MAY 2016 VOLUME 62 ISSUE 16
Wagensville
DAS CHOCOLATE WAGENSVILLE
News
VOLKSWAGENS IN THE SQUARE 2016
l ACTUAL VITS ARTICLE INSIDE! l CARL’S CORRADO CAPERS l FASTBACK FIESTA l MEMBERSHIP UPDATES l SOME OTHER STUFF!
Volkswagen Club of Victoria The Committee 2016 n President n Vice President n Secretary n Treasurer n Editor n Associate Editor n Web Master n Club Historian n Technical Officer n Membership Secretary n Club Plate Scheme Officer n Cruise and Events Co-ordinator n Constitution & Association matters
Richard Graham president@vwclub.com.au Andrew Ermel vicepresident@vwclub.com.au Chris Scane secretary@vwclub.com.au Matt Reynolds treasurer@vwclub.com.au Andy RyanÂŽ editor@vwclub.com.au Josh Handicott associateeditor@vwclub.com.au Julian Langlet webmaster@vwclub.com.au Chris Scane historian@vwclub.com.au John Goodison technical@vwclub.com.au Andrew Mengyl memberships@vwclub.com.au Andrew Ermel chplates@vwclub.com.au Chris Jeffes events@vwclub.com.au John Stevens constitution@vwclub.com.au
n Day of the Volkswagen
Lloyd Davies
We are Australia’s oldest and largest Volkswagen Club Being in existence since 1954, we are one of the oldest Volkswagen Clubs in the world. The aim of the club is to promote the enjoyment and preservation of all models of Volkswagen, including Beetles, both old and new, Kombis, Type 3s, Karmann Ghias, Golfs, Passats, Polos, etc. The Club organises and participates in numerous events and activities, including cruises, motor sport, technical days, swap meets and trade shows. Other great events such as a weekend away, as well as interstate and overseas trips are organised. Our club is about enabling our members to obtain maximum enjoyment from their vehicles in a social atmosphere. The club has no paid officials, only enthusiasts dedicated to furthering the interests of the club and its members. We hope to have the pleasure of your company in the near future. Membership is open to anyone who owns or has an interest in Volkswagens. The club holds regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month, during which the committee provides detailed information on the business aspects of the club as well as past and future activities and events. These meetings offer members the chance to get together to share their knowledge of, and interest in, their vehicles and to obtain technical advice from our VW mechanic specialists on restorations, maintenance or even customising your vehicles.
dovw@vwclub.com.au
VWCV MEMBERSHIP FEES Single Annual Full membership Single 3 year Full Membership Family Membership additional Membership Joining Fee
$60 $155 $20 per mem/per year $10 first year only
Wagensville is the monthly newsletter of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. Correspondence, articles and items of news or items for sale are invited and should be sent to: VWCV Editor: GPO Box 1215 Melbourne, Vic 3001 or editor@vwclub.com.au Disclaimer: All material in this newsletter represents the opinions of the author(s) and does not carry any endorsement by the Editor or Committee unless otherwise stated. Any material advertised for sale does not carry any endorsement by the Club and the onus is on the purchaser to ensure the purchased goods meet their requirements. Each VWCV Member is a volunteer carrying out club duties in their own leisure time. The Club has no paid officials, only enthusiasts dedicated in furthering the interests of the Club and its members. Therefore, please bear this in mind when contacting Club Committee Members.
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Wagensville News
Please note that anyone reading this in Germany is welcome to join the club! MAY 2016
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT RICHARD GRAHAM Who needs a heater with global warming? The colder months are settling, in but this is Victoria, Australia and we don’t put our VWs away for hibernation. No, we drive them like any other day of the year! Sure the windows are up and heater is on (if its connected or working), but we soldier on because even one month without driving your Volksy is like holding your breath until your blue in the face. Sure you can do it but it’s not good for you! Last month we had our Fastback Fiesta in the hills of the Yarra Valley. Chris Scane had done an over the top job on organising this beautiful event to celebrate the 50 years of the Type 3 fastback in Australia. We had four fastbacks meet at the Croydon hotel with one just there to wave us off. We also had many beetles trying to be fastbacks as well as a Mark 1 Passat hatch. We also had joining us a few kombis and even a new Passat tagging along in spirit. The weather was perfect to drive through the hills in one of Victoria’s greatest winery region. We arrived to the Toolangi pub for a great meal in front of a nice open fire. The picture of cars parked with the hills in the background was a photographers dream. All in all it was a great event to attend and thanks to Chris Scane for a great job organising it. At our General meeting in April, Kurt Thanker from Blazecut came along and showed off a few of their products designed to save your Volkswagen in the unfortunate event of the engine catching fire. It was great to see how easy these systems are to install and how tidy they are in the engine bay. A worthy investment with the value of VW’s soaring these
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Wagensville News
days. Plus safety for all your loved ones that might be inside traveling with you. This month we have another cruise through the hills. You’d think we like driving our cars or something! This time we have our first member request to travel to St Andrews. Member Yau-ming contacted us with a great idea for an event and we said “let’s go for it”. It’s great to hear from the members with what they want so we can run the right type of events. If you have a great idea for a cruise or other type of event, then make sure you contact us and let us know about it. Also in June, we have a three club combined event. In conjunction with the Ballarat VW club and the Bendigo VW Club, the VWCV will be travelling to Woodend to rendezvous together and enjoy Victoria’s Volkswagen club scene. The plan is for all clubs to leave their respective areas and convene at Woodend. Once there entertainment such as a Treasure Hunt and Rocker Cover races will be held. Details are in the mag so make sure you check times and departure locations. We hope this will be the first of many tri-club events we can run together but we need your attendance to support the VWCV! Keep on Dubbing!
