Volksdragon.org's VW Pages

After years of avoiding the inevitable, I decided that it is time to start working on my own website. I realize that there is no way to keep up with the real geeks in the industry, but I wanted to put something up nonetheless.

As this is just starting off, things can change from one day to the next. I'm sure as I learn a new trick, I will immediately want to implement it! So, in short that means to check back often.

Of course, none of this would be possible without my son Chris. He is the computer genius that still gives me tips even though at times it must seem hopeless. Since computers seem to be his passion (at least for work stuff!), I hope it pays off for him like VWs have for me!

This is the VW that started it all, my '61 Crew Cab. I have owned it since 1995. Although I have always been a VW phreak, this crew cab really finalized the 'men in white are coming' scenario for me. Here are some of the modifications that have been done to it:

Porsche 911 2.2 litre flat-6 engine
Porsche 901 5 speed transmission(Le Mans shift Pattern) with 911 shifter box
VW Bug IRS rear suspension
'73 Bus ball joint front suspension
Porsche 924S front hubs (on machined spindles) using '70 911 rotors and '73 Bus calipers
Porsche 944 rear disc brakes (not pictured)
Fuchs Alloys, 15x6 front and 16x6 rear
OG Safari Windows, along with Wolfgang's rear Safari Window

The front disc set-up was a bit of a pain to do, but the combination of the 924S hub, machining down the spindle, and the lack of an adapter, made for a very nice tucked fit.

I keep thinking that I'm done modifying. Then something else catches my eye and I have to have that too. My latest 'must have' is a walk through. I have acquired a walk-through section and now I have to install it. Next on the list is a 4th door. This will be real work!

Another one of the toys is my Syncro. It is an '86 that I have owned since 2001. I had almost given up my search for a Syncro when I found that my high school swim coach had purchased one new. It was completely unmolested and in great shape. He even mentioned that he had only used the rear diff lock in the parking lot in Mammoth just to make sure it worked! Although I haven't done nearly as many mods, here's a few:

Suspension spring lift kit with OME shocks, thanks to Syncro.org
Decoupler with solid shaft, thanks to Tom Lengyel
Front locking diff
30" BFG Mud Terrains on 944 Phone Dial wheels (not pictured above)
South African grille with HID headlight conversion kit, thanks to Bus Depot
Darkened tail lights and front turn signals (not pictured above)

I have a couple of more mods planned. Larger, vented front disc brakes and some sort of rear disc brakes are coming soon. I'm also working on a body lift. Since 30" tires are past the limit of the fenders, I want to put spacers under the subrames so I can run a larger tire without cutting more of the fenders away.

Although I am very fond of Buses and Vanagons, I also enjoy some of the other VWs. Currently parked in my stable are:

2006 Audi A-4 Quattro S-Line
2003 VW GTI 20th Anniversary Edition, #500
1995 VW EuroVan Winnebago Camper conversion
1993 VW Fox
1988 VW GTI (major project car)
1987 VW GTI 16v (major project car)
1987 VW Cabriolet
1964 VW Bug (major project car)

As you can see, I should probably just be sent to the Cuckoo's Nest. Rest assured, my wife agrees! She keeps me from buying more. Here's a pic of a few of them. From left to right; Syncro, Crew Cab, GTI, and the A-4 across the street.

Here's what's not car related in my life. My wife, son, daughter, and 4 miniature Dachshunds pictured below. They keep me from thinking about VWs 24/7. My wife puts up with my car fetish. The kids get to drive them 'cuz that's all we have. For the doxies, it gives them something to play in and around.