something special above?? A mark ???
 i'm happy for you ,  because he's  in my top 5 cal look kg
rgd
fabs

Really? Thanks!

There are many things that I did to the car that are on this car.  A hole in the dash, a guide tube for the decklid release, the Porsche door lock knobs, the nose emblem and the DKP I hood badge are all still on the car.  There are many things that are unique to this car, and the more I look, the more I find.

Wow, that is cool.

--louis

Glad your cars back - had the same thing happen with my first vw - stole it in LV - some dirt bikers found it in a large bush - only took 6 months - not years - I know the feeling of going into the garage and kissing the car - this is the restart - Very happy again.

The roach clip under the seat was a giveaway, as was the bong in the trunk...  ;D

I'm glad you have it back,and bring it back to glory! :) ;)

Hi Doug,
How were you first informed it was found ?
 ???
Richard
P.S. I'm glad it found it's way back to you !
Can't believe the DKP hood badge is still there !

Very Cool Doug, I'm glad you got the car back. Had to be pretty crazy seeing it with your own eyes after all these years.

Do me a favor and throw those bumpers on your pool table and I will pick them up "Classic" weekend.   ;)

Can you post a few more pics of the car how it sits now?

Talk to you later,
Chris Predmore

COOOOOOOOL glad to hear its back with you dude - its always been in my top 10  :) I can't believe the badge was still on there  :o and even the roach clip was under the seat  :D ;) :)

Amazing...... Simply amazing. Will you look at Doug's hair in those photos! Just kidding. Just goes to show that these cars are still out there to be discovered, and re-discovered. This story made my day. Maybe this car will bring back earth tones....

Maybe earth shoes too... Glad to see it back Doug, it's not often we get a bit of our youth back. I am sure it will be stunning when it is completed.   Bill

fascinating story story ...
cant wait to read the full write-up on it .

doug , are you going to use her strait away and sort out later ??
or is she safely locked away until "complete" again ??

That's a cool story!

Incredible! I've got the old Hot VWs with the feature on this car in it, and always thought it looked spot on without the bumpers. Can't believe it's come home! :D

Smartass.  I still have the bong, and the roach clip must have been somebody else's.  I never get flame that close to my beard or moustache. 

Thanks all of you for the nice words.  And those of you who have said that it's one of your favorites, I am very flattered.  Thanks.

It is an unbelievable feeling, and I can't wait to get it going.


Deano, I was hoping you could sell me a pair of those shoes; aren't they the ones you wear?  :-p

Congratulations on getting your old friend back, Doug! I look forward to seeing it at some shows.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-70s-sneakers-shoes-PRO-CHAMPS-9-1-2-deadstock_W0QQitemZ280268999668QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280268999668&_trkparms=72%3A1163%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 ;D

Couldn't have happened to a better guy! Can't wait to see it in person in 09!

WOW! That's a story of a lifetime. Amazing find. Just curious, who are the other two guys kneeling in front of their engines in the picture?

wow what are the chances of that.

That's an incredible story.
But life is full of signs and somewhere it was written that you must drive again this car (because you love IT so much !).  ;)
It's a great news for the DKP too : + 1 car (an old lady comes back at home !!!!)
So now Doug, please don't hesitate to share pics of restoration.
Thxs,

PS : And don't forget to put an alarm  ;) ;D

Leave it to Richard Roth...  Luckily, they're not quite right, and these 11½'s would never fit in those 9½'s.

Steve?  That you?  Howdy!

If you ever want to see the Wocket again, you'd better come over to my house.  It's going to live with Russell in Scotland.

Those other two guys are Bill DeMoss, and the ever popular Bill Rodgers, owners of the other two Ghia's in DKPII besides mine and Roger's.

(because you love you  so much !)  -  I was really hoping nobody had noticed. Guess I'd better go back for more humility lessons.  ;-)

Yes, an alarm, and LoJack and a pitbull inside ought to do it.

