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.

Kever Winter Festijn Maastricht Jan. 04, 2014

Today I visited the Kever Winter Festijn in Maastricht. Met some friends and bought some stuff!

Some goods for the new engine(s), 2 door seals for the Streaker, some rubber seals and a few circlip pliers. Best bargain: a Raid Steering wheel cushion for 2 Euro.
There were some cool rides to be seen:
Volksods

low Porker replica on 17 inchers:

a nice Squareback - eventhough a late model it still was cool - I really like this color! 

 excellent wheel choice!

interesting Baja, with water pumper and a nice raised tail (rotated and shortened rear wings, shortened deck lid

and a usable beetle pick-up with pancake type 3 motor and excellent body mods!

I am sure it is called winter fest as it was inside almost as cold as outside! So, bring your coats next time!

... one year ago...

I made the crazy decision to buy a Hazard Streaker - which turned out the most expensive pile of crap I ever bought.

 
 But now, exactly 1 year later there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
After I replaced EVERYTHING I think this is going to be decent member of the aircooled society in the near future...

Here is the current state:  the chassis is back together, a new body is waiting in my driveway...
Visit my Blog for the latest updates:
http://volksstreaker.blogspot.de/