Air-cooled Preservation Society

06/16/2025

Here is the obligatory photo in front of the Shell station at the Gillmore Car Museum. The day turned out nice despite the gloomy start in the early morning. It was a really great time talking to many, many air-cooled enthusiasts. Making connections and friends is what it is all about, right?

08/02/2023

on a recent trip to my old hometown we enjoyed these beautiful murals.

08/02/2023

08/02/2023

We have a new co-pilot. His name is Otto.

01/06/2022

Check out the holes in the front of my bus. What are they for? Wrong answers only! Such as…
tiny holes for my tiny radiator
extra ventilation for those hot summer days
weight reduction for better milage/performance
Omega symbol in preparation for the next covid varient

list one in the comments- remember, only wrong answers please

01/03/2022

I feel like I have reached a milestone, turned a corner, closed a chapter, however you say it—- the bus FINALLY is painted! Yay! It was a goal stated and goal reached on the final day of 2021. To complete the paint during my week-and-a-half Christmas break.

Every part of this project has been overly difficult and harder than it should have been. From (re)locating the owner, finding the bus, removing it from its tomb of 30 plus years, dragging it home (on the second 8 hour round trip) removing dirt and filth and stench.

Then the cutting of the rust, grinding of the metal, removing the rust, shaping the metal, welding, filling, sanding, re-sanding, priming, painting, etc.

Then building a paint booth, creating a clean air supply, buying primer and paint, and on and on.

It has been over four years of work, hours and hours.

Now the really enjoyable part can begin. The part where you actually see progress as your build takes shape.

I hope to share a few videos of the journey, but for now, take a peak of some photos.

11/10/2021

Getting closer to paint...

10/09/2021

Yet another great time at the Gilmore car museum. All German Oktoberfest. Great band, food and of course cars. Look for a video coming soon.

09/23/2021

09/19/2021

Super fun air-cooled weekend. I got to see “Magic Bus” music group at the Alto Harvest festival and car show. They are GOOD! Cool 60’s rock. Then, on Sunday the Fall 131 dragway show, drag racing and swap meet. Scored lots of great treasures (parts) for preserving projects. Sad that things are winding down vw wise, but at least out on a good note. I met some great Air-cooled VW enthusiasts too!

09/19/2021

Had a great day at the Alto Harvest festival yesterday. Lots of great cars to see and met some cool, air cooled VW guys. The Magic Bus music group was amazing and the sun was shining! It does not get much better than that.