Richard Graham PRESIDENT
MAY 2016
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VWCV CALENDAR Don’t forget your Membership Card! DATE
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
DETAILS
CONTACT
10.00am
Cruise to St Andrews Pub
Pines Shopping Centre, 181 Reynolds Rd Doncaster East
Take a drive through War- Chris Jeffes: randyte and Kangaroo events@vwclub.com.au Ground to St Andrews Pub for lunch
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6.30pm
VWCV General Meeting
Austrian Club, 90 Sheehan Rd Heidelberg
Meals available
Richard Graham: president@vwclub.com.au
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10.00am
Monthly Coffee Meet
Rocco & Coe, 1 Fennel St Pt Melbourne
Monthly coffee meet with plenty of parking
Chris Jeffes: events@vwclub.com.au
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8.00am
VW Nationals Sydney NSW
Fairfield, Smithfield Rd Prairiewood
Show n shine, swap meet & dealer displays
7:30pm
VWCV Committee Meeting
Royal Standard Hotel
10.00am
Interclub Get Together events@vwclub. com.au
Woodend Community Centre Woodend A chance for the Ballarat, Bendigo & Melbourne clubs to get together. There will be morning tea, a treasure hunt, lunch and rocker cover racing. Get building your racing machine now. Melbourne people to meet at the BP Calder at 9.30am sharp for the cruise to Woodend.
6:00pm
VWCV General Meeting
Austrian Club, 90 Sheehan Rd Heidelberg
Bring a Volkswagen Wheel (Wheel or Steering Wheel) and tell us a story.
Richard Graham: president@vwclub.com.au
10:00am
Coffee Run at Rocco & Coe
Rocco & Coe, 1 Fennel St Pt Melbourne
Monthly coffee meet with plenty of parking
Chris Jeffes: events@vwclub.com.au
VWCV Swap Meet at Seaworks
Enter via Anne street Williamstown
VWCV Annual Swap Meet
Andrew Ermel: chplates@vwclub.com.au
MAY 15
JUNE 2 5
16 18
Richard Graham: president@vwclub.com.au
JULY 3
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8.00am
THE VOLKSWAGEN K70
A four-door, front engine, front wheel drive sedan developed by NSU and marketed from 1970 –1975 by Volkswagen – after its 1969 acquisition of NSU. Designed by NSU’s chief engineer Ewald Praxl and styled by Claus Luthe as a four-door sedan (and three-door wagon) to complement the NSU Ro80, the K70 would ultimately become the first Volkswagen with a front-mounted engine, water cooling and front wheel drive.
This number plate would later be rejected by Vic Roads.
Wagensville News
ST ANDREWS CRUISE SUNDAY 15 MAY
FOR SALE
Time for another cruise into the lovely countryside. Thanks to VWCV member Yauming Chiam for the suggestion. Meet at the United servo out the front of The Pines Stockland Shopping Centre (181 Reynolds Rd Doncaster East) at 10.30am for an 11:00am departure. From here we will cruise through Warrandyte and Kangaroo Ground to St Andrews. The St Andrews Hotel will allow us to park out the front once we arrive. From here you can either have lunch at the pub or the cafe next door. The return home can travel through Hurstbridge and Diamond Creek for those that it suits.
Full purchase history. The current owner is the second owner since the early 70s. Reg no. LNM-710 Price $12,700. Please contact me with any further querie: DB Panels 384 Barkly Street, Footscray 3011 Deniz Babacan Tel. 9689 1620
St Andrews Hotel
1956 VW Beetle
St Andrews Hotel
Kangaroo Ground
Inspired by Yauming Chiam This is the route I drive from my home in Doncaster East to St Andrews on the weekends. Its one of the most beautiful drives here in Victoria and I’d like to share it with you. The route will take you pass the Warrandyte historic town, Kangaroo Ground, Panton Hill and St Andrews. You’ll pass historic pubs, bakeries, vineyards and beautiful country scenery of rolling hills and green misty valleys. The road can be like a roller-coaster at times. Watch out for bicyclists especially around the hairpin bends (and reckless drivers). If you are lucky you will see kangaroos and hopefully it won’t be in front of your car.
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Wagensville News
The St Andrews forest market is open every Saturday 8am - 3.00pm. The stalls sell a variety of products from fresh vegetables and fruits, to organic honey, Nepalese made clothes, gourmet sausage sizzle, home made pottery, cakes, tarts, soaps, mushrooms, etc. It’s very busy and attracts a sizable crowd.
Kangaroo Ground General Store Warrandyte
Complete car bought 33 years ago and has been in dry storage since then. Light surface rust only, was a daily driver for the previous owner from Warrandyte. Needs a major restoration or would make an interesting rat Beetle! Includes the original black and white number plates GNN 520. Pans and heater channels in good order. Don’t miss out on this rare car, not many left! Contact Chris Scane on 0417 593 573 or secretary@vwclub.com.au
On Sunday, the market is closed but the hotel pub and the Boy Named Sue cafe will still be open to serve draft beer and wood fired pizza. They are open for dinner too. The Google Map route is here: Google Map route: https://goo.gl/maps/ Asqf7seJRJL2
Not this St Andrews. If you arrive here, you’ve gone too far.
