The Cal-look Lounge

Hey everybody,

I've been a little immersed in personal going-on's for last month or so (our 2nd son was born Jan 12th this year, work's been crazy..etc) so I haven't said much in awhile.

I'd like to start a topic on acknowledging some of our favorite Lounge Cars, maybe some of the examples which aren't the shiniest, or the tru-blue definition of "Cal Look" or you won't see renditions of them on 100 guys' tee shirts @ next Bug In. I kind of consider my car as a "cast iron pan"... meaning, it's got more than its fair share of flaws and blemishes and rough patches, but like a cast iron skillet, it does the job I ask of it, I've owned it forever, and I will probably pass it on when I'm gone. Anyway....

I want to acknowledge some guys and their rides here.... I've probably mentioned these in the past, but here's my formal attempt, (bear in mind, most of these cars I've never seen in person, or met the guys that own them, but thanks to CLF and the Lounge, we've become friends).

Mike "javabug" ... I think it was about 10 yr ago I noticed your green '67 on CLF (?) and we started talking Bugs, kids, life... always thought your car has "the look" down pat... the color, the stance, wheels... etc. Now with 2110 muscle. Mike's "beedol"  ;D

Lawrence P.'s sea foam green sedan.... the more I look at and read bout your car, Lawrence, the more I dig it. I wish I could have been around when you were down last year, at Sarge's..etc. Kudos on driving it down and back

Dave Galassi's Pepco car. Driving this car gives me an idea of what driving a “new” Volkswagen must have been like. It just feels like it was locked away in a vault about 20 minutes after it left the dealer’s lot, aside from all the racket and fury from the blower motor. I still have to say that this car is my favorite VW in So Cal. Not to mention Dave is just the guy with the golden heart and “lets” me come bug him and blab car stuff for 8hr plus.

Ted “Racecraf” his bahama blue ’69 sedan. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ted without his ’69, everywhere he goes, it seems his car goes too. And it always is so well presented. Like dust and dirt don’t adhere somehow. Always super clean. How do you guys do it?

And three cars that, everytime I’m around them, they take me back to the summers of the early 1990’s, making the pilgrimage from N Calif to Classic, etc…. Kurlinski’s java green ’67, John “Jayburn” Rayburn’s ’64 (with Sprint Stars, Dell 48’s with big stacks, red linkage… ) and Bill Schwimmer’s very well known, iconic coral red car… really it’s the car that re-lit the Cal Look torch for so many guys in last 20+ years… and rightly so. His car kind of “does it all”, and yeah, I know this post is about the lesser, unsung heroes of the scene, but without Bill and his car, how many guys would be screwing cone air filters to Civics instead of keeping the VW thing alive?

I totally forgot probably the coolest car on the Lounge... cool in the way it thumbs its nose @ the "rule book"... Mike Maize's orange sedan, I've said it before but this car is like a full size replica of some hot rod, friction motored toy VW I had in 1974 or so.... nice job Mike. Hope it's kicking ass.

I always liked Matt Homer's '68 Bug... did it go overseas?  I remember it got sold,or so I thought?

    One of the car that impressed me the most few years ago was Geoff Hart Bahama Blue sedan with centerline I think at the time Geoff lived in Lake Havasu.

    Frenchy

Carlos' sepia brown 65

http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,7246.0.html

isn't it a bit dull to talk about some cars and don't post pictures? ::) ;D

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/YAVE123/donmetz.jpg)
  Don Metz now Russel Ritchie....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/YAVE123/Tedscar.jpg)
  Ted Racecraf Dominguez   '69    (not my picture)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/YAVE123/fabientarbabe.jpg)
  This one's kinda cool....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/YAVE123/classics09001.jpg)
This one too...

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/YAVE123/P1030746.jpg)
A little Zach action....

Nice discussion. I'm surprised every time my junk is mentioned here. Thanks for the recognition, the warm fuzzy doesn't go un-enjoyed. As for the car, hopefully this year will see it turn a good corner into becoming a "nicer" car overall. I've got some work planned, let's see how successful I am.

As for other unsung rad rides, one of MY favorite cars is our bud Allen's 57 oval. Pics just don't convey the attitude, it is cool cool cool. It has battle scars because it doesn't get babied. It sits perfect.

