Air Monkeys Issue 4

issue four

’63 Samba Patina Single Cab Camper Mart ’71 Notchback Early Bay Christmas Meet Cookin’ Camper

Air Monkeys Magazine

The winter months are never kind to anyone who is into the classic and retro car scene. We all long for the summer to come back and right about now, March time, we are well and truly peeved off with the cold. Lets hope this latest issue of Air Monkeys magazine will cheer you up. This winter was not as bad as previous years so we’ve been out and about getting the best of what this dank season can offer!

The Air Monkeys Crew: Joe Eynon • Editor • Feature Writer • Photographer Samantha Eynon • Deputy Editor • Feature Writer • Photographer/ Illustrator Edd Thorpe • Feature Writer • Photographer Martin Cox • Feature Writer • Photographer Richard Thorpe • Feature Writer • Photographer Nikola Woodhall • Photographer Contributors: Martin Aylett, Steve Bell, Rob Blackwood, Holly Booth, Chris Eccles, Peter Gibbons, Nigel Isted, Peter Jones, John Masey, Scott ‘Donnyburger’ Mitchell, Sharon Taylor, Paul Vandermeer,

The best event of the winter, for me, was the Early Bay meet-up at the American Diner in Swadlincote, which was organised by the delightful Mr. Dean Bradley. Excellent job Dean! Read all about it in a few pages time.

I had a list of jobs to do on the Bay this winter and I have done none of them, which is not a good start to the year.

On the other hand Edd Thorpe, one of our feature writers, has not stopped working on his 1967 Beetle, which is undergoing a body off restoration. He’s been working that hard I’ve had to force him into the office to write for the magazine.

So here is our very own season opener. This magazine, I hope, will give you some ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and get you excited for the show season we have ahead of us.

I have a feeling this is going to be a very good year!

Joe Eynon Editor

What’s inside?

Regular Features Spanked!

Cool Sh*t Tasty Tees Technical Focus Earworm Shop Tour Show Reports ’56 Single Cab

’71 Notchback

Early Bay Meet

Camper Mart

Dubfreeze

Show Report | Early Bay Meet

Happy Holidays, Happy Campers words: Joe Eynon

P

eople who have no connection to the world that we live in, think there is one type of campervan and cannot tell the difference between a Split-screen and a Bay-window unless they are parked next to one another. Some know the difference simply as, one is old and the other is really old, one is unreliable and the other is really unreliable. We know there is much, much more to it than this!

Split-screens are ‘split’ into two main parties. Barndoors and Split-screens. The changes between these two models are very small to the passer by but to us, VW geeks, they are

pics: Joe and Sam Eynon

very large. The Bay-window is exactly the same.

< The event brought out the hardcore early bay fans > The second generation of Volkswagen buses came on the market in 1968, (with a few sneaking out in 1967), and boasted a panoramic windscreen, larger cab area and incorporated half-shaft axles and CV joint rear suspension set-ups. Models before 1971 are know as T2a’s or Early Bay’s. They had lower indicators and smaller (split-screen style) rear lights.

35mm pics: Edd Thorpe

The airflow vents were crescent shaped and the bumpers were curved and had a built in cab step on them. These things all changed when the T2b was introduced in 1972/73.

As these buses were only made for a short number of years that naturally makes them desirable. Some Early Bay’s fetch as much money as Split-screens, and sometimes more! Parts are also an issue.

Some Early Bay only parts can be very expensive or impossible to get hold of. The steering wheel is different and if you ever see one at an auto jumble be sure to buy it. They can fetch £1000 in the right market!

Show Report | Early Bay Meet

The Early Bay forum based in the U.K. is the place to head to on the web if you have an Early Bay. They have countless threads giving advice on their buses and they organise loads of meets and shows throughout the country. Every year one of their members, and a massive personality in the scene, Dean ‘Gadget Boy’ Bradley organises a gathering to celebrate the end of the season and to welcome in the winter season and Christmas!

This was the third event of its kind in as many years, and each year it’s getting more and more popular. We all decided to head there in Joe and Sam’s 1969 Early Bay so we didn’t feel left out on the day.

The event was scheduled to start at 11:30 but as it was only 10 minutes drive away from Air Monkeys HQ we inevitably arrived a little early. To be honest though it was a good job we did, as low-light buses were arriving left, right and centre!

I should at this point mention where the meet was held. In Swadlincote, South Derbyshire there is a little gem of a place. Tucked in amongst this old mining town with industrial buildings and surrounded by some of the biggest potholes in the ‘verse is a truly authentic American Diner. You know, one of the shiny metal ones they have in all the movies! It’s owned by Trish and Jeff and, with the help of everyone else who works there, they serve some amazing American food.

Burgers, Hot Dogs, Floats, Milkshakes and Coffee are served whilst you’re sitting in your booth listening to Rock ‘n Roll.

Adorning the wall is automobillia and vintage Americana stretching back to when the diner was in the states. We’ll be covering more about this amazing place in a future issue so stay tuned!