Yauming Chiam
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VICE PRESIDENT | REPORT
The last two months the club membership officers and the committee have been undertaking a full review and audit of the Clubs membership data base. A new fully electronic data base came into operation in early 2015 and from that time the membership renewals have been generated automatically by the data base. We have founds some errors in the information recorded by the system and there are some minor issues with the dates for some members renewals which we are now addressing with person calls and emails to members. If you have received a call from a membership officer or an email about your membership then you should have logged on line now via the web site and updated or renewed your membership as per the request. In some cases we have sent the renewals out by email and these have not been received by the member because their email address has been changed, or their email servers have categorised the electronically generated club email as a being spam email. It’s important that if you are receiving your correspondence by emails from the club, that you check that your renewal emails aren’t being moved into a trash or spam box. Secondly some email servers will have an “opt out” provision on the email boxes and some club members have chosen to “opt out” out of these emails from the club, not realizing that their club membership renewal email will also be blocked. It’s a good idea if you have not received your renewal email for this financial year and you think that your membership is out of date that you check your spam or trash box in your email accounts and see if the renewal has been sent to you. Remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that your membership is up to date. You can also log onto the club web site
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Wagensville News
IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP UPDATES ANDREW ERMEL and check the status of your own membership and if need be, do a renewal on line and pay your renewal by pay pal. It’s a very simple process and if you have any difficulties, just drop a message via an email to the club membership officers who will either call you or email you with the necessary information.
Membership of the club and attendance at meetings
status as at a later date. I can no longer take anyone’s word that their membership is up to date unless I have checked on the data base before signing and then posting the renewal back. So please have your membership card with you so that you are not inconvenienced.
The membership cards will now need to be produced at club meetings to allow participation at the meetings. It’s important that you have your card with you when attending these. We need to ensure that members attending the meetings are financial and that visitors are actual bona fide visitors who are attending the club for the first time. An ex member or an un-financial member is not a visitor unless they are attending the meeting to renew their membership.
Keep bringing those new club permit applications to me and we are currently numbering at about 450 cars on the club permit scheme which is an excellent participation rate for a single make car club.
I also record a photo of the stamped renewal onto the data base for proof to Vicroads should they require confirmation that the permit has been approved for renewal by The VW club.
This goes also for the club meetings, where many people now have me sign their club permit renewals. I cannot access the data base at club meetings to check on your financial status, so if you give me the renewal at the club meet to sign, then I will need to take it home with me and check your financial
It might sound harsh, but the club functions on its members being financial and paying their membership fees and it’s most unfair that people are regularly attending the meetings, partaking of the hospitality of the club and are not financial members. I don’t apologise for sounding harsh, but we are all members of the club and get a lot out of the functions and events that the club runs and we need to ensure that the basic operations and functions of the club are kept in tip top shape and running smooth, just like your cars!
From a club permit point of view you need to be a current financial member to hold a club permit for your car authorised by The VW club. When I receive your renewals by normal mail, I will check that your membership is up to date by logging into the data base and then stamping, signing and approving the permit, this will then be returned to you.
From now on, If are bringing your permit renewal to me at a club event to be signed, you will need to have your membership card on hand to show me that you are a “current financial member”.
partake of the hospitality at the club meetings, but this past oversight is now over. If a person is not a member, (or a family member) or an invited guest or visitor, then they may be asked to leave the meeting. This goes if you are bringing a friend regularly to club meetings and they are not financial and are not a member. You will need to get them signed up, or embarrassingly, they may be asked to leave.
Attendance and participation at club meetings will now be limited to invited guests, bona fide visitors, members, immediate family members and spouses. The past trend where non-members have been attending the club meetings on a regular bases will now end. The VW Club provides many benefits at meetings around which on many nights is free coffee to members and free draws with giveaway prizes. Members may be invited to place their membership card into a hat and a door prize will be drawn from the membership cards. Unfortunately in the past years the club has turned a blind eye and permitted non-members to attend and
A big thankyou to our committee members, President Richard Graham, Membership secretary Andrew Mengyl and particularly to our new Assistant Membership Officer Charmain Green who has done heaps of work calling members and has been instrumental in updating the data base and getting the information out to our club members. Good work Guys!
Keep those old Volkswagens on the road and keep those club permits coming in too! Andrew Ermel VICE President
MAY 2016
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FOR SALE
s ’ n a ri
to s i H
r e n Cor
In this month’s Corner we have some more interesting tales from our club newsletter, ‘Wagensville News’ and Volkswagen history. This year the club historian celebrates 70 years since the Wolfsburg factory achieved a full year of production in 1946. How this achievement affects the potential for Volkswagens in Australia is worth exploring. I hope you enjoy these stories and please feel to contact me if you can help in developing the documentation our history.
May 1983 Tony Barton was the Club President, Jon Edsell was Vice President and CAMS Delegate, Steve Kosa was Secretary & Group 5 Delegate, Neil Tattersall was Treasurer, Isobel Kosa was Pointscore Officer and Mark Zellner was Editor; again the committee was working on a comprehensive program for the year with General Meetings at the Light Car Club of Australia (LCCA) rooms in Queens Road. The highlights of this month’s motorsport events, many organized by Steve Kosa. The ‘News’ carried two regular articles (President & Editor) and a comprehensive Group 5 article on the Calder lap Dash on 1st of May by Steve Kosa. Notably VWCV came out on top over in the club results with Rob Busslemann coming 2nd in Class C. Not a big month for the ‘News’ but interestingly many Classic
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for Ron Hodgetts winning both the best 1957-1967 Beetle and Best Standard interior for his 1958 Beetle (ex Lloyd Davies – now John Stevens) at the VW Nationals held over Easter that year. The restoration of the car began on the Boxing Day prior and was finished just before Easter in time for the Nationals!
