Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast
Bill Tsagrinos
Updated 6 days agoThe classic Volkswagen podcast committed to the history of the hobby. The people that made it what it is today. Uncovering history from the early days of the aftermarket Volkswagen hobby
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Episodes (369)
Ep 190 Bob Leighton
Bob Leighton the son of the late Lee Leighton was born into the VW covenant. Working for places like Revmaster and for his fatherLee Leighton racing engines at a young age.Bobby has a history of that is immersed in VW racing. We talk about his dad and some of the history from the early days of VW drag racing. We also discuss his off-road racing and other motorsports endeavors. We talk a little bit about Dan gurney who was a friend of the family. As well of as many of the people his father built engines for. We also discussed some things that are important to him with regards to men's health. Lots of cool stories about a boy and his dad in the racing world. A great listen.
Ep 189 Bier Panzer & Author Prescott Phillips
You've heard of the corn panzers, now let me introduce you to the "Bier Panzers". Coming out of the Milwaukee area Wisconsin's own from new Berlin Prescott Phillips. Prescott is a VW enthusiast out of Wisconsin that's known for building tranny's motors and drag racing. He's had several show cars that have Grace the covers of VW trans magazine over the years. And if you're in the Midwest he's your engine tranny guy. He and a few guys from the Midwest are brave enough to go and be part of the hot Rod drag week. A weeklong event that tallies over 1000 miles where you have to drive your drag car from track to track and run your best ETA. It's a great story the VW community should be much more involved in this it seems like a great time. He's also just authored a new book on how to rebuild your VW engine. Years of experience and tool and die manufacturing his commitment to precision is taught to you through his book on rebuilding your VW engine check it out in the link below a great podcast.
Ep 188 Widebody Buses Kenny Pfitzer
Kenny Pfitzer is no stranger to the VW world. Starting back in the 80's his VW bus "wet Dream" was on the cover of VW trends 1995. It was one of the cleanest buses around. $7000 in chrome and detail to the max. Kenny's had a long career working for concept car builder IAD West coast, Metal Crafters, Foose, West Coast customs as well as his own shop. Now Kenny runs his own place Kenny Pfitzer Design. they will build anything you want. From muscle cars to widebody buses. If you can think it, he can build it. In this podcast we learned about his VW history. With help from his dad building his first car to building world-class vehicles and Riddler winners Kenny's done it all and has a great story. These buses will be all the talk of SEMA! Host Bill Tsagrinos Audio engineered by Ryan Knecht https://kennypfitzerdesign.com https://vwtrendsmagazine.com https://rosswulf.com
Ep 187 Rick Sadler The Everywhere Guy
Rick Sadler could possibly be the Forest Gump of the VW world. Hes worked at Johnny Speed & Chrome, Dee Engineering & Empi. Before he could drive he was in awe of the Schley Bros Dragster. His involvment through the years would have him building the engine for that same dragster 40 years later! Dirt track racing modified VW at Ascot Dirt track. Then to purchase the world famous mousetrap drag car that was driven by Dean Lowrey. A member of a DKP III Car Club. His 1967 yellow Cal-Look beetle has been on the cover of VW trend magazine also hot VW's magazine. Excellent stories that goes throughout the years of VW Performance and Racing a great listen. You can still find Rick at the local DKP meets and a lot of other VW events today my prison podcast Buy a Rosswulf Bus Block Off plate here.. Subscribe to VW trends Magazine here
Ep 186 Patrick Friel 90's M&M Green Chop Top
If you've been into VWs since the late 80's. You'll know the name Patrick Freil. His first car recognized in the magazine was his 1969 M&M Green chopped beetle. Featured in January 1990. With Help from Rick Eichler on the engine and paint & body work. He was a serious competitor. Having VW's in his blood. His DRKC car was on the cover of February 2006 Hot VWs as well. That car with a 2429cc agian with help of Rick Eichler It was a super clean 1956 Beetle. This car ran in the 12 second 1/4 mile passes. we discuss the finds and the builds. Hes ownd many more to boot. hes been a car show judged in the Goodguys VW show days. A great listen with lots of history.
