Ash's Posts - Volks Culture

The Passing of a Legend - Bill Moore

2014-03-28T23:36:59.000Z

Sadly Bill Moore, affectionately known as Country Buggy Bill, one of the founders of Volks Culture and all round great guy, passed away last Saturday evening. He was at home in Nowra and surrounded by family and friends.

Bill was always the dependable voice of reason, quick witted and a real pleasure to spend time with. He was a great friend.

He was always keen for another Volks adventure having travelled around the world to VW shows, Volks museums, Wolfsburg and of course having been to Lake Gairdner as a pivotal part of team Ratmuller in their successful pursuit of Volks land speed records.

Bill was known far and wide in the VW community, both locally and abroad. Some knew him for his passion and depth of knowledge of the Australian VW Country Buggy. Others knew and respected him as a keen Volks historian who had amassed an impressive collection across a life time of enthusiasm. Some just knew him as a nice guy who was generous of spirit and who looked like Santa Claus.

For years he has was one of the chief organisers behind the Blast from the Past VW show for his club, the Shoalhaven VW Club. He would always proudly show both his Country Buggy and split Westy camper.

He will be sorely missed, but his spirit will always live on.

UN T3 - Engine Rebuild Complete!

2012-11-11T10:53:17.000Z

Today, after a year off the road for one reason and another, I finally got my T3 back after a full top end overhaul. Being the South African JT3000 model, it is fitted with a 3l V6 and the overhaul included:

new lifters
Lifter faces re-profiled to suit cam lobes
new valve springs
new valve retainers & collettes
new intake/exhaust valves
heads have been ported and polished
custom cam shaft grind
new timing gear
new Pacemaker headers
New custom 2 1/4" custom exhaust system
Edelbock classic series air filter
New custom made leads

The engine block was repainted, as were the rocker covers. Jamie (mechanic) also replaced much of the wiring and hoses in the engine bay as well as new insulation etc. The motor presents very well. Pretty much no stone was left unturned, with the result being lots more power and ability to rev as well one of the best engine notes I have ever heard. And what a blast to drive!

Today I also fitted a set of smoked tail lights.Bodywork is next for this beast.

Bay Camper - New cabinet mounted

2012-09-14T03:12:19.000Z

New cabinet in and TV mounted on adjustable arm, now at the front of the bus...nice. Thanks to Tony from Kombi Cabinets. Top shelf!

Another BIG Volks Culture cruise

2012-08-26T04:30:00.000Z

I was reading the paper and came across the ten best drives in Australia which gave me the inspiration for what will be a fantastic cruise for early next year. Many of you came on The Big Blue cruise to the Blue Mountains in January. Make way for The Big Snowy, cruise to the Snowy Mountains in January 2013 - weekend of 26-27.

I'd like to gauge interest and get some ideas for interesting places to stop along the way. Also, this will obviously be a multi-day cruise, so best places to stay/camp along the way? Should this be two nights away or one night?

Let's make this a good one. Got an idea? Put it on the table.

Currently our two route options are as follows:

Route Option 1 - (map link)

Sydney - Canberra (286km 3:14)

Canberra - Cooma (116km 1:28)

Cooma - Adaminaby (51.6km 0:38)

Adaminaby - Tumut (129km 1:33)

Tumut - Bowral (294km 3:18)

Bowral - Sydney (119km 1:25)

Total 996km, 11:35

Route Option 2 (map link)

Sydney - Canberra (286km 3:14)

Canberra - Cooma (116km 1:28)

Cooma - Jindabyne (62.5km 0:49)

Jindabyne - Thredbo (33.8km 0:29)

Thredbo - Tumut (249km 3:23)

Tumut - Bowral (294km 3:18)

Bowral - Sydney (119km 1:25)

Total 1,157km 13:55

And just in case you forgot the last one...