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/76719_460081328181_688233181_5609330_4475812_n.jpg)


I completely agree with including Lawrence's car. Altho I miss the Ercos, I remember noticing it on thesamba.com years ago on a post asking about changing wheels.

Good thread, I'll have more later. My mind is a little blank.

I like Luke`s (Ideaman) white 67 with Ansen wheels.

Wow Thanks for the kudus. I miss my old car, everytime I got in it I got a smile when I hit that gas pedal. I tryed real hard to hit that 77-78 era and did the car to reflect that. Like many have said Bill S enthusiasm and passion for these old cars is timeless. Hell we even shared a steak ad chees in Saginaw, Mi a couple summers ago. Obviously the DKP guys set the standars and those crazy DAS guys in Europe also had some bad ass cars.The cars are great, but so are the people in this hobby.

Thanks,  Jim, John, Mark & Matt,  I don't quite know what to say.  I have been a car geek since I was about 4 or 5 yo.  It does'nt seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I sometimes want to stray & build something else  ie: a Duece roadster or 356 but I am a VW guy @ heart & want to stick with the cars of my youth.  As for other cars on the Lounge I am pretty much in line with Jim.  When I drove Dave G's ragtop it was the best driving VW I have ever been in   period. Ted's car is very finely detailed & looks just right. I also like Ivan's white 67 & Stephans 57  (I tried very hard to get that car from Jim L. in the late 80's but it was'nt meant to be). Everybody's car on here is bitchen', this place has seemed to capture the essence of the Hot Rod VW spirit.  Thanks again, its an honor to be part of this place.  Bill   

Hey Jim, congrats on the little one. I'd shake your hand...except you've probably been changing diapers  ;D.

Let's get something straight.
How about a car and driver that have seen more than their share of quarters (into the 12's), continue to drive over 1000 a month in LA traffic or on roads that are blips on a map, has shoehorned in (not to mention having BUILT these and many others, by himself) more engine and tranny combos than most shops do in a year, has lived to tell more than a few (try a lounge search...........) tales of burnouts, oil, shop stories, friends, pizza deliveries, strips from 'bad to Sacto, stop light bravado and Lucas sitting in the driver's seat making engine sounds.  Doesn't make an impression?  How about driving home from Nor Cal with a broken 48 manifold, running out of gas with your buddy late on a work night and laughing it off, helping out those in need or knowing more about the parts and cars than most will ever dream of.  How about the car and the owner knowing each other since they were  teenagers?  Oh, and still posting complements and living the VW life with a new born, Lucas (three going on 17) and a load of responsibility.

If I thought it would make more of an impact, I would have posted this all in caps.  Jim, thanks.  Some appreciation and acknowledgement, but not enough for all you do. 

{Sound of applause}

Dave is EXACTLY RIGHT. I suddenly realise that very likely one of the main driving factors in me busting my hump to get my hot motor and trans sorted is because of Jim cheering me on from two thousand miles away.

Thank you!

x2

hear hear!

I'm certainly glad you didn't  ;)
Then again, who knows, I might own a nice Coral Red '59 instead of a Pearl White '57?
And I couldn't agree more on that last statement!

Great thread!

I'm honored to have Mark mention my sled in the context of this topic along with all the cars here.

Stay tuned to my "Cocoon" thread. I haven't posted much but my car has moved further forward since the beginning of the year than from 11/83 through the end of 12/10!  ;D

Bill, I can't see you as a "line all my tin screws up" 356 guy. Maybe a big 2.6L t4 motor, 48's, etc.

Dave G thanks man, I've kind of learned the car and VW thing is in perpetual motion for me, some people golf, some people collect stamps, I insist on doing things involving going too fast in a VW. You should know, part of this is your fault... you've added hugely to the hobby for me. Thanks :)

I'll second (third, or is it fourth?) what everyone says about Bill and the pink Bug of his.  ;)  He's put me straight a couple of times when I've 'strayed' or nearly strayed. He helped me buy the Chop-Top from Keith Goss, came and stayed at my house, we;'ve drunk a few beers, had many laughs – I even let him win the Berg Rally once. Cool guy – GREAT friend. Thanks Bill.