The buses all seemed to arrive at once so we thought it would be a good idea to grab a seat in the diner whilst we could. It proved to be a wise move indeed as very soon the diner was packed with cold and hungry dubbers. I must praise the diner staff for some excellent service. I doubt the diner has ever been busier and they dealt with it very well, plus the food was, as always, first class! Once we had eaten we made our way out to the vans outside. Midland Paintworks were going to be awarding some trophies later in the day; not only was this an ideal opportunity to look at the bays it was also a great time to cast our votes.

<You know, one of the shiny metal ones they have in all the movies!> The event brought out the hardcore early bay fans, mainly due to the time of year and the lack of heating in most buses. This allowed for a true eclectic mix of vans.

We had slammed and signwritten buses such as the Dry Cleaning bus and we also had some lovely restored campers draped in chrome and laden with accessories such as boom-box speakers and vintage coolers as always.

Show Report | Early Bay Meet

The car-park, although small, filled up straight away with about 10 fine examples of the T2a plus Jeffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Karmann Ghia, (we only let it stay there because he was cooking us lunch!!), so late comers had to start parking up the street outside. This included Toby Walker, of Skeg Vegas fame, and his stunning white tin top. This, on the day, picked up the best stance award, and deservedly so. Dean Bradley was there in his Gadget Bus which always looks so interesting, no matter how many times you see it. As the day was brought to a close and once the awards had been passed out everyone dived back inside for a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The weather had been really kind, although a tad cold, until this point, but it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a VW event without some rain, so the heavens opened!

This didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits though, and as everyone wished each other goodbye we started looking forward to when the days get longer and the nights shorter.

People may look at this event as snobbish or elitist but I see it differently. There was a time, only a few years ago, when Split-screens were unwanted, then they grew in popularity and the Bay was frowned upon but now the Bay is loved as much as the Split and sometimes more! The Type 25 may only have a small following at the moment but maybe in a few years time we will be reporting on a mass gathering of Wedges. This event just shows how times have changed in the VW world and I believe it’s for the better!

Cool

Blink 182 limited edition posters

First

Date

To celebrate 20 years of Blink 182, the band have teamed up with Studio Mark 5 and will be releasing 182 posters on the 20th of every month this year. This is January’s, which has sadly now sold out!

Check out Studio Mark 5’s website for other posters http://studiomark5.bigcartel.com/

Magno Wooden Radio Each MAGNO radio is hand crafted in an Indonesian farming village and is made from East Indian Rosewood from a sustainable source. You can also connect your MP3 player to it.

Wood

Available from www.wooden-radio.com Prices from: £260 en ret ro co olness

Sh*t

Regular | Cool Sh*t

Crosley Turntables

Crosley are an American retro audio equipment company who make the coolest radios, turntables, ipod docks, and stereos in the world! This model is called the CR6016A and is so retro and so cool!

To understand how awesome this company is you really must head over to: www.crosleyradio.com price: $149.99

Custom Nikes Check out these awesome custom painted Nikes by Daniel Reese from Merseyside UK. He began posting up pictures of designs in 2009 and received so much positve feedback he began to paint one-off customs. There are now a huge number of designs for you to choose from, see them on his website: http://brassmonki.wazala.com/

Nikes Holy

n!

Batma

FieldCandy Tents

d hi she d n a A man

FieldCandy Tents is a Jersey based company that strives to make tents more interesting.

They work with lots of new and established designers to bring you fun and inspirational designs.

Each design is made to a limited number.

You certainly wouldn’t struggle spotting one of these at a festival, though you might struggle to afford one, the cheapest is over £300 and the shed design shown here would set you back £595! www.fieldcandy.com

Nerd Bots This wonderful creation is made by ‘Oddly obsessed with all things robot, married couple Nicholas and Angela from Kansas City, Missouri’ They make their robots by piecing together interesting bits and pieces found in antique and thrift stores.

Adopt

a bot!

Robots are available to ‘Adopt’ through their website www.nerdbots.net, or you could try making your own!

Regular | Cool Sh*t

Skullcandy Aviators These headphones are so gorgeous it makes me dribble, and luckily unlike many headphones they are not just style over substance, the sound quality is pretty good too, Currently available from www. hmv.com, reduced from £149.99 to £110.00!

Aviato

rs fo r you r ears

Mr Bingo Custom Skate Deck Mr Bingo is an illustrator who seems to have a bit of an obsession with hair, having completed a whole series of portraits of celebrity hair, yup that’s right just their hair. So here is a skatedeck he designed featuring a very beardy fellow!

For more of his work head to: www.mr-bingo.org.uk

Beard

Board

Technical Focus A round up of some of the best and coolest products for your VW

red by o s n o p re s alages a o refurb your t p l a ic le t grea echn are ab h at a keys t y is n e n o h fi T M . y Air aus ualit .

Wheelh els to a top q o get a quote 7 y t ix S t e teel wh out now loy or s e them a sh iv price. G 7 091 or 79 il.com 07905 _bro@hotma ys thorpe

30hp Dual Port Okrasa Style Engine Kit This is for all 30hp drivers looking to keep their early Volkswagen period correct, but worried about keeping up with the other cars on the autobahn. This upper-end engine kit is engineered to original Oettinger standards, and includes everything required to make the switch. All original details have been preserved from the OEM manufactured cylinder heads that maintain the original 7.5:1 compression ratio to the reproduction Solex 32PBIC carburetors.

