Wagensville APR 07

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wagensville

Off to the Country • Jamboree Rats • Mrs Grey’s Beetle • VW Torque and more...

Volume 52 • Number 10 • April 2007

The Official Magazine of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.

1st PRIZE Stewart Warner Performance Gauges2nd PRIZE $160 Ray's Voucher. 3rd PRIZE $72 Ray's Voucher.

Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5

Raffle will be drawn at the May VWCV Club Meeting at Ray's Outdoors.

RAFFLE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

1wagensville Deluxe April 2007

The Official Magazine of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.

Features

Contents

VWCV General MeetingsMelbourne Club meetings held every third Tuesday of the month at 8pm at the RACV Club (Henty Room), 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne, unless advised of an alternative venue in the Club Magazine.

WVCV Annual Membership Fees• Full Membership $40• Additional Family Membership $20• Joining Fee $10To join the Club, please complete the membership form inside this Magazine and forward together with cheque for payment to the Club’s postal address as quoted on the form.

Wagensville Deluxe is a quarterly Magazine of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. Correspondence, articles and items of news are invited and should be sent to:

VWCV EditorGPO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001 Email [email protected]

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE Monday 30th April 2007

DISCLAIMER All material in this magazine represents the opinions of the author(s) and does not carry any endorsement by the Editors of Committee unless otherwise stated. Any material advertised for sale does not carry any endorsement by the Club and the onus is on the purchaser to ensure the purchased goods meet their requirements. Each VWCV Committee Member is a volunteer, carrying out Club duties in their own leisure time. The Club has no paid officials, only enthusiasts dedicated in furthering the interests of the club and it’s members. Could members please bear this in mind when contacting Club Committee Members.

www.vwclub.com.au

VWCV CommitteePresident Michael Cronin 0419 684 181

Vice-President Dean Holden 0412 500 588

Secretary Andrew Ermel 03 9369 1360 [email protected]

Treasurer John Farlow 0418 357 416 [email protected]

Additional Committee Members John Stevens & Paul Kinsey

Public Officer John Stevens [email protected]

Restorations & Tech Sessions Vince Zito 0418 137 855

Motorsports Co-ordinator Chris Antonello 0407 309 244

Social Secretary Kingsley Morrison 03 9484 8953

Membership Secretary Xavier Larkin 03 9836 7607 [email protected]

Points Score Officer Andrew Ermel 03 9369 1360

Technical Officer 1 Bill Malkoutzis 03 9439 5904

Technical Officer 2 Garry Collis

Club Clothing Jen Littlechild 0431 160 097 [email protected]

VW Cruises Anthony Surie 0414 344 331

Editor Tony Albers 0408 330 894 [email protected]

Advertising Manager Dean Holden 0412 500 588

Club Historian Dave Evans 03 9808 6044

2 VW Stories Mrs Grey’s BeetleThe Volkswagen owned by Mrs Grey, the wife of Mr Allan V Grey, Director of Volkswagen Australia in 1959.

4 History Off to the CountryThe story of the Rise and Fall of the Australian Production Volkswagen, The Country Buggy.

APRILApril 6th -13th BUG-IN Tasmania.

April 17th Club Meeting - RACV Club. 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne.Entertainment for the evening will include Tazmania Bug-In 2007 Slide Show, Mini Auction and more...

MAYMay 15th Club MeetingSee Ad on page 9 for details.

May 26th VWCV Pre Concourse Social Night.See Ad on page 5 for details.

May 27th VWCV Concourse.See Ad on page 2 for details.

JUNEJune 9th Drag Racing. Heathcote Park.See Ad on page 10 for details.

June 17th Rob Roy Hill Climb. Inter Club Challenge. See Ad on page 10 for details.

June 19th Club Meeting - RACV Club. 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

June 23rd - 24th Echuca/Moama Weekend.See Ad on page 9 for details.

JULYJuly 22nd Christmas in July.See May issue for details.

Calendar of Events

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wagensville

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2 Presidents Report, Mrs Grey’s Beetle.

7 Member Profile, Matt Kinsey, Vee Wee.

4 Off to the Country, The Country Buggy Story.

8 Kennett River Report.

6 Phillip Island Classic, Jamboree Report.

9 Club Events 10 VWCV Motorsport, VW Torque.

11 VWCV Classifieds.

12 VWCV Membership.

2 VWCV Concourse.PLEASE NOTE: Due to problems with the yahoo mail server, the VWCV Editor now has NEW email address. Please send all future correspondence, articles and items of news to:

[email protected]

www.vwclub.com.au

11 Restoration, Window Rubber Replacement.

Annual Club Awards

2 Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. 3wagensville Deluxe April 2007

President’s Report Michael Cronin, VWCV President

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��SUNDAY 27 MAY from 11am CONCOURSE ENTRY $10

Everyone is welcome to attend. Concourse Vehicle Entry reserved for VWCV

members only.

FREE BBQ for VWCV Members

For further Information contact Andrew Ermel

9369 1360

CHARLIE’S AUTO MUSEUM 175 Purves Road ARTHURS SEAT (Melway Ref. 145 D11)

C O N C O U R S E

MrsGrey’sBeetle

Welcome to the first of the new look quarterly magazine for the club, this has only been possible by the efforts and enthusiasm of Tony our editor. I would like to take this opportunity to officially thank him on behalf of the Club for a sterling effort in getting this off the ground and to those who have submitted articles, for with out these articles the magazine would be a calendar and advertising. Please send us through some feedback on what you think about the new magazine and feel free to have a go at writing an article, it only has to be slightly VW related.

Over the last month the club ventured on its annual weekend camp out to Kennett River. The die hard surfers, who should know better at their age, were once again told how they should have been here yesterday. This was the same story we were told last year and at Barwon Heads. Let’s hope the waves are better next year and the VW Club Surf Masters challenge can finally happen.

The last Sunday of March saw the Jamboree at Caribbean Gardens, another great event with thanks going to Anthony for organizing the event. There seems to be more and more VW’s of every type coming out of the woodwork, or is that old garages. It’s good to see so many still around, which means the cars are staying in Australia and not going overseas.

