EP 326 4 shows, 5 projects & electric AC with Bill & George

🚨 It’s almost showtime! We’re just 3 weeks away from One Crazy Weekend 2025 Volkswagen Car Show & Event in Las Vegas, happening October 2–4 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). On this episode, Bill and George break down the can’t-miss VW weekend schedule: 🎲 Thursday Night – VW Trends Magazine Poker Tournament: Kick things off with cards, camaraderie, and VW legends. 🎳 Friday Afternoon – Ross Wulf Bowling Tournament with Clyde Berg: A fun-filled tradition for the Volkswagen community. 🚦 Friday Night 8PM – World-Famous Las Vegas Strip Cruise: Hundreds of Volkswagens—Bugs, Buses, Ghias, and more—rolling under the neon lights of the Vegas Strip. 🏆 Saturday 8AM–2PM – Volkswagen Car Show: Featuring $1,000 cash for Best of Show, Top 20 awards, and specialty trophies for standout classic air-cooled Volkswagens. 💵 Saturday Afternoon – Let’s Talk Dubs Poker Run: The ultimate VW driving adventure with $2,500 in cash prizeson the line! 🌟 Whether you love classic air-cooled VW Bugs, Buses, Ghias, or Cal-Look Volkswagens, this is the biggest Volkswagen event of 2025—and it only happens in Las Vegas. 📍 Rooms are still available, so book now at www.letstalkdubs.com. 🔥 Get ready for the best Volkswagen weekend all year long. Don’t just hear about it—be part of the action at One Crazy Weekend 2025!

On this episode, I sit down with my friend Paul Bernardo—an engineer, builder, and true mechanical savant who has left his mark on both Volkswagen and Porsche history. I first met Paul more than a decade ago, and ever since hearing his story, I’ve wanted to bring it to the podcast. If you’re a fan of VW drag racing, you’ve probably heard of Mini Mike—the shortened wheelbase Volkswagen drag car that turned heads at the Bug-Ins back in the 1970s. That car was Paul’s creation. With a background in engineering, Paul could have gone in any direction, but he chose to dive into Volkswagens and eventually Porsches, turning his passion into a career that’s inspired countless enthusiasts. Paul is a true Renaissance man: a builder who can make almost anything happen, a guy who sees opportunities where others see limits, and someone who has always been driven by creativity and precision. In this episode, we unpack his journey—from early VW drag racing days to building a legacy around some of the most iconic cars in our hobby.   www.letstalkdubs.com ICON pistons  

Sewfine Interiors has been a cornerstone in the Volkswagen community since 1983, building a reputation as one of the premier upholstery and interior shops for classic VWs. Known for their award-winning craftsmanship, Sewfine has had their interiors featured in high-end show cars, concours-level restorations, and even on the hit TV series Bitchin’ Rides. Now based in Denver, Colorado, the new generation of Sewfine owners continues the tradition of excellence—specializing in factory-style VW upholstery, OEM-quality restorations, and full custom interior design for air-cooled Volkswagens, hot rods, and beyond. Whether you’re restoring a vintage Beetle, slamming a Bay Window Bus, or building a one-of-a-kind Cal-Look Bug, Sewfine can bring your vision to life with unmatched attention to detail. In this episode, Logan from Sewfine shares their process, from custom fabric matching and stitching to modern upgrades that blend seamlessly with classic Volkswagen style. If you’re looking to restore your VW interior or create a show-stopping custom look, Sewfine is the shop that Volkswagen enthusiasts around the world turn to. We’re proud to have Sewfine as a sponsor of the 80s Car Display at this year’s One Crazy Weekend VW Show in Las Vegas. Come by, meet the Sewfine crew, and see their craftsmanship up close.   https://sewfineproducts.com/Home www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.letstlakdubs.com  

The Bay Window Volkswagen Bus — affectionately (and sometimes not so affectionately) known as the Fat Chick, Late Model, Round Window, or Big Boy — covers the iconic 1968–1979 VW Bus era. It was the successor to the legendary split-window Bus, made famous on TV shows like Eight Is Enough, and while some purists dismissed it at first, others saw its potential and fell in love. In this episode, we look into the culture, history, and revival of these late-model Type 2 buses with Craig Gonzales (AKA Bay Window Mafia)  a true champion of the Bay Window scene. Craig’s passion for slammed, stylish late bays led him to create an Instagram page that exploded almost overnight, feeding the community’s hunger for photos, inspiration, and connection. He’s especially fond of early bays (1968–1971) — from high-roof postals to deluxe models — but appreciates every version in the lineup. We break down the key differences between early, mid, and late bay windows, explore their evolution, and talk about how Craig puts his own spin on styling them. Whether it’s cruising into a split-bus-heavy show and turning heads, or highlighting the unique character of the 68–79 VW Bus, Craig proves that bay windows are every bit as cool as their predecessors. If you’re a vintage Volkswagen enthusiast, a classic VW bus collector, or just curious about the growing new generation of bay window fans, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and plenty of VW bus love.   Check out Craigs Socials Here www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com Use code LTD10 for 10%off Buy ICON pistons here  https://www.thepunkrockmuseum.com  