Price: ÂŁ1,190.00

Contact: www.karmannkonnection.com

Regular | Tech Focus

Autocraft Spiltscreen Tow Bar The traditional Westfalia and other period tow bar designs were made when modified buses just didn’t exist.

This new design from Auto Craft Engineering allows for most aftermarket exhaust sizes and also is kind to lowered, even slammed, buses. They come in different designs to give you the look you really want including Plate Mounted tow ball, (pictured above), or a fantastic detachable swan neck design, (pictured below).

Auto Craft say that their new designs are no more intrusive than stock bumper mountings and simply clamps on the chassis rails.

Made from strong materials and covered with Cathodic Dip Coating they should last a very long time.

The electrics on them ‘swing away’ and become hidden from view when not in use.

At the moment these units are available for Split screen buses but will also be available for Early and Late Bays later in the year.

Prices: Fixed tow ball £180

Detachable tow ball £320-£350 Contact: Auto Craft Engineering (UK) Ltd

Stainless Engine Vents These shiny little beauties are from Lime Bug and give your interior engine vents a bit of bling.

Made from stainless steel they’ll not just look great for a season but for years. And with Lime Bug selling loads more parts and accessories for your VW you could make quite a shopping list from their web shop!

Price: £11.99 Contact: www.limebug.net

07500 451007

D LOU LE IC VEH

thisway-up.com

holding the universe together, one sticker at a time

Show Report | Camper-Mart

CAMPER MART 2011

words- Edd Thorpe. pictures- Nikola Woodhall, Martin Cox and Joe Eynon.

Show Report | Camper-Mart

I

t’s always exciting to be at the forefront of something new, and being at the season ‘opener’ is always a must for us Air Monkeys – so combining the two, in a brand new show to start the season, was a sure fire winner with us guys!

We made the trip to the Telford International Centre, (having first ended up at the wrong part of the site thanks to some lack of signage and satnav postcode issues) full of anticipation and excitement. The show promised it all with live BMX and skate half-pipe displays, graffiti demos, bands, trade the lot, but could it really pull it off, on show number one, on a one day event?

Needless to say we were blown away by the sheer volume of people already queuing when we arrived, and parked up 20 minutes before the doors opened. Although, yes it was £2.50 to park all day, fixed by the venue not Campermart, it could be worse considering the ample, hard standing space which is significantly cheaper than some other events parking.

< we were blown away by the sheer volume of people minutes before the doors opened >

Show Report | Camper-Mart

already queuing when we arrived, and parked up 20

It seems good news travels fast and a new season opener was just what the Dub scene needed to break up the winter stay of affairs from October. The event also saw an entirely independent event ‘tattoo freeze’ held within the same complex, so show goers could catch two shows in one day for the price of the extra ticket.

On entering the show hall, the Karmann Konnection stall faced eager entrants with another fantastic display of rare and exotic goodies, which has become a staple part of their appearance at any show. Around the rest of the trade hall a good variety of needs were catered for, from new replacement parts, accessories, camper interiors, clothing and merch up to flow blown power steering systems for your Type 2!

Once we had absorbed the trade hall it was time to make our way next door to catch the real interactive element of the show. Never before had I been to a show featuring a half pipe within the show hall, these guys went all out putting in some impressive runs they certainly weren’t holding back, with nothing being compromised, backflips and all!!

Across the hall saw the more gravity dependant roller-derby displays which packed the grandstand throughout the day. This was right on vogue with following the American trend and fits in rather well with the seemingly unrelenting love for all things Americana within the VW scene.

The sounds of Druids Brew filled the air playing their eclectic tunes from the side of their now-matt-black samba ‘pumpkin’, beside the full festival style stage, which featured solo acoustic artists and bands throughout the day. It was also in this hall that the catering sat which is run by the Telford International Centre and kept show goers well fuelled with not-unreasonably priced hot grub and sandwiches! The graffiti displays put on kept people coming back again and again to watch their pieces of urban art develop as the day went on. An epic ice carving grew during the show too, which added further to the real off-the-page feel of the show..

Show Report | Camper-Mart

< only way to really see what a show’s like and how it works is to be there, feet on the ground and experience it for yourself – the proof of the pudding, as they say, really is in the eating! > This show certainly has strong roots from which to grow, and is definitely one we’re keeping our eyes on for 2013, as hopefully any little teething issue will be ironed out and turn this show into a fantastic little season opener.

In the weeks building up the show it would be fair to say there was a bit of ‘politics’ around, which we wont get involved with or go into, and put simply the only way to really see what a show’s like and how it works is to be there, feet on the ground and experience it for yourself – the proof of the pudding, as they say, really is in the eating!

Heat In The Rear-view Mirror

words and pictures- martin aylett

Feature | Fire Damaged 72

F

ollowing many years of dreaming about owning a bus I decided it was time to take the plunge into ownership. Up until this point the only buses I could afford were in need of a full-blown restoration, (or a crusher some would say).