Whoa, I guess Russel really was in the market for a red cal-looker.  ;D  So I guess the next question is, how long is it going to take you to get this one done.  ;)

--louis

Well, I'm hoping to do everything ONLY ONCE.  That should save a lot of time.

I've already located some important engine pieces:  Okrasa 84mm crank w/ Carillo rods, Italian 48 IDA's and Skat Traks.  And I found a Formuling France steering wheel that is identical to the one that was in the car way back when.  Still need to nail down some 15x7 Porsche alloys.  It will spend about a year in the body shop, unless I get lucky, but I think 2 years might do it.

Cool. Do us a favor and post a thread in the In Da Works section and keep us updated on the progress. I think a lot of people would find it really cool to follow along with the rebuild. Post lots of pics.  ;D

--louis

Good idea.  I will.

have you a dds shifter ???

   Whooooa  Doug way cool . I wish I could say the same hopefully my Ghia is somewhere in Calif and someday I will be getting the same call. If not I already have the engine  / trans and front end all done to do the one that I have in the back yard.

Thanks!!!!!

 Frenchy
 Doc Detail

Now, how cool is that... ;D

No DDS shifter.  But that's OK.  Got a surprise in store...

Thanks to urging by Art Gutirrez, I just ordered the license plate.  I could not get the original, because one of the previous owners kept the plate and who knows what vehicle it's on now...

So I ordered FASRNYU.   And I got it on the Lake Tahoe plates in honor of my good pal Bill Rodgers, who's responsible for my acquiring the 84mm Okrasa crank.

Franchy, I sincerely hope you find your Ghia.  It would be really great to have twon success stories like this, wouldn't it?

Too cool!  8)

Thought you'd like that.

Go to bed.

R's?

first welcome dough on the lounge
thats a happy end story I am too happy for you its one of my favorite callook classic car
keep us informed of the work on the ghia please

Now that's a cool story  ;D

What you talkin 'bout Willis?   You practicing to be a pirate?

Thanks very much!  I will definitely let you know about progress.

the rare 15x7R or the late 15x7?

how cool is that ;D dont you just love a happy ending :D
 did i misread that or did you just say that the wocket is coming to the uk??? holy crap i love that car :o :o

Oh, that R.  No, the late ones.  That's what was on the back of the Ghia when it was stolen...

Technically, it's a happy beginning.  Now the fun really starts.

Yes, the Wocket is going to Wussell Witchie.  Glad to hear that you like it.  It's not bad as obsessions go, eh?

"Yes, the Wocket is going to Wussell Witchie"  :o

plenty of funds for the Ghia then  ;) :)

and maybe some left over to pack the bong again ::) ;D

 ::)  :D :D :D  ;) :)

Doug, I'm guessing it is a '68 model, and you fitted it with short axles to get those 7's in there?? Must have been a tight fit!

WOW another great one for Russell that's a superb car. Look forward to seeing the ghia congrats on being reunited Doug.

Really sad story this is :( I was hoping to get this car but no Doug had to steal right from under my nose  ;D

Never mind just wait untill he hes sees the Wocket with some nice side strips, narrow beam and some polished Fuchs and some decent seatcovers, that will sort him out.  ;D

LOL.........

No one is more glad than me that Doug has got his Ghia back.... proper history the way it should be, could happen to a better persone. Doug good luck with the project and remember "an off the shelf linkage" will work just fine  ;)

Any pics of the Wocket?

yes loads of them.

 >:( LOL.... :D ;)

 ::) :o :o :o ;) ;D

We need to pitch in and get Keith an inflatable Volkswagen.

Hey Russell, Congrats on getting the WOCKET.Just a suggestion. I would change a few things on the car like adding some neon lights under the running boards, installing a huge spoiler on the back and changing that pretty exhaust to something alot larger and LOUDER! I don't think Doug would mind he loves the FAST and FURIOUS sequels and is looking forward to the new one coming up. You know, dress it up a little... ;D

Doug, I would certainly like to take you up on your offer if its not to late...   8) Steve.

On the way to The Classic a few years ago...

My pal!  Hook me up buddy!

