VW Heritage Blog

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2010-04-20T17:04:00.001+01:00

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Daves Beetle Project gets a new engine!

2010-04-19T14:29:00.005+01:00

Remember Dave?! Well he had a beetle that unfortunatly needed more work than it was worth, so it went off to the tip! Then as luck would have it he stumbled accross a '65 that needed a small amount of attention so picked it up as a suitable replacement for it.
While we have been out driving our cars, he's been getting busy in the garage building it back together.

He's re-homed the Trekker's old 1776cc engine, and with a quick top end rebuild its ready to go in.

Not sitting back and taking it easy, he has been tidying up the bodywork and getting his mate Aaron to weld a few pieces up - best to do it now rather than later!
So good is the progress, it's looking like a car again.. now wheres that lowering stick?!

Sure we will be seeing more updates soon.
See you tomorrow!

Andy

Heretics evening meets get off to a great start!

2010-04-16T12:36:00.007+01:00

A big thankyou to those of you who made it down to the first evening meet of the year. Another great cross section of vehicles in attendance and an almost 50/50 split of Air and Watercooled cars.
Food and drink was available all night courtesy of the resident burger van, and the weather behaved itself too!
The next one is 20th of May, so if you're local why not come down - the shop is open late too!
Here are a few pics.. enjoy!

The only RHD example in existance, die hard VW fan Chris Redford's Gurgel is just one of his crazy VW collection.

G-werks latest creation, R32 on Air-ride and Rotiform Billet alloys.

Volksworld magazine cover star, Shaun's Turbo'd Split van looked the part, and then some!

Have a great weekend, and see you on Monday!

Andy

If you went down to the woods again...

2010-04-15T14:51:00.004+01:00

Out in the sunshine, albeit a little chilly, our hard work on the Adventure Unlimited Kitchen project is really taking Shape.
Joined this week by friend of the company Marc, the team got the rest of the floor down and the roof framework in place.
Here are some "action shots" and one of the guys having a well earned tea break!

For those wanting a petrol fix today.. howabout a cheeky burnout from Mark Prosser's Auto Technik Bay, captured on his last visit!

Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow!

Andy

Wheels Day, Show Report

2010-04-14T16:03:00.003+01:00

A few of the staff took an outing to Wheels Day in Aldershot on the Good Friday Bank Holiday. Although not a VW Show as such, there were a few in attendance, sat alongside Custom Cars, Retro Fords, Nu-Skool metal and some Big ol' Americana which filled up the slightly overcast show field just nicely!
Here is a somewhat diverse picture collection from the day!

See you tomorrow!

Andy

Sunny Side up!

2010-04-13T18:44:00.004+01:00

The latest van to join the VW Kampers fleet dropped in to pick up a few parts the other day.
Toyota's brightest yellow is the colour of choice, and rolling on a set of polished Radar rims i'm sure they'll have queues round the block with people wanting a weekend away in it!
I had a quick look round and took a few snaps to share with you all, and it looks good!
Have a look on their website for more info on what they can offer.
www.vwkampers.com

See you tomorrow!

Andy

Good cause and customers car focus.

2010-04-12T15:39:00.002+01:00

A campaign to help a fellow V-Dubber came to my attention today, The Aquaphobics club are rallying together for a member of theirs with a life threatening medical condition.
Chris Boakes, aged just 26, has Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart is restricted from stretching and filling with blood properly. This abnormal heart function can affect the lungs, liver and other body organs and unfortunately for Chris, this now means that he requires both a heart and liver transplant.
Sadly double transplants aren't available in the UK, so the race is on to raise some money to get him to America for this crucial surgery.

Please visit his website to offer words of support, or make a donation if you are able to, click the link below or visit www.thechrisboakesfund.com
www.thechrisboakesfund.com

Todays picture based blog service resumes with a customers car.
A 58/59 model fitted with a number of period accessories including a Judson supercharger, this car caught my eye, sat outside in the sun!

Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow!

Andy

Ninove: the final chapter.

2010-04-09T09:03:00.003+01:00

We had a few taster shots from the town centre based show yesterday, another picture heavy blog today folks, a really nice mixture of cars, and the street setting makes a nice change to a grass field, or an exhibition centre. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend, see you Monday!

Andy

Ben goes to Belguim pt.2

2010-04-08T14:35:00.002+01:00

So carrying on with Bens weekend road trip to Ninove a few weeks back, we left them convoying on their way to the brewery.
The Witkap Building offered a great backdrop to those who made the pilgrimage, and the beer, well a refreshing drink or two for those riding shotgun.

So after a "comfort" break it was off to the show.
The show is based in the town centre, and covers the main street and all surrounding side roads too!

More from Ninove in the next few days, as Ben got a bit trigger happy with the camera!!

See you tomorrow.