Last September I found this 1972 Devon on EBay for just over ÂŁ5,500 with 12 months MOT and with free road tax it seemed too good to be true! I went to have a look at the bus the see if my hopes would be dashed or ignited! It was in my price range with a useable but tired interior, but the chassis and bodywork were rot and rust free. Plus the engine ran sweetly with no major issues. Once I had a mechanic give the bus an inspection, the deal was struck and I finally owned my dream ride.

I showed my bus off to everyone I could and many were very impressed with it, especially the price I paid for it. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market it was a bargain. I began to make a list of the jobs I wanted to get done which included some new interior parts, a bit of paintwork

Feature | Fire Damaged 72

and most of all, the bus would have to be lowered to improve the handling. First job though was to get new fuel lines fitted so we arranged to get them fitted by a mechanic first thing on Monday morning. Due to this arrangement we had a weekend to kill so we loaded up the van, kids and all, and headed to Vee4All in Warwick for our first every VW Festival in our new Bus! We had loads of smiles and waves on the motorway and we were ecstatic that our dream was now a reality.

Vee4All was a great event with loads of people interested in our van and our story. We got some excellent memories. On the way home it all started to go horribly wrong. We journeyed home and once I had dropped the children off at their mums, (luckily they were safe); I drove off and felt the accelerator drop to the floor and the engine cut out.

I got out ready to call for a tow home only to see thick plumes of black smoke coming out of the air intake vents. My heart sank as I began to see my dream literally go up in smoke.

The only stroke of luck at this point was that the fire station was 500 yards away so after I rang 999 it only took the fire engine a few minutes to arrive.

They quickly put out the fire and smashed a few windows and filled the interior with foam for good measure. Then they left me there with a very wet and smoky bus.

Once the bus was towed back to my house I was able to assess the damage.

The rear and interior of the bus was a wreck. I called the insurance to arrange the repairs, and after trying a few restoration outfits finally got in touch with Simon Jenkins and his brother Martin who run VW Air-cooled in Birmingham. Simon came out to have a look at the job he had on his hands, and later collected it to take it back to their body shop. Over the next 6 weeks they worked non-stop to

rebuild the engine, replace all the electrics and repair and repaint the bodywork.

When the bus was returned to me I could not believe it was the same vehicle! It looked stunning. I later fitted an 1973 Devon camping interior which has completed the buses repairs. I will next be fitting a Firetec fire safety system. Then I will get the suspension modified and sit it on the Empi Alloys, which I have in storage.

Well that was my introduction to the VW Scene. Not the most traditional route and I had my doubts whether it was for me or not. Now though, that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all sorted, there are few better feelings than being behind the wheel of a VW Bus- especially one you have worked so hard for.

Feature | Single Cab

work-horse-power Words- Edd Thorpe Pictures- Joe Eynon and Samantha Eynon

H

aulin’ ass and haulin’ parts – This ’56 single-cab certainly earns its keep!

Some people may dismiss the humble commercial as “not really being practical- I mean you can’t sleep in it, can you?”

Yet what this lacks in sleeping facilities it more than makes up for in its sheer ability to carry anything!

Owned by VW enthusiast John Massey, whom over his 20+ year hobby (addiction? obsession?) has owned, driven and worked on just about every model of air-cooled Volkswagen ever to have existed, with over 20 logbooks bearing his name at some stage or other!

Feature | Single Cab

<John has never had any of his vehicles pass through big name big buck joints> Those that know John will know that he’s not shy when it comes to putting his own mark on a car, the colour matched Milka Violet 11 window RHD UK Splitty and 68 Bug should say it all, (not forgetting the gorgeous Triumph Lucifer Orange ‘67 Ghia sold two years ago). At this point you’d start to get the idea that John has never had any of his vehicles pass through big name big buck joints, doing all of the work required to any of his vehicles himself.

This, 6 month off Barndoor era, single cab came into the

picture around 3 years ago now, having emerged in the UK from San Diego, California near to the Baja desert.

This perhaps explains the ‘monster truck’ stance it came with, along with the butchered out rear arches, sand plugging tyres, long-range fuel tank and no fewer than 8 Bilstein longtravel shocks!

“The work they’d put into it was actually pretty impressive, everything had been well thought out and everything was braced and strengthened.”

Still it wasn’t long before Autocraft Engineering got the call to supply a pair of early rear arch sections, as well as inner and outer sills, treasure chest floors and a small section of the ‘peak’ to not only put right the American’s wrongs, but counter Mothernature’s doing too! The modifications made to the pickup also included the addition of later, post 63, style rear lights, so John sought out a pair of the one year only light lenses required, before making up his own backing plates to suit.

< 66 years worth of patina now adorn the originally Dove Blue bodywork > To sort the monster truck stance, this hauler now sits a lot lower to the ground, in fact it can be said that this singlecab has been lowered by over a foot! First up was a 1300 Beetle gearbox on the back of that 1641 engine to straight axle the truck, before a ball joint early bay beam made its way up front. This was then ‘fettled’ to sit at its current height, with a set of 15inch ‘crows’ feet being wrapped in much more street friendly 185/65 tyres all round.

No attempt was made however, to undo any of the 66 years worth of patina now adorning the originally Dove Blue bodywork, with the front panel featuring hippy-esque flowers!