The March General meeting saw the Annual Club awards, sorry they were one month late, a big congratulations to the winners.

By the time you receive this Magazine the Bug-In in Tasmania will be over, this year the club has a large contingent going to enjoy the Apple Isle.

The calendar for May is looking good for those who like camping with the General Club Meeting to be held at Rays outdoors, see Ad for details. May also brings the VWCV Concourse, thanks to Bernie and Christine for venturing out to find a suitable location. So polish those VW’s and come along for a great day. If you are a new member this is a great chance to meet other club members and see some classic VW’s. Don’t worry if you don’t have a VW yet or it is still in the garage undergoing surgery, come along and enjoy.

See you all at the April General Meeting where we will be presented with tall tales and magic lantern slides from the 2007 Tazie Bug-In.

The VWCV Club annual awards were presented at the February Meeting for the previous year and here were four awards, Club Champion, Ladies Champion, Best New Member and the Presidents Award.

The Club Champion is decided by the number of points that have been earned throughout the year. Points are awarded for attending events and meetings, more points for attending interstate events and even more for organizing them. Points can also be awarded through motor sport which thanks to the efforts of Chris is starting to show signs of life again. Keep up the good work Chris.

And the Winners are:

Club Champion John Stevens

Ladies Champion Cheryl Ermel

Best New Member Jo Finch

Presidents Award Tony Albers & David Hollinger

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Cruise will meet at Brandon Park Shopping Centre (carpark) Cnr Springvale & Ferntree Gully Rds Mulgrave at 9am for a 9.30am departure.

Club Champion John Stevens

Best New Member Jo Finch

Congratulations to all recipients and thanks on behalf of the club for your efforts throughout the past year and John I hope you never lose the enthusiasm to organising events.

It was early in 2005 when David Wawrowski was going through a past edition of Wagensville News and came across a For Sale Ad “1958 Beetle with a Sunroof, In need of restoration”.

After David purchased his first beetle in mint condition with hardly any work to be done except to drive and enjoy it, he was eager to sink his teeth into a new project, get hands dirty and find out how a VW beetle was really put together.

After enquiring about the Ad an appointment was made with Beverley the owner of the Vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle with friend and Volkswagen expert Andrew Ermel, purchase price was agreed and the arrangement to pick up the car was finalised with a smile.

Upon pick-up Beverley was asked the question that all VW enthusiasts ask “did she know anything about the history of the car?” Beverley explained that the car was owned

by her late husband Raymond which he had in turn purchased from his brother Ian some time in 1961. Ian had purchased the vehicle in an almost new condition in 1960 and only drove it to Alice Springs and back, and then sold it to his brother Raymond about a year later. That was as much as Beverly knew of the Sunroof Beetles history and kindly handed David all the documentation for the car that had accumulated over the years which included: instruction folder complete with hand book and the original documents of sale all in pristine condition.

Excitement had set in and David was not thinking of much other than to get the beetle on the truck and get it home. It wasn’t until the trip home that David realized the full significance of the Beetle he had just purchased. Amongst the vehicle documents was the original Government of Victoria Owners Certificate of Motor Car (Registration Certificate), the original invoice from Volkswagen Australasia Pty Ltd and a full service history of the much loved Beetle.

The Registration certificate revealed this Beetle was first registered February 3rd 1959 and was owned by Volkswagen Australasia Clayton being used by a staff member as a “company car” which was the practice in those days.

Volkswagen Australasia Clayton disposed the of Vehicle on December 13th 1960 to Ian who purchased the Vehicle direct from the factory and not a VW dealer. The Factory letterhead invoice stated “Purchased 1 used VW type 118 Sunroof Sedan for £600”. New Vehicles from a dealership at that time were selling for around £900. This was significantly a much cheaper price for a second hand VW only twelve months old. The documents also showed that this Beetle was Ex Mrs Gray.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s the head of Volkswagen Australia was Mr. Allan V. Gray and the Beetle was in fact his wife’s company provided car.

Common with all VW enthusiasts, one Volkswagen is not enough to have parked in your driveway.

On the last page of the Service Booklet states the owners name “Mrs Gray of Volkswagen Australia Melbourne”. The Sunroof Beetle David had on the back of the truck was the car that the Managing Directors wives used and would have been the most fully optioned deluxe model available in its day. It was serviced by the VW factory and was returned to the factory for resale in late 1960.

Ian purchased the Beetle from Volkswagen Australia Melbourne and drove it to Alice Springs in the Christmas of 1960 and tucked away in the Plastic instruction book folder was his old admission ticket to the Alice SpringsSwimming club dated 8th of January 1961.

The beetle travelled back to Melbourne and was sold to his brother Raymond on April 30th 1961. This Beetle remained in the same family since that day in 1961 until David purchased the Beetle in February 2005.

Currently the vehicle is in David’s workshop and is undergoing a full restoration and he is hoping to have the Beetle on the road soon and maybe an advantageous return trip to the Alice!

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speedometer, fuel tank with reserve tank level and front headlight lenses (rims were black).

Type 2. (Transporter) Steering knuckle, king pins, air cleaner with elbow, rear axle tube, axle shaft, reduction hubs, reduction gearing, brake drum mechanism, road wheels and brake components.

Type 3. Part of the pedal system, windscreen wiper arm connecting mechanism, steering box and other steering components.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES This very basic utilitarian vehicle had the option to be dressed up by inclusion of a selection of options and accessories such as, winter tread tyres, soft top, hard top, side curtains, internal sun visor for both driver and passenger, external rear view mirror, engine protection grill, front towing eye, rear seat (not available at official release date but added in June 1968) and provision for a power take off (PTO) unit.

OWNERS MANUALSAll vehicles were delivered with Owners Handbook/Instruction Manual which provide a level of basic instruction and specifications for the vehicle.Interesting to note that all manuals were incorrectly printed as it shows a picture of the steering wheel and dashboard upside down. Corrections were made prior to distribution by gluing in the correct picture over the incorrect picture. The manuals were then delivered with the vehicles when sold.

There were 887 Country Buggies produced and available for the Australian Market.


Off to the Country

The original concept for the Country Buggy (Jeep Type Vehicle) was developed at the plant complex at Clayton Victoria in the early 1960s at a time when VW was achieving excellent sales and acceptance on a worldwide basis.