Ep 185 "Jersey" Joe Koenig Drag racer engine builder
Joe Koenig is an East coast drag racer and engine builder. In high school he had his eyes set on building a 69' camaro. Helping a buddy out on his super beetle changes his trijectory on his car out look. On this episode we talk about Street racing in Philly. How he transitions to dragracing since he is known for engine building. He starts early with a turbo engines then nitrous. we also talk about the East coast racaing scene. https://www.letstalkdubs.com My Prison podcast https://rosswulf.com https://vwtrendsmagazine.com
Ep 184 The Fastest street racing bug? Johnny Osmundson
Street racing has been going on for years. Recently there has been a resurgence with TV shows like street outlaws and 1320 Video. Johnny Osmundson has been making a name for VWs on the no prep steet world. His Strret bug is a 1965 Blue Right hand drive with a 1915 Turbo with a full polished 48IDA on a draw through set up. His 1962 primered drag bug is his first car. The car sat for year then he finallly started to build it for the street. Hes been on 1320 Video & TX2K. He has been representing the VW scene in a major way. His Bug is running fast How fast? 5.30 in the 1/8th @ 136mph. Recently he went on Hoonagans VS it was Hondas V Haters and the outcome was less than desireable. https://www.letstalkdubs.com/blog/ep-185-johnny-osmundson https://www.letstalkdubs.com/showtime.html My Prison podcast experiance
Ep 183 Tom Kinney
Tom Kinney is a staple in the Crescent city VW scene. Originally from Hawaii He's been building VWs since he was 14. His first runner was a fast super beetle running in the 12's. Tom is the epitome of the Aloha spirit. His frendly style and enthusiasim for the VW scene is evedent when you meet him. Hes been running with the fast 4 cartel not only drag racing but also the Kinney Cafateria. Tom helps out the food for the weekend. He and his son-in-law Devon Earhart talk about there quest for building 2 of the fasetest bugs at the fast 4 races.The bugs not only go fast but are show stoppers! A great podcast with Tom & Devon. Enjoy one week left to go register now for one crazy weekend https://rosswulf.com
Ep 183 Mike Lawless Drag Racer DRKC Champ
Mike Lawlwess got hsi first VW in 1969. Building VW's since then had been his passion. Marriage and kids came along and he put his racing on hold. After his kids got a little older he decided to get back into drag racing VW's. Because it was cheap! You would know his VW 1965 karmann ghia its been a staple VW at all the drags since 1999 and early 2000's. Starting in the 13's he chipped away at it year after year. Deciding to up his game he talked to the judges about how he could better his car. He puts in the work and starts to become a real contender. Eventually he won the Der Renn Kafer Cup class 2 years in a row. His Ghia is still on the track now Piloted by his son Mark Lawlwss. Hs car was the test bed for several develpments by CB perfformance from Traction bars to EFI. Bus box U-joint conversions this car is an Icon in the VW scene.
Ep 182 Fast 4 Cartel
The fast for cartel was started by Jeff Kramarsic and Jeff Newcomb. These two guys have put in a lot of time effort and energy to create a racing organization for racers by racers. With big classes eighth mile drags and big payouts they've succeeded in putting on a family vibe atmosphere. A two day race event that's nothing but drag racing and a great time with great their big tire class (the heavy) and the small tire class (the light) as well as the triple index have huge payouts when there's big turn outs these guys have extra random chip pulls for random match ups as well as bonus money thrown in at random an exciting event for drag racers. If you haven't been you need to make sure you go check out a fast for cartel event. https://fast4cartel.org One crazy weekend https://rosswulf.com https://vwtrendsmagazine.com
Ep 181 Keith Kid Dean South End Customs
Keith "Kid" Dean is a name you have heard on this podcast before. His red chopped squareback was on the cover of March 1984 Hot VWs magazine. This was a hot rod inspired Squareback. T-bird seats a flaoting dash pod, split bumbers and much more. He owns South end customs in Hemmet California. His history goes back to the late 70's till today. He has been recognized by the Hot Rodding hall of Fame. Hs dad Dick Dean was a famous hot rodder & car customizer that has history with George Barris Dean Jeffries and much more. From build Limos to Mini-trucks Keith Dean has Been on the grinds. If you have never heard of the Supra Truck now you do!!! Its a great listen. Check out his site Here