Wagensville News
May 2005
Beetles in the For sale section. – 1956 Oval Window beetle. Reasonable Condition, Original Motor, Good Interior, Body in good condition, front end out, parts available $200 o.n.o.; 1954 Beetle. Very Original Condition, Original patina, Original Interior, 105,000 miles, registered to December RWC $2000 o.b.o. and 1951 Beetle. Imported from Luxemborg 11/82, Chassis no. 250580, LHD, stored 18 mths, Very Good Condition, 88,000 kms, $5500 o.n.o.
May 1999 Steve Ermel was the Club President, Jon Edsell was Vice President, Bill Sundermann was Secretary, Ivars Neibergs was Treasurer, Cameron Stewart was Group 5 Rep and Editors were Phil Irwin & Brenton Coles. The committee had a good club program planned up to the end of November; including 17 motorsports events, General Meetings at the Café Club Hotel rooms, in Victoria St. Club events/meetings and Motorsport were again big on the agenda with a Group 5 speed event at Calder Raceway on the last weekend of May that year. Featured are great stories on club and local VW activities including; the 1999 Calounda Bug-In in Queensland from Bug-In Bob, the GTI International 1999 Show Report, Volkswagen returns to Motorsport – new Golfs for Simon Evans and Jason Slot in the Australian Rally Championship and a STOP PRESS
Paul Kinsey was the Club President, Richard Graham was Vice President, Andrew Ermel was Secretary, Andrew Donnelly was Treasurer, Ross Woolley was Membership Secretary, Group 5 and Motorsport Secretary was Jon Edsell, Editor was Matt Kinsey and Club Historian was Dave Evans. The committee was well into their planning for 2005 club year and the magazine was full of good bits of a program finalizing with an exciting DOTVW. Major events included a special Tech Day – Preparing your VW for Long Trips held at Volkshome Automotive, run by Paul Blacker with John Goodison on the 21st of that month. Notably the ‘News’ ran an interesting President’s Report (Paul’s Ramblings) where he went through all the developments in the club including the postcard competition which was won by Cheryl Ermel and VW Jamboree held at Caribeen Gardens, where Jenny Littlechild won 3 trophies that day – great effort and achievement for Jenny and VWCV. The other major articles were a feature on a modern VW Kombi Camper – the Califorian to be introduced by Volkswagen Australia and a great promotion for ‘Adventure in the Red Centre’ in 2006 organized by John Stevens (as I know John, he likes to get organised early – even if it is a year ahead!) and this adventure is strongly linked to the Tech Day. Look forward to seeing you all at the next VWCV event!
VR6 Golf 1994 78,000 Km’s. Registered until 4th October 2016. Body in good condition. Engine runs well. Vin: WVWZZZ1HZRW619592 ENG: AAA $2,800.00 Kim Whittles 0418 394 538
Yours deep in VWCV history,
Chris Scane historian@vwclub.com.au
MAY 2016
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Kellie’s car is in there somewhere!
Now in it’s 4th year VW’s In The Square (VITS) was held over the Anzac Day long weekend in Albury.
This event is gaining popularity every year with a wide variety of Air & Watercooled VW’s travelling from far and wide. A group of VWCV members met at the BP Service Centre Wallan for the trip up on the Saturday beforehand. A quick stop at Benalla for lunch had them arrive at their caravan park base in Wodonga mid afternoon. Here they caught up with other V Dubbers who arrived earlier and a few of the locals. That night it was decided a pub meal was in order and seeing it was around the corner a nice stroll had them there pretty quick. Unfortunately it was a busy weekend in Wodonga and the pub was booked out. It was here that the famous Fletch from Classic Restos was spotted also looking for a meal. A quick chat had him back at the caravan park with
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Wagensville News
Katia’s Karmann Convertible. KA-TIA Winner! the VW group enjoying an ale or two while 20 pizzas were ordered and delivered. Here he got to preview some of the lovely cars to be displayed the next day. He took a particular shine to Charmain’s Type 34 Karmann Ghia and Katia’s Karmann Convertible Beetle. Interviews were promptly organised for the next day. Be sure you look out for the all VW special on channel 4ME soon. Show day turned out to be bright, sunny and warm. Over 120 vehicles assembled at Hovel Tree Park for a great display. Plenty of bagged watercoolers, patina’d Splits, shiny Bays and even a T4 Syncro from the UK. With a band moving amongst the crowd the vibe was relaxing and chilled out. Fletch doing his interviews drew plenty of attention, it’s amazing how much footage goes into 10 minutes of TV. Mid afternoon was the eagerly awaited trophy presentation with a quartet of VWCV ladies picking up trophies. Well done Charmain, Katia, Kellie & Mandy. Rossko, Mark and Hunter also picked up an award each. Congratulations to Reece and the Border V-Dubs crew for putting on another fantastic event. After the show some headed for home and others headed out and explored the local area. For those staying the night the traditional BBQ was quickly organised and a few more drinks were had. The next day was a leisurely cruise back via the Milawa Cheese Factory, Glenrowan and Seymour. Hope to see you all there next year.
Chris Jeffes MAY 2016
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VW KIDS PAGE Written by Mason – Age 8 My trip to Volkswagens in the Square. Most of the VW Club group went to the yearly cruise, Albury, NSW on Saturday morning 10.00am. First some of us met at Chris and Charmain’s house and started from there and drove to a BP petrol station in somewhere that I can’t remember. We met a few others and started the trip to a caravan park in Wodonga, Victoria, Australia, Earth, The Solar System in the milky way. On the way there we went to a place called Benalla and got something to eat. (a lady backed into our car and nearly hit me and nearly broke the door) When we got there we brought beer and my car nearly ran out of fuel because it took us about 3 hours although it seemed like 5,000,000,000 hours to me. At the caravan park I played some footy with Micah (5), and went on the trampoline. When we got tired we went to Micah’s cabin and we played on his super soft bunk bed, we did some diving on to the other bed and tried to get up without using the ladder.