Hi Zach,

No, it's a '69.  Only year that Oriole Yellow was available [like anybody else wanted it anyway].  The car is IRS, and the 7's required only a bit of griding to the lip of the fender for clearance.  It was tight though.

The secret of how I achieved 'the wet look' for my engine tin...

Steve,

Just let me know when you have some time.  You're always welcome.

Doug

Ooops, sorry for the mistake, lol
 ;D

I'm starting to get a complex...  could happen to a better persone

What are you trying to say Russell?

Many of you don't know this, but Russell saved a lot of dough buying a discount computer.  It seemed like a good deal at the time, but all the keys on the keyboard have been moved around.   :D

Doug, that is so cool you got your car back! I always liked thet car, plus I'm a little partial to KG's anyway.

Years ago, a customer of mine had a beater '67 Deluxe Microbus that was his surf wagon... well one night the thing was stolen. Several months later, after insurance had settled, etc he gets a call from the Sheriff saying they have his Bus in impound. He figured it would be in pieces, but he checks it out anyway and guess what? The sucker was painted, lowered, had real alloys & a fresh engine! It actually looked pretty decent. Anyway, he negotiated the car back from insurance (not sure how he did that) and had them pay me to raise it back up & locate some original rims and tires (he gave me the Fuchs & adapters ;)) This story turned out good, pretty rare though...

Side note-- back in the day, I can not tell you how many kill switches that we installed that actually saved the car... simple little hidden switch to ground the points.

Thanks Dave.  I never knew that so many people ever knew about my Ghia, let alone actually liked it!

Funny you mention the kill switch.  I had two.  One killed the ignition, the other killed the electric fuel pump.  I surmised that the way my car was stolen involved a tow truck.  I think they just picked it up and rolled away.

No doubt.
You'd think it'd be easier to work for a living than steal... makes you wonder what they see when they look in a mirror.
Sure glad you got it back after all these years... unbelievable.

~DR

Dang, I would never guess that a late 7" would fit on the back of a IRS Ghia! You can narrow the trailing arms 26mm to tuck the wheels in, and use 2 left side T3 automatic axles... I did it to my GTV... then you could fit rear disc brakes as well. Something to ponder ;)

Great info Zach, but this car is going to be as close as it can to the way it was.

Discovered just this weekend that the front rotors and rear drums are the original ones that came on the car in '69.  The rotors and drums are drilled for Porsche 5-lug; they're the same ones that FAT did for me back in the day!  They have to stay on the car.  The Rivieras on the car now each have one stud and a Porsche lug nut, and the other holes have stock VW lug bolts.

Yes, hard-anodized CNC brakes would be bitchen, as would Porsche calipers, but I owe it to history [hope that doesn't sound too proud] to keep this car exactly as it was, within the limits of possibility.

So are ya going to fit a broken transmission casing, too? You know, just in the name of hysterical accuracy. :D

No, but once running, I promise to do me level best to abuse it to the best of my ability.

That's fantastic!!

Do you remember what size tires you ran in the rear back then???

155/15 semperit frt & 165/15 semperit rear  ;)

I believe they were 215/60's

Sarge, I think we found a source for the 'bong stuffing'...   :D

 ;D ;D ;D the archivist  work fasrnu  ;D ;D ;D ;D

OUCH!  I think it actually looks better now... ;)

'Bong stuffing' was in response to the 165/18 rear tires...  I was just kidding.

Will Karamel Ghia never be forgotten? 

 ;D ;D fasrni  ;D ;D

I thought KS was adding the cam break in lube from the looks of it.

This is a cool fairy tale story, Doug, one for the history books for sure. It was just the other night I was reading that exact Hot VW's (with Crawford's Bad Company on cover doing the wheelie going the wrong way) on the toilet.... can't beleive you got the same car back. Right on buddy!

Speaking of that article, if anybody (speedwell ::)) has it laying around, there is an article on a pretty neat '67 that was featured as a "sleeper".... some mechanic or shop owner that souped up the motor and trans, looks like he widened stock '65 spec wheels and ran CN36's on it.... that car is very " 8)"....something said about he used the car to chase parts.

jim in an old hot vws ??? what year  ::)

1977...has BAD COMPANY on cover... you know the one!