The Australian Army had been in discussion with Volkswagen Australia re the possibility of producing a small robust four wheel drive vehicle to suit local conditions. The Army considered VW would be a top contender to provide additional vehicles suitable for the Army as they had experience with the Type 2 Kombis from 1959 onwards.

PROTOTYPESIn the late months of 1965 the first prototype vehicle was started to be hand built at the Clayton factory. When the first was completed a further two prototypes were also constructed by hand. These prototypes underwent almost two years of development work and were subjected to over 50000 kms of brutal field testing through the mud, dust, slush, sand, rugged desert and mountain conditions in the dead heart and far north of Australia.

During 1966 work continued completing the business proposal to Head Office to seek their approval for the funding to allow production of the Country Buggy. It was mid 1966 when the proposal was finally put to Head Office and the immediate response was not at all favourable. Head Office insisted that two of the prototype vehicles be immediately air freighted to Wolfsburg for evaluation in Germany. At great expense to VW Australia, a Qantas plane was chartered to fly the cars to Germany for track and mechanical testing.

Unbeknown to VW Australia, Head office had commenced development on a secret design

project on behalf of the German Army. On arrival of the two cars at Wolfsburg, one was immediately handed over to the German Army to conduct their own evaluation and the other was evaluated at VW facilities.

As a result of these evaluations some modifications were stipulated by Head Office and these included, Side panels to be ribbed for added strength. All foam to be removed and additional cross members welded into side panels.

Vehicle design was not to consider flotation capabilities. Improved spring plates to be added.

Subject to these changes Head office provided approval for vehicle production using the following strict conditions. Maximum usage was to be made of existing Australian components (surplus parts), investment in plant and machinery equipment for the production line was limited, production be a maximum 1800 units per annum, production could not impede existing vehicle production capacity and use of maximum Australian content to satisfy Government requirements for taxation benefits.

PRODUCTION The first Country Buggy to come off the production line was in December 1967. In January 1968 the Country Buggy production increased in larger numbers and with only one jig on the production line, where hand welding of the bodies took place, the rush was on to complete the vehicles and have them out to dealers for the public sales release on the 3rd April 1968. Early January 1968 extensive field tests carried out prior to public release resulted in several problem areas being identified including, water leaking between windscreen/body and hood, shrinkage of plastic in the side curtains making use of zippers impossible, rear spring plates breaking at mount holes, spring plates buckling and snapping under intense stress, inadequate fuse box sealing and body panels cracking at front of box sections under rough use. With these problems rectified, vehicles were ready for the market.

The official release date for sales to the public in Australia was April 3rd 1968. Sales expectations

were 1800 units per annum and press releases claimed the Australian Army was expected to be a major customer. A number of production vehicles were provided to the Army for evaluation, however the Army was disappointed with the results. They maintained the view that the vehicles should have been 4WD despite being very versatile and good in undulating country.

Not one vehicle was sold to the Australian Army.

In 1968 retail sales in Australia was 627 units against production numbers of 842.

DEMISE OF THE COUNTRY BUGGY In the official Motor Producers Ltd 1968 Business Report under the title Estimated Future Developments was a note stating “Progressive deletion of Country Buggy production”. This confirms that by the end of 1968 a decision to wind down and eventually delete the production of the Country Buggy had already been taken.

The timing of this decision was only 8 months after the official release date.

Times were changing in Australia as Volkswagen were winding down the manufacturing of vehicles and began the sale of presses, the closure of the press shop and the disposal of tooling and equipment. There was no likelihood that Country Buggy production could continue. With all body panels for the Country Buggy pressed at the Clayton plant and the press shop closed by the end of 1968, there was no alternative than for production of the Country Buggy to cease.

Unlike Types 1, 2, and 3, they where imported CKD kits brought into Australia and assembled, there was no CKD kits for the Country Buggy which could be imported for assembly.

The Country Buggy was developed and commenced production at a time where there were major upheavals in the Volkswagen organisation in Australia and the Buggy was caught up in the ramifications of all these changes.

It was not the vehicle itself but the overall circumstances at the time that lead to the demise of the Country Buggy.

Replacement picture

If you were an everyday type, it was a Beetle, wanted to impress, it was a Karmann and for the free spirited you couldn’t go past a Kombi but if you were off to the country, the vision was to experience it in a Volkswagen Country Buggy.

COUNTRY BUGGY COMPONENTS Floor Pan The vehicle was based on a Beetle floor pan which was pressed at the Clayton factory with Transporter trailing arms on the front and Transporter reduction hubs at the rear. Early model Type 1 spring plates were used to provide additional strengthening. This combination provided excellent ground clearance (230mm), and with a low gear ratio the vehicle had excellent climbing ability.

Engine The vehicle was fitted with a 1300cc Beetle engine as standard or a 1200CC as an option. Engines were all F series and were identical to the Beetle with the exceptions of the air cleaner setup derived from the Transporter, Oil pressure sender unit was mounted in the top of the case and not on the side as with Beetle motors, dual muffler system with twin exhaust pipes emerging through two holes in the rear body panel (ground clearance of the exhaust pipes was 600mm) and all the electricals were 6 volt with standard Beetle gearbox and housing.

Body The body was locally designed and constructed from folded flat steel for ease of manufacture and ruggedness. There were no doors and the very high sills on the side prevented water entry when fording through creeks. The tops of the sills were 740mm from the ground. Body panels were all flat or folded and there was no curves or contours on the body apart from the strengthening ribs added during production.

The front windscreen was able to be folded forward and rested on rubber holders screwed into the body. The only glass in the car was the front windscreen that was rectangular and flat.

The rear tray area, which was removable, had an area of 13.2 square feet and provided ample storage or load area.

Front seats were basic, constructed using Beetle lower sections, the uprights were Beetle frames which were cut off and a small curved bar inserted and welded to the frame. From June 1968 a rear seat was made available as an accessory. The Country Buggy was basically an open two seater with a large rear tray area.