And when we got tired of THAT we went to my cabin and Micah decided to play on our iPads with Charlie (3). That night we ordered pizzas which were delicious. I had a sleepover with Micah and we watched FLUBBER before we went to bed. On Sunday morning we went to the car show in NSW. It had lots of cool cars cars and lots of us won trophies. Micah and I played in the playground most of the time with Charlie. We also had a tiny picnic. After the car show we all went to Ettamogah pub although it was super boring! That night I was very sick, so sick that I needed to go to hospital. I started being sick after I had a sausage, I was also playing on the trampoline with Taylor (11), Micah (5) and Charlie (3). At hospital the doctor checked my body and said that there was gas in my tummy. I went back to the caravan park feeling fine and the next morning I was all better. On the way back the next morning we went to Glenrowan to have a look around. I got an icy pole and found a beautiful magpie that was singing on a little bird stool. It also sat on my lap and started pecking at my ice cream wrapper, its beak was super tickily and I laughed alot. After that we all went home. :)
IN BENALLA ON THE WAY TO
VOLKSWAGENS IN THE SQUARE 2016
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Wagensville News
MAY 2016
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FIRE?
TYPE 3
[ FASTBACK FIESTA ] CRUISE TO TOOLANGI – 17TH APRIL
This cruise and lunch in the hills around outer eastern Melbourne – the Fastback Fiesta - celebrated 50 years of the Fastback in Australia.
The trip into Healesville wound around the north of Lilydale along Victoria Rd towards the local Airport then back on the Melba Highway pass some beautiful wineries and then left at Coombe (the home of Dame Nellie Melba) and back onto the Maroondah Highway through the Yarra Valley into Healesville.
A short crawl around the corner and the cars took up a sunny spot in a grassy paddock behind the Toolangi Tavern. This have us another chance to have a yak and enjoy the sweet gentle sunshine of the late morning. We had plenty of time to have a coffee in front of the open fireplace before sitting down to a delicious lunch with plenty of local refreshments available. The town was known as Mount Rose up to the 1880s and then got its Indigenous name meaning ‘tall trees’. The area is famous for being the home of CJ Dennis – the renowned Australian poet who penned ‘The Singing Gardens’ (after where he lived in Toolangi) and his famous 1916 publication – ‘The Sentimental Bloke’.
It started off well with a morning of clear skies and a small of band of VWCV enthusiasts ready at the Croydon Hotel. Although there were a small number of cars, we had a great day and there was plenty of spirit and goodwill. Most participants got there early and got a chance to meet the group - getting ready to enjoy a great day. There were 4 late model Long Nose Type 3 Fastbacks ready to lead the way followed by some Beetles, a Passat wagon (Type 3) and T2 Kombi to bring up the rear. Norm Mauger, Craig McCullough, Kelli Handicott and another VWCV member with a drone came down to the cruise launch to photograph and see us off. After it looked like there were no more to come, the Fastbacks took off with the rest of the VWCV cars hot on their tails!
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Wagensville News
suppression system T Series Cars 4WD Boats Caravans Generators IT Server Cabinets Electrical cabinets Farming & Agricultural Earthmoving Machines Industrial & Manufacturing
A quick pull over bring the members together before we headed up the mountain to enjoy the beautiful forest and keeping an eye out for some local wildlife, unfortunately not as successful the last time I went up there – a spectacular lyrebird in full trot crossed the road, five metres in front of me. The road was clear and not too busy, everyone got closer to a forest vibe that day! At the top of the climb and just before Toolangi, the convoy pealed out into a clearing and gave a good opportunity to pull over for some photos. It wasn’t long before the shots were on Facebook so that was another sign they were having a great time.
Automatic fire
Features Universal use: high flexibility of BlazeCut Tube and A, B, C and electrical fires class rating can protect almost any space High cost-effectivity: zero maintenance, long working life, automatic activation beats the competition in cost-effectivity No cylinder for storage of extinguishing agent needed: the whole system can be placed inside the protected enclosure Options to connect the pressure switch and other additional components like signaling unit to perform further functions Clean and effective extinguishing agent: world-wide known and accepted HFC gases (HFC-227ea and HFC-236fa) No pressurization needed: the system works by increasing pressure of the extinguishing agent when heated Automatic operation based on increased temperature: ideal for non-occupied spaces or spaces out of sight Fully independent: system is operational 24/7 without any power supply No maintenance during entire working life = zero maintenance costs Long working life: 5 – 10 years depending on the type of application No Harm to protected enclosure and people when discharged Very simple installation: no training required for installation
We all left after 2pm and went our separate ways knowing the Fastbacks had a fitting celebration from a VWCV point of view.
Pressure gauge to monitor the pressure at any time Low operation temperatures: up to -40°C Activation temperature: about 120°C
Fire Class Ratings A
Maybe we can gather again in another 10 years and see if we can lift the number of Fastbacks on show, demonstrating that the VW Type 3 Fastback is a survivor, just like some of the senior members of this club! Yours celebrating 50 years of the Aussie VW Type 3 Fastback,
CLASS A: ordinary combustibles (creating flames)
B
CLASS B: flammable liquids
CLASS C: burning gases
E
LIVE ELECTRICAL equipment
www.blazecut.com
Chris Scane May 2016
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VCVW | COLLECTOR’S CORNER VOLKSWAGEN, MADE IN ENGLAND, MECCANO LTD). Produced
from 1956 till 1970, they came in basic colours of grey, green, dark blue, light blue and blue grey. Early models had steel rims whilst later models had spun aluminium wheels, and the models are made with a pressed steel base, aluminium cast body and without window glass.