With the pick-up flying through its first UK MOT it could now get used to its natural stomping ground, at the farm belonging to John’s Father. It can be seen more often than not carrying bails of hay and straw, as well as transporting all manner of VW parts to and from shows.

Only very occasionally has the single cab seen the show field, (naturally in the Rat class), at Santa Pod’s Big Bang and MFN’s Dub Dayz.

As well as the part hauling, this truck is not shy when it comes to hauling ass. I’ve personally witnessed this thing go right round the clocks, with the Speedo needle licking the “0” stop on the other side and it was still going, on a private road of course, officer! Speaking of the 5-0 you’ll note the

Feature | Single Cab

“Support Law Enforcement, Pay Raises” sticker found on the rear drop-gate, rather ironic considering the ‘fed-magnet’ look of this thing! Roundabouts and crossroads are fair game for some sideways action thanks to the rather snotty cam found in the motor which still actually breathes through a single carb! As well as out and out power the grunt this motor has is incredible, with half a ton of hay on board this thing accelerates like it wasn’t even there!

So what John has after, all his hard work, is a solid, reliable work-horse with all the horsepower you could need!

Feature | Single Cab

If you want some free advertising in Air Monkeys then emailairmonkeyvw@gmail. com

This Could Be You!

Music that has been doing the rounds at Airmonkey’s HQ

Howler- America Give Up Joe Eynon

Listening to this album is like looking through a charity shop; full of items that no one really cares for anymore, but could find a place somewhere in your house. This 5-piece band from Minnesota seem to take snippets from the greats of the past and muddle them together on a record. Sometimes you hear Bowie then you’ll hear The Beach Boys and later more modern sounds such as Brilliant Colours or The Drums. They appear to have latched onto the tail lights of the bandwagon surrounding garage rock, shoestring staring surfers and after a few listens you become aware that they have the talent to stay around too.

Sounds like- The Vaccines, The Drums, Pollo Del Mar Stand out track- This Ones Different Rating- 8/10 Pink Floyd- The Best Of Richard Thorpe

As it says on the tin, the very best of Pink Floyd. A strong start to the album with the track ‘Hey You’ and flows through timeless classics such as ‘Another Brick in the Wall’, the classic ‘Money’, the gentle almost hauntingly spoken ‘The Fletcher Memorial Home’, ‘Shine on you Crazy Diamond’, their brilliant and huge ‘Comfortably Numb’ and my personal favourite “Wish You Were Here’. A brilliant compilation of this unique band and their distinct style and sound.

Sounds like- The Doors, Deep Purple Stand out track- Wish You Were Here Rating- 8.5/10

Regular | Earworm Enter Shikari- A Flash Flood of Colour Joe Eynon

They’re one of the bands that you either love them, turn their songs up so loud you break your speakers or you skip it on your iPod straight away.

This new album is no different. It contains the same passionate and meaningful lyrics mashed up with trance infused metal that, at times, flows smoothly. I personally wanted something different from them. This album, good as it is, is a continuation of previous work rather than a development of new material.

Sounds like- Hadouken, Asking Alexandria, Rout Stand out track- Sssnakepit Rating- 8/10 The Big Pink- Future This Joe Eynon

The Big Pink return with their second album in tow. This band appear to have matured whilst being away and it shows in their music. Not many bands come back with a second album as good as this one. The bass and orchestrial movements throughout the record suck you in to the sound and the electronic additions make it toe-tapping, for sure.

I reckon you would have to be an hard pushed not to find something to like about this album!

Sounds like- We Have Band, Glasvegas, Bat For Lashes Stand out track- Jump Music Rating- 9/10

Nada Surf- The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy Samantha Eynon

Nada Surf to some are known as a bit of a one-hit wonder, with the 90’s hit Popular. They formed in the early ‘90’s and began with a grungy sound, which they have long since left behind.

This record has a nostalic feel to it like sepia toned photos from a sun bleached summer.

The band seem to be in a reflective mood with songs like When I Was Young and Teenage Dreams, and I was happy to reflect with them.

Sounds like- Rogue Wave, Matt Pond PA, The Beach Boys Stand Out Track- Looking Through Raring- 8.5/10

The Maccabees- Given To The Wild Samantha Eynon

This album breaks new ground for the five piece band and is perfect to listen to loud with massive head phones. For the most part The Maccabees create epic soundscapes in this album, that slowly build layer upon layer. Most of the album does feel very Foals-esque, but then Pelican and Went Away come as a bit of a surprise in the middle of it all; a throw back to their earlier records, just to remind you who you are listening to, as for the most part this could be a whole new band.

Sounds like- Foals, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Cribs Stand out track- Pelican Rating- 8/10 Pulled Apart By Horses- Tough Loven Joe Eynon

The band that never stops touring have forced themselves off the road and into the studio to record their second album. The album kicks of with the raw and anger ridden V.E.N.O.M. and doesn’t stop kicking and punching your senses until the last track.

Tough love is a more complete album than their debut with a true flow to the track list, which enables the listener to become a part of their crazy little world!