Texas Tom's car has it: clean, been in the family for years, and goes! I really like the wide-fives on late model treatment.

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/608521.jpg)

First, congratulations to Jim and family on your new addition, and then I'm going to second (fifth?) what Dave said about Jim's car!

Another car that I really like on here is Diedericks Java green '67 with black trim - it just looks so right!

I agree with with Dave wholeheartedly about Jim R.  He is WAY more energentic than most about working on & driving his stuff. He is somebody that has lived this crazy hobby to its fullest. Congrats on the new addition also Jim.  So are you now considering the To#¤ta or Honda minivan?   (get the To#¤ta)  See ya later  Bill

Thanks for the compliment, Jim. It means a lot to me when anyone digs my car because it is more that just that. It represents memories, experiences and fun times. Im sure you and many lounge members can relate to that. My '56 isn't the fastest or shiniest, but it gets driven and has frightened passengers and onlookers. ;D Congrats on the newborn.

Javabug, cheers to you as well. The ercos were cool while they lasted and I still like them. If I were to run a set again, a more traditional look would be necessary. Think deano's blue '67.

The lounge has MANY great cars. A couple of my favorites are: Ben Salazar's 67 and Brian's (from the bay area) fontana gray 67 on porsche alloys. I have always liked Ben's car, but lately I find it even cooler because it always seems to be in photos of socal gatherings. A rad car that gets driven. Likewise, Brian's '67 is super clean and he also made the trek from the bay area to the classic.

I forgot about Brian`s Gray 67. That car is saweet!

Wow, Thank you, Jim, Jason,and Bill for the appreciation and acknowledgement of my 69'. This really means allot to me coming from you guy's, makes it all worth the work put into it. The lounge has been an inspiration to me with all the cool cars here in the state's and in the UK. There are so many cars I can mention myself, but the ones that come to mind is of course Bill S. car. The first time I seen his car was at the Car Custom Show Down, I think they called it. His car is so perfect, and super clean. The next one would be "Sarge's" Jim's red 67', what more can I say, as many times I have seen his car, I never get tired of seeing it. Just outstanding! Next would be Greg Brentons 67', I remember seen his car at Rimco when he worked there, just loved that car. Another upcoming VW Vert, is DKK Dan, his car is in the works, but still blows me away just on what he's done so far. Can't wait to see this project done. Todd's car is a very clean car, saw his at the Panic, such a cool car. The one car that is very high on my list is "Pep" Jose Medrano black 55', OMG, looked good and was FAST! I could go on and on. To sum it up, all the DKP cars and the DKK cars that have come and gone, and the new projects that have come out, are outstanding. And these are just cars here in the states! I can give you a list of some bad ass cars in the UK, but just to many.
And Jim, congrats on your new addition to the family, I see a pit crew coming!
Anyway, thanks again guy's. This is a very cool thread, theres allot more cars I know, keep'em coming!!  ;D

Ted

Oh Jim! To answer your question.....Wax On...Wax Off. Oh..and Windex.   ;)  :D

Ted

thanks Lawrence 

ooh  I like Bryan's grey car too
I know we've all see these cars, but how about some pics...

Speaking of Brians.....  Brian Plummers car.  DEFINATELY.  But back in the day it had to be Dave McNew's Sepia Brown ride with 2 liters.  That was a sweetie.  And Bill McKinleys Ghia.

Let's go for a ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxBW431Sjzw

Hey, thanks for the ride!
 

How abut dave (spacen) mason's black car ! ALL business

Here's one we don't see enough of, Bugsy's cool car. This right here, to me, says 70s. Man, I love it.

Hey Jim, Thanks as always for "getting" the idea of the car. Running like a champ, the video Java posted is just before I took it to winter storage. Can't wait till spring to attack the V8 crowd at the local track :o

Good choice Javabug. Patrik's car is rad. Nice guy too. Maybe he will jump on here and tell us more about it.

