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Title: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 27, 2009, 19:20:23 pm We all know the big granddad of the VW industry: EMPI
and other legends of the past.... Autohaus, DDS, ARPM How about some other VW aftermarket parts vendors/manufaturers that have been part of your VW life that have gone off to the great warehouse in the sky? here's some I remember: Johnny's Speed and Chrome WAWD H & H Distributors Small Car Specialties Car Custom (the megaplex in Asuza) how about others? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: cal-look 56 on July 27, 2009, 19:31:18 pm VEE Parts. santa ana
C&B bug shop, Westminster Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Speed-Randy on July 27, 2009, 19:33:19 pm Papa Pete's in la habra
discount import parts supply- sold mostly crap parts Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: speedwell on July 27, 2009, 19:34:43 pm scs look like a cool place and had a great meeting
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 27, 2009, 19:47:44 pm how could I forget: The ORIGINAL *Buggy House* 1967-2001
8) Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Galassi on July 27, 2009, 19:52:08 pm Barrett Enterprises
Jerry's VW Heaven (or Hell, for most customers) Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Gary Justus on July 27, 2009, 20:15:09 pm European Racing
Dick Roy's Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kafercup on July 27, 2009, 20:15:27 pm how could I forget: The ORIGINAL *Buggy House* 1967-2001 8) I was just about to add that one! ;D Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Sadler on July 27, 2009, 20:19:24 pm Treuhaft
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: nicolas on July 27, 2009, 20:25:14 pm engle cams (the building)
rimco... Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Sadler on July 27, 2009, 20:25:41 pm Truk N Bug Stanton, CA
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Sadler on July 27, 2009, 20:27:08 pm All the BOW WOW Stores in the Pacific Northwest
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Sadler on July 27, 2009, 20:28:44 pm Autocavan LTD for my friends across the pond!
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Donny B. on July 27, 2009, 20:58:28 pm Station I here in Phoenix.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 27, 2009, 21:14:58 pm Import Auto Parts in Livermore, an old Beck Arnley shop that catered to old aricooled Porsche /VW, old guy named Charlie
Kent Engineering in Hayward CA but that goes WAAAAAY back.... they were right down the street from BH. There was a BAP-store in Dublin that went under shortly after I got my car... 1987, they carried Kendall green oil, Bosch, some Royze stuff. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: benssp on July 27, 2009, 21:23:41 pm German Car Company, Southend, Essex. I remember going to the local commotion meets when I was 8 or 9 ;D
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 27, 2009, 22:05:49 pm We all know the big granddad of the VW industry: EMPI and other legends of the past.... Autohaus, DDS, ARPM How about some other VW aftermarket parts vendors/manufaturers that have been part of your VW life that have gone off to the great warehouse in the sky? here's some I remember: Johnny's Speed and Chrome WAWD H & H Distributors Small Car Specialties Car Custom (the megaplex in Asuza) how about others? The original Auto Haus "retail store" was located at 6315 Beach Blvd. just north of Johnny's Speed and Chrome. We always had wars going on with those guys and if were in today's world I'm sure there would be drive by shootings. Johnny Hewy and his crew were always refered to as "Johnny's Chip & Peal". >:( >:( >:( The other "local" shop that predates everyone (to my knowledge) except for EMPI was the Custom House, originally in Whittier on the Blvd. and later in La Habra also on Whittier Blvd. Both locations are still standing and I'm sure the latter still has drool marks from me on the front window glass. ;) ;) ;) Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Rosique on July 27, 2009, 22:35:49 pm We all know the big granddad of the VW industry: EMPI and other legends of the past.... Autohaus, DDS, ARPM How about some other VW aftermarket parts vendors/manufaturers that have been part of your VW life that have gone off to the great warehouse in the sky? here's some I remember: Johnny's Speed and Chrome WAWD H & H Distributors Small Car Specialties Car Custom (the megaplex in Asuza) how about others? All of the above for me (except H&H) along with Griffins parts and Machine in Paramount CA. Griffins parts biz is long gone, but thankfully the machine shop is alive and well. ~DR. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 27, 2009, 23:47:44 pm scs look like a cool place and had a great meeting I think I spot Deeks in the first picture. Gary Crew... Maybe Robbie Blake talking to him with his back towards the camera and maybe Steve, Jose & possibly Lisa's back. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 27, 2009, 23:49:13 pm Papa Pete's in la habra discount import parts supply- sold mostly crap parts D.I.P.S. sucked... flipping rip off artists! Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 27, 2009, 23:52:35 pm There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: DKK Ted on July 28, 2009, 00:24:02 am Auto-Craft Machine, La Habra, does that count??
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: DKK Ted on July 28, 2009, 00:28:01 am Komet in Montebello, and Blimp in Cerritos, forgot about them.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 28, 2009, 00:33:56 am Hawaiian Country V-Dubs aka Marvin Freitas in Newark, Ca. Go in after 5PM and he was plastered and tended to give away stuff. Very smart guy. He campaigned the "Kona Gold" car in Hawaii in the 70s-80s.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 28, 2009, 00:35:52 am Hawaiian Country V-Dubs aka Marvin Freitas in Newark, Ca. Go in after 5PM and he was plastered and tended to give away stuff. Very smart guy. He campaigned the "Kona Gold" car in Hawaii in the 70s-80s. who was the other guy in Newark, John... down the street from Bob's Giant Burgers... around the corner from McNulty? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 28, 2009, 00:40:10 am Probably Marvin. Marvin was Darell's mentor. There was also Volkscraft/Don Johnston aka Volkscrap on Central less than 500 feet from Hawaiian Country. That guy was an Asshole. I was not surprised when he closed up.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 28, 2009, 00:42:46 am How bout Kohlweiss in Redwood City. That place was cool in the late 80s-early 90s. At the time, I would rather drive to Redwood City than drive to Buggy House. It was actually closer from Newark too.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: lawrence on July 28, 2009, 00:43:17 am There was a BAP-Geon, in San Mateo CA, near my house. An old manager of mine used to work there as a parts delivery guy.