Bay Camper - New cabinet is finished

2012-08-26T03:50:23.000Z

Tony Darbishire from Kombi Cabinets has just finished building a new slimline cabinet for my bus. It includes space to mount my TV arm and adjustable shelving for storage flexibility.…

APR upgrade for my R32

2012-08-16T03:49:42.000Z

I just picked up my R32 Golf from VolksMuller today where it was getting a regular service and an APR chip tune. For the R32 the APR upgrade on paper is only a mild 11kw increase, but the mid range torque has definitely been given a lift. It was fun to drive before, but now I can't wait to hit a nice tight twisty mountain road to really see what she's got.

The Roo Shooter's newest accessory

2012-07-28T22:52:12.000Z

Don't piss off the driver...

German T3 Synchro Camper touring around Australia

2012-07-02T05:04:44.000Z

I caught up with Jurgen and Johannes, father and son, travelling around Australia in this amazing T3 camper. Based on a dual cab T3, apparently, there were 100 total of these campers made, 20 of them being Synchros, with 10 of them still in existence today.

These very nice guys were just at the beginning of their adventure and were getting a few things seen to by Steve at VolksMuller. This awesome vehicle will be travelling the country for the next year so keep an eye out and show them some Aussie hospitality if you see them.

French Riviera in a Karmann Beetle cabrio

2012-06-17T07:18:49.000Z

After a hectic week working in the Netherlands, I flew to Nice in France for a few days off in. What a first day! Edwin uncovered his Karmann Beetle and we hit the roads. First we travelled to a local historic village for breakfast and then on to Cannes where we spent the rest of the day. Wow, talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous. Check it out...

Netherlands Trip - Part 5 (Visit to Kieft & Klok)

2012-06-09T09:02:35.000Z

Here is the drool fest video. My visit to Kieft & Klok topped off a great day (BBT earlier). Got here at about 7pm and stayed until 10pm (even though they closed at 9pm). This place was just off the chart. Don't hate me...

Netherlands Trip - Part 4 (Sight Seeing)

2012-06-08T11:00:00.000Z

Edwin and I dropped off the wheel bearing I picked up yesterday from BBT, and I got out and did a little site seeing this morning before the work shoot this afternoon. Seriously, not an aircooled Volkswagen to be seen on the road anywhere.

Netherlands Trip - Part 3 (Visit to BBT)

2012-06-08T06:30:00.000Z

I took a drive down to Belgium to visit BBT and then headed up to Kieft & Klok back in the Netherlands.I shot quite a lot so will be editing full BBT and Kieft & Klok vids later.What a day...

Netherlands Trip - Part 2

2012-06-07T08:14:08.000Z

I feel a lot better after a good sleep. This morning Edwin and I took his 54 Beetle to the local mechanic to get the brakes looked at. The video shows some of the fun we had.

Netherlands Trip - Part 1

2012-06-06T16:31:26.000Z

I know it's rough but it's pretty much how I feel right now.

Volks scene in the Netherlands & France

2012-06-04T12:19:31.000Z

Hi guys, tomorrow night I fly out to The Nethrlands and France for 2 1/2 weeks on a work trip. I hope to check out the VW scene while I am there (with my local friend Edwin as a guide) and if opportunity permits I will be posting up a video blog every few days. Keep an eye out.

Cheers

Ash

PS. Please post up any suggestions of where I should visit. Already I have Airmighty and BBT on the list...

Mega Sunroof!!

2012-06-01T07:21:12.000Z

I dropped my wife's Jetta in for service today and as a loan car was given a new TDi Golf wagon for the day. It has a massive panoramic sunroof that is just stunning. Interior is so light and airy. An electronic shade curtain slides into place if you get a little bit too hot. I love it.…

UN T3 - Back on a Table Top

2012-03-27T10:02:28.000Z

Yet again, my South African T3 is on the back of a table top truck, hopefully for the last time. This time it's headed to my mechanic's for the final stage of engine rebuild, exhaust fitting etc.