Ep 180 Fred Simpson Perfromance Technology
Performance Technology is a name in the air cooled VW that is synonimous with some of the fastest cars on the track. The man responsible for this is Fred Simpson. Fred started out working for VWOA as a factory trained technician. He loved to race his car but found his niche in cylinder head fabrication and building. He eventually came out with the SHO VW cylinder head. We go deep in engine information and there's lots of info for you gear heads. We also talk about Andy & Tommy Costello and his german auto drag car. He still does some work today. Check out the link to his facebook page here
Ep 179 Original Rag-berry David Garcia
BACK IN THE EARLY 1980S THERE WAS A GUY IN EAST LOS ANGELES BY THE NAME OF DANNY A. He did pinstriping, back window logos and graphics on the side of cars. In the mid 80s there became a group of cars in the East LA area in south-central that were logoed cars. Obviously having the logo or the a.k.a. name on the side of the car. This week's podcast is with David Garcia owner and builder of the original rag – Barry car. A 1961 ragtop sunroof Volkswagen painted in Porsche indigo raspberry. David started a club called boys and style they were known for their clean lines and slick paint jobs in the East LA area. Enjoy this step back in history of the early LA VW look CaL- style. https://rosswulf.com/shop/ols/products/ross-wulf-billet-distributor-clamp-t1 https://vwtrendsmagazine.com https://www.letstalkdubs.com/showtime.html My Prison Podcast
Ep 178 Jack Sacchette
From his early beginings in metal shop class. Jack started manufacturing parts in the 80's. Opening Jay Cee enterprises and making a name for himself in the VW world. Jack has had a passion for the VW racing world. Starting out street racing, after the death of 2 close friends he decided to hit the track. From there the records started falling. Hes an 8 time NHRA record holder. Buiding JayCee to the point where it was purchasd by the largest VW aftermarket company in the world. His Terminator Carburator changed the racing game. The list goes on and on. He just left Empi after his contract expired see what hes up to now! https://vwtrendsmagazine.com https://rosswulf.com https://www.letstalkdubs.com/showtime.html
Ep 177 Buggs Buddies original member William Noguera
Buggs Buddies was the original East LAVW club .A car club founded in east LA by the Chacon brothers. William Noguera was the Sgt. At arms. We briefly spoke about him on the podcast with VW Kidd. Wiliam is an author, Artist, podcaster & Co Host on Deathrow diaries a podcast from deathrow. He was one of the originators of the cal-style look with its origins in Low-Riding influanced VW Buggs. Mostly Rag tops or convertables. William liked them fast. He was hired on to work at Mikeys Precision VW he started building engines. He & the Buggs Buddies would hit Whitter Boulivard and the clubs in the late 70's early 80s. The club was notorius for a reason find out why. Theres also a story about street racing a not yet famous top fuler on the street. Find out who won. Another piece of the VW history coming together. https://www.letstalkdubs.com/showtime.html https://rosswulf.com https://vwtrendsmagazine.com
Ep 176 Lizard Richard Mercado
If youve been on instagram you have seen Lizard aka Richard Mercado. Hes full of energy and he always has a lot going on. Hear his story on how he got started and how its going. He does everythig from tune ups to restorations. Located in Downey Ca. His collection of cars is impressive. a good listen Support our sponsors https://www.letstalkdubs.com/showtime.html https://rosswulf.comhttps://vwtrendsmagazine.com https://vwtrendsmagazine.com
Ep 175 Rob Mulner EMPI VP Marketing
Rob Mullner is the new VP of Marketing for EMPi we sit down talk about his intoduction to the VW scene. How it copares to the other european car market, His thoughts on the VW scene as a whole. What plans does EMPI have for the future of the Ari cooled VW scene. Bill also does a bonus update on project stats a little Barrett Jackson talk & whats happening with the follwing projects. Future Shock, Type 34 Ghia, Rag Chop, Carbon Cab, Bullrun Bus, & Mock 11.