Donsco VW in Belmont, CA and its other incarnations after VW started threating companies with lawsuits. The second owner sold the business when he retired about 5 years ago and the young guy who took over deceided to close the shop when the landlord wanted to raise the rent. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 28, 2009, 00:45:09 am I didn't know Donsco closed up.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 28, 2009, 00:48:30 am I didn't know Donsco closed up. me either. Bryan and I used to drive over there on Wednesdays. Funny place. I always loved the rock n roll eyebrows for sale. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Galassi on July 28, 2009, 00:49:33 am There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. Wonder whatever happened to them? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: lawrence on July 28, 2009, 00:59:00 am I didn't know Donsco closed up. Yeah, its been about two years now. I don't really need much for my car anymore, but it sucks not having a vw shop 5 minutes from my house. There was a small group of guys, myself included ;D, that hungout after hours, wreched on cars, had sawzall parties, ate good food and drank beer. Fun times. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: . on July 28, 2009, 03:02:59 am There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. Wonder whatever happened to them? Their username is carbuff113 Their store had a fire in 1985, but they had a lot of inventory in storage. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: . on July 28, 2009, 03:03:28 am Don't forget SPEEDWELL and Revmaster !
;D Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Lemonade on July 28, 2009, 04:40:28 am Truk N Bug Stanton, CA We used to joke about going to see Jeffy at Trucky Buggy, LOL! Lems Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: nlvtinman on July 28, 2009, 04:48:29 am To give an answer to Dave Galassi- At the VW Treffen of two years ago, there was a red Hebmuller there. Kinda of a ratty car.
Larry R recognized a couple standing and looking at it. It was Bodo and Ingrid. Turns out that Bodo had owned the car some years back. He shared stories of how he was the importer for Okrassa, ::) and that the Heb had at one time had a "built' motor in it. They were happy to have someone remember them, and their store. Bodo had photos of the strip mall that the store was in, After the fire burned it to the ground. All gone. :'( Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: deano on July 28, 2009, 05:18:54 am European Racing
Beck Enterprises Feuling Engineering Jerry's Transform Crown Engineering Hadley Engineering Action Fiberglass Santana Sand Tires Unlimited Mitchell Wheels (I know, it is now Douglas....) Caldwell Tires Fibertech Engineering Jay Byers Engineering Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 28, 2009, 05:48:18 am There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. Wonder whatever happened to them? I know their place burned down in the mid eighties. They rebuilt but they lost a lot of irreplaceable stock.. it was never the same. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: rick m on July 28, 2009, 07:58:00 am Hey Richard Roth,
REVMASTER is not gone. They are still doing stuff last I heard. Mike Fischer and Dan Lawson of CE (Competition Engineering) here in Tempe, Arizona, have done business with them a long time. Unless I have been out of the loop too long...I heard they were still making parts but not specifically for VWs only. Rick M Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: jamiep_jamiep on July 28, 2009, 08:30:42 am In the UK... Limited Edition. I think they were in Warrington? I remember going up with my brothers (I was stuill too young to drive) must be around 1990. I used to love reading their catalogues!
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Lids on July 28, 2009, 08:52:42 am got my toxic shocks from limited edition, lets also not forget german car company in southend, UK.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: streetvw on July 28, 2009, 08:54:23 am In the UK... Limited Edition. I think they were in Warrington? I remember going up with my brothers (I was stuill too young to drive) must be around 1990. I used to love reading their catalogues! I was just going to say about limited edition they started in warrington and then moved to high legh just north of knutsford. I spent a fortune in that shop ::) Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Fastbrit on July 28, 2009, 09:25:21 am Autocavan LTD for my friends across the pond! Gone but not forgotten – especially the Volksport section of the company (and the workshop where a young KS cut his teeth on VW race engines...). RIP :'(Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Lids on July 28, 2009, 12:01:51 pm Autocavan LTD for my friends across the pond! Gone but not forgotten – especially the Volksport section of the company (and the workshop where a young KS cut his teeth on VW race engines...). RIP :'(Got my first set of 94mm B&P's from them :) Still have the catalog and price list. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: beetletom on July 28, 2009, 13:05:57 pm wizard roadsters! not really cal look, but did sell loads of 90's tat! 8)
but that was the coolest place when your 7-8 years old!! :D Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Galassi on July 28, 2009, 14:32:40 pm Thanks for the memories Richard and Steve. Get a load of those steering wheels.................
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Shubee2 (DSK) on July 28, 2009, 15:18:34 pm You Guys All Forgot the Parts whore Serano's Glad to See He's Gone he screwed alot of People and Copied alot of other vendors parts
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 28, 2009, 15:34:50 pm There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. I think I've already told my Marion Weber (MG Mitten) story. Anyway I purchased my first car cover from Marion at her store in 1964. Good memories.................. Wonder whatever happened to them? I remember purchasing some items from them when they were located on Lincoln at 17th St. (by the railroad tracks) in Santa Ana. Next they were west of Harbor Blvd. and just off 17th St., but still in Santa Ana. My last encounter with them was in about 1981 and they were on the corner of Chapman Ave. and Main St. (southwest corner). That building was torn down and now there is a strip mall there. The side trim currently on our '63 sedan came from that location. Both of them were definately from the "Old World".............. I think I've already told my Marion Weber (MG Mitten) story. Anyway I purchased my first car cover from Marion at her store in 1964. Good memories.................. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Galassi on July 28, 2009, 16:13:34 pm There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. I think I've already told my Marion Weber (MG Mitten) story. Anyway I purchased my first car cover from Marion at her store in 1964. Good memories.................. Wonder whatever happened to them? I remember purchasing some items from them when they were located on Lincoln at 17th St. (by the railroad tracks) in Santa Ana. Next they were west of Harbor Blvd. and just off 17th St., but still in Santa Ana. My last encounter with them was in about 1981 and they were on the corner of Chapman Ave. and Main St. (southwest corner). That building was torn down and now there is a strip mall there. The side trim currently on our '63 sedan came from that location. Both of them were definately from the "Old World".............. I think I've already told my Marion Weber (MG Mitten) story. Anyway I purchased my first car cover from Marion at her store in 1964. Good memories.................. MG Mitten..................having grown up in Pasadena, we used to go to the Rose Parade (when you could drive your car up to the route, park and walk to a good spot on Colorado Blvd. {yes, that Colorado Blvd of Little Old Lady fame}) and stand in front of our neighbor's store (memory serves me he sold psychedelic flower and furry foot stickers and assorted other hippie trippy goods) to see the parade. MG Mitten was a shop or two down from this store and when I got bored with the parade, would stand there looking in the window at the accessories. Between that time ( real early 70's) and the late 70's, they disappeared. Then Competition Engineering moved, Blair's was winding down........................ On a similiar, but different note: Super Shops Stores...........anyone? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 28, 2009, 17:24:11 pm Yep SuperShops and also Service Centers bought a lot of stuff for my 1st Mustang there.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 28, 2009, 17:26:57 pm There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. I think I've already told my Marion Weber (MG Mitten) story. Anyway I purchased my first car cover from Marion at her store in 1964. Good memories.................. Wonder whatever happened to them? I remember purchasing some items from them when they were located on Lincoln at 17th St. (by the railroad tracks) in Santa Ana. Next they were west of Harbor Blvd. and just off 17th St., but still in Santa Ana. My last encounter with them was in about 1981 and they were on the corner of Chapman Ave. and Main St. (southwest corner). That building was torn down and now there is a strip mall there. The side trim currently on our '63 sedan came from that location. Both of them were definately from the "Old World".............. I think I've already told my Marion Weber (MG Mitten) story. Anyway I purchased my first car cover from Marion at her store in 1964. Good memories.................. MG Mitten..................having grown up in Pasadena, we used to go to the Rose Parade (when you could drive your car up to the route, park and walk to a good spot on Colorado Blvd. {yes, that Colorado Blvd of Little Old Lady fame}) and stand in front of our neighbor's store (memory serves me he sold psychedelic flower and furry foot stickers and assorted other hippie trippy goods) to see the parade. MG Mitten was a shop or two down from this store and when I got bored with the parade, would stand there looking in the window at the accessories. Between that time ( real early 70's) and the late 70's, they disappeared. Then Competition Engineering moved, Blair's was winding down........................ On a similiar, but different note: Super Shops Stores...........anyone? hahaha Super Shops. There was one right down the road from BH in San Leandro. I remember going in there to buy "contraband".... you'd pull up in a VW Bug and walk in and say "I called about the Holley Blue pump, I need 12' of Aeroquip -6, some 3/8 x -6 male adapers,.... do you have a 2-1/2" Flowmaster?" They'd stare blankly at ya, then crane their neck to see the VW in the parking lot, then ask you "what year make and model?" ::) All my V8 meathead friends lived there drooling over Performer manifolds and Mallory uni-lites. I was @ BH leaving noseprints on their engine parts cabinet. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 28, 2009, 17:31:59 pm Oh and while not strictly a VW place, my employer for 10 years... BAP/Geon. I worked at the Santa Ana store first as a delivery driver, later as a counterman then moved to Anaheim as an Assistant Manager. When I decided to go back to college, I kept working there part time doing the school year. I'd work at Buena Park during the week and Anaheim on the weekends. I would sell more Weber carburetors by myself on Saturday than the rest of the staff did for the entire week including Saturdays.)
During the summer, I worked as a "floater" filling in for people on vacation. I worked in Orange, Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Temple City, West Covina and Culver City. Maybe a few more that I don't remember. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 28, 2009, 18:03:47 pm Oh and while not strictly a VW place, my employer for 10 years... BAP/Geon. I worked at the Santa Ana store first as a delivery driver, later as a counterman then moved to Anaheim as an Assistant Manager. When I decided to go back to college, I kept working there part time doing the school year. I'd work at Buena Park during the week and Anaheim on the weekends. I would sell more Weber carburetors by myself on Saturday than the rest of the staff did for the entire week including Saturdays.) During the summer, I worked as a "floater" filling in for people on vacation. I worked in Orange, Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Temple City, West Covina and Culver City. Maybe a few more that I don't remember. Rick, I started my parts career working at the BAP store located at 1515 N. State College in Anaheim. The store manager was the legendary Ron Odel. He was a real hard ass, but probably the best parts man I've ever known. Some years after that Ron had gone to work for someone who owned and operated a warehouse in the greater LA area. Times were bad and I guess the owner decided to have the placed torched. Ron observed this and testified against the owner and he went to prison. The owner threatened Ron and said his days were numberd. Shortly after that guy got out of the big house Ron was found dead in a Motel room in the San Diego area. It was ruled as natural, but it does make one wonder. Also, I worked at the BAP 721 S. Main St. store in Santa Ana with Stan (bolt your parts down) Davis. It was on the east side of the street and when the afternoon sun hit it temps at the counter went well over 100 degrees. Had some times at the Buena Park store as well. Drove by the Main St. location recently on a trip to Rimco. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 28, 2009, 18:11:26 pm MG Mitten..................having grown up in Pasadena, we used to go to the Rose Parade (when you could drive your car up to the route, park and walk to a good spot on Colorado Blvd. {yes, that Colorado Blvd of Little Old Lady fame}) and stand in front of our neighbor's store (memory serves me he sold psychedelic flower and furry foot stickers and assorted other hippie trippy goods) to see the parade. MG Mitten was a shop or two down from this store and when I got bored with the parade, would stand there looking in the window at the accessories. Between that time ( real early 70's) and the late 70's, they disappeared. Then Competition Engineering moved, Blair's was winding down........................