VC Member Recognition

2012-03-10T06:46:00.000Z

Hey guys,

You may have noticed that some members now have a star appearing in the bottom corner of their avatar. This is a new way we are recognizing the different levels of value that different members have to Volks Culture. So far the different categories are as follows:

Founding Member (Gold): http://www.volksculture.com/profiles/category/founding-member

Volks Legend (Silver): http://www.volksculture.com/profiles/category/volks-legend

Volks Contributor (Bronze): http://www.volksculture.com/profiles/category/volks-contributor

If you appear in any of these categories, we really appreciate what you do for our community. If you are not on here yet, just post some photos, start a blog, or just comment.

Cheers

Ash

Ratmuller Racing - 9 days to go

2012-03-07T02:04:12.000Z

Ratmuller Racing - March Update

2012-03-05T23:20:22.000Z

Ratmuller Racing - Salt Bug Test Run

2012-02-18T03:40:09.000Z

Ratmuller Racing Newsletter - Vol.2 2012 (Feb 2012)

2012-02-07T01:16:54.000Z

More than a pinch of salt...

Vehicle status

Three of the five vehicles are complete and ready for the event - 1956 Oval, 1968 Ghia and 1960 Beetle.

The 1975 Superbug has now been built up as a Mexican Taxi and only needs some final welding work on the roll cage and the supercharger mounted to the manifold and the vehicle is ready to go to the dynometer for some testing. Look out for the next Volkswagen Australia Magazine for a comprehensive build report on this vehicle and details on how much of a build can be completed in one day.

Before and After shots of the 75 Superbug AKA The Mexican Taxi

The 1957 Panel Van ( The Roo Shooter) is currently laid up with both legs and almost two arms out of bed in the rear end. Although I was not there when the existing engine threw up at the recent drags I can assure you that the sound was deafening and the sight was saddening. Nothing that a new case and set of internals wont rectify very quickly. The rebuild will be completed early February allowing adequate testing time before the event.

This vehicle has run a 14.1 at Eastern Creek so the potential is there. A recent decision has been made not to run the 2011 Golf R this year. The Team will be heavily involved in getting and maintaining 5 vehicles to the starting line so the Golf build has been put on hold until next year.

Steve Muller take his 2842ml type-4 powered rat bus down the quarter in 14 secs

Overseas involvement

There will be three enthusiasts travelling from the US for the event and one from Holland. With records in the offering we will be pleased to be able to give the US guys something to write home about. At this stage one of the visitors looks like having a run in the 1975 Mexican Taxi. Burly Burlile, the 36HP guru will be documenting the event for content in Hot VWs magazine and possibly Ultra VW. The other is Todd Penn, a Canadian who is a regular participant at Bonneville.

The Team

Current planning will have an overall team of 15 people of which 5 people are expected to be drivers and we have excellent experienced coverage to handle any of the difficult issues that may occur. Apart from the mechanical side of things we are planning to produce a documentary available after the event.

There are now 6 drivers to share the 5 vehicles:

• 1975 Superbug - Don Kendall and Todd Penn

• 1960 Beetle - Greg Mackie and Pete Munn

• Ghia and Roo Shooter - Steve Muller

• 1956 Oval - John Weninger

Sponsors

Many thanks to Volkswagen Group Australia who continue as the primary sponsor for the Ratmuller Racing Team. Without this support there is a reduced opportunity to be involved in a venture of this magnitude. We also want to acknowledge the sponsorship support from Don Kendall of DSK Waste Services and John Weninger of Martin and King Pty Ltd both of who will be driving this year.

Class Records

The Team can sniff creation of class records for two Australia based Land Speed Racing classes. For the 36HP Challenge we expect to be able to break the world record for a stone stock 36HP Beetle of just over 75 miles per hour as well as getting very close to breaking the K36 Class Record of 101 mph held by Dick Beith since 1961 The records we are aiming to beat are SS36 at 75.534 mph and K36 at 101.296 mph.