[/quote]

I thought KS was adding the cam break in lube from the looks of it.

This is a cool fairy tale story, Doug, one for the history books for sure. It was just the other night I was reading that exact Hot VW's (with Crawford's Bad Company on cover doing the wheelie going the wrong way) on the toilet.... can't beleive you got the same car back. Right on buddy!

Speaking of that article, if anybody (speedwell ::)) has it laying around, there is an article on a pretty neat '67 that was featured as a "sleeper".... some mechanic or shop owner that souped up the motor and trans, looks like he widened stock '65 spec wheels and ran CN36's on it.... that car is very " 8)"....something said about he used the car to chase parts.
[/quote]

Thanks much Jim.  It is one hell of a thing, and I still don't believe it myself.

And uh, having had a FK-8 go flat on the dyno due to inferior cam lube, I don't think I'll be using "KS Jelly" anytime soon... :D

That's not what you said last time! ;D

more  8)
doug why did you removed the red signal on the rear fenders ??? i like that stuff on a ghia only in the states   ;)

Always be very, very careful when trading jabs with a member of the press...

I think I'm dying; my entire life just flashed before my eyes...

If this guy comes up with pics of my ex-wives, I'm never coming back.

Funny how stuff changes.  Now, everybody can't get rid of amber lenses fast enough; back then, red lenses weren't cool.

Doug

Is that a old or new photo of you ?

Russell
x

Oh sh*t. Better change the photos in the book... :o

Yeah, that was last Tuesday.  A lot has changed since you left...  smartass. LOL

 8)

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/Photokernow/402b651a.jpg)
 ;D ;D ;D

i notice something on this picture  there's a hood badge at the place of the original one , and on the picture of the vw trends no hood bagde but one on the top of the front hood  ::) ::)

That's a great pic Keith...  Thanks "pal"

I never liked the nose badge.  For the Trends shoot, I took it off.

Hey doug ,what a find huh ! So whats your plans for the ghia?

So, did the little honey/ex-wife/ex-girlfriend come along with the Ghia when you found it?

I didn't know Charlie Manson was in DKP.  ???

Incredible find!

Putting it back the way it was...  2161cc, Porsche alloys and gauges, Recaros, etc.

VERY excited; can't wait to get it back on the road.

No, but she WAS known to come when I'd hit 2nd gear hard.  And I'm not jokin'

That was a very sweet girl named Julie who was my girlfriend for about 6 years...

Real gearheads do NOT have time for haircuts, or the money for them either.  At least in the 70's...

I love that pic!

doug for me i will go with the riviera   8) , i prefer that way than the porsches , but it's yours  ::) ::)

I totally respect that, as so many cars have had Fuchs, and not so many had Rivieras.

I thought about doing just that, and putting it back to what appeared in VW Trends, but I really love the way the car looked after that much better.  Most pics of the car are from '77 or '78 [I think] and I was able to improve the car a lot in those last 4 or 5 years.

My idea is to create a 'time machine' that puts the car back on the road as though the last 26 years never passed. 

it would look AWSOME on fuchs - as long as they are anodized  ;) :)

Doug

When building your time machine you should use keith he takes ages and him alone would be another time machine  ;)

My thoughts precisely!

I'm not sure I have enough time for Keith's help.  Besides, he likes to sleep too much, and he passes out on Coors Light.  ;D

Hah! Right, that's it! I'm sending Zavala round to have stern words with you, pal! >:(

Hah!  Right!  As if he'd listen to you...  Be sure to tell him of your DKP affialiation.  HAHAHAHAHAHAHA  And Russell started it!  I merely blindly followed...

Doug

Wow! Congrats on finding your car.

Mark

Thanks!

