Air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the timeless appeal of the classic German engineering and styling of these iconic vehicles. The resto-custom look is a popular style that combines the best of both worlds, blending the classic lines and vintage charm of the air-cooled VWs with modern technologies and custom touches.

The resto-custom look of air-cooled Volkswagens often involves restoring the original body and mechanical components to their factory specifications, while adding modern upgrades for improved performance and drivability. The end result is a unique, personalized vehicle that pays tribute to the classic VW heritage while offering modern conveniences and performance enhancements.

One of the key features of the resto-custom look is attention to detail. This means that every aspect of the car is carefully considered and meticulously executed. From the paint job to the wheels, interior and exterior trim, and engine components, everything is designed to work together seamlessly and create a cohesive, eye-catching look.

Resto-custom VWs often feature classic color schemes, such as the two-tone paint job with a contrasting roof, a popular trend in the 1950s and 1960s. However, modern custom paint jobs with vibrant colors and intricate designs are also becoming increasingly popular.

In addition to the visual aspects, the resto-custom look also focuses on performance and drivability. Upgrades such as disc brakes, fuel injection, and electronic ignition systems are common additions that improve handling, acceleration, and reliability.

The popularity of the resto-custom look is not limited to air-cooled Volkswagens alone, as many other classic cars and trucks are also being customized in a similar way. The style has even extended to newer vehicles, with car enthusiasts customizing modern cars to achieve a retro look and feel.

The resto-custom look of air-cooled Volkswagens has a rich history dating back to the early days of the VW culture in the United States. The popularity of the style has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it remains a staple of the air-cooled Volkswagen community and continues to inspire new generations of enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the resto-custom look of air-cooled Volkswagens offers a unique combination of classic styling and modern upgrades that appeal to car enthusiasts of all ages. The attention to detail, performance enhancements, and personalization options make it a popular style that will continue to evolve and inspire for years to come.

The Cal Look, or sometimes referred to as SoCal look, of air-cooled Volkswagens is a distinctive style that originated in Southern California in the 1960s. This style of customization transformed Volkswagen Beetles and buses into sleek and streamlined machines, perfect for cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or racing down the drag strip.

The Cal look was defined by a few key features, such as lowered suspension, wider tires, and a distinctive paint job. The goal was to make the VW look fast and aggressive, even if it wasn't the fastest car on the road. This look was popularized by a group of enthusiasts known as the "Beach Boys," who cruised the streets of Southern California in their customized VWs.

The Beach Boys were known for their love of surfing, and their cars reflected this passion. Many of their VWs were painted in bright colors and adorned with surfboards on the roof. They also added aftermarket exhaust systems, which gave their cars a distinct sound that could be heard from blocks away.

One of the most famous Cal Look VWs was the Inch Pincher, a drag racing Beetle that was built by Ron Lummus in the late 1960s. Lummus was a master fabricator and had a reputation for building some of the fastest VWs on the drag strip. The Inch Pincher was his crowning achievement, with a custom-built chassis, a turbocharged engine, and a distinctive paint job that featured a giant inchworm on the hood.

The Inch Pincher was a dominant force on the drag strip, winning numerous races and setting records for the fastest VW in the world. Its success helped to popularize the Cal look and inspired countless enthusiasts to customize their own VWs.

The popularity of the Cal look peaked in the 1970s, as more and more enthusiasts jumped on the bandwagon. However, as the VW scene became more mainstream, the look began to evolve. New styles and trends emerged, and the Cal look began to fade into the background.

Today, the Cal look is still celebrated by a dedicated group of enthusiasts who appreciate the simple, stripped-down aesthetic of these early customizations. While the Inch Pincher may be a relic of the past, its influence can still be seen in the countless VWs that continue to roam the streets and drag strips of Southern California.

Air-cooled Volkswagen, also known as VW or the Beetle, is a compact car that was manufactured by German automaker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003. The iconic design of the Beetle, with its rounded shape and distinctive sound, has made it one of the most recognizable cars in the world.

The Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche in the 1930s, and was intended to be a car that was affordable and practical for the average person. The first prototype was built in 1935, and production began in 1938. The car was initially marketed as the KdF-Wagen, but was renamed the Volkswagen (which means "people's car" in German) in 1939.

The early years of production were interrupted by World War II, but production resumed in 1945. In the post-war years, the Beetle became popular in Europe and the United States as a reliable and economical car. The car's simple design and air-cooled engine made it easy to maintain and repair, and it became a favorite among mechanics and car enthusiasts.