EP 174 Lee Bushaw one fast 58
Lee Bushaw put it down when he showed up He debut his Bug in 2005 and received the coveted DKP award during the VW classic weekend with his super clean 58 beetle. Lee then went on to devistate the compitetion on the track. Known for ripping wheelies in this clean bug hes not afraid to drive it hard. We discuss the build ans the engine details. How & why he decided to build the engine. The swap for the orginal car & much more. Its a great listen. Lee is proof you can build a super clean VERY fast car in your garage too. Rosswulf site https://vwtrendsmagazine.com One Crazy weekend info
Ep 173 Brian Sharp Vintage Air cooled parts
Out of central Florida comes Vintage Air Cooled Parts. Bryan got into the hobby at a young age and a car accidnet side tracked him for a few years. Dipping into the min-truck scene for a bit. Then back to VWs. A compnay started by a couple of VW enthisiest that decided during the lockdown that they should start a VW parts company. First product was the foot rest with dimple dyes. The company starts from there going on to make several parts. The custom touch is what sets them a part from the competition. You can find Bryan at the VW show on the east coast. Good Guy & great story. https://vintageacp.com Review the podcast here support the podcast here
EP 172 EBI Russell Ritchie
This year in Europe there are two big shows happening the first one is Hessisch Oldendorf . The second show the following weekend is European bug in. European Buggin is the premier event in Europe for the custom VW crowd. Held in Chimay Belgium they turn the streets into a dragstrip the parking and camping areas into a large rave and swap meet spaces. It is absolutely an event to behold. One of the best things out there is the gas or garage set up. Vintage gassers and drag cars from early Volkswagen racing history are on display and are not only on display but are also drag raced. With an appreciation for a lot of the American VW drag race history you may get the opportunity to see some VW legends drag race some of the old cars that they once owned. On this episode we talk to Russell Ritchie who's been putting on VW gasser garage since the beginning. We talk about the cars that will be on display and some of the first times that he was racing with people like Roger Crawford, Darrell Vittone, Ron Fleming and many others. If youve never been its a bcuket list item for all VW fans. Support our sponsors
Ep 171 Greg Sloma Jetta Bus
At the VW Classic this year tons of cars showed up for the first time. One of those I caught up with was the Jetta Bus that was featured in Hot VWs recently. Greg Sloma is a hadcore VW enthusiest. He was a born & bread Chevy guy. His son wanted a VW. From that point on he fell in love with the people in the scene. His 1965 VW bus that has been merged with a 2008 Jetta. Its a top notch job. His attention to detail and the quality of the build speaks for itself. Its a great bus & a great story. He also has quite a few other VWs so take a listen. support the podcast here One crazy weekend Show page
Ep 170 Robert VW Kidd
Robert VW kid earned his nick name being one of the young guns hanging out with 2nd Gen of Buggs Buddies. With his 66 Pegali bug on alloys & convertible decklid. We talk about the early LA VW scene that has a huge lowrider influence. From Cal-Style to logo'ed cars. Cruising Whitter Boulivard & building your cars for the girls. its a bit of early VW history in LA.
Ep 169 2022 VW Classic Weekend is Here
Bill & George are hyped for the VW classic Weekend. It kicks off Thursday night with the VW Trends founders party. Friday afternoon wirth Pierside parts open house Followed by DKP cruise night at Main St in Garden Grove. Satruday is OCTO in the AM then RVA Show then an open house at ISP West. Sunday is the VW classic at the Orange County Fairgrounds. We talk about what George has been up to at his shop & What Bill has broken or destroyed.
Ep 168 Berlin Buick Rob Freeman
The Berlin Buick was at the grand national roadster show in the gathering of Hot VWs display. It is by far one of the nicest done mid-engine conversions I have seen. The quality of the build the fit & finish as well as the body mods that have been done to such a high level. it's a car that must be seen to appreciate. Look at pictures Here Support the podcast, register for one crazy weekend or find out what we are all about https://www.letstalkdubs.com sponsors https://vwtrendsmagazine.com https://rosswulf.com
Ep 167 The famous pink Ghia
On a previous episode wth Andy Finch from Spike Vintage Restoration. Andy obtained his dream car. Dennis Hydes Ghia. The pink ghia in Colin Burnham book. When he gets his dream car his plan is just get it runnig & drive it. When he starts to go through the car it goes off the rails in a quick fashion. Challenged with preserve or re-do Andy is in a tough spot. Find out all of the details on what happens when you get your dream car and its not exactly what you thought.