There were two addresses I remember for MG Mitten. One was 36 Chester St. and the other was Green St. both in Pasadena. Can't remember which was the first one. There was also Villiam B. Haan that was probably Mitten's competition. I think they were in the Burbank or Glendale area. Was only there once and the staff behind the counter had to wear neck ties and white shirts. Zaz, the wife was a real piece of work. The other place I remember in Pasadena was the Firestone store on Colorado Blvd. Rich Kugel and I would go there to buy our Firestone Indy tires with the gold letterning and stripe. We'd always stop at the Bob's Big Boy and have a couple of burgers while up there. Anyone hungry ??? ??? ??? ??? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 28, 2009, 18:47:49 pm how could I forget: The ORIGINAL *Buggy House* 1967-2001 8) I was just about to add that one! ;D going there (before I was employed 1990-2000) in the late 80's was always an adventure. First off, it was a good 20 mile drive, on the freeway no less, and seeing as how me and most of my teenage peers were of the channel-lock/vise grips school of hard knocks, actually making it to BH in the first place was a great accomplishment. Of course there was the trip home to worry about. Sometimes our shopping list grew and evolved on the trip there ::). Once you got there, which guy you got to deal with over the counter determined your fate. If you wanted the right parts you needed Tony or Jerry. If you wanted the parts guy to decide which parts you wanted you needed Big Mark. If you wanted the wrong parts, you dealt with Ian or Rich. If you wanted a good ass chewing, it had to be Jerry. Always amazed me in later years how Jerry could pull off laying into a customer, putting together curse words I didn't even know existed, and taking the guy's $ with a smile...at the same time. I remember when I was 17 going in there to talk to Jerry about building a 1914, VZ25 Engle, 041 heads, 44 Webers, etc. Yeah on my pizza-job income. My main goal in building this was eating up another kid's 2180cc in his '65 Bug, so I asked ol' Jer "uh Jerry once I am done building this do you think I can race this uh guy and uh, you know...uh beat him?" To which he came back with, "Jeeezus F--ing Ch_st! You f--king kids never learn... still f--ing racing your co_ksucking cars on the motherf--ing street. Just wait til somebody gets f--king killed. But to answer your question... you'll be shutting down shit with CHEVY written on the side" Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 28, 2009, 20:00:47 pm Oh and while not strictly a VW place, my employer for 10 years... BAP/Geon. I worked at the Santa Ana store first as a delivery driver, later as a counterman then moved to Anaheim as an Assistant Manager. When I decided to go back to college, I kept working there part time doing the school year. I'd work at Buena Park during the week and Anaheim on the weekends. I would sell more Weber carburetors by myself on Saturday than the rest of the staff did for the entire week including Saturdays.) During the summer, I worked as a "floater" filling in for people on vacation. I worked in Orange, Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Temple City, West Covina and Culver City. Maybe a few more that I don't remember. Rick, I started my parts career working at the BAP store located at 1515 N. State College in Anaheim. The store manager was the legendary Ron Odel. He was a real hard ass, but probably the best parts man I've ever known. Some years after that Ron had gone to work for someone who owned and operated a warehouse in the greater LA area. Times were bad and I guess the owner decided to have the placed torched. Ron observed this and testified against the owner and he went to prison. The owner threatened Ron and said his days were numberd. Shortly after that guy got out of the big house Ron was found dead in a Motel room in the San Diego area. It was ruled as natural, but it does make one wonder. Also, I worked at the BAP 721 S. Main St. store in Santa Ana with Stan (bolt your parts down) Davis. It was on the east side of the street and when the afternoon sun hit it temps at the counter went well over 100 degrees. Had some times at the Buena Park store as well. Drove by the Main St. location recently on a trip to Rimco. I worked at 1515 too. By the time I was there, Ron had been raised to overseeing all the stores. I think this may have been after the torching as I remember something about him having someone "after" him. I remember hearing of his early demise too. By the time I got to Santa Ana, they must have moved the store because it was at 1906 S Main... 2 block south of Edinger and on the west site of the street. I was there one afternoon when a tornado went up Main St. and ripped the roof off of the appliance store across the street. Bert Nordman was the manager there... 1/2 deaf and quite a character. When he didn't drive the delivery truck, he'd show up on an ancient BMW motorcycle that he had "reegineered" to his liking. Best thing about Santa Ana was that since it had been there forever, there was all sorts of oddball stuff on the shelf. I remember one Saturday when someone wanted a wheel cylinder rebuild kit for a '57 Maserati and we had it on the shelf. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 28, 2009, 20:06:51 pm There was "Ingrids" on 17th street in Santa Ana. Can't remember what it was really called but it was owned by this older German gal, Ingrid. Always had a lot of OE German stuff there. I remember buying a NOS VDO tach for my notcher there. Also bought my first set of Coco mats there. Wow, Rick, good memory! Ingrid and her husband Bodo. European Car Accessories. They used to answer the phone......."Alllooow, Yoorpeen carrsurrees!" I would spend at least an hour each trip looking at the funky stuff they had. Always went home with a treasure or two. Jim Tusko introduced me to them. It was like walking into MG Mitten back in the early 70's, but without any organization at all. Wonder whatever happened to them? Their username is carbuff113 Their store had a fire in 1985, but they had a lot of inventory in storage. Wow... I missed this post first time through! I'll have to look for them on FleaBay Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Tony M on July 28, 2009, 21:13:22 pm You guys are to hard on my step dad - Don Johnston - How about Barry daniels ?
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 28, 2009, 21:28:16 pm Oh and while not strictly a VW place, my employer for 10 years... BAP/Geon. I worked at the Santa Ana store first as a delivery driver, later as a counterman then moved to Anaheim as an Assistant Manager. When I decided to go back to college, I kept working there part time doing the school year. I'd work at Buena Park during the week and Anaheim on the weekends. I would sell more Weber carburetors by myself on Saturday than the rest of the staff did for the entire week including Saturdays.) During the summer, I worked as a "floater" filling in for people on vacation. I worked in Orange, Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Temple City, West Covina and Culver City. Maybe a few more that I don't remember. Rick, I started my parts career working at the BAP store located at 1515 N. State College in Anaheim. The store manager was the legendary Ron Odel. He was a real hard ass, but probably the best parts man I've ever known. Some years after that Ron had gone to work for someone who owned and operated a warehouse in the greater LA area. Times were bad and I guess the owner decided to have the placed torched. Ron observed this and testified against the owner and he went to prison. The owner threatened Ron and said his days were numberd. Shortly after that guy got out of the big house Ron was found dead in a Motel room in the San Diego area. It was ruled as natural, but it does make one wonder. Also, I worked at the BAP 721 S. Main St. store in Santa Ana with Stan (bolt your parts down) Davis. It was on the east side of the street and when the afternoon sun hit it temps at the counter went well over 100 degrees. Had some times at the Buena Park store as well. Drove by the Main St. location recently on a trip to Rimco. I worked at 1515 too. By the time I was there, Ron had been raised to overseeing all the stores. I think this may have been after the torching as I remember something about him having someone "after" him. I remember hearing of his early demise too. By the time I got to Santa Ana, they must have moved the store because it was at 1906 S Main... 2 block south of Edinger and on the west site of the street. I was there one afternoon when a tornado went up Main St. and ripped the roof off of the appliance store across the street. Bert Nordman was the manager there... 1/2 deaf and quite a character. When he didn't drive the delivery truck, he'd show up on an ancient BMW motorcycle that he had "reegineered" to his liking. Best thing about Santa Ana was that since it had been there forever, there was all sorts of oddball stuff on the shelf. I remember one Saturday when someone wanted a wheel cylinder rebuild kit for a '57 Maserati and we had it on the shelf. Rick, I should clairfy. There were actually (2) BAP stores on Main St. in Santa Ana. When I started for the company it was an AJS (Alan James Sharon) store which sold to the BAP chain. That was the 721 S. Main location. The location you were at was already a BAP store. Within a month of being married I left and started at Auto Haus. I think shortly after that the store I was at closed and yours continued. It has been a long time and my mind is grown old. Did you know a guy named Rick Rucker that worked at the stores? I still see him on a regular basis at Cars & Coffee and other car related events. It had been over 30 years and he asked me one day if I was John Lazenby. I answer yes and he had recognized me by my voice. I would have never known him had he not told me who he was. There was a guy named Steve (something) that managed the Buena Park store and was Rick Rucker's best man. In the center where the Buena Park store was located was a VW repair shop, Hamag Motors (sp) which was run by an old German fellow and an Aston Martin shop. Also a Charles Stilly (sp) that worked at the Anaheim store. I remember being in the Anaheim store and it came over the radio that Jim Morrison of the Doors had died in France. The other memory of that location was a Saturday afternoon when an unruly guy and his girl friend came in the store. The girl had on a see through blouse and no bra. The boyfriend and Ron Odel got into it over something and it started to turn ugly. The rest of us were to busy looking at the girl and he offerings. :o :o :o o Funny how things like that stick with you. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 29, 2009, 00:08:56 am Quote Ingrid and Bodo have been selling the same items on e-bay for years ! I bought an NOS Happich pear mirror from them 2 weeks ago.Their username is carbuff113 Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 29, 2009, 00:15:46 am You guys are to hard on my step dad - Don Johnston - How about Barry daniels ? Are you serial, he's your step dad? He always seemed like he didn't want to be bothered and always had a cigarette in his mouth.Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on July 29, 2009, 00:17:39 am Peninsula Auto by the San Jose airport and Volks Authority.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 29, 2009, 00:32:46 am Those names don't ring a bell. I started there in May 1978.