COMPONENT SHARING To satisfy Head Office criteria to ensure maximum use of existing VW parts, the Country Buggy shared the following components with other VWs of the time or earlier. Type 1. (Beetle) Chassis frame, front axle beam, 50 hp engine with 30 pcit carburetor, 200mm diameter clutch, rear torsion bars and spring plates, transmission with Type 2 ring gear/pinion, steering wheel from Standard split window Beetle,

Source: VW Historian, Bill More

Name

No. of people attending

Enclosed the amount of $

(Full payment $50 per person required).

Payment made (date)

Please make cheque payable to: Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.Post to:Volkswagen Club of VictoriaHunchbax DinnerGPO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001

✁

Pre Concourse DinnerHunchbax Payment

PRE CONCOURSE DINNER

Hunchbax Theatre RestaurantSaturday May 26th at 6.30pmCnr Church & Victoria Streets Richmond.

DINNER (including live entertainment) $50 PER PERSON. Full payment must be made by May 15. Please confirm your attendance with full payment ASAP as the Club has a limited reservation. Please complete the attached coupon and send cheque/money order ($50 per person) to the Club address. Coupons also be available at all Club events and meetings up until May 15.

If you are in need of a really good laugh then book your place FAST at Melbourne’s funniest Theatre Restaurant. A night of sensational live entertainment performed over two acts with a massive abundance of laughs sourounded by the bizarre medieval atmosphere created by Hunchbax.

SUITABLE FOR ALL AGE GROUPS. 3-COURSE DINNER INCLUDED.

The menu will be as follows:TO START - Homemade Minestrone soup

MAINS - Carved roast beef with gravy sauce orBaked fish in a red capsicum salsa or Crumbed chicken breast in a Napolitana sauce orVegetarian penne pasta with a Alfredo mushroom and cream sauce.

DESSERT - Chocolate mousse with fresh whipped cream and crushed nuts.


Labour Day weekend 07 and the VWCV was proud to be a part of the Shannon’s Walk at the 2007 Phillip Island Classic. The Phillip Island Classic is a premier classic car racing event in Victoria and is a pre cursor to the F1 Grand Prix, over the week of speed, starting from the 9th of March thru to the Grand Prix on the 18th of March. The Shannon’s walk is a large car display that features clubs displays for almost any car marque you could think of. The featured marque for 2007 was Porsche. The tribute to Porsche was supported by Seven priceless Formula 1, Targa Florio and Le Mans racing cars from Porsche’s Stuttgart Museum. These were also supported by more than 100 special Porsches competing or parading over the weekend.

The VWCV’s involvement at this event included a small display of VW cars over the Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s display included my Type 34 Karmann Ghia, a Country Buggy owned by Dennis Leversha and a 1956 Oval Beetle owned by Nathan Leversha. Saturday’s weather was clear and warm, a perfect day for a car show. Many visitors to our stand said that they had not seen VW’s like the Type 34KG or the Country Buggy on display before.

“It was rare to see the most expensive VW ever made & the rarest VW ever made in one place at the one time”.

Sunday brought a different theme with Split Screen Kombis dominating our small stand including Andrew Ermel’s Red Bus, Greg O’Keefe’s 61 23 Window Bus and my T3 Karmann rounded out the display. Sunday’s weather was a complete contrast to Saturday’s with strong winds nearly blowing our club stand and merchandise off the Island and out to Tazzie. Red Bus provided a handy wind break while setting up. Our small collection of rare VW’s got a lot of attention over the 2 days as we were right by the entry road for people to have a good look at these cars on the way in. Copies of February’s Wagensville News was a popular item and we sold a bit of club merchandise too.

I had the opportunity to walk through the pit area and see the Porsche’s from the Stuttgart Museum, it was fantastic to see these old racing cars doing what they were made to do. Even got the chance to chat to the driver of the historic Porsche I was most wanting to see, the Porsche 550 Carrera Panamericana.

This was an excellent Weekend. The VWCV intend to return to the Shannon’s Walk again in 2008 and welcome VWCV members and their cars to attend, we will keep you up to date for next year. If you missed the show, visit Youtube and have a look at the video from the weekend.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBeqUQhQO0M

Dean Holden, VWCV VP

2007 Phillip Island Classic

SHANNONS WALK

You may be shocked and appalled to know that Matt had no interest in Volkswagens until about the age of 20. The only childhood memories of VWs Matt has are of the Herbie movies and the occasional lift with a friend’s Mother who drove a very dilapidated early 60s Beetle, the seats were ripped, the guards were all different colours, it smelt damp and it was very noisy.

University in Bendigo opened the door to the interested in VWs for Matt, the student carpark to be exact, amongst the sea of coloured metal, sat an immaculate original turquoise 1962 Beetle, but it wasn’t love at first sight. Matt pondered why anyone would drive such an old car, why it had no radio and why the speedo only went up to 90?

However, over time the love for Volkswagens, their distinctive shape, noise and musty old car smell suddenly became appealing. He had to have one!

In 1996 the hunt began, scouring adverts in the Trading Post and Things that Go. Car yards revealed a wide range of clapped out, rusty and heavily modified Beetles, in fact, there seemed to be very few cars out there resembling any kind of original condition.

After many months of looking at a variety of cars Matt eventually found the car that somebody else usually gets - that one owner car which has been owned by an elderly gent who has always kept it garaged. Technically the car had been owned by two people - the original owner sold it to a lady in Nunawading who had bought it for her nephew. After owning the car for a few weeks she decided

that the car was rather too good for him. Her nephew lived somewhere in the country at the end of a gravel road, and she was afraid that the poor Beetle would get wrecked.

$2000 later Matt had purchased his first Beelte.

A 1967 Lotus White 1300 Deluxe Beetle, completely original - interior, 1300 motor, 6 volt electrics, AWA radio, body with no rust, and 109,000 original miles on the clock. It had a few shopping trolley dings and heaps of stone chips, but nothing too bad. The original owner of the car had also retained every receipt of work done to the car since new. Every service, wheel alignment, new set of tyres, and even the dodgy rear vision mirror he purchased has been faithfully recorded. The car was religiously serviced every 3000 miles. The receipts also indicate that the car’s owner enjoyed a long drive, with frequent services throughout the ‘70s being done at Ryde in Sydney. The Beetle seems to have been retired from everyday use around 1980, with the mileage barely climbing after this period until sold in 1996.