Well the big news is this car is now going through the Gasser Garage treatment, new engine, interior sorted, Fuchs back on and some other bits and bobs, all to happen before next Friday so it can be driven to DKP/Classic Weekend, It was collected yesterday (thanks Doug) and is now on the VWGG converyor belt........   ;D Cant wait to park it up at Nicks  ;D

 :o :o

 :o :o :o :P :P :P

So,it's yours now Russell?

can't be, doug sold the wocket to rebuild FASRNU to its former glory.
i suppose it's just a kick start to get it to the classic ???

I hope so.

maybe the Gasser Garage crew is pulling some strings to make it all happen... they have some experience in that field every year around EBI-time.  ::)

 ;) ;) ;)

will be nice to see this back again

after classic, Im afraid and glad, that its heading to its new home in Scotland.

Geez Russell, leave something for us Yanks, will you?? :'(

Didn't like to say but I have to agree - it is a shame doug's not gonna get to finish it  :-\ :)

I would think he's just yanking your chain. They're used to that during the weekly highland games, where they try to rope tug each other into big piles of cow dung. After which they proceed to toss heavy objects as far as they can. Given the deforestation issues everybody is talking about they had to move from logs on to old cars, so they started importing them for that reason only. And it seems they found that Ghia's have a better streamline than beetles so that is the new hype.

 ;D

Sad,  I really liked the story how the car found his way back to his old mate...  So I guess they are separated again.  :'(

Doug,

Is is true that the GHIA is really going over the pond too?

Rick Mortensen

I can remember back in the 1980s when so many cars were sold to Japanese collectors – seems like the owners were more than happy to take them to Pomona in the full knowledge they'd get a sale. People complained back then, too, but the truth is that the cars could have been bought by anyone as they were on the open market. The days of the Japanese market buying everything have gone as the economy over there is in bad shape. Today, we have the situation where a lot of cars are going overseas again, this time to Europe. The reality, once again, is that all these cars are – or have been – for sale to anyone who's prepared to spend time chasing them down or is prepared to pay a reasonable price for them. It's not like anyone's had a gun held to their head and, for the most part, the prices asked and paid have been what I consider to be very reasonable.

I remember seeing Sum Fun and Pink Panther for sale at Classic a few short years ago at good prices for such historic cars. But they barely got a second look and both remained unsold for some time. Only when somebody from outside the USA steps up to the plate do people complain. Yet they could have bought them for themselves...

When I bought the Keith Goss chop-top, a lot of people had known the car still existed, sitting unused in his garage for something like 12 years. A meeting was arranged, I met Keith and agreed the price he wanted. Anyone could have bought that car had they approached the owner in the right way. But the truth is, Keith had been approached, for example, by one American 'entrepreneur' who offered him just $3000 – yes, three thousand. Similarly, when I bought my present project from Matt Chapman in Michigan, he told me I was the only person who offered to pay the asking price. $11,500 for a 'new' car with 2332, Berg crank, Carrillos, yadah yadah yadah... It was a steal! The engine cost more than the asking price! But Matt told me the only other enquiries were from fellow countrymen who made him ridiculously low offers. Guess what? The car was shipped out of the USA.

The bottom line is any car that is sold to anyone COULD be bought by somebody else. In some cases, it's a matter of not insulting the vendor, in others it's because sometimes it takes a lot of effort to track down old cars – effort that it seems many people are not prepared to do.

PS – can we have all our historic race cars shipped back to the UK? After all, there are too many vintage Ferraris, Jaguars and Porsches owned by US collectors.  :D

Congratz Russell! Another time capsule going to a wonderful collection! Hope it gets restored to its former glory....hood badge and all.

Congratz Russell,(but is Doug gonna built a new one,or....?)

Keith, I fully understand the logic of it all. The traditional Cal-Look "movement" and the desire for historic cars from back in the day is much stronger across the pond than it is over here, and I guess that is what upsets me. Like a lot of people on this board, I really love these period cars. I don't wish (or have the $$$) to travel halfway across the earth to see them, much less purchase one myself. I am glad that these cars are all taken care of though, and being displayed as they should be. Just wish it was a little closer to home.

And no offense to Russell, but it's Doug's car. I really would have liked to see him put it back together, especially given the back story.