I had forgotten about Hamag motors. While I worked there, they moved from that location on Stanton Ave. to another location further down Beach Blvd. past Cerritos. Ave. Great story... you couldn't work retail auto parts during that time without a boat load of stories. I went back to the Anaheim store a few years ago and there's still the tire marks from a burn out I did inside the store with my motorcycle. ;D Do you remember Dan Czapla who had the machine shop behind the Anaheim store? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Lemonade on July 29, 2009, 04:18:10 am hahaha Super Shops. There was one right down the road from BH in San Leandro. their engine parts cabinet. I hated having to go to that place! They were a nice group of dummies with giant attitudes. Lems Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rennsurfer on July 29, 2009, 06:00:07 am Super Shops? We had one in Long Beach on Orange and Pacific Coast Hwy. But I don't recall any VW parts in there. Of course, I avoided that place as much has humanly possible... so maybe they did. HAHA!!
Heck, Beck-Arnley was more of a VW shop. I worked at one (Steve's Foreign Car Parts) in 1980, alongside Mike Tucker, an original D.K.K. member. That location is now Bill & Steve's in Downey, CA on Lakewood Blvd. And to this day, the very same landlord (my old boss). Haven't seen Steve M. in 29 years. But saw him at the shop, last month. I thanked him for letting me work on my orange '66 in the shop after hours, any time I wanted. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 29, 2009, 16:09:27 pm Those names don't ring a bell. I started there in May 1978. I had forgotten about Hamag motors. While I worked there, they moved from that location on Stanton Ave. to another location further down Beach Blvd. past Cerritos. Ave. Great story... you couldn't work retail auto parts during that time without a boat load of stories. I went back to the Anaheim store a few years ago and there's still the tire marks from a burn out I did inside the store with my motorcycle. ;D Do you remember Dan Czapla who had the machine shop behind the Anaheim store? I was not aware that Hamag Motors had moved. I thought they had just closed their doors. Yes, working "retail" does offer many stories. Rick Sadler was at Royze yesterday and we told each other a few from the "old days". I was not aware that he worked for Johnny's Speed & Chrome prior to Bugpack. Dan Czapla, now there was a great guy. That is where I met Doug Haydon and Greg Aronson who both worked for Dan. Greg left shortly after I arrived and started working out of his parents garage with some guy named Fleming!! :o I remember Dan had that 190SL Mercedes and installed a Chevy 6 cylinder so it would move better. His son Danny was in DKP I and was good friends with the Haydon's. Did you know that one of Doug Haydon's sons is named after Dan Czapla?? I think Doug looked to Dan Sr. as a father because Doug and Whit had lost theirs at an early age. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Tony M on July 29, 2009, 16:22:32 pm You guys are to hard on my step dad - Don Johnston - How about Barry daniels ? Are you serial, he's your step dad? He always seemed like he didn't want to be bothered and always had a cigarette in his mouth.Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Jim Ratto on July 29, 2009, 16:58:55 pm Peninsula Auto by the San Jose airport and Volks Authority. Peninsula is still in business. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on July 29, 2009, 17:22:49 pm Those names don't ring a bell. I started there in May 1978. I had forgotten about Hamag motors. While I worked there, they moved from that location on Stanton Ave. to another location further down Beach Blvd. past Cerritos. Ave. Great story... you couldn't work retail auto parts during that time without a boat load of stories. I went back to the Anaheim store a few years ago and there's still the tire marks from a burn out I did inside the store with my motorcycle. ;D Do you remember Dan Czapla who had the machine shop behind the Anaheim store? I was not aware that Hamag Motors had moved. I thought they had just closed their doors. Yes, working "retail" does offer many stories. Rick Sadler was at Royze yesterday and we told each other a few from the "old days". I was not aware that he worked for Johnny's Speed & Chrome prior to Bugpack. Dan Czapla, now there was a great guy. That is where I met Doug Haydon and Greg Aronson who both worked for Dan. Greg left shortly after I arrived and started working out of his parents garage with some guy named Fleming!! :o I remember Dan had that 190SL Mercedes and installed a Chevy 6 cylinder so it would move better. His son Danny was in DKP I and was good friends with the Haydon's. Did you know that one of Doug Haydon's sons is named after Dan Czapla?? I think Doug looked to Dan Sr. as a father because Doug and Whit had lost theirs at an early age. Oops... I wasn't clear there. It was the BAP store that moved... not Hamag. I didn't know that Doug and Greg worked for Dan! By the time I got there, Doug & Whit was working at their own shop on Fender. I never knew of their DKP connection until much later. You think they would have said something with my '67 being parked in front of the store all the time. I'm sure I made some deliveries in it to their shop when the truck was gone and they needed something quick. Dan still had the 190 when I worked there... I remember him driving in past the store in that 190 while smoking his pipe. Dan was truly a great man... just a heart of gold kind of a guy. You know it's funny what you remember... Dan had brought in a portable TV so we could watch the launch of the Challenger. We we all sitting around that TV in the back of the store to watch that tragedy unfold. A side note to the Deeks.... Dan was my source for those cases we would take to our beach parties. He'd almost always have one that wasn't usable. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: RMS Boxer Service on July 29, 2009, 17:39:30 pm Here's a few parts makers or providers that has disapeared:
ARPM (sold to Dee Engineering) Weber Cams (don't know what happend with them) Sig Erson (sold to PBM Peroformance Products, no VW related stuff anymore) Johnson lifters (or did they just stop making VW lifters?) Shubeck Lifters (ceramic lifters, crashed and burned) Weber CARBURATORS Italy (now produced in Spain) Eagle Cams (recently to ??) Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: nlvtinman on July 30, 2009, 02:06:13 am Not that they were the greatest of vendors, but I just thought of Car Custom. Remember how many pages of ads each month they'd have in Hot VW's.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: RFbuilt on July 30, 2009, 14:58:39 pm not that im a socal native..