Andy

Volksworld Show 2010: The Beetle Build Report

2010-04-06T17:24:00.008+01:00

After we built a whole car in a weekend last year, the offer from Volksworld magazine to get involved and do a "few bits" on this years prize car seemed like a walk in the park.
As well as the cosmetic niceties to convert it to Empi GTV spec, there were the service overhaul jobs to make sure the lucky winner didn't have any worn out parts to worry about too, easily enough to keep four of us entertained for the weekend!
If you visited the show, you couldn't miss it - in the foyer and surrounded by onlookers, the constantly evolving display was a real crowd pleaser.
Here are just a few pictures which capture the build.

Our Remtec Engineer, Nigel H got the old engine out for a once over and a few treats!

With Newton Commercial doing the interior at the same time, it got a bit cosy in the beetle at times!

Resident Designer James V used to work designing and applying graphics to vehicles, he came in handy when the Empi GTV decals were applied.

Engine Back in, and the home stretch is in sight!

Newton's seats and SSP Grant steering wheel transform the interior.

It was finished, and then driven outside to be alongside last years car.

See you tomorrow

Andy

Volksworld project car 2011

2010-04-01T09:02:00.002+01:00

After the Beetle Build successes of the last 2 years thoughts have naturally turned to "how do we better it next year."
Well here is the answer.. A VW Type 183, or an Iltis to those who have heard of them.
Built between 1978 and '88 and designed for military use, we have picked up a straight example in South America. Convienently finished in almost Remtec orange and now aboard a conatiner ship with our next Mexican shipment.

The plan is to build it to compete in the Paris Dakar classic challenge event which is scheduled for 2012.
Heres a few more shots so you can see we are heading!

See you tomorrow!

Andy

Tommy V takes two for the team

2010-03-31T15:50:00.004+01:00

Having spent a good number of years working with us at VW Heritage, we have followed this car closely from conception to its show debut last weekend.
Naturally we all felt chuffed to bits when Tom scooped the Visitors choice award, and even more pleased for him when he accepted the Prosign Choice award too.
The Marathon Beetle started life as his daily driver, and Tom has spent the last 2 or 3 years throwing blood sweat and wages at his car to get it to this standard.
With a 2276cc Engine tucked out back, and a Jon Rathbone Racing Cage keeping it all together, the car looks spot on repsrayed in its original hue, and sat pretty on OE marathon steels, widened out back to sit it just right.
Here are some pictures..Well done Tom!

And one with some of us... dead proud!

See you tomorrow!

Andy

Volksworld (one blog) is not enough

2010-03-30T10:22:00.003+01:00

So continuing from yesterday, a picture laiden blog for you.
Hope you don't mind!

One of the stars of this years show, the Bug Box built life size Tamiya Sand Scorcher, complete with the paddle type tyres and a giant box and Radio Control!

The ProSign Bus keeps getting better, the artwork on the roof was amazing.

The New Beetle Drag car, with a monster aircooled motor hiding out back!!

Last years Beetle Build Car made the trip, look out for this at the shows over the summer!

Tune in tomorrow for the Beetle Build 2010 pics.

Andy

Volksworld 2010, we were there!

2010-03-29T15:13:00.005+01:00

Arguably the best aircooled show of the year, and once again we were there in force!
With all hands on deck, staff working our trade stand, and for the second year running a team beavering away building a beetle to be given away at the end of the weekend!
If you missed it, well make sure you check out the pictures, and hopefully see you later in the year at another show.

Congrats to Tommy V, and his OEM look Marathon Beetle, he took home a couple of awards - will post more pics later this week - complete with his smart new trophies!

And to finish just one of many "Beetle Build" pics, i will dedicate a blog to this later this week!

See you tomorrow for more of the same!

Andy

Ben goes to Belgium and other stories Pt1.

2010-03-26T10:18:00.004Z

It was the second weekend in March and Ben, our trade sales manager fancied a jolly.
So packing a bag, off he went; spending the night on a floor in Kent before boarding the Eurostar and off to Ninove.
Making the trip with a large group of UK aircooled fans, Ben was riding in style in the T3D "Porsche" Bus.
The road trip was as good as the show, with a scheduled stop at the Witkap Brewrey en route. Seeing the convoy pictures is enough to get you booking next years tickets now!
Enjoy!

As Ben's a bit trigger happy with a camera we will have to get to these show pics next week!

Have a good Weekend, See you Monday!

Andy

Aircooled engines, unusual applications.

2010-03-25T13:46:00.002Z

Dave picked up a 1776cc engine we had left over from the Trekker on Saturday, ready to fit into his '65 Bug.
With some custom mounts, well bits of wooden pallet, and a lift in from Ian it was in place in less than 5 minutes... who needs T3d eh?!

If you want to see how its really done get on down to the T3D blog and check out the Goofback build.
http://typethreedetectives.skynetblogs.be/

On a more serious note, one of our friends in Holland sent us through this recent rebuild..looking lovely in chrome, and more interestingly you can pull a pint on it too!