OVAL COLLECTIONS Having owned an oval window Beetle (not running) for more than 30 years has left a desire to have an oval in good condition. So with a tight budget that leaves only the oval of a small kind (1:18 or smaller) as an option. I suppose collecting for a long time helps to amass a sizable collection but if you don’t have a way of displaying the collection neither you or anybody else gets a chance to enjoy it! So if you are starting or have a collection it is wise to have a think about how you can put on show for the benefit of all. That is certainly not the case with Stuart’s collection, as many wonderful glass display cabinets can testify. With a advent of the Matchbox toy to the modern 1:18 diecast models, the desire for children (including big kids) to have smaller version of Dad’s car (a brand new Oval Beetle), was certainly my desire in the late 1950s and still today... hence the passion for Volkswagens from an early age! But I think the best person to give some information is Stuart Ermel, who like me has been collecting these cars since a very early age too and with a lot more success!
For me the appeal is in the details of these early castings, with the basic shape almost perfect with lots of details, such as chrome side trims, semaphores for the real early versions, door, hood and engine lid handles and even the badge on the bonnet included. They are reasonably common in play-worn condition, and you would expect to pay around $50 for a model in that condition. When you get a mint-in-box model, the price soars to new heights just the real thing. Expect to pay upwards of $250 for a model in this condition, just be aware that they are a lot of models out there that have been restored and are presented in reproduction boxes, so buyer beware. Happy model hunting.
Chris Scane & Stuart Ermel Please email Josh at: editor@vwclub.com.au
Bee-do Bee-do... The Tow Truck is on its way.
When I think of oval beetle models my mind goes straight to Meccano, also known as Dinky Toys. The pressing on the floor pan should read: DINKY TOYS,
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Wagensville News
MAY 2016
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Corrado by Carl Evans
The Corrado, one of VWs long lost models that has found obscurity, as well as admiration amongst the small group of enthusiasts who actually know of their existence PROTOTYPE
With the Corrados striking and bold lines, it’s easy to see why those who like them, love them. It was produced by VWs Karmann factory between 1988 and 1995. Beginning with LHD 4cylinder only models, but then shortly after adding the venerable VR6 and RHD variants. Like many other VWs there is surprising strength in some aspects of the car and some fragility as well. Needless to say owning one of the few Corrados in Australia, as I do, is a both frustrating and rewarding experience.
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Wagensville News
My particular model is a 1991 RHD G60 engined variant. The G60 moniker is given to this model due to the G-lader supercharger fitted to the low compression 1.8L 4 cylinder 8 valve engine. G for G-lader, that is the rare style of supercharger, and 60 because for the 60mm width of the scrolls within the supercharger. The chassis of the Corrado is typically VW, with a mish mash of parts cobbled together or borrowed and modified to create what was considered at the time to be the best handling factory VW ever produced. The front end was part mk2 Golf, part mk3 Golf, and the rear suspension was from the Passat. All combined in a relatively light and low body.
Enough of the details of the model origins and on with my story. I’ve owned this vehicle for approximately four years, purchased from a fellow in Queensland who had imported it from the UK as a personal import. At this time it was in good to average condition with little to no modifications. Since I have tak-
en ownership I have slowly and steadily tried to improve the overall condition of the car, as well as add personal touches and modify what I see fit. Upgraded brake discs and pads for safety, lowered coil over suspension, upgraded suspension bushes and anti-roll bars to bring the handling back to the 21st century.
“What is that little red light flashing at me?” The answer was coolant level low. Ok. I check under the car and there is a slowly but steadily growing puddle of coolant coming from the base of the water pump.
PROTOTYPE
And some minor performance modifications to the engine. Aesthetically the changes have been simpler with an upgraded set of BBS wheels and deletion of the rear wiper arm. And now the first twist. After a year or two of relatively happy motoring I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the 60th anniversary cavalcade for the club taking year 1991 for the year of production. Much cleaning and polishing ensued the days and weeks before the event. Then come Day of the Volkswagen morning. I excitedly started the car and went through the regular process of checking the instrument cluster for issues and switching the multi-function display to oil temperature.
With no chance of quickly and effectively sealing the leak and not wanting to risk the cooling of the engine, day ruined! Fixing this coolant leak was more complex than first anticipated. The water pump on this engine is located underneath the supercharger which is on a heavy bracket, which in turn is under the alternator.
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I THINK IT’S WATER-COOLED
With all of that removed and the old water pump now safely discarded into the trash, I naturally noticed that the coolant hoses had seen better days. More replacement parts on order. When removing the original hoses the connector to the overflow bottle snapped off the 24 year old brittle plastic. More replacement parts on order. When fitting the new coolant hoses to the coolant cross over pipe, the condition of the corroded pipe prevented me from fitting the connecting hose. New pipe on order. While all of this was occurring I also replaced the original and noisy
radiator fan (prone to catching fire) with an aftermarket unit for safety and reliability. The process of gathering parts and finding motivation took just over a year. Also with the constraints of doing this work myself in a poorly sheltered single car car-port made weather a motivating factor. Skip to December 2015 for the next plot twist, the Corrado is sitting in my car port disassembled and inoperable. I had (note ‘had’) a poor habit of leaving my VWs unlocked, especially if they weren’t running at that time for one reason or another. I had most of the new parts waiting to be fitted sitting in the boot of the Corrado and the supercharger sitting on the passenger seat covered in an old t-shirt. At this time I took a trip to Sydney for 4 days. Upon returning home, I immediately noticed something was wrong. As I walked past the Corrado to my front door I noticed the glove box and ash tray were sitting wide open, and as my eyes darted around the interior of the vehicle I saw that the passenger seat was empty. Supercharger stolen!