The Beetle certainly got a good work out for the first few years from Matt being regularly driven to Uni in Bendigo from Melbourne, and then while Matt lived in Sale it was driven on an weekly basis back to the city.

2000 mile on the clock and all those miles were starting to take a toll on the poor thing. Vee Wee as Matt has affectionately called his Beetle was tired and in need of a complete motor rebuild. The good people at Australian VW Performance Centre

in Croydon set about reconditioning the motor. At the same time it was time to give the car a bit of a spruce up with a back to bare metal re spray.

Throughout the restoration everything was kept as original as possible, however new window rubbers and seals were installed. Unfortunately when the original rubber mats were pulled out they disintegrated and the interior charcoal grey carpet was also a bit worse for wear. The remainder of the upholstery was still in excellent condition. The perforated plastic headlining, while complete and not ripped, was rather discoloured so it was recoloured back to off white. To finish things off Matt invested in headlight eyelids, rear venetian blind and new mud flaps.

After a good couple of months Vee Wee was looking like a brand new car and a wonder to drive

- particularly on the freeway. It may be a little slow to get away at the lights, but you can expect that from a car with only 50 horsepower? The six volt electrics are great in the daylight hours but leave a bit to be desired when driving at night with the lights and wipers on.

Vee Wee has done many trips over the years - it has been to Sydney, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania and the car will be going on another little holiday back to Tassie for the Bug-In this Easter.

Seven years on from being restored and the Lotus White paint work still looks fantastic. Projects for this year include buying some genuine white wall tyres, a new driver’s side vent window and some nice new charcoal German square weave carpet.

Vee WeeMember Profile Matt Kinsey

Matt had to have one!This year’s VW Cruises Jamboree kicked off with an open workshop night at Delux in Dandenong. We got to see cars in all sorts of restoration stages and not just in VWs, but Porsches as well. With the BBQ going and flood lights burning everyone enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere with a beer and snag. It was great to see a workshop that still carried a huge range of parts for their customer’s cars and even a Goldie rag roof was hanging up just waiting to find a home.

Some great cars turned up on the night with some having a few more cc’s than most! A special thanks to Sasha for putting on a great night and don’t forget to pop in and see him.

Saturday night came around really quick, putting a stop to the idea of fitting another set of wheels on the old oval for the night. A quick dust off and we were on our way to Chapel Street.

The weather for the weekend had not been great, but the rain held off and again, some great cars turned up on the night ready to cruise down Chapel Street and onto Krispy Kreme donuts in Narre Warren. Everyone who came got discounted donuts -thanks to Krispy Kreme for their support.

It was great with all the cars cruising down the freeway and we look forward to seeing the footage on hoodride.com in the Australian syndicates soon. Thanks Sam.

Well for all those who forgot to change their clocks for the end of daylight savings, the show started early! With the gates opening at 8:30am the swappers were set up and the cars started to roll in for what was going to be an excellent day ahead. Heaps of new cars this year and again the ‘Rats’ were back, bigger and better.

New to the scene was Scott and his single cab ute, built by Kustom Coach Works in the US. This drew a good crowd as it cut the grass and also received the Vollkommen Art award.

A great crowd gathered this year and with over 90 entered, we soon filled the grounds. It was good to see a huge turn up of split-screen kombis, 15 in total, and the Cruises award went to Rick in his PMG bus. Another kombi which got the VMA award of goodies and a 12 month subscription was Colin with his 62 model ambulance.

Again the votes where tallied up and the winners presented. A big thanks goes to Vollkommen Art in Clayton for sponsoring the show again this year. We have ran this show for 7 years now. Nick and George, the owners of Vollkommen Art, have sponsored us most of these years by supplying the trophies. Without these guys it wouldn’t happen. So don’t forget to drop into their workshop and have a chat and who knows, you might be collecting a trophy next year!

Next year we will be looking for another workshop to check out on the Friday night.

Also a big thanks to Anthony, with his efforts to organise the show. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

JamboreeRats are back, bigger and better

The Kennet River Camp-Out weekend was held on 2, 3 and 4 March 2007. This is the 4th year that the club has run this trip and it is clearly growing in popularity each year. What started as day run with an overnight stay has evolved into a three-day fun and action packed event. Thirty-five sites had been booked for this weekend and we were expecting around 70 people including several family groups.

Jan and I met Eric, Evan and Peter at the Shell Point Cook servo at 6.30am. A quick coffee and off we headed down to the Surf Coast in our three Kombies. Our little group arrived at KR around 11.30am and quickly set up camp. There were already quite a few club members there including Andrew, Berndt, Christine and Bernie. Berndt, as usual, was already moving his car around to catch the sun and top up his solar batteries. We had some lunch, fed the local King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas and then walked the 200 metres down to have a go at the surf, or lack of it. It was hot and sunny but was only just enough surf to catch a couple of waves.

We came back to the beach later in the afternoon after the tide had come in and had a great two-hour surf session. The water was very warm and we spent the whole time in the surf without wet suits. Later on Friday afternoon more club

members had started to arrive and the park was filling up with multi-coloured pristine VWs. By nightfall we had around 25 cars with an Oval Beetle, T4s, and a wide range of Kombi Campers with different fit-outs by Devon, Westfalia, Sunliner, and Sopru. To add a different flavour to the gathering we also had Chris Antonello on his motorbike.

The club BBQ was brought down in Red Bus, and positioned at the Ermel campsite for everyone to use, on the proviso that they had to cook for themselves. After dark club members moved around the various groups having the occasional lemonade and socialising. A few of the afternoon surfers were seen to be catching a few impromptu zzzzzz’s in their chairs late in the evening.

Saturday morning started with an 8.30am expedition to Apollo Bay for some shopping, a visit to the craft market and a look at the surf carnival that was being held. Julie Clarke drove Red Bus that was chock full of eager cheering club members.

Others went for a wave in the 0.005-metre surf and a large number of keen piscatorially inclined members attempted, without success, to catch their dinner.