Sounds like- Rolo Tomassi, Reuben, Gallows Stand Out Track- V.E.N.O.M. Rating- 9/10

Lacuna Coil- Dark Adrenaline Richard Thorpe

A strong start to the album with the powerful ‘Trip the Darkness’, the melodic (and one of my favourites) ‘Kill the Light’ through the huge potential single ‘Give me Something More’ until the final haunting track of the album ‘My Spirit’, this is the brilliant 6th album from the Italian, gothic, metal group. Cristina and Andrea complement each other throughout, with big powerful vocals, yet soft and melodic when needed for example in ‘End of Time’. Their version of REM’s ‘Losing My Religion’ is a highlight amongst a very strong album.

Standout Tracks- Fire, Give Me something More, Losing my Religion.

Sounds like- KoRn, Flyleaf, Within Temptation Rating- 9/10

Regular | Earworm First Aid Kit- The Lion’s Roar Samantha Eynon

The swedish sisters return with their second album. It was recorded in Omaha, Nebraska with Mike Mogis, a producer who is also in Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes also lends his vocals to the track “King of The World” It is a slice of pure americana with beautiful harmonies. Amazingly the siblings were only born in 1990 and 1993, as their music has a much greater maturity then their years.

Sounds like- The Tallest Man on Earth, Bright Eyes, Laura Marling Stand out track- Emmylou Rating- 8/10 The Black Keys- El Camino Samantha Eynon

This seventh effort, follows on from the critically aclaimed ‘Brothers’ and sees Dangermouse back on board as co-producer. The R ‘n B flavour that characterised their 6th album is gone, but this is a blusey, ballsy, rock and roll effort.

Sounds like- The White Stripes, Band of Skulls, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Stand Out Track- Gold on The Ceiling Rating 7/10

Chairlift- Something Samantha Eynon

Last time round Chairlift were a trio, but with the depature of Aaron Pfenning, they are now a duo. A lot of the album has a very 80’s electronic feel to it, mostly in a good way, but sometimes it doesn’t quite hit the mark.

The electro pop isn’t quite poppy enough to break through to the mainstream, but at the same time it’s perhaps not experimental enough to fit in with true music snobs, but it is enjoyable enough.

Stand out track- I Belong in Your Arms Sounds like- Summer Camp, CANT, Imogen Heap Rating- 7/10

Originals-a words: joe eynon

pictures: originals-art

Shop Tour | Originals-Art

art Shop Tour

Rob and Jo have been massive fans of VW Buses and the VW show scene for years but that is not their only hobby.

They have also been interested in photography for years too, so combine the two together and you end up with hundreds of high resolution images sitting on your computer doing nothing except looking pretty!

The pair of them decided to print their images on canvas and to try to make some money from them. Their images are superb and because they took them and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re printing them you are buying a unique image from them, not one that can be seen in every homeware store in the country.

They also specialise in urban and graffiti artwork and prints which are also available from them directly.

If you want a special image for your living room, study or even garage then check them out by clicking on: www.originals-art.com or find them on Facebook.

Originals-art

Words Photos

s by Samantha Eynon and Steve Bell s courtesy of Steve Bell

Feature | Cookin’ Camper

S

teve Bell, from Port Talbot, bought his 1975, 1800 camper van called ‘Cookie’, in 2007. He got it from FBI VW in Swansea and FBI tool 4 months restoring it, although Steve did build the sink! He uses ‘Cookie’ for his catering business, ‘Cookin’ Camper’ We asked him a few questions, to see what it’s like running a business that rolls! If this is something you’ve ever pondered yourself then read on!

How did you decide what business you wanted to run, what made you pick a VW camper as the vehicle you were going to use?

I Wanted a change of career from Health and Fitness. I Looked at cafes but they were too expensive. On a night out in Brighton with mates I was, from what I remember, drunk and moaning about not knowing what to do. One fed up mate said ”shut up, buy the VW you’ve always wanted and sell burgers out of it!”

It all went on from there really, except the burgers of course!

How did you go about setting up your business?

Used capital to buy van, equipment etc and just went from there really. Actually a very simple business to start, just needed to register with EHO and find shows etc.

How have you found running a business from a camper? what are the positives and negatives?

Only negative is the reliability of the van and the fuel consumption eats into the profits. Positives are the joy of driving my work van and the fact that the van itself is amazing advertising, particularly outside the VW scene.

How does it compare to other jobs you have had?

To be able to work full time with food is amazing and the freedom of being self employed and not dealing with big company politics is fantastic!

Favourite event you have worked at?

I’m not going to name my favourite VW event, they are all great! Outside of the scene, probably the Green Man Festival in Clun and Paddle Round the Pier in Brighton.

Favourite dish to cook?

Omelettes... I never ever tire of them.

Any memorable stories?

Loads.. being verbally abused for not selling burgers.. being on ‘One Man and His Campervan’ with Martin Dorey... cooking Glamorgan Sausages live on BBC Radio Wales.. are a few but the best story of all are the fantastic new friends I have made through the business.

Any advice you would give to someone wanting to set up a business using their camper?

Join the AA! Seriously though.. do it.. just make sure you have a sense of humour and have a back up vehicle of some kind.

So if you see Steve at any shows this year say hi to him and Cookie!

Feature | Cookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Camper

Our favourite rides from the past few months.

Tasty Tees!