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Wagensville News
Together we surmise that the thief will have taken it from the car and then thought perhaps this part wasn’t worthwhile and dumped it in the neighbours bush as they walked past. Supercharger recovered! Miraculously the intricate supercharger was completely undamaged. Let me tell you folks, you gain a lot of motivation from having stolen property recovered.
A few days passed with the obvious actions of: police visit, keeping a look out and mainly the anger at myself for not avoiding such an occurrence. Four days after the theft we have the last twist. As I am returning home and passing my neighbour’s house there is something silver sitting in the middle of their nature strip.
Along with the fine weather of January this year I was able to reassemble the whole front side of the engine within two days. For someone who isn’t a mechanic I think that’s not a bad effort. It’s been happy motoring since then!
Carl Evans
The Supercharger! In shock I picked it up and took it home, returning to knock on their door and discuss the parts re-emergence. They too had been on a trip for a few days leaving the morning before I had returned to find it missing. When they returned from their trip they had been doing some gardening to find this chunk of mechanical metal dumped in their bush closest to the front property line. MAY 2016
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This car was created in the early 1960s to accommodate the budget conscientious buyer that could not afford the Deluxe Beetle but still wanted to enjoy the benefits of owning a Volkswagen Sedan at that time. The car was released as a ‘no frills’ 1200 ‘Standard’ Beetle to try and capture more sales at the lower end of the market. The so-called cost saving were from the exclusion of glove box lid, exterior mouldings and a sparse interior. It did come at a cost at the production line with special treatment for the changes from the Deluxe model. This advertisement for a 1962 model, showed a car noticeably different the Deluxe without the exterior bright-work, painted hubcaps and bumpers with no overriders and lack of headlining around the rear window. Although the differences were to reduce the purchase cost, they posed more problems for the Clayton factory. The model was called a 112 and was priced at 849 Pounds which was 104 Pounds (well over $200 = a lot of money in 1962) less than the
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Wagensville News
Deluxe model. It was offered in three paint finishes – blue, grey or white which while again different to the Deluxe, cost more to produce. The car mechanically was identical the Deluxe except for a steering damper. Sadly I have not seen an original 1962 Standard since the 1960’s but then my memory could be shot too! This aqua 1964 Standard model has seen a few changes since it rolled of the Clayton factory floor, but what air-cooled beetle hasn’t! Noticeable are the panted hubcaps and the missing overriders on the now chrome bumper bar. It still has no brightwork on the running boards and looks fairly bare!
This blue 1964 VW Beetle (Standard) has very clean bodywork, still has its 1200cc engine and 4 speed manual transmission. Changes include lowered suspension, (dropped spindles on the front wheels) and has been converted to 12v electrics with CD player in the glovebox and speakers hidden in a suitcase on the rear seat. The rear quarter shot of the car shows of its side window rubber without the chrome inserts – a feature in the last Standards to 1974. The interior looks very original, has regained its glove-box lid and could date back to 1964! This car was on Club rego and recently advertised on eBay.com. au. Being a Victorian car – does anyone know where this car is now?
The model eventually became the ‘1300’ after 1966 and being upgraded with the event of CKD in 1967. It continued with the drum brakes all around alongside the ‘1500’ and later Superbug models. The car retained the swing axle rear and torsion bar front end suspension but with the large (Elephant’s feet) taillights until the end of the ‘L’ Beetle – with 1974 seeing the end of the ‘1300’ Beetles! Yours in old Standard beetles! Chris Scane
This publicity picture of the 3 Beetles in Melbourne with a blue 1966 Blue Standard with white wheels, is one of the last pictures of a plain 6V Australian ‘Standards’ in existence. The significant features are again the bumpers and hubcaps and on close inspection the same interior as the blue 1964 Standard within – no change in 2 years, this was typical of what was going on, or rather not going on at the Clayton factory at this time in the Australian Volkswagen Beetle’s history. MAY 2016
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MEMBERSHIPS
IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE? GO ONTO CLUB WEBSITE VWCLUB.COM.AU Login using your membership number. If you have forgotten your password or membership number, email us at memberships@vwclub.com.au and we will reset it for you. Payment is via PayPal. Alternatively you can post in a cheque or money order to
FOR SALE UP FOR SALE IS MY BELOVED
1970 FASTBACK This is a transition model from early to late.
To update your postal address, your email address or phone number, it’s as easy as going online at vwclub.com.au and signing in. We the Membership Officers are happy to take you through this process. Andrew Mengyel Charmain Green
Membership Officer Assistant Membership Officer
Email: memberships@vwclub.com.au
What’s the difference? Low back seats, low rear parcel shelf. I believe the dash is different and no rear pillar vents. This has been converted to early bumpers - but late bolt back on if wanted. It’s the TLE so started life as injected, but since the car has been upgraded to 1835cc I have upgraded the ECU to megasquirt. This ECU has a lot of functionality and the car runs very well with it. As well as sorting your own timing curve and fuel delivery it has tricks such as injector shut off for fuel saving when decelerating. For more information see the Gumtree Page or contact Stafford Wilson in Melbourne at stafford@kitset.net
VWCV Memberships PO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001 Renewal notices are sent out via email. If you have unsubscribed, you will not get this email. Members that are out of date lose the entitlement to vote, to stand for a Committee position, to receive copies of the Club Magazine and to utilise the Club Permit Scheme for their vehicle. It is a requirement that all vehicles on the Club Permit scheme (CH & H Plates) are current financial members. If you have a vehicle on Club Permit registration and you are not a financial member – you are deemed, by law, to be driving an unregistered vehicle. Memberships overdue by 60 days will be removed from the database to maintain privacy and you will have to re-join as a new member.