By Saturday afternoon the Apollo Bay adventurers had returned and the last of the club members had arrived to set up camp. At around 4pm the bodyboard surfers decided to hang up their boards for the day and hope for better things tomorrow. Back at camp there was a bit of a reunion involving many of the Central Australian trip members and it was great to see Ron and Robyn’s photos of that tremendous adventure.

Top Quality Workshop Including:Paint and Panel WorkRust Repairs and Accident DamageRHD & Convertible ConversionsEngine buildingDyno TuningRace Car Preparation and MaintenanceServicing all modelsSuspension upgrades and kits for old and new models including Synchro, VR6 and Polo, etc.

Australian VW Performance Centre

Unit 10/25-35 Lusher Road Croydon VIC 3136 T 03 9725 5366 F 03 9725 5327 Email: [email protected] Web: vwperformance.com.au

Work done to a Standard... NOT A PRICE!

OPEN 6 DAYS

Your 1 Stop Full Service Specialist!

Huge range of Parts and Accessories at competitive prices:

Changeover Carbs, Starters, Generators, Stub Axles, Transmissions etc.West Coast RubbersInterior Packages and KitsLights, Bumpers, Wheels, Exhausts, books and more!

Catalogue Available. Discount Freight (Conditions Apply).Mail Order, COD & Credit Cards Welcome. Bulk Order Discounts. Trade Welcome


Kennett River

Camp-Out 2007

ECHUCAMOAMAVisittothehistorictwintownsofEchuca/MoamathisJunewiththeVWCV.SituatedattheclosetpointontheMurrayRiverfromMelbourne.WithconstanteventsandactivitieshappeninginandaroundEchuca/Moamaitisnotsurprising

thattheregionissuchadesirabletouristdestination.VisittheiconicEchucawharfbuiltinthe1860’sandseethelargestnumberofpaddleboatsintheworld!Echucaisrenownedforrecreatingtheoldworldcharm,whilst

providingtheconvenienceofmoderndayliving.

WeekendofJune23and24

A cruise to Echuca will depart Melbourne early morning on June 23. The route will begin with highway C743, then right onto the scenic Highway C325 travelling via the townships of Romsey and Lancefield. Turning left at Tooborac, Highway B75 and continue to Heathcote for a short break (visit to the bakery!) and continuing along Highway B75 from Heathcote will get us to Echuca.

Upon arrival in Echuca, we will go directly to Moama to check-in to your preferred accommodation.

Choice of accommodation are as follows:

MOAMARIVERCOUNTRYINNMeninyaStreet,MoamaATwinRoom(Queenandsinglebed)$90pernightT0354825511

ASHADYRIVERHOLIDAYPARKMeroolLane,MoamaStandardCabinfor2people$65(Eachadditionalperson$12,maximumof4percabin)B.Y.Olinen.Poweredsitesareavailablefrom$25T0354825500

MentiontheVWCVwhenbookingeitheraccommodation.

There will be about 3 hours of free time for lunch, shopping or perhaps visiting one of the many tourist attractions before a River Boat Cruise aboard the Emmylou at 2.30pm. (Cruise duration 1 hour and afternoon tea will be served). River Boat Cruise $18.50 per person (additional costs apply depending on what you select for afternoon tea).

Afterwards, it’s back to the accommodation to freshen-up to maybe have a game of lawn bowls at the Moama Bowling Club before a sumptuous group dinner with free live entertainment.

The Moama Village Market is well worth a look the next morning. Then, it’s off to the Great Aussie Beer Shed - the unique tourist attraction that has something for everyone. Featured is a massive array of various beer cans (over 16,000!) and other brewery items, a Coca-Cola related collection and a display of unusual farming equipment. Lunch will follow and then unfortunately, it will be time to head back home to Melbourne.

BOOK ACCOMMODATION A.S.A.P TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT, VWCV HAS RESERVED LIMITED ACCOMMODATION. Remember to mention the VW Club when booking so that we are all together as a group. Further information contact Kingsley on T 03 9484 8953. Hope to see you on June 23.

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Our compliment of cars had, by this time, been increased by the arrival of current model Beetles, Herbie and a Splittie to join Red Bus. Late in the afternoon I went down to the beach for one last look at the water and as the evening sun started to set I watched a lone longboard surfer (later identified as Ian Armstrong) carve up the remaining waves right off the point at the Kennett River beach. Inspirational stuff.

More socialising occurred on Saturday evening and, after dark, a trip was organised up to see the famous glow worms in the bush up at the back of KR. By all accounts it was the most spectacular glow worm showing. Later in the evening, while we were sitting around in a large group discussing all

things VW, a rather large Koala came from under one of the occupied chairs and just sauntered through our group quite nonplussed and Boris’s fishing bait proved too tempting for a local fox who decided to investigate the range of bait that he had brought along. A few lemonades and a relatively early night, by VWCV standards.

Sunday morning saw a renewed but, again, an ultimately failed attempt to catch a few fish. The surf also did not live up to Jeffries Bay expectations and although we got wet that was about it. A typical VWCV bacon, eggs and black pudding breakfast was prepared at a number of campsites and the slow reluctant process of packing up commenced later in the morning but

the drive back to Torquay, along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, just has to be one of my favourite driving experiences.

I believe that all of the club members that attended this years Kennet River Camp-Out would have had a terrific time. We had great weather, great company in a truly great part of Australia and heaps of great VWs to admire, what more could we possibly have wanted………..(maybe only some bigger surf and a few fish?)

Don’t miss next years Kennet River Camp-Out.

Jonh Stevens

Preparation of the body frame is most important when fitting glass. All Rust should be removed, frame area fully painted, body work strait and head lining/inside lining fitted and glued correctly (flush to lip, not overlapping) before installation. The window rubber profile only has enough play to allow the rubber to seal onto the painted face and outer side of the window opening.

To fit the window glass you will need the following. A good quality Car Wax Paste for lubricating the window opening (Maguire’s Mirror glaze, blue coloured Cannubra Wax), rubber profile, clean

Resto1 Apply a small amount of wax to the widow

opening, cover all the sealing edges and around the face to allow rubber and glass to slip in the base of the framework.

2. Fit the rubber to the pre cleaned glass, insuring glass is pushed down completely in the grove. The rubber join should be fitted so that it ends up at the bottom of the opening.