1

5

Regular | Tasty Tees

2

3

7

6

4

8

1- Storm Trooper Sugar Skull www.snorgtees.com 2- Track 8 Scalextric www.nerdyshirts.com 3- Mario Andretti Quote www.slickattire.com 4- Teenage Mutant Ninja Heroes www.truffleshuffle.co.uk 5- Retro Sprite www.truffleshuffle.co.uk 6- Devour Music from Robots and Rainbows www.society6.com/samanthaeynon 7- Flight of the Conchords www.flightoftheconchords.co.nz 8- Hellogoodbye Peace Tee www.mamstore.co.uk

Photographer: Holly Booth Website: www.hollyphotobooth.com The photograph was taken by the fantastic Holly Booth as part of the Children in Need fundraiser, 24models24hours, organised by herself and Derby based photographer Ewan Mathers. The VW Camper Van was provided by Dub Dales.

To see more images from the event, please visit the 24models24hours facebook page (www.facebook. com/24models24hours) or visit Holly's website.

H i d d e n

Words and Pictures- Joe Eynon

Treasures

Feature | Campsite Review

T

he greatest draw to anyone wanting to buy a VW Bus is the idea of having that freedom of being able to go wherever you want to at the drop of a hat. Being able to escape work and relax for the weekend. This is fantastic if you want to go surfing on golden beaches or hiking in the countryside. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so easy though to have a city break.

Large urban areas donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally lend themselves that well to camping. There is no scenic views and most the time its far to noisy and impossible to relax.

Abbey Wood Campsite in London may well be the saviour when it comes to urban camping. We headed there for a few days to find out whether urban camping can really work.

We booked our stay at the Abbey Wood campstie which is owned and run by The Caravan Club. Normally in order to stay at a Caravan Club site, (which there are 200 across the country), you have to be a paid

member of the club. Abbey Wood, however, waive this due to the amount of continental visitors the site attracts, and they also allow tents on site, (which other club sites do not allow).

Our trip down from the midlands consisted of nothing but motorways.

The slow and boring M1 followed by the frantic M25 ringroad. As we arrived in the suburb of Abbey Wood in the South East corner of London, near Greenwich Observatory, we could see nothing but a vast urban landscape. We could not see how we were going to find a campsite that was green and relaxing in the concerete, urban jungle.

After we followed our Sat Nav through Abbey Wood it took us into a residential area and within the houses there was the entrance to the site. The road lead into a natural hollow full of large beautiful trees and vast grassy areas. It was almost like we had been thown from one enviroment and into another!

Feature | Campsite Review

The site is only 5 minutes walk from a train station that will take you into central London in 30 minutes. From the site you can visit all that London has to offer and enjoy one of the busiest cities in the world. Once you have seen the sites and splendor of London though, you can retire back to your camping plot in the shade of the oak trees, cook a barbeque and watch the sunset from your VW Bus. There can be no better way to see London than this. The best part though is that the site is a lot cheaper than staying in a city centre hotel.

With the campsite having clean and very functional washrooms, a launderette, a small on site shop plus WiFi it is better than some hotels.

For more information click on: www.caravanclub.co.uk

WARNING! Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secrets Revealed!

Words: Joe Eynon Pictures: Chris Eccles

C

hris Eccles is a pretty cool customer. He is one of those people who, once they have a dream, follows it with all they have. The guy has a massive retro bike collection that most of us can only dream of, he has a fantastic job as an Artisan for Faux Paint Effects, in Victoria where he lives with his wife, Pia, and two girls Tanayha and Sienna.

After growing up by the coast in rural Australia he moved to the outskirts of Melbourne where he then needed a car in order to get to work. He was intially going to get a boring, run of the mill, car for cheap affordable transport but he kept finding himself looking at one brand inparticular. We all know how that feels!

Volkswagens kept cropping up everywhere he looked so Pia

came to the rescue. She told Chris to stop messing around and go and buy a VW! What a woman!

With a helping hand from some mates, from the retro bike scene, he was united with the Type 3 that he foundly calls Miss Vivie.

Miss Vivie is a 1971 1600 TL Automatic painted in Antartica White, which is a VW of Australia colour.

Feature | â&#x20AC;&#x2122;71 Notchback

Feature | ’71 Notchback

< Who wouldn’t want this as their first car?

Gorgeous! >

< In typical Australian style, the Type 3 Contingent enjoy BBQ’s and cruises to coffee shops > Let’s face it who wouldn’t want this as their first car? Gorgeous!

Naturally, as this was the first set of wheels (apart from his army of retro bikes) that Chris has owned, he was unexperienced in car modification, so has been learning on the job.

It is obvious though that Chris’ day job is artistic as the car is quietly modified. He wanted to create a car that takes the owner back to its 1970’s ori-

gins. With a slight lowering of the car to give it a more anchored appearance and somesimple accesories the car is easily transformed into a timewarp classic.

The wheels are GT Lightening made by MAG they are a bit different to what is normally seen on a Notchback, but they look perfect.

The interior is how it left the

factory in 1971. I imagine the black high backs stock seats with the typically comfortable Type 3 driving position, makes it a dream to drive. The dashboard, in my opinion, has one of the best looking instrument clusters of its era. Chris hasn’t felt the need to add additional gauges to enhance the dashboard, keeping it how VW intended.