Doug explained to me in an email that really once he got the car back, he lost momentum. It was as if the challenge was to find the car and bring closure to the whole sorry story of having his car forcibly taken out of his life. This time, he's been able to choose the 'right' time to let her go. I can understand that. But it will, as you say, be in good hands.  :)

For those who support me thanks, I do it for the enjoyment and hope that other people benifit too.

For those that dont, sorry bout that !

And Mark, thank god for the DKP Badge as if this was not on the car Doug would never have got it back as it would have just been another ghia, I no longer look at it as a badge more a tattoo and its there for life......

I'm glad its going to Scotland, at least its going to be appreciated in its new home unlike most of the cars that went to Japan in the 80's that were only bought as fashion statements   

Where are they all now  ::)

In one respect, I am glad that Doug isn't going to finish it... something tells me it might end up a little over-done!! ;D
Good luck with the restoration/preservation, Russell. I can't wait to see it next weekend, hopefully with Doug behind the wheel! :)

Hey man no offence ment dude but I just kinda thought doug would have liked to keep this one  :)

Amd tell me about it Ron I am still lookin for Mike Billing 67  ;)

Its out there somewhere

At least Russell seems to share the same enthusiasm for the time and the look as those of us who have lived through it. It is great to see all these cars being preserved.  It was a special time and there were a lot of really talented and great people who all contributed to the development of the performance VW scene.  It is my goal to make some time and get over to the EBI and hopefully spend some time in Great Britain again and get a chance to visit Russells stash.

Rick M

Well Russell is making Scotland the destination for Cal Look enthusiasts in the know.

Or I could see if I could get Marc to sell me his 51 Shhh don't give Russell any more idea's  ;) :)

weak, my ass. I remembered when cars like martinez' chop top went to japan like many others.Not happy. do we know where it is? do we ever see it? NO..Someone like russell who has many dkp cars and will ackowledge that yes, it was dougs, or goss's. etc. He will transport the lot around the meets in europe, display, run them even..HE HAS THE DKP BLOOD.. He doesn't change the cars from their original look. If just any body in the U.S or wherever bought these cars, they might sell the wheels, change the color, etc as that is their right to as they own that car. I have changed my thoughts on this, i hope others see it as a way to keep the old cars still visiable... and doug can eat, then build his next project.. bill







boo

Bill,

Since we shared the same perverted look before the Cal Look era...I have to agree with you.  :-)...Just kidding.  I still can't get over all that hair!

I've not met Russell yet but I disagree that you cannot have the same enthusiasm as the era had. From what I've seen, European Bug-In is the reincarnation of the whole era. I wish I just lived closer.  I promoted VW events from 1984, starting only 3 months after the last BUG-IN held at OCIR with my first ARIZONA BUG-RUN in January of 1984.  Why?  To help keep the momentum going that was unfortunately going to slow down for awhile.  I attended early bug-ins and it was my own way of keeping the enthusiasm alive.

There was nothing that brought me more satisfaction from 1984 through 2005 than seeing the looks on people's faces when they saw a VW drag car run for the first time, or walked through the show and checked out the killer cal look cars or other neat stuff in the swap meet. Russell is doing this on a larger scale in Europe, keeping the past alive attending a venue with his cars for all VW lovers in Europe to enjoy.  How can anyone take away from that.  I think it is admirable that he has found this love of the car an the hobby and is willing to spend his hard earned dollars to perpetuate such a legacy.

Russell, we've not met...but I applaud anyone who will invest in keeping the memory of VW greats going. Seeing all these cars come back to life or stay roadworthy and strip worthy...helps keep all us old guys going!

Thanks for being such a good friend to Doug M too!  I've enjoyed knowning him since we first met and know you will take good care of the car that brought him such great memories. I hope to meet you if you are over for the classic.