Look out for Newsletter Vol 3 in early March for the latest updates

Bay Camper - The Big Blue 2012

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000Z

On Sunday January 29th I led The Big Blue 2012 in my 76 Bay Camper.

Volks Culture Tee Shirts now available

2012-01-20T01:06:54.000Z

They look so cool, you will of course need the matching set. Buy direct from the Volks Culture shop.

Volks Culture Tee Shirts available in a few weeks

2012-01-09T02:13:30.000Z

Keep your eyes peeled for these bad boys. Splitty also available. Available in a few weeks.

Bay Camper - Xmas 2011 Break at Mollymook

2012-01-05T00:30:00.000Z

Volksmuller 2011 Xmas Party

2011-12-22T00:40:34.000Z

Steve Muller hosted a party to celebrate Christmas and the launch of Volksmuller, a reinvention of Kombi Rescue. I shot a bit of video on my iPhone.

Bay Camper - The Big Blue Rece Run

2011-12-18T08:30:00.000Z

As we had today free, we decided to do a prelim run of The Big Blue cruise, but in reverse. With wife Joan in front, and our two dogs in back, we left Rouse Hill late morning and headed up through Windsor and Richmond to Bells Line of Road. I'm glad we will be coming down the hill on the actual cruise, as I'm sure some of the slower cars would have a real problem on the way up through Kurrajong Heights - steep and slow.

First up we stopped at The Fruit Bowl at Bilpin, which will ultimately be our final stop for lunch on the cruise itself. Plenty of parking, lots of shade, shop selling coffee, sandwiches, freshly baked peach pie, all good.

Nice grassy areas make up the picnic area at The Fruit Bowl

Big car park can accommodate all cars and buses on the cruise

After this we kept heading west toward Bell, and ultimately our turn off toward Mount Victoria. On the way we stopped briefly at Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens, but quickly moved on when we found that we couldn't take the dogs out of the car due to the native wildlife roaming around - fair enough.

At Mount Victoria, which is as far away from Sydney as we will get on the cruise, we stopped to check out The Imperial Hotel. Middle of Summer and the open fire was still burning, crazy weather! This is a great place, and will definitely make a good stopping point for another cruise in cooler weather.

We turned left onto The Great Western Highway and continued down to Blackheath, now heading toward Sydney. At this point turned off toward The Megalong Valley, which may be an optional stop off on the cruise, Fantastic twisty road in through areas that almost feel like a rain forrest and stopped at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms.

Had a light lunch and while we were there a gorgeous Blue 60s Beetle arrived - good to see.

Lunch under a canopy of trees at Megalong Tea Rooms

This beautiful Beetle arrived while we were having lunch. Anyone recognise it?

From here drove back up to Blackheath (15 minutes) and then across the highway and down to Govetts Leap, one of the best lookouts in The Blue Mountains. This will be a definite must for our cruise. Plenty of parking and breathtaking views to be had.

Awesome view at Govetts Leap lookout

From Govetts Leap we kept heading back toward Sydney and about 45 minutes later discovered what will end up being be our first stop on the cruise, Glenbrook Village. Here there is a Caltex servo, cafe/shops, plenty of parking etc. ideal place to stop.

So, The Big Blue route will probably be as follows:

Depart Rouse Hill after coffee
Onward to Glenbrook Village in the mountains for a quick break/fuel stop
Continue on to Govetts Leap lookout at Blackheath
Optional diversion down into Megalong Valley. Thoughts anyone?? 30 mins round trip
Continue west to Mount Victoria and turn off at The Imperial Hotel (maybe stop for a quick one??)
Across to Bells Line of Road where we will turn right back toward Sydney
Continue on to Bilpin and stop at The Fruit Bowl for lunch

All in all, this will be a great cruise. Roll on January 29 and The Big Blue!

Stocking Stuffer

2011-12-10T07:26:59.000Z

Found this at a Hornsby model store. Looks fantastic. My son will be happy this Christmas.

Sydney Hail Storm - Fortunately no VW damage

2011-12-05T01:43:36.000Z