Feature | ’71 Notchback

Miss Vivie, like all other Type 3’s, is well know for being a true driver’s car. Many people who get a Notchback, Fastback or Squareback never go back to having Beetles or Buses due to their fantastic ride quality.

Chris has kept the stock 1600 twin-carb engine which combined with the rare automatic transmission makes the car a perfect cruising machine. The only non-standard part is the exhaust which is a custom part which sits higher allowing for more ground clearance.

Chris has owned the car for around one year now and

since buying it he has, by his own admission, become obsessed with the scene. That’s no bad thing though. Owning this car has allowed him to make lots of new friends who only want to lend their help and assistance to a newbie in the scene. A lot of his old friends have also bought aircooled VWs too. They all hang out together under the guise of ‘Type 3 Contingents’ and they have a number of Type 3 builds and restorations on the go, including Chris’s squareback project.

In typical Australian style they enjoy BBQ’s and cruises to coffee shops. Mixing with other

clubs and Type 1 and Type 2 owners they are fast becomming a force to be reckoned within the Melbourne area.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on their projects and bring you the results in the future, and we’re not jealous at all....honest!

Thank you to Chris for making our first Australian feature so simple, and Volksrecycle Scrapyard for the amazing location.

Feature | ’71 Notchback

< We’re not jealous at all...................honest! >

PJ Gibbons took this picture of his oval in the snow last year, proving you can have a shiny beautiful car, and use it in all weathers! Plus if he gets stuck he has his skiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to take him home.

Photo PJ Gibbons www.1410photography.co.uk

DU

BFR E EZ E 2 0 1 2 Words- Edd Thorpe Pictures- Joe Eynon, Richard Thorpe,

Nikola Woodhall

Show Report | Dubfreeze

D

ubfreeze is definitely one of the more established shows in the calendar, indeed this year saw the 23rd annual event at Binlgey Hall Staffordshire.

‘Just up the road’ from Air Monkeys HQ it would have been rude not to attend this firm-favourite, and again it did not disappoint! This show is famed for seeing weather from deep snow, gales and storms to the crisp sunny day we saw this year! Although some of the paths were like skating rinks to the early birds queuing outside the gate prior to the 9 am opening, so I guess the show does live up to its name!

What struck me most from the moment I got into the show was the sheer size and variety of all the trade stalls. Easily the busiest Dubfreeze I’ve been to, there was a lot of anticipation building around the show in the preceding weeks to get to, for many, the season opener. Not only the quantity but the quality of the stalls stood out for me, with reproduction parts seemingly improving tenfold during the off season and with new innovations, parts and aftermarket performance ranges from the likes of Powerspark Ignition, Limebug and many more.

Not only were the trade stands up in numbers but visitors seemed at an all time high too, yet the only real ‘people-congestion’ could be felt in the auto jumble hall, yet this was managed by some thoughtful floor plans!

Next door to the auto jumble saw the biggest Show and Shine I’m sure has ever graced Dubfreeze, with a wide variety of vehicles to suit all tastes.

It was particularly great to see some more examples of early water pumpers, which have in the past been far out numbered!

<Easily the busiest Dubfreeze I’ve been to> The new layout of the ‘competition’ saw a much better arrangement to get round all the cars comfortably and be able to see close-up the details of the work that had gone into the entrants’ vehicles.

Outside of the main hall it was clear that the club displays were well attended and a lot of club members were eager to ‘represent’ at this years ‘freeze which only promises an even stronger start to the 2012 season.

Far, far to much money was spent in my head walking up and down the vehicles for sale area, which sat in its traditional place in the pathway leading up to the main doors, this again seemed rammed full of all manner of vehicles, but with my favourite in particular being the real survivor-look bone stock black RHD oval, yours for £5k!

Overall; this years Dubfreeze was bigger, better and the most well-attended I hope this this is a precursor for a fantastic season!

Show Report | Dubfreeze

Show Report | Dubfreeze

The Story Behind The Picture

This was a shot from my very first attempt at a magazine-style shoot, organised at very short notice due to the owner selling the Splitscreen on eBay, therefore it was to be leaving the area within 48 hours. I got my stuff together after a couple of frantic phone calls, turned up 90 minutes before sunset, then decided to head to the beach. Paul Irving (the owner) was very sketchy about driving it onto the sand until a local turned up and proceeded to tell us where was safe - bonus!

We got plenty of shots that day, but this one is my favorite from the shoot. The real bonus for us both was that 6 weeks later it was featured in VolksWorld as a 5-page peice, and the first one in that particular issue. To say we were pleased was an understatement. Since then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a number of shoots since, and am looking forward to the show season, lots more sun and plenty more awesome VWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to get up close and personal with.

The shoot was done at Rampside, near Barrow-in-Furness - Scott Mitchell

Keep a watchful eye on: www.facebook.com/airmonkeys and www.air-monkeys.tumblr.com for more information on the Air Monkeys cars and what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up to.

Also if you want to be considered to be featured in a future issue email airmonkeysvw@gmail.com Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you!

Air Monkeys 2012