3 Push the cord into grove around the outside of the rubber, the grove that will lip over the metal flange of the body work. tie excess cord up and tape to the inside of the glass. Note the cord has been over lapped to enable the rubber to be pulled completely over the metal flange.

4 Coat rubber edge with a small amount of wax to assist in the fitting. Avoid putting excess wax onto the rubber sealing edges as this must be kept clear for any water drainage.

VW Torque

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PLEASE NOTE: All additions to this section MUST be accompanied by either registration number, chassis number or VIN number. Advertisements for vehicles without these details WILL NOT be published. Advertisements will be limited to a period of two months only. If you wish to continue your advertisement beyond the initial two month period or your Ad has been SOLD in the first month of Advertising, please contact the Editor(s) so the Advertising space can be updated for NEW Ads.

Send your for sales and wanted ads to the Editor: VWCV Editor GPO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001 Email [email protected]

Johns initial vision of a WV was to build a Manx buggy (yes, the original) back in the early 1970’s from an already shortened VW Beetle pan chassis together with an assortment of ‘other bits’. All seemed a good logical idea at the time, but sadly came to the realisation that the task was going to take too long. John sold all the bits. The next purchase was a ’54 without one door and front guards and no motor. John put the car together, had it painted in undercoat grey and registered it and that is the way it stayed.

Upon joining the VWCV Johnn realised the only way to go was to compete in Motorsport. Competition included club motorkhanas under the transmission towers at Keilor before there were any thoughts of a freeway and rallied the bug complete with 6 volt Cibie driving lights (but twin 6 volt batteries, just in case!).

Next came a fully painted 1200 Beetle with a warm 1500cc motor. This was sadly all but wiped out in an accident in North Melbourne, the only salvageable panel was the left hand guard.

The next decision was easy, purchase a daily driver (MK1 Escort 1300). This car was even rallied in the interim.

In 1974 it was time to get serious and build a dedicated VW Beetle rally/competition car from the ground up.

The basis was a 1200 Beetle body that was mated with a1500 disc brake floor pan chassis. The chassis was strengthened, body fully seam welded, fabricated custom dash, partly chopped

Motorsport Profile John Pinkerton

John Pinkerton’s association with the VWCV has been varied over the years since joining the club in the early 1970’s, holding positions as Secretary, President and recipient of Club Champion 3 years running but his contribution to VW motorsport over the years clearly tell us he is an enthusiast with the need for speed.

front section and rear trimmed flared fiberglass rear guards. A Type 4 stock 1800cc was adopted with twin 40 DCN Webers complete with twin 1500mm cyclonic air cleaners mounted inside the car.

Competition in the Club in that era was extremely competitive with the Club Championship being a hotly sort after achievement. This meant that you had to attend and compete in all events including motorkhanas, speed events, hill climbs, auto-cross, rallies and the social events. All events carried varying points which were awarded accordingly, not only attendance, but to where one finished in the competition events, meaning the Rally Beetle was therefore not enough.

John, together with two friends (Ken Crook & Stephen Cheney) conceived and built a dedicated competitive buggy which started out as a very, very tired 1200 1961 Beetle. The sectioned body was dispatched on the 6 x 4 trailer to the refuse depot, leaving only the pan chassis. This had the side pans cut off and the tunnel shortened. A tubular frame was subsequently constructed and clad with aluminum panels. The motor was a 1600cc Type 3, the machine was equipped with a set of second hand Formula V tyres for tarmac events and the three purchased and re-modeled a lightweight tandem trailer to haul the car to events.

At this point around 1981 John had taken out Group 5 Class wins in motorkhanas and speed events and added to this with the Club Championship for 3 consecutive years.

The buggy was eventually sold to an ex. and even older club member (Steve Adams) who reportedly run it in auto crosses with a rotary motor slotted in. Steve had previously rallied a very mean and indecently quick 1500 Beetle with a rotary stuffed in the back with the radiator up front with hot water pipe work running through the cabin on the passengers side. With the rotary mated to a standard box it was capable of 140 kph in 3rd gear! Supposedly 4th gear was rarely used.

In the intervening years the rally regulations and scene had changed dramatically. The old rally car ’as built ’ was therefore ineligible. A new (and current) vehicle was subsequently built between 1995-1997. The car is based upon a 1970 1500 Beetle, fully rebuilt from the ground up to the regulations as a Historic Rally Car (pre-1968) in accordance with CAMS/Historic Rally Association’s Regulations.

The car is currently competing regularly in most of the Historic Rally Association’s rally events including their bi-annual event - The Alpine Rally.

John’s current Volkswagen projects include a 1960 Karman Ghia, Complete but needs total restoration which he purchase in 1982 for $600. A 1968 1500 Beetle, Being rebuilt/restored for a road car.

Once a Volkswagen owner always a Volkswagen owner.

Once a Bug owner always a Bug owner.

Heathcote Park June 9 th 2007DRAG RACING

Contact Chris VWCV Motorsports Co-ordinator 0407 309 244 or Stuart 9369 1360

$40 per Competitor $10 per Spectator

Competitor bookings are essential. Minimum number of cars required.

CLOSED VWCV EVENT

Rob Roy Hill Climb

5 Place glass up to the frame and push completely into the opening so that the rubber bottoms out against the metal opening flange. The VW factory would hit the glass into the base with a rubber mallet. This can be done but with great care on toughened glass but never with laminated glass as it will break very easily.

6 With the rubber bottomed out against the flange the cord is now ready to be pulled so that the rubber can Lip over the flange. Note that the cord has been positioned so that the bottom of the window rubber is pulled first. This helps to keep the glass from springing out as the weight of the glass will assist keeping the rubber in position.

7 Pull the cord strait out at right angles to the glass with care, not to cut the rubber with cord.

8 continue to pull the cord upward, with assistance from the outside to ensure the glass is bottomed out against the flange throughout the process. Apply pressure from the outside of the glass adjacent to the area where the cord is being pulled to assist the rubber lip over the flange.

9 Once rubber has been pulled over the flange note that the head lining has been captured under the rubber in the correct position. Use bent screwdriver to assist gently by prying the rubber over the flange if needed.