The Beetle's popularity reached its peak in the 1960s, when it became a symbol of the counterculture movement. Its distinctive look and sound made it a favorite among hippies and young people, and it was often decorated with peace signs, flowers, and other symbols of the era.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Beetle faced increasing competition from other small cars, and sales began to decline. In 1974, VW introduced the Golf, a front-wheel drive car that was more modern and efficient than the Beetle. Although the Beetle continued to be produced, it was no longer the flagship model for VW.

In 1998, VW introduced the New Beetle, a modernized version of the original Beetle that was designed to appeal to a new generation of buyers. The New Beetle was a success, and helped to revitalize interest in the Beetle brand.

Production of the air-cooled Beetle ended in 2003, after more than 21 million cars had been produced. Although the car is no longer produced, it remains a popular choice among collectors and car enthusiasts, and is often seen at car shows and other events.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in air-cooled VWs, with a growing number of enthusiasts restoring and modifying older models. There are also a number of companies that specialize in producing parts and accessories for air-cooled VWs, ensuring that these iconic cars will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

In conclusion, the air-cooled Volkswagen, also known as the Beetle, has a rich history that spans more than 60 years. From its origins as an affordable car for the average person, to its role as a symbol of counterculture and its enduring popularity among collectors and enthusiasts, the Beetle has left an indelible mark on automotive history.

The Inch Pincher is a well-known Volkswagen (VW) drag racing car that has been around since the 1960s. This iconic car has a long and storied history that has captured the attention of drag racing enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will explore the history of the Inch Pincher VW drag racing car and how it has become an important part of the sport's history.

The Inch Pincher was originally built by Joe Vittone and Dan Gurney. The car was a 1956 VW Beetle that had to stay relatively stock for drag racing purposes. An anti-roll cage was installed along with a camber compensator. The only mechanical modification was a sports exhaust. It ran its first race in 1963 at Nassau. The Inch Pincher was given its name because it could win with fewer cubic inches.

In 1964 Dean Lowry took over and built a 1700cc engine to put in the car. In 1964 the car could run a quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 91.5 mph.  

The Inch Pincher quickly made a name for itself on the drag racing circuit, winning numerous races and setting records along the way. When the BRM wheel made its debut in 1966, the Inch Pincher was one of the first cars to have them. 

In 1966 Dean installed a 1900cc 40hp-based engine with Okrasa heads and dual 48IDA Webers. He ran it at the Riverside 1/2 mile drags with a time of 22.04 seconds and high speed of 115.5 mph.

For the 1967 season the Inch Pincher underwent major changes. The front suspension, floorpan, doors, fenders, and front and rear decklids were removed. The original torsion bar suspension was replaced with straight axle. The body panels were replaced with fiberglass. The original oval window was removed to save weight and provide a better view for the driver. Plexiglass replaced all glass windows. It was also repainted in red Metalflake with flames and the Inch Pincher name on the door.

In 1968 the Inch Pincher was raced in NHRA competitions. It received a vinyl roof, new fenders that housed one-piece headlights, and eyebrows. The engine was a 1952cc with a Porsche transmission. It was racing in the low 12-second category and was a force to be reckoned with.

The car's success continued throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s. In 1984, the Inch Pincher was sold to a new owner, who continued to race the car with great success. The car was later sold again and underwent several modifications to make it even faster and more powerful.

In the 1990s, the Inch Pincher was retired from active racing and became a popular fixture at car shows and racing events. The car's unique design and history made it a favorite among VW enthusiasts, and it continued to draw crowds wherever it went.

Today, the Inch Pincher remains an important part of drag racing history and is considered one of the most iconic VW drag racing cars of all time. It has inspired countless racers and has helped to establish the Pro Stock VW class as a legitimate form of drag racing.

The Inch Pincher VW drag racing car is a true icon in the world of drag racing. Its unique design and powerful performance have made it a favorite among racers and enthusiasts alike. The car's history is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its builders and drivers, and it continues to inspire new generations of drag racers to this day. 

The origins of EMPI date back to the early 1950s, when Vittone began importing Italian-made exhaust systems for hot rods and other custom cars. Vittone soon began to specialize in Volkswagen parts, as the VW Beetle was becoming increasingly popular in the United States at the time. In 1956, Vittone established EMPI as a distributor of VW parts and accessories, with a focus on high-performance components for the burgeoning VW racing scene.

One of EMPI's early successes was the development of a performance exhaust system for the VW Beetle, which helped to increase the car's horsepower and improve its sound. EMPI also produced a range of other high-performance parts for VWs, including carburetors, camshafts, and cylinder heads. The company's parts quickly became popular among VW racers and enthusiasts, and EMPI began to expand rapidly.