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Wagensville News
Unit 2, 1-3 Bignell Road Moorabbin, VIC 3189 | Phone: 03 9532 2749
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FOR SALE 1970 1600 TLE FASTBACK
WITH FACTORY SUNROOF Rego 48963 H • Expiry: Nov 2016 • RWC: Yes Miles: 80,286 • Engine 1.6L • Trans 3 SP AUTOMATIC Fuel Type Petrol • Fuel System FUEL INJECTED Body 2D SEDAN Colour Red Interior Black $20,000* Dandenong VIC Original Australian delivery with Factory sunroof and High back seats Contact Neville on: thomas_neville@yahoo.com.au
CONTRIBUTIONS
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU Isn’t it about time you got involved? Your club magazine is always looking for more contributions from club members.
It could be a story about how you built your car, a trip you have done. Or MAYbe one of the events you have attended. These wouldn’t have to be club events, they could be something you have done with a group of friends, or other like minded enthusiasts. And each month, one story is picked at random to receive a $50 JB HIFI gift voucher. This month’s winner is Barbara Carrick. Congratulations!
CANADA | RUSS FORT THE VICTORIA VOLKSWAGEN CLUB
SPONTANEOUS
(as opposed to the Volkswagen Club of Victoria)
When there is a car show coming up, we agree on a meeting spot so we can all cruise to the event together; be it at a local college or park, or if there’s a show on the Mainland of Canada (usually in the city of Vancouver) we will take a ferry together. A fairly new activity we have started is Valve Cover Racing. Basically, you take a regular valve cover and paint it, add wheels and try to make it the fastest out of the group and race it down our official VVWC Valve Cover Track. It’s a lot of fun for everyone. We follow the VVWC president through the streets of Greater Victoria – downtown Victoria, by the ocean and through neighbourhoods. The Victoria Volkswagen Club has been around since at least the 1980’s in the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
classic Volkswagen. Spring is usually a very wet season, however this year spring feels just like summer meaning people are bringing their cars out of storage early.
Our Volkswagen community is made up of volunteers of all ages with a strong passion for Volkswagens. We are a very laid back group with a lot of personality. Depending on the event, we may have 15 or upwards of 200 attendees. The more fun the event is, the more people that will show up.
On the last Monday of every month, we hold a general meeting at a restaurant called The Ruby at Hotel Zed in Victoria. Hotel Zed operates two VW shuttle buses which is what made the place stand out to us. Any Volkswagen enthusiasts are welcome to come to a general meeting. We sit around telling stories and chatting about VW’s while enjoying a delicious meal and having a drink.
Onlookers generally get a huge smile on their face and pull out their phones to take photos as we drive by. Many vehicles will honk and wave at us. The day of Volksfest is held at Cadboro-Gyro Park in Victoria. It is right by the Pacific Ocean with a large playground for kids and two large fields which get covered in Volkswagens and people. Over 200 VW’s register in the show from across the West Coast of Canada and America to meet other Volkswagen enthusiasts, tell stories, and get a chance to win a trophy.
We have held a few tournaments at car shows and club member’s homes. We will be holding a tournament at Volksfest this year. Another new thing we have started is going on a spontaneous cruise. If the weather forecast is just right and someone is itching to go out and cruise, you can be certain there are other people with this same feeling. Anyone can make a post on our forum or facebook page and say ‘hey everyone, let’s meet up tomorrow evening for a cruise’. So far, these spontaneous cruises have been very popular. Usually we will meet up in a central mall parking lot and cruise down to Clover Point.
Russ Fort
Our seasonal camping trips are amazing. Many great memories and bonds are made during the camping trips. In Autumn we camp out at French Beach in Sooke, just outside Victoria. In the Spring and Summer we head up the Island to Gordon Bay at Lake Cowichan for two nights of sitting around a campfire, telling stories, laughing and enjoying a barbeque and lots of Lucky Lager. During the day we spend time by the lake paddle boarding or canoeing and lounging on the beach with snacks and lots of beer. The city of Victoria is located in a rainforest. The weather can change from bright and sunny in the morning to pouring rain around lunchtime and then back to sun in the evening. Summer is generally warm and humid with a nice breeze. Fall is a mix of different temperatures, wind storms and rain storms. While the winters are usually mild on the West Coast of Canada, many VVWC members choose to drive a “winter beater” over their
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The current club president is known for making creative cakes on the campfire, such as mini-cakes in oranges and a large cake in a pumpkin. People really enjoy and anticipate a creative campfire cake every trip. Every year on the second Sunday in July we host Volksfest. The day leading up to Volksfest consists of a pancake breakfast at the Volkswagen Victoria dealership and a cruise in the afternoon. The cruise of about 65 Volkswagens begins by the water at Clover Point.
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MEMBERSHIP | APPLICATION
Maybe you collect Volkswagen underpants, Passat seahorses or have a collection of Kombi fishfingers that would make a small child cry. Whatever you collect that is VW related, send us a short story and some pictures and become really famous! (sort of) Josh Handicott (with Andy RyanÂŽ) 35
MAY 2016
MAY 2016 VOLUME 62 ISSUE 16
Wagensville
DAS CHOCOLATE WAGENSVILLE
News
T H E O F F I C I A L M A G AZIN E OF TH E V OL K SW A GE N C LUB O F V I C T O R I A If not received, please return to: Volkswagen Club of victoria Inc. GPO Box 1215 Melbourne Vic 3001 Print Post Approved 1000018822
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