10 Finally the rubber is pushed down against the flange to ensure the rubber has seated fully over the flange. The window is now hit down from the outside to ensure the rubber outer lip has also seated fully into the window opening.

June 17th 2007For more information contact Chris VWCV Motorsports Co-ordinator 0407 309 244

Screen and Glass Fitting

window glass and 4 meters of thick nylon pull cord (purchased from any hardware) and a small bent screwdriver. The bent screwdriver can be made yourself by bending with heat the last 5mm of a medium size screwdriver at a right angle, polish the screwdriver end smooth to avoid ripping the new rubber.

Avoid Water and soap for lubricating when fitting windows. Water remains trapped between the rubber and the body work and leads to rust. Use this installations process and your windows will remained sealed from water for up to 15 years.

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Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.Membership Officer GPO Box 1215 MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Phone 0401 310 704

Name(s)

Address

State Post Code

Telephone (h) (w) (m)

email Occupation

Competition Licence Yes No (please tick)

Vehicles - VWs only Model(s)/Year(s)

Capacity

Registration Number(s)

I am interested in the following events/activities/functions (please tick)

Being on the Committee Car Shows/Concourse CH Registration Cruises

Modifications Fuel Economy Runs Motorsport Restoration

Organising Events Social Events Technical Sessions

Other Events

Club Membership FeesSingle Membership (12 months) includes $10 application fee*$50 per applicant $

Family Membership (12 months) includes $10 application fee*$50 plus $20 per extra member $

*Membership Application Fee for first year members only. TOTAL $

Please return this form together with your cheque or money order for payment to the above address.Please allow 28 days for processing.

Membership ApplicationMembership Application also available at the VWCV website www.vwclub.com.au

✁

Membership StatsVW MembershipsCurrent total memberships of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria - 485

New MembersThe following people joined the Volkswagen Club of Victoria in March 2007.

Robert Jamieson, Terry Smith, Mark Henare, Caroline Wallbridge, Greg Paterson, Samantha Pullen, Christopher Hastings, Helen Aden, Stephen Farrell and Catherine Farrell.

Welcome and thankyou on behalf of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria.

Current Memberships RenewalsThe following memberships are due in the month of April 2007.

Ashok Kumer, Rama Murthy, Clinton Bugg, Andrew Waddleton, Ben Stewart, Everard Hoffman, Damien Rundel, James Garay, John Price, Susan Price, Denise Burfoot, Brian Burfoot, Paul Schmidt, Zoltan Krakowsky, Kathy Krakowsky, Ian Bryant, Steve Adams, Steven Cooper, Mandie Hawkins, Bruce Joynes, Ross Woolley, Mercedes Woolley, John Farlow, Jackie Farlow, Franz Franken, Matthew Pex, Stephen Fellows, Greg Cash and George Economou.

Memberships Renewals ReminderReminder for the following members of your membership renewal.

Bill Malkoutzis, Graeme Baker, Debra Baker, Timothy Pearce, Boris Senik, Ivan Ravanello, Daniel Ravanello, Ursula Weidenmuller, Ron Bell, Brad Wells, Hans Heine, Ralph Proctor, Keith Dusting, Matthew Frencham, Thomas Seymour, Ryan Mischkulnig, Frank Cramer, Geoff Collings, Ben Scott, Craig Sedgman, Giovanni Lizza, Marcus Herzog, Alan Hopkins, George Markoski, Aaran Stent, Paul Schefferle, Lindsay Coombs, Allison Coleman, Chris Davies, Scott Walker, Mario Gatt, David Gibson, Juan Osegueda, Steven Crea, Simon Moloney, Diana Redmond, Rob Crowe, Paul Irvine, Frances Tite, Sue Van der Veer, Peter Schache, Dayjelle Smith, John Goodison, Joy Goodison, Nicholas Webb, Inga Lambrick, Fred Koeppler, David McCrae, Chris Cole, John Rosengrave, Grant Phillips, John Stewart, Paul King, Kevin Kluske, Paul Blacker, Nalini Blacker, John Doering, Laurel Owens, David Owens, Patrick Owens, Tara Monahan, Sam Monahan, Matthew Gardner, Trudy White, Jorge Cerutti, John Hayton, Bill Pizzey, Martin Pizzey, Peter Vash and Amelia Bail.

Please note; If your membership renewal has been paid after the 29th March 2007 please disregard the above reminder. Also if you have not received your renewal notice for some reason please fill out the application again and state

‘renewal’, or circle your name on the back if your name is present.

12 Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.

Please support the following businesses who regularly

support the VWCV.

LINKS

SOUTH YARRA VOLKSWAGEN93 Commercial Road SOUTH YARRA

03 8866 6888Proud Partner of the 2007 Day of the Volkswagen.

SHANNONS321 Warrigal Road CHELTENHAM

13 46 46Insurance for Motoring Enthusiasts.

ANTIQUE TYRES134 McEwan Road WEST HEIDELBERG

03 9458 4433Australia’s Largest Range of Veteran Vintage, Classic and Hot Rod Tyres.

AUSTRALIAN VW PERFORMANCE CENTRE

10/25 Lusher Road CROYDON 03 9725 5366Contact Mick for trade pricing typically 10% off retail on most parts and services (up to value of

$100). Dyno tuning at $60 per hour.

VOLKWERKEUnit 1/171 Para Road GREENSBOROUGH

03 9435 1868Specialists in Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes.

VOLLKOMMEN ARTUnit 2/2 Meriton Place CLAYTON SOUTH

03 9543 7804Speed and Style.

VOLKSCARE4 Macquarie Place BORONIA 03 9729 9281

Contact Michael Clark for 10% discount on parts (maximum discount $50).

Does not include genuine or special orders.

VOLKSHOME AUTOMOTIVE16 Commercial Drive THOMASTOWN

03 9464 0366Contact John for club member prices.

WOLFSBURG AUTOMOTIVEUnit 2, 290 Old Geelong Road

HOPPERS CROSSING1300 370 310

Contact Gary for club member prices.

If not received please return to:VOLKSWAGEN CLUB OF VICTORIA INC. GPO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001

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