but just curious.. is Jbugs still around the Hawthorne area (hopefully im not confused LOL) and not related to vw's but Hobbyshack down at Hawthorne blvd (carson) is gone too right? lol last time i was in carson area and hermosa.. was in the mid 90s.. not yet bug bitten... but i was tonyhawk back then HAHAHAHA Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on July 30, 2009, 15:29:12 pm Not that they were the greatest of vendors, but I just thought of Car Custom. Remember how many pages of ads each month they'd have in Hot VW's. I think after Auto Haus (Rosevear Ent.) closed Lynn Rosevear worked for Car Custom for a period, possibly as a buyer. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: stealth67vw on August 19, 2009, 03:17:59 am Hawaiian Country V-Dubs aka Marvin Freitas in Newark, Ca. Go in after 5PM and he was plastered and tended to give away stuff. Very smart guy. He campaigned the "Kona Gold" car in Hawaii in the 70s-80s. who was the other guy in Newark, John... down the street from Bob's Giant Burgers... around the corner from McNulty? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on August 19, 2009, 07:25:14 am and not related to vw's but Hobbyshack down at Hawthorne blvd (carson) is gone too right? Don't know about that particular store but Hobby Shack had to change names a few years ago... they're now Hobby People Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: horatiocaine on August 19, 2009, 08:09:26 am Tayco
Lonnie Reeds "Head Shop" Glendale Speed Shop Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Gary Justus on August 25, 2009, 17:05:50 pm "but just curious.. is Jbugs still around the Hawthorne area (hopefully im not confused LOL)" Actually, yes. It's called IPC now due to a name dispute with California Pacific JBugs down in Oceanside. BTW, the business is owned by TMI and is currently for sale as TMI is getting rid of the last of their non-interior related operations. Not really VW vendors or parts manufacturers, but back in the late '60s and early '70s White Front, Topps, and Pep Boys had four-sided turning display racks with VW related replacement parts (atleast in my neck-o-the-woods). The racks were usually right across from similar racks that displayed Cal-Custom parts. My first "custom" steering wheel was a 12" Cal-Custom that I got in the automotive department at the White Front on Harbor & Wilken Way in Anaheim. ***Also, there was Maloney's Tire on Lemon. I had some tires mounted there but I think DEANO has some better stories. ***And don't forget about the Orange Drive-In swapmeet. There were always guys selling VW stuff there. I got my first 8-spokes there! Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kingsburgphil on August 26, 2009, 06:40:16 am Anyone out there remember the name of the VW parts warehouse in Santa Ana, circa 1980 that burned down in a spectacular mag fire. The place was full of
NOS VW parts, late 60's & 70's. Lots of good stuff, some lame junk (411 seats!). It was a tragic loss in hind sight, rumors labeled it as a victim of "jewish lightning" (arson). Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on August 26, 2009, 06:56:03 am Phil, Was that Pacific Core?
Also, I see you were a founder of the Rometsch Registry. Do you remember Mary who had a Rometsch and worked at an auto parts store on 17th street just east of the 55 Fwy next to the Ralph's Market? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kingsburgphil on August 26, 2009, 09:43:57 am Phil, Was that Pacific Core? Thanks for remembering Maribeth, she worked at the Beck Arnely store there in Tustin. She also worked for VW dealers, Bap Geon and several years atAlso, I see you were a founder of the Rometsch Registry. Do you remember Mary who had a Rometsch and worked at an auto parts store on 17th street just east of the 55 Fwy next to the Ralph's Market? Bugs For You, but her hardest job was staying married to me for 23 years. We lost her 1996..... Pacific Core is correct, what a loss. I'd guess they were buying old stock from VW in Culver City, and I figured they'd always be there, so why stock up?....... I could use a good fortune teller :-\ Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on August 26, 2009, 16:16:15 pm That's right Maribeth! I'm sorry for your loss Phil. :'(
I always enjoyed talking to her when I went into that Beck Arnley store. When did she work for BAP? I was there from '78 to '88. I started in Santa Ana and then moved to Anaheim. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on August 26, 2009, 16:40:20 pm "but just curious.. is Jbugs still around the Hawthorne area (hopefully im not confused LOL)" Actually, yes. It's called IPC now due to a name dispute with California Pacific JBugs down in Oceanside. BTW, the business is owned by TMI and is currently for sale as TMI is getting rid of the last of their non-interior related operations. Not really VW vendors or parts manufacturers, but back in the late '60s and early '70s White Front, Topps, and Pep Boys had four-sided turning display racks with VW related replacement parts (atleast in my neck-o-the-woods). The racks were usually right across from similar racks that displayed Cal-Custom parts. My first "custom" steering wheel was a 12" Cal-Custom that I got in the automotive department at the White Front on Harbor & Wilken Way in Anaheim. ***Also, there was Maloney's Tire on Lemon. I had some tires mounted there but I think DEANO has some better stories. ***And don't forget about the Orange Drive-In swapmeet. There were always guys selling VW stuff there. I got my first 8-spokes there! Also, there was Maloney's Tire on Lemon. If we are speaking of Maloney's Tire in Anaheim I don't remember them ever being on Lemon. Maloney's was on Los Angeles St., later Anaheim Blvd. just a few hundred feet south of Schneider Motors. I was a regular customer and knew everyone there. My first set of Pirelli Cinturatos (sp) came from them and I saw my first Olds Torranado front wheel drive there. Also something of significance I think was a guy that was peddling "VW wheel adapters to a Chevy bolt pattern whcih had to be the very beginning of that movement. I was amazed by that and shortly afterwards had a pair of American Torquethrust Chevy blot pattern wheels on the back of the Butternunt car when it was painted Firemist Green. This also brings to mind the"101 Speed Shop" on Harbor Blvd. at the corner of Commonwealth in Fullerton. This was basically a chrome and wheel shop where I purchased my first pair of VW chrome wheels (non slotted) and also saw my first set of raider wheels. This would have been about January of 1964. This building still exist today and is a Jewelry and fine China store. This is only a few blocks from Bill Schwimmer and John Rayburn's homes. One other thing that came from 101 was they had an extensive decal seciton to choose from. Some of us use to buy various decals and cut them up and make our own. Once all of the individual pieces were placed on the rear side windows and set up we took model paint and filled in anything inside the paramiter. From the outside it looked like a perfect decal, but on the inside you could see the brush marks. The custom making of decals pre dates the DKP era. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on August 26, 2009, 16:57:06 pm "but just curious.. is Jbugs still around the Hawthorne area (hopefully im not confused LOL)" Actually, yes. It's called IPC now due to a name dispute with California Pacific JBugs down in Oceanside. BTW, the business is owned by TMI and is currently for sale as TMI is getting rid of the last of their non-interior related operations. Not really VW vendors or parts manufacturers, but back in the late '60s and early '70s White Front, Topps, and Pep Boys had four-sided turning display racks with VW related replacement parts (atleast in my neck-o-the-woods). The racks were usually right across from similar racks that displayed Cal-Custom parts. My first "custom" steering wheel was a 12" Cal-Custom that I got in the automotive department at the White Front on Harbor & Wilken Way in Anaheim. ***Also, there was Maloney's Tire on Lemon. I had some tires mounted there but I think DEANO has some better stories. ***And don't forget about the Orange Drive-In swapmeet. There were always guys selling VW stuff there. I got my first 8-spokes there! Also, there was Maloney's Tire on Lemon. If we are speaking of Maloney's Tire in Anaheim I don't remember them ever being on Lemon. Maloney's was on Los Angeles St., later Anaheim Blvd. just a few hundred feet south of Schneider Motors. I was a regular customer and knew everyone there. My first set of Pirelli Cinturatos (sp) came from them and I saw my first Olds Torranado front wheel drive there. Also something of significance I think was a guy that was peddling "VW wheel adapters to a Chevy bolt pattern whcih had to be the very beginning of that movement. I was amazed by that and shortly afterwards had a pair of American Torquethrust Chevy blot pattern wheels on the back of the Butternunt car when it was painted Firemist Green. This also brings to mind the"101 Speed Shop" on Harbor Blvd. at the corner of Commonwealth in Fullerton. This was basically a chrome and wheel shop where I purchased my first pair of VW chrome wheels (non slotted) and also saw my first set of raider wheels. This would have been about January of 1964. This building still exist today and is a Jewelry and fine China store. This is only a few blocks from Bill Schwimmer and John Rayburn's homes. One other thing that came from 101 was they had an extensive decal seciton to choose from. Some of us use to buy various decals and cut them up and make our own. Once all of the individual pieces were placed on the rear side windows and set up we took model paint and filled in anything inside the paramiter. From the outside it looked like a perfect decal, but on the inside you could see the brush marks. The custom making of decals pre dates the DKP era. Here is a bit more history regarding the Maloney's building on Los Angeles St. That building along with the building next to the Fox Fullerton Movie Theather on Harbor Blvd. in the city of Fullerton were built originally either by Firestone or Goodyear as factory outlets. Construction of these was done in the early 1900's. There may have been more of them, but I was told this probably 40 years ago. The Fullerton location still stands and has been turned into kind of a mini mall. Once again this location is just blocks away from the Schwimmer and Rayburn homes. Next time you are in the area take a look at the theater and the building just to the south that is actually attached. One last bit of usless trivia is directly behind that old tire store (to the east) was Tyree Headers owned and operated by Jess Tyree. This was one of the more notable local Header names back in the day. There was a gal named Rita Rider that worked for Auto Haus at the warehouse for a number of years that was related. I remember that Jess was involved in a bad fire and injured severely. Don't know when the brand ceased to exist. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Galassi on August 26, 2009, 17:52:07 pm Also something of significance I think was a guy that was peddling "VW wheel adapters to a Chevy bolt pattern whcih had to be the very beginning of that movement. I was amazed by that and shortly afterwards had a pair of American Torquethrust Chevy blot pattern wheels on the back of the Butternunt car when it was painted Firemist Green.
John, that wouldn't be Gene Scott would it? He had just started "Wheel a dapt" at that point. He also owned Ford Obsolete in El Monte, one of the early Ford parts reproducers. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on August 26, 2009, 18:14:47 pm To much free time on my hands.... I did some searching on Jess Tyree and found the following: http://www.prwonlinestore.com/jess-tyree.html I'm not sure if he is still living, but if so he would be in his late 70's. Attached is a photo of one of his Pontiac's doing what all VW guys love to do, BURNOUTS ;D ;D ;D ;D I've never really been a "GM" guy, but always did have a thing for certain Pontiacs.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on August 26, 2009, 18:32:55 pm Also something of significance I think was a guy that was peddling "VW wheel adapters to a Chevy bolt pattern whcih had to be the very beginning of that movement. I was amazed by that and shortly afterwards had a pair of American Torquethrust Chevy blot pattern wheels on the back of the Butternunt car when it was painted Firemist Green. John, that wouldn't be Gene Scott would it? He had just started "Wheel a dapt" at that point. He also owned Ford Obsolete in El Monte, one of the early Ford parts reproducers. Dave, leave it to you to come up with a question like this. I have no idea who the guy was, but remember him not being much older (visually) than me at the time. This would have been around 1965 I think. What I do remember is Don at Maloney's buying about six sets for his inventory and once the word got out they went fast. The adapters were rather crude in looking back. They were a pressed steel with studs pressed through and added about 3/4" more width before installing a wider rim than normal. This put the tires usually out over the fender edge and tire rubbing became an issue. The cops would site you for the tire out past the fender thus we started making fender lip extensions aout of aluminum to appease the law. The guy that was selling them drove a mid '60's sedan in blue and had all four wheels with American's (Chevy bolt pattern) on his car. I stood there in amazement probably like the first time I saw a naked girl...... :o :o :o :o :o I have a photo somewhere (can't find it currently) of my '63 Butternut car in green with this exact setup. Possibly it is an Edmistion photo. Anyway if I find it I'll post for all to see. James, if you are out there possibly you can assist with a photo?? Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: deano on August 26, 2009, 20:33:09 pm One of my all time favs early on was the Custom House, on Whittier Blvd. in La Habra. My brother bought some chrome dash parts from the guy with the rope tie (JohnL remember his name?), along with a Quick-shift and other doo-dads. Tiny little corner store.... was his logo The Itch Spot? I also used to hang out at Newhouse Speed Shop in Montebello as well. Like Blair's in Pasadena, tons of used speed parts - all worth zillions today.