Rick Mortensen

Russell, like I posted earlier, I think this is a wonderful contribution you are taking on in the Cal-look scene. Bringing back these old cars from the OCIR Bug In days, puts a huge smile on my face. You have a collection that most people can only dream of. I think a new book is in order... Keith?   I must say though that I am shocked Doug did sell his ghia. I guess that's what happens when you become used to driving new Porsches and BMW's  :-* :-* :-* ;D

easy solution make Russell a DKP member   ;)

This is not directed towards you Russell, because I love what you're doing with these cars... and I agree with Keiths comments in an earlier post on this thread...

BUT

How many guys who may own historically significant cars (non original owners though, like the guys who owned Doug's ghia prior to it being returned to him) are going to do what may be considered the right thing to do and track down the original owners and sell to them and them only if they think that its just going to get sold to a collector later on by the owner who apparently desperately wanted his car back?

I am obviously unaware of the financial situation, but I daresay the owner who resold the car to Doug may have been more financially rewarded if he had done what Doug has done himself they could have just sold the car to the highest bidder.

I'll get my flak jacket on now....

 :(

i can understand that Doug lost intrest or found it better not to attack/complete this project, it's really up to him to chose what he does with it.

one thing i do want to say is what Russel mentioned as well:


it is indeed very nice you do it all and share it with us by bringing all the cars out, racing them, breaking them. but it really is up to you since you bought them.

ps. i understand Mark's point off vieuw as well, but both sides/ point off vieuws are right and wrong...  :-\

This isn't a pop at anyone, but...

If you buy Buckingham Palace, it doesn't make you the queen. It just means you own a very large house. People are members of clubs, not the cars surely  ???

People without opinions are boring.  I love opinionated people and discussions.  With that being said, there is a level of maturity that should arise when you express your opinion and the other person offers a reasonable and respectful opinion as to why they disagree.  At some point the mature people agree to disagree and then move on.

Mark, you have made your perspective clear and Russel has explained why he disagrees.

Are we seriously going to let this club decal thing become a big dividing issue?  The good people in this hobby should take care of each other, not create animosity.  Sadly, there are and have been plenty of lousy people in this hobby...stealing, lying, ripping peple off.  If you want to go on a crusade, go after all the lies and cheats.

I too am bummed that Doug sold the car (ust because it made such a great fairy tale) ...but it was his car and his decison.  I am guessing that there were reasons that perhaps we arent aware of...and frankly its none of our business.

Now you guys can go to the Classic and spend the w-e trying to convince others to side up with you ...glaring at each other across the parking lot or you can shake hands and relax.  ;)

And drink beer  ;)

Cornpanzer....well said.  The hobby is for fun...not posturing, positioning, ridiculing or slamming someone for a perspective. The realities of life is we won't all agree on everything. However, if we stay focused on the hobby and why it drew us in and we love participating in it, we can all enjoy a variety of styles, perspectives and events.

I left a club years ago because it was no longer fun due to all the stupid, petty things going on. This has driven a lot of good people away from other forums too. I enjoyed your perspective.

Rick M

I know that neither Russel nor Mark have a problem with that... both seem to come by that ability naturally!  ;D

Making those monthly meetings would be a B*tch!  ;D

Guys Guys

Calm down, I have no bitch with anyone (thats a lie ! i have one with the last owners of Tar Babe but lets not go there again)

Mark "Fred" is a cool guy with some great cars and stories, after speaking with him at the book lauch I know we get on great..... so please dont ruin this, Mark is entitled to his opinion as i am mine and i fully understand his with respect. And im sure we will have a beer or two together next week.

yes, Doug fulfilled his dream and got the car back, there was never any sales pitch with this car, i asked him to leave it as unrestored as possible and he said he would try (not a great promise from the crazy pan guy but still a promise) however like all things the dream was not quite what he expected as life has moved on...... So he drops me an email and says if you want you can have for same price as he paid for it, yes no profit and no high $$$ price just one really cool good guy offering a freind a good deal, simple.  ( it can still happen, good deals) (kaferboy no flak jacket needed)

remember i was staying in his house the night we told him it had been found !!!  ;D

Bill, Rick M and everyone else i will be at classic this year, please stop me and say hello, im a easy going guy, I will if allowed be hanging round the DKP tent with Keith and some of his friends, whom i consider mine now too, because there hospitallity and welcoming to me over the last year has been wonderful. Thanks again.