A couple of van pics to end on, spied at Beaulieu a year or two back, from what i remember this was painted on, which is pretty impressive!

Thanks for reading, See you tomorrow!

Andy

Jesus drives a Volkswagen!

2010-03-23T14:10:00.006Z

Affectionately named Jesus within the VW community, and owner of this lovely early bay; he dropped by to see us late last week.
Running a well tuned 1776cc engine and sat just right on the BRM's it's hard to fault this bus.
Recording 16 second 1/4 miles and laying down trademark burnouts on the way home, its definitely used to its full potential!

See you soon!

Andy

Saturday Social Spoilt by Scattered Showers.

2010-03-22T13:34:00.002Z

The Saturday Social was only for the hardcore, and for that we salute you!
The weather was less than ideal, but about 12-15 cars came down to laugh in the face of it!
A real cross section of vehicles in attendance, something we manage every month, making sure no particular model is left out.
Heres the photos, for those of you who favoured staying at home!

The Heretics evening meets return on April 15th, more details will follow,

See you tomorrow!

Andy

If you go down to the woods today....

2010-03-19T12:25:00.003Z

After raising some money for the AU charity last year when Mark did his abseil, we have been keen to do our bit again.
This time though we are getting "hands on" and helping to build a new kitchen area in their woodland campsite.
Each week a few of us will try to get along and lend a hand with the project.
This week Mark, Spyder and Lynton got the ball rolling!

A few before shots of the old kitchen area, which has seen better days!

And a big pile of wood to make things from!

Mark and Syper, both very happy with their achievements thus far!

Have a look at the work we are supporting on the Adventure Unlimited site www.aultd.org

There will be another trip next week, so we will keep you updated with our progress!

See you next week

Andy

Bright Red and Roofless

2010-03-18T11:11:00.002Z

As the weather slowly improves, 1 step forward 2 steps back style, more and more of your cars are being drawn out of winter hibernation.
This late cabrio looked like one such car, and with the roof down it really was at home with the recent warm spell.
It was a mechanic driving it in for some service parts, so no story to tell i'm afraid, but some nice piccies all the same!

Enjoy!

See you tomorrow... and don't forget Heretics Saturday Social is this weekend!

Andy

Nick has got the Bug... again.

2010-03-17T11:52:00.003Z

After a few years out of VW Beetle ownership due to family life etc. he has dipped his toes back in the pool with this little number.
Picked up locally and packed full of history its a nice original car.
Some minor repairs are needed, first thoughts are small amounts of welding and a good service as its been stood a while.
Photographs that came with the car document it spending some time in Berlin, back in '89 prior to the fall of the wall.

Stay tuned to see what Nick has planned!

See you tomorrow

Andy

Ultimate Dubs part Deux.

2010-03-16T14:10:00.005Z

Another picture heavy post today!

Here are a few more highlights.

This yellow Mk1 was retro inside and out.. very cool!

If you have a Mk3 these days, its pretty much compulsary to run a Vento front end!

Banded Fluroscent steels on this Passat are an aquired taste - but not out of place by any means!

As with the Passat, the car park held a few treats in store, this Mk2 Gti was sporting Golf Country Steels.. if you havent seen one before Google it!

Will be back tomorrow with some pics of Sales Manager Nicks new wheels!

Andy

Ultimate Dubs 2010

2010-03-15T14:58:00.002Z

14th March 2010 saw the fifth Ultimate Dubs show at the Telford International Centre. Big Boys Toys attended for the 2nd year in succession and the response was awesome.

The show is seen as the show season opener and it seems that people have been very busy over the winter as the quality of the cars on display was immense.

We had our purchasing manager wandering around snapping away, here are some of his finds!

There are many more that i'm sure will be up over the next few weeks, keep checking back!

Until tomorrow

- Dave

Very Important Primate!

2010-03-12T09:37:00.008Z

This morning the forecourt was filled with a stretched limo.
But who could be travelling in style? Living it up, having a sly drink before work, and then arrogantly posing for pictures.
Who else?!

Big thanks to Mark One Limousines from Portsmouth, the driver in actual fact was in for some Bay Window Panels for himself.
www.markonelimousines.co.uk

See you next week, or on Sunday if you're at Ultimate Dubs!

Andy

Terry's Split looks Champion.

2010-03-11T11:29:00.004Z

After a chat with Luke at Terry's Beetle Services the other day talk turned to a split van he had recently had a hand in.
This rather pleasant van belongs to a British Formula 1 world champion, who apparently has a little collection of them scattered over the world!
I'll let the pictures do the talking..

And with a wave of Lukes wand....

If this tickles your fancy, give Luke a call on 0208 567 3165 and see what he can do for you!

See you tomorrow

Andy