If you’re restoring a classic Volkswagen, chances are you’ve thought about the details that make your VW truly authentic – and few details matter more than a properly restored speedometer. Steve Burdett is one of the most interesting craftsmen in the hobby today. With a background in shaping fiberglass and building custom surfboards, Steve has always had a gift for creating things by hand. When the surfboard industry began to slow, he turned his skills toward another passion – vintage vehicles. Having restored Vespas and Lambretta scooters, Steve’s love for mechanical artistry eventually brought him back to his first automotive love: Volkswagens. After buying back his original Super Beetle from his brother, Steve began rebuilding VW speedometers, combining precision craftsmanship with a deep passion for the hobby. Today, through his business SpeedoKing.com, he offers expert speedometer restoration, repair, and customization for classic Volkswagen Beetles, Buses, Karmann Ghias, and more. In this episode, we dive into the world of VW speedometer restoration – from common issues to watch for, to performance upgrades, custom faces, and personalized touches that make your dash stand out. Whether you’re restoring a split-window Beetle, a ’60s Bus, or a Type 3, Steve shares insider tips and stories that only come from years of hands-on experience. If you care about authenticity, craftsmanship, and working with someone who truly loves the Volkswagen hobby, this episode is a must-listen. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com Use code LTD10 for 10%off Buy ICON pistons here 

On this episode, Bill and George discuss last several videos that George put out as well as the four shows that Bill went to little bit. Americna Cal-LOOK caravan, DKP reunion & EMPI History Tour with Dena Kirsten. Plus some projects in the work and a little bit of talk about electric AC on a Volkswagen.  Another round table for you guys to enjoy. Enjoy.   www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.russwulf.com use LTD10 for 10% off your order ICON pistons here   https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast

In this episode, we dive into the story behind Discipline Child — a wildly custom 1955 Volkswagen Beetle owned by Cali Springer, originally from the Virgin Islands. What began as a simple inquiry about fuel injection turned into a one-of-a-kind build by Alvin Lawrence of Auto Fanatic, also hailing from the islands. This isn’t your typical classic VW Beetle. Discipline Child features a Subaru engine swap, full air suspension, electric air conditioning sourced from a Tesla, and a top-tier custom sound system. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail reflects the dedication and discipline it took to see this project through to the end. From the island roots to the custom Budnik wheels, this car blends old-school air-cooled Volkswagen soul with cutting-edge modern tech — and it’s all done in true island style. If you’re passionate about vintage VWs, air-cooled culture, and radical custom builds, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Cali Springer is also the promoter for the VI bug out. We also take some time to discuss the VI bug out! An insane Vw show that takes place in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Happening this year 2025 December 28 through January 1. We'll bring you more information soon.    https://www.instagram.com/autofanatik/ www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com.   www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 to get 10% off your puchase

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Wright, owner of The Wright Gearbox, a name synonymous with precision-built transmissions in the off-road and high-performance VW world. Growing up wrenching in his family’s VW shop, Rick turned childhood passion into a powerhouse business dedicated to building and rebuilding transmissions for street, strip, sand, and race. Rick shares his journey in the VW industry , and how years of hands-on experience and customer-first philosophy help him deliver bulletproof gearboxes that stand up to serious abuse. We get into everything from working with major manufacturers on product development to testing gear sets with top race teams. Plus, Rick breaks down what sets The Wright Gearbox apart—whether it's magnafluxing every part, custom finishes, or dialing in the perfect gear ratio. And if you’ve been to a Southern California VW show lately, chances are you’ve seen one of Rick’s personal builds—a world-class VW Crew Cab pickup. Sitting on air suspension and powered by a fuel-injected 2332cc engine, it’s built for both style and speed—thanks to a custom transaxle engineered for top-end performance. This head-turning build has already taken home multiple Best of Show awards and is a rolling showcase of the craftsmanship Rick and his team bring to every project. If you're into Volkswagens, sand rails, or off-road competition, this one’s for you.   www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD 10 For 10%off your order ICON PISTONS HERE    

Being a Volkswagen Bus enthusiast is a challenge—but being a classic VW Bus guy in Canada is a whole different story. With harsh winters, salted roads, and constant snow and ice, early VW Buses are rare survivors in the north. But every now and then, someone gets lucky. In this episode, we sit down with AJ Welsh, a true OG in the Canadian air-cooled VW scene and a proud member of the Four Stack Mafia. AJ shares the incredible story behind his 1967 VW Bus, which became so iconic it was featured on a Canadian postcard and postage stamp. If you've ever seen a Volkswagen Bus on Canadian mail, chances are—it was his. We also dive into the wild backstory of his latest project, a 1955 VW Kombi Bus with suicide doors and retro 1980s scallop paint. First spotted on Vancouver Island in 1987, the Bus went from a local treasure to a touring band’s rig, before AJ finally tracked it down decades later. AJ also tells us how the Four Stack Mafia got started and gives a preview of their epic Niagara Falls VW Campout, a pre-show event leading into the Niagara Falls VW Show & Social. If you're into air-cooled Volkswagens, Split-Window Buses, and vintage VW culture in Canada, this is an episode you don't want to miss.   www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off https://www.youtube.com/@the_Wagen https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdubspodcast Buy ICON Pistons here Watch Bullrun here!

What does NASA Volkswagens have in common Joe Varga. Known as Carbon Joe on Instagram Joe Vargas spent the last 16 years working on project X 37B with Boeing an unmanned working in Aerospace most of his life gave him a skill set of problem-solving up against just about anything. In the early 2000s of friends brother ask him to make some carbon fiber parts for his friends Drag bug. From then it's been on Joe's first car he still owns to thi this day. And he enjoys driving his super beetle convertible. With the goal of completing a German look ride soon he's totally into it. On this podcast, we talk about a lot about carbon fiber technology what is the difference between vacuum bagged with a clave without a clave auto clave this clave and every other type of clave. It's great to talk to someone knowledgeable about this type of process. That's also an enthusiast so there's lots of good information content if you're thinking about carbon fiber parts. Joe makes them on a specialty basis only remember, he's retired, but he can probably help you save some weight on that racing Volkswagen that you have. Enjoy.  www.letstalkdubs.com www.rosswulf.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com buy ICON pistons here