For me it was Art G street draggin, love Hectors car, Masons car, Dave's green 64 and gotta also throw Fellow Cronpanzer Dave Conklins car up there. We had some good times in the black car here in motown

This is supposed to be about lesser known cars I believe. Not that I don`t like the cars mentioned on here I would hardly call them "Not known".

OK, Dustin's late-model. Look so right on its detailed Fuchs, Europa bumpers and all. An easy car to replicate, it just looks perfect yet would be easily overlooked in a line-up of 'classic' Cal Lookers. It gets driven and always looks very cool. I reckon it deserves more respect. But then so do all late-model Lookers in my opinion.

Big Thanks to Javabug Mike for throwing my ride in on this topic! Flattering indeed to be mentioned in a list as refined as these others.

I'd mention my buddy & fellow Texan, Shane Smith's super clean '67 ... and it's a runner too!

Thanks for the props Bill.  8)

Glenn Gaskey's car has a quiet, subtle, ultra cool quality to it too. Finished off like few are.

Hay thanks guys for the nice words about my car. Well just to let everyone know it hasn't been my daily for the past month or so do to Mr. rod wanted to come out the top and play ::)..lol..it finally gives me a chance to change somethings on the car that has been bothering me to make it more a relaxing drive than a balls to the wall all the time. I try to read all of your guys posts, and stories on your trips and drives and how to make those stupid little things work like a dome light. But Jim i do like your car just for the fact i remember when you lived up north hearing about you driving around on your slicks, to now how you want your whippers to work better, that's cool.. 8)
Bryan ;)

Hi,

I was thinking about this topic and one car came to my mind which I immediately fell in love with when I first saw it. It´s the brown oval-window from norwegian screwdrivers-member Rune which is very period-perfect. Unfortunately I don´t have a pic of it right now because I´m at work, but maybe some of the european loungers can help out?!
Bye,

Tobi

One of my fav cars too when it had the Gold crestlines on it, hes busy doing this Gay barndoor now though ;) Come on Rune get the oval out...

Just thought of another one - Tobi DFL's oval. It's perfect in look and execution.

I totally agree its stunning. When I saw it at EBI I was amazed how the car looked so right.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2504119891_9a46af97c1.jpg)

Thanks Jim, I tried to keep it suble and clean! BTW my daughter was born on 1-12 also, just far enough away from christmas to warrant another celebration and just close enough to still be broke! Good luck and cheers to the newbie.

Glenn

Oh! Tank you Java and Lawrence for the appreciation.
Now i really regret i sold it in Oct. :(. But will probably be back soon with a new car. This time though with a more traditional look.

Regards Patrik

Sorry to hear you sold it Patrik. Good luck on the next project.

Talk about a CLEAN daily driver (well, almost), Norris McPhersons '67 is finally redone (multi-year project).
He's had this car FOREVER; ACTIVE member of local Dallas clubs & events, as well as abroad.
This guy uses his car and it's beautiful.
And he's a TEXAS guy, resides in Corsicana.
He got a feature in HotVs, but I bet NOT MANY have seen this car.

X2, Very clean and detailed car, what issue of HotVW's was it in?

Ted

Is he on the Lounge?

very clean car tom...me likey ;D

damn this car just spits attitude. Not seen all that often on the Lounge but always seeing it.
Hope to see all of you guys Sunday morning, I'll be hitting the road @ 3:30am ::)

ok, here in my SMALL town area of minden,gardnerville nevada, I met dave taylor who was raised in the seal beach/long beach area, member of keep on bug'n. Moved here 30 years ago, built a nice 67. Car has a ken taber buillt 2386 w/ clyde heads, k10 , weber 44s. Hauls ass. Car is just CLEAN. great paint, interior, wiring, etc. He took it to the last bugorama and won people's choice. Definite magazine material. We went to our local car show last month with no foreign car entry etc and he got a 2nd place.Think i have talked him into a rim change, no pressure, it's his car. ha. I am sure there are a few cars across the country that are out of the hot vw's mag range, but gota be hard to fit in their busy schedules to see them. One other 67 that come to mind is the guy from oregon that comes to bugorama with the black 67 that runs 11.50's with the wine red intereior. MY FAVORITE 67, even keith goss was impressed. but CHEERS to all the remote , seldom seen clean vw's.   bill