By the mid-1960s, EMPI had become a major player in the VW aftermarket, and the company had opened several retail locations across Southern California. EMPI also began to manufacture its own line of VW parts, including wheels, shifters, and body kits. The company's signature logo, which featured a stylized "EMPI" lettering with a winged foot, became an iconic symbol of the VW enthusiast community.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, EMPI continued to expand its product line and its reach within the VW community. The company sponsored several VW racing teams and events, and its parts were used in many high-profile VW builds and customizations. EMPI also became known for its innovative marketing campaigns, which often featured eye-catching graphics and slogans that appealed to the VW enthusiast demographic.

In the 1980s and 1990s, EMPI faced increased competition from other aftermarket VW parts manufacturers, as well as from the rising popularity of Japanese import cars. The company struggled to adapt to these changes, and in 1998, EMPI was acquired by Bugpack, another Southern California-based VW parts manufacturer. Under Bugpack's ownership, EMPI continued to produce VW parts and accessories, but its prominence within the VW community had begun to wane.

Today, EMPI remains a respected name within the VW enthusiast community, and the company's legacy can still be seen in the many custom VW builds and restorations that feature EMPI parts. The company's history is a testament to the passion and ingenuity of the VW enthusiast community, and to the enduring popularity of the Volkswagen Beetle and Bus.

You can't be olde skool without an original thermador car cooler. Basically it's air-conditioning that uses no energy. Inside the big gray tube is a blanket with a string attached that hangs in the passenger window. You fill the tube up with water before you start driving, then every so often you pull the cord. It rotates the blanket inside and dips it in the water. Then air comes through the tube, it becomes cool by going through the wet blanket and finally goes into your car. Obviously it doesn't work in high humidity or when you're at a stoplight.

Pulling torsion bars is not recommended. It weakens your beam and can cause it to snap in two which is not fun while you are driving down the road. I would advise adjusters, dropped spindles or an adjustable beam to lower a Volkswagen Beetle.

Dropped/Lowered Spindles 

These will lower your ride by 2.5 inches. They don't mess with your beam at all. You exchange your regular spindles at a volkswagen parts place for ones that have a plate welded on them that make the wheel sit at a different position so it is lowered. Ride quality stays the same which is nice. They cost around $200 and you will have to pay extra if you want to keep your regular spindles. I was told that welded spindles will break and that good spindles are forged, not welded. This allows you to not have to pay a core charge since you are buying whole new spindles, not remanufactured ones. Mine were welded and they have stayed together pretty good so far. So the choice is yours.

Adjusters 

Adjusters can be bought for around $15 for cheap ones or $50 for good quality Berg adjusters. These are then welded onto your beam fairly cheaply...around $30-$50 for a mechanic to do it. They allow your beam to be adjusted up to 4" for higher or lower riding height. The only offset is that they make your ride VERY bumpy. You will feel every little pebble that you drive over and I am not exaggerating. But that's a small price to pay for a slammin ride, right? They are available in both Link Pin (49-65) and Ball Joint (66-77).

Adjustable Front Beam

Adjustable beams are around $130-$160 and they allow you to lower your Volkswagen Beetle up to 5.5 inches with stock shocks, and up to 6.5 inches with short shocks. Adjustable beams still ride rough, but if you have the dropped spindles too it won't be that bad. I would also recommend getting caster shims and longer beam bolts if you go down real low. They are available in Link Pin (49-65) and Ball Joint (66-77).

They also have 2" Narrowed Adjustable Beams if you go down real low and need extra clearance for wheel turning.

If you REALLY want to olde skool it, fill up some sand bags and throw em in your trunk. Bags of dog food, bricks, and bags of cement also work good. Your gas mileage will be horrible, but if you're on a budget it's an excellent idea. And anytime you want to go back to stock height, just take them out. I actually know people who do this, so don't blow this idea off!

As for the rear end being lowered, that is just a simple procedure that includes rotating the torsion bars. How far they are rotated determines how low you want to go. You can get this done at an auto shop for around $70-$90. or if you want to do it yourself don't rotate more than 2 splines, it would be too low and you would bottom out after going over every little rock in the road. This is all I know about the rear end, if you want more info please contact your nearest VW mechanic.

If you lower your Volkswagen beetle over 2.5" you will have to get smaller tires in the front. 165's are stock, most people go for 135's. If you lower the back, get some 145's for the rear. Expect your front tires to rub the fenders when you turn, this is normal. If you go way down you should probably also get your beam narrowed so you'll be able to turn the front wheels. Again, I'm not sure of the procedure so contact your VW mechanic.

Check Out More Air Cooled Volkswagen Books