EBI, you are all more and than welcome to come over to EBI, we would love to see you all there, and if your in Scotland let me know,my garage door is never closed.

And one final point...... Blood type not sure about DKP Blood but its 100% Aircooled VW. oh and its red  ;)

And about 100% proof...

Tbh I Dont See why you have to explain your self to anyone, or tell them about what deals you made with the car.

In the End its your car not theres, what ever the history etc of the car.

Hope to see it in europe some time next year im guessing? ;D

 :o :o :o i will lick this one at the ebi 4  :P :P :P.......................................... ;D ;D

fabs  ;)

[/quote]

Tbh I Dont See why you have to explain your self to anyone, or tell them about what deals you made with the car.

In the End its your car not theres, what ever the history etc of the car.

Hope to see it in europe some time next year im guessing? ;D
[/quote]

I dont, but didnt want anyone thinking Doig was out for big bucks thats all.

Russell,  you shouldnt worry about what others think.  Its your collection and and as long as you dont step on anyones feet in the process of buying them than continue to do your thing.  You have a awe inspiring collection and for that I envie you. ;D

well despite the 100% positive vibes from my fellow loungers, Im delighted to share the first photos and video of FASRNU (thanks KS) back on the road again.

A massive thanks to the US based VW Gasser Garager crew, without their help none of this would have happened., THANKS to Richie and Jo, Russ xxx

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b5EMP9sbxI

    Russell hopefully I will be able and talk to you at the Classics this year. I will be at Nick's burger on Friday night.

   See you then

   Frenchy

VERY COOL!

Great to see it back where it belongs, on the street! Well done to all involved getting it there....

Superb! Looks ace, especially with the black trim! :)

People that make showstoppers and car's that stand out has a special personality... they are always looking for ways to improve their car or latest projects... They are in fact never happy what they have done previously, because they know they can do better!
It goes without saying that if these guys gets one of their cars back, they are looking to do it better than the first time. That means CHANGING the car... to actually preserve history you need a new type of owner, someone with respect for the history, like Russel.
The ancient city of Pompeii, Italy was covered in lava in the year 79... that's the only reason we now can look at in a 100% unchanged state...  so in short Russel is the Cal-look worlds Mount Vesuvius!!  8)

Thank god there are people that break all the "rules" and preserve things EXACTLY as they are... If every last man on earth cleaned up after him there would be no history left at all!
I think it helps being surrounded by man built structures more than 2000 years old since you were a toddler... you get respect for old things... My next town was around in 872... and Mc Donalds arrived in 1994 ;)

Nice ride Russell and have fun overthere guys.  8)

Is that the car wash that the bees cruised down to?  :o  :D

Nice work.  8)

i don't believe that one of my 5 ghia call look still run today , and look great  8) 8) 8)


awesome job guys  8)

 ;D Thank you

See you tonight Frenchy, Ill be driving a yellow ghia.

please bring it to EBI3

Maybe monday i can finally get some sleep :o :) 

But it has been really good fun getting this done,and it has turned out looking really good,but not overdone like a resto might have turned out ::)  Which in my opinion it didnt need :)


cheers richie,uk

You're welcome ;)

Good work dude - Just needs Anodized fuchs  ;)

P.S No offence ment Russ - I was just surprised thats all  :)

It didnt have them back in the 70s/early 80s in its original form with Doug so why now? thats was my point,where possible we tryed to replace what was missing with the correct parts,not always possible but thats life :)   It didnt need restoring to something it never was :o


cheers richie,uk

Yeah I know it didn't I just mentioned it earlier in the thread and a few others agreed - you no me I just love those anodized fuchs  ;)

it is cool it was in such good shape - sounds really cool in the vid  - The stance is perfect - deffinetly in my top ten cal lookers  ;D

Also this comment "P.S No offence ment Russ - I was just surprised thats all" was ment about the whole buying issue  ::) again I was just surprised  :)