I spent the bulk of my VW money at Auto Haus (Beach Blvd, and Dale Street), then later on, the Orange store, F&A, and Gene Berg (first location), Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kingsburgphil on August 26, 2009, 20:36:33 pm That's right Maribeth! I'm sorry for your loss Phil. :'( Thanks for the kind words Rick. We both worked at the Anaheim store in 74-75 approx. She worked for Ron, and later some manager named Phil,I always enjoyed talking to her when I went into that Beck Arnley store. When did she work for BAP? I was there from '78 to '88. I started in Santa Ana and then moved to Anaheim. while I worked for Dan back in the shop. Doe's anyone remember the small VW wrecking yard in Santa Ana on east 1st. street, near the big Excelsior creamery. I had to crawl over the oval parts to get to the newer stuff...silly me! Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: johnl on August 26, 2009, 22:51:33 pm One of my all time favs early on was the Custom House, on Whittier Blvd. in La Habra. My brother bought some chrome dash parts from the guy with the rope tie (JohnL remember his name?), along with a Quick-shift and other doo-dads. Tiny little corner store.... was his logo The Itch Spot? I also used to hang out at Newhouse Speed Shop in Montebello as well. Like Blair's in Pasadena, tons of used speed parts - all worth zillions today. I spent the bulk of my VW money at Auto Haus (Beach Blvd, and Dale Street), then later on, the Orange store, F&A, and Gene Berg (first location), Dean, I'm thinking the guy with the "rope tie" may have been Willie's son. Was he tall and thin? If so he later ran the business after Willie had passed or just became to old to be there. He was completely the opposite of his Dad and wasn't very user friendly. In later years (my time at Auto Haus) the son wanted to buy some product from us and was EXTREMELY difficult to deal with. Also I think there was a problem with him paying his bills. Anyway, not to long after all of that the Custom House was history. Sad, but it seems to be the way of the world. Side note: I've written about this before, but long before the Custom House was in La Habra they were still on the Blvd., but actually in Whittier on the south side of the street. I think that house (building) may still be there. Willie had the 1960 black sedan that made my car look dirty and had every gadget known to man on it including a Judson.. 8) 8) 8) Last, thanks a bunch for spending all of your $$ at Auto Haus as it kept 48's on Butternut and bread on my table. ;) ;) ;) ;) Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Rick Meredith on August 26, 2009, 23:24:43 pm That's right Maribeth! I'm sorry for your loss Phil. :'( Thanks for the kind words Rick. We both worked at the Anaheim store in 74-75 approx. She worked for Ron, and later some manager named Phil,I always enjoyed talking to her when I went into that Beck Arnley store. When did she work for BAP? I was there from '78 to '88. I started in Santa Ana and then moved to Anaheim. while I worked for Dan back in the shop. Doe's anyone remember the small VW wrecking yard in Santa Ana on east 1st. street, near the big Excelsior creamery. I had to crawl over the oval parts to get to the newer stuff...silly me! You're not thinking of Wrecks West? Was it on 1st or 5th? There was a lot of wrecking yards on 5th. I barely remember the Excelsior creamery but I couldn't tell you where it was at. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kingsburgphil on August 26, 2009, 23:49:37 pm That's right Maribeth! I'm sorry for your loss Phil. :'( Thanks for the kind words Rick. We both worked at the Anaheim store in 74-75 approx. She worked for Ron, and later some manager named Phil,I always enjoyed talking to her when I went into that Beck Arnley store. When did she work for BAP? I was there from '78 to '88. I started in Santa Ana and then moved to Anaheim. while I worked for Dan back in the shop. Doe's anyone remember the small VW wrecking yard in Santa Ana on east 1st. street, near the big Excelsior creamery. I had to crawl over the oval parts to get to the newer stuff...silly me! You're not thinking of Wrecks West? Was it on 1st or 5th? There was a lot of wrecking yards on 5th. I barely remember the Excelsior creamery but I couldn't tell you where it was at. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: Dave Galassi on August 27, 2009, 14:23:00 pm One of my all time favs early on was the Custom House, on Whittier Blvd. in La Habra. My brother bought some chrome dash parts from the guy with the rope tie (JohnL remember his name?), along with a Quick-shift and other doo-dads. Tiny little corner store.... was his logo The Itch Spot? I also used to hang out at Newhouse Speed Shop in Montebello as well. Like Blair's in Pasadena, tons of used speed parts - all worth zillions today. I spent the bulk of my VW money at Auto Haus (Beach Blvd, and Dale Street), then later on, the Orange store, F&A, and Gene Berg (first location), I can't speak for the others, but boy did Blair's have the eye candy! Blown engines on stands, in the store front windows, and always a bevy of cars being worked on (converted to straight axles..................) in the side lot. An interesting note, I recently learned from Russ Welch, founder of Russ' VW Recycling, that Blair's had a used car lot, and he was a delivery and wash boy there! Some great stories about delivering S396 Chevelles to the shop (sideways, down the street........clutch problems, you know) for repairs. No wonder it didn't last. Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kingsburgphil on August 29, 2009, 08:24:58 am I'm sure JohnL remembers "Stick City" on whittier blvd. I'll bet he has an interesting story about that place. If not there, how about Hiway 39 auto wrecking?
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: MYTOY on September 08, 2009, 00:20:00 am WHITTIER?!
C&M BUG HOSPITAL WHITTIER BLVD AKA PAPASONS Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: dave greiner on September 08, 2009, 02:38:42 am Doesn't anybody remember Autopia on main st. in Orange. Owned by one of the Legends in the VW industry!
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: dave greiner on September 12, 2009, 02:56:41 am Autopia was owned by more of the ex-Auto Haus employees. John Lazenby and Mark Melbreath.
Title: Re: VW vendors; come and gone Post by: kingsburgphil on September 12, 2009, 03:56:56 am Dave, do you remember the former address of Autopia? I think I'm suffering from dain bramage and CRS.
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