Hannover MKT 2014: parts hunt and a few pics:

Even though this is a double post in my blogs, I also found some good stuff for the Volksback in Hannover:

Besides all the stuff for the Streaker, I found redrilled Type 3 brakes and rotors (4x130 + 5x130) and a new 316° Schleicher cam (in the box) as well as choke block offs for the next Volksback engine!

The weather on the way to Hannover wasn't that bad:

 later during the May Cruise Madness the weather changed to heavy rain, so I only made a few pics...

... this is a little too much for my taste everything full of rails and pipes...

yet another nice T1 bus

and a very nice T2 bay window!

the next morning: On our way to the Maikäfertreffen:

and here is a nice pic of all the different type 3 body styles:

 You can see the umbrellas and the wet cars - this was more or less the same during the whole day...
Anyway, we met a lot of friends, talked a lot of b*llsh!t - as always and enjoyed the time, so see you all next year!

Countdown to Hannover, MKT 2014!

The Volksback is ready for the 2014 Hannover trip!
See you there!
(The ride height is now perfectly adjusted - you will see it...)

Spring is here, so some cleaning and updating!

Almost 2 years ago Ralph (yes, again another Ralph - it appears that almost all German Type 3 fans are called Ralf - or Ralph) from Hamburg sold me a new arm rest top for my driver door. It was waiting in my garage for installation...

The original part was a little perished:

I dismantled the driver door and removed the old top plate, here is the comparison:

here is the new part installed:

Only a little improvement, but I know it is fixed and looks better!
What you can't see is the hassle I had with the window regulator clip! It was a nightmare to release, but  now all is good again!

Also I thoroughly cleaned the Volksback, even clayed a few panels and gave it a fresh wax!
It really shines again!
Ralf and I did a little cruise to a local classic car meeting:

 black and white - still a great combo! Thanx for the pic, Ralli!

Cosmic Graffiti

Today I took the Volksback for a little ride in the spring sun:
This is also the first picture with the Cosmic wheels I already mounted last October!

I also hit the 85.000km during todays trip:

 A good start into the new week everybody!

IRS special subframe "kit"

Here is the stuff I need for the hybrid subframe. Based on a swing axle subframe I will attach the IRS brackets (cut from a beetle chassis) to have the perfect subframe...

All components are freshly media blasted and primered. My buddy Ralf made some genius jigs to position the brackets in the perfect spot. More of this later...

a really nice gift!

Today I hauled a bunch precious old metal to my friend Jens,  the "master blaster", our expert when it comes to media blasting: http://www.sandstrahltechnik-kraft.de/
He had a nice surprise for me - a t-shirt with a white, slammed early fastback!

in detail:

a big THANK YOU to Jens, once more. Next week I will pick up some important stuff for the next big step on the Volksback - IRS! (Independent Rear Suspension) I need to get rid of the swing axle set up.

Visiting the Detroit Auto Show 2014

After a busy week in Michigan, I treated myself with a visit to the 2014 Detroit Autoshow!
Here are a few highlights:
Cadillac ATS Coupe

Cadillac Elmiraj study (as seen in 2013 Frankfurt IAA - but with another lady :-)

 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Study

 Porsche Macan

Porsche 911 Targa - with the iconic stainless steel Targa bow

the Targa has a hi-tech mechanism to open and close - unfortunately not to be seen here...

fully MOPAR loaded Jeep JK

 Kia Stinger Study

 Lexus RC F

Toyota FT-1 "Supra"-Study (as seen in 2013 Frankfurt IAA)

new Corvette Z06

BMW M4 Coupe

Ford F150 Baja 

new Ford Connect - Hot Wheels style

 
... and of course the "all new" 2014 Mustang - which kind of disappointed me

Overall, I have to admit that the American OEM's really learned a lot after the 2008/2009 crisis and I was stunned by the looks interieur- and exterieurwise. The Cadillacs and the Corvette, as well as the Camaro ZL 1 and Z 28 really  stood out for my taste.