• Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Topic: Note of appreciation

I took our youngest child (the one who's handicapped) out for a drive last night in the Karmann Ghia. We cruised around for a bit and stopped at a McDonnalds for a snack. Friday night is a cruise night around here, and this McDonalds is a 50's style restaurant, so there were quite a few muscle cars and classics there. We use the drive through, but I find out they gave us no straws for our drinks. I find a parking space and run inside to get some straws, only to come back out to find a group of people gathered around the car. Everybody had questions and comments, and we spent a good while conversing (my mocha frappe melted!).

As we drove away, I was struck by how much I've learned in one year... going from someone who had only seen a fan belt adjusted once, to being able to field questions in public. I enjoy learning, and for the most part, a lot of what I've learned has been because of you guys and gals (Hi Patty!).

So, I just wanted to say thanks for all the knowledge and experience you've shared, and even stirring up the curiosity and the desire to learn more that makes life more interesting. I really appreciate you folks.

Paul

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,318

Re: Note of appreciation

I've always wondered what the other folks think at one of those "Cruise Night" hangouts where most of the vehicles are muscle cars & American classics from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.  Usually (I would think) there would be an "anti-import" feel. 

I think that Karmann Ghia's are a less recognizable...so maybe some folks didn't even know it was a VW (at first).

One the other hand...maybe folks who appreciate old cars don't really care...old is old...and interesting nonetheless! smile

Plus...maybe these folks at the McDonalds are the same folks (with the same cars) week after week...and appreciated seeing a different vehicle! wink

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • Registered: 2005-06-02
  • Posts: 427

Re: Note of appreciation

I also stumbled across a muscle car show with my Bug last year--right near our house.   They invited us to park in and we got alot of attention too!   
The guy called me back last week to join in this weekend so off we go!!!   

I dare say we learn a few things from you to Altema!

Patty B.
'69 stock bug
  • Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Re: Note of appreciation

Bug In My Nose wrote:

I've always wondered what the other folks think at one of those "Cruise Night" hangouts where most of the vehicles are muscle cars & American classics from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.  Usually (I would think) there would be an "anti-import" feel. 

I think that Karmann Ghia's are a less recognizable...so maybe some folks didn't even know it was a VW (at first).

One the other hand...maybe folks who appreciate old cars don't really care...old is old...and interesting nonetheless! smile

Plus...maybe these folks at the McDonalds are the same folks (with the same cars) week after week...and appreciated seeing a different vehicle! wink

- Nick

Most "anti-import" attitudes are towards Hondas and such, especially Ricers (Race Inspired Cosmetic Enhancements). Besides, if anyone comes up with derogatory remarks, I can hit them with "Did you know the first VW plant was made operational by the British?"  lol

Of course, letting them know that the first 4 cylinder car in the world to do the quarter mile in 11 seconds was a Bug helps too.

Some people are anti-everything-else, but most true gearheads will be interested in cars for cars sake, even though they have their favorites.

You could be right about just wanting to see something different... several people there said they had never seen a Karmann Ghia in person before, only pictures.


Paul

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,318

Re: Note of appreciation

Altema wrote:

You could be right about just wanting to see something different... several people there said they had never seen a Karmann Ghia in person before, only pictures.

Yeah...if all you're seeing week after week are 57 Chevy's, 69 Camaro's, Nova's, Mustang's, Corvette's, Thunderbird's, etc....if someone pulls up in a Pinto, a Gremlin, or a Pacer...it's bound to catch some attention! Ha ha wink

BTW...not saying your nice Karmann Ghia is equivalent to a Pinto, Gremlin, or Pacer...it's much nicer!!! smile

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Re: Note of appreciation

Bug In My Nose wrote:

BTW...not saying your nice Karmann Ghia is equivalent to a Pinto, Gremlin, or Pacer...it's much nicer!!! smile

- Nick

At least any air cooled had a better build quality, lol. I actually had exposure to all those cars years ago. I did repairs on someone's Pacer, a friend at work had a Gremlin (with a V8, none the less), and one of my best friends had a Pinto, with a twist. His dad was an engineer for Ethel corp, and did testing and research. Anyway, he built his son a turbo engine for his Pinto with all stainless steel hardware. The thing flew, but we almost died in it on US 24. He was going about 65mph, right next to a lane that was stopped, and someone pulled out in front of us. He was able to swerve and just miss the guy, but if he hit the other car, then we probably would not have survived. Driving a Pinto 65MPH into a large car would not go well. Of course, I would not be better off in the Ghia. Let's see... I'm protected by bumpers you can flex by hand, a sheet metal nose, the spare tire, and, oh yeah,.. the gas tank.  At least the Ghia has better brakes and handling, Lol.
It's not likely that we would have been in that situation if I was driving though; I alway slow down to reduce the difference in speed, and move at least a lane away if possible.


Paul

Last edited by Altema (2010-07-11 14:26:22)

  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,586

Re: Note of appreciation

I feel my '71 Beetle has more in common with a '50's car, muscle or not, than a modern car but those guys seem to snub me just like back in the '70's when you were snubbed for driving a cheap Beetle, unless you were a student. Our parts are still cheap compared to the muscle car parts.

Also in the '50's Beetles were unpopular just because they were German and people were still upset over the whole world domination thing. (twice)

Oh well, every air cooled driver waves at me and I've made friends with many. We're in a class of our own. Snobs or big egos don't drive Beetles.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,882

Re: Note of appreciation

We all learn from each other. I have been repairing and restoring VW's for a long time and sometimes need a refresher course in what I take for granted. Thank you.

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,586

Re: Note of appreciation

What's also great is that even inexperienced people can help, for example by answering questions about part quality from a vendor if they happen to have bought the part.

I don't actually have a lot of hands on experience but I have a lot of time and I've read literally just about everything about AC VW's and I have a form of total recall so I can find info fast. I'm almost embarrassed to say I read the whole Samba, all the tech bulletins etc. and memorized the electrical diagrams.

Still can't do without Volkswebbin though because there's no substitute for hands on experience for many jobs. Installing my windshield went easy thanks to you guys.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915