The Old Volks Club

Welcome

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:54:00 +0100

Welcome to the website of The Old Volks Club, Bristol.
The OVC was formed in 2007 by a group of likeminded people who share the same passion in life, classic Volkswagens. The club was started for three main reasons and they were the cars, the owners and to give people the opportunity to get out and use their rides. We currently have monthly meets, usually the second Sunday of the month in Aztec West, where we meet up and chat about not only all things VW but just life in general. Dates for these meets can be found in the Events Section on the right of this page. In addition to these meets we also try to arrange other club events or get togethers such as cruises, BBQs etc in the summer months so we can get out and use our dubs whilst the sun shines. Details of these can also be found in the Events Section or in the Waiting Room or Events page on main forum pages. We also try to get to as many shows as possible and always camp together as a club whenever we can. If you see us at a show pop over for a chat or just to say hi and the chances are you'll be offered some apple refreshment as the ciders never far away !!!
So sit back and enjoy the site, check out the pics in the Gallery or read the show write ups below, pop a message in the Waiting Room if you fancy it and and hopefully we'll see you at a club meet or show real soon.

Volksworld 2010 UPDATED 21/03/2009

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:05:00 +0000

If you're a reader of Volksworld and scan it from cover to cover then you will have noticed the little section in the 2010 Show advert letting people know the wicked news that the Old Volks Club will once again be showing some great vehicles over the weekend of 27th & 28th March. As we have some dubs that will be making their debut at the show, and to give people a little taster, we thought it'd be nice to show you the progress being made in the run up to the weekend as there is going to be some serious work being done over the winter months to try to get the chosen vehicles ready. The thread will be updated over the winter so keep an eye out for updates and new photos but here's a couple for starters before we really get stuck into the projects.

23.11.09
Firstly there is going to be a massive amount of work for Big to get his '63 ragtop ready for 2010 but i'm sure he'll get his finger out an prove the doubters wrong and premier what promises to be one sick bug. Here it is as it stands at the moment.......

Shell awaiting minimal work before being shipped to the painters for final prep and topcoat.

Finished floorpan awaiting the freshly painted body before fitting up can commence along with a full rewire, engine rebuild, interior........!

The other VW that will hopefully be premiered at the show will my '72 RHD Karmann Ghia which will be finally finished over the winter after a two year resto. Just some minor work to be done like a repainted door after a misdemeanor with a BBQ, the finishing of the interior and a bigger engine popped into the rear but nothing major before she hits the road for 2010.

12.12.09
Work started on the engine for the Ghia which is a 1641 lump which was previously residing in my splitty when it arrived from Cali. It has been in the Ghia already but a suspected dropped piston ring meant it came back out until we could test the compression. Good news, after popping it back into the van and spinning it up it turns out all four cylinders have perfect compression meaning a full stripdown won't be needed and I can now get on with the simple task of painting of the tinware and the final build up before she's ready to be popped back in.

We have also today confirmed a back up beetle in case Bigs bug isn't ready. There's still a bit to do on this one too to get it ready for the show but mainly in the lowering department ;)

More pics of this slammed ride to come once some modifications have been made over the next couple of months :)

Hit the Read More button below to see the latest updates

4.12.09
Another one of the vehicles attending the show will be Kimbos 1970 Squareback which, if you saw our stand at VolksWorld last year, you will have admired for it's stunning rat look and awesome stance.

Well the harsh UK conditions had taken it's toll on the floorpans so major surgery was in order to replace both sides in preperation for next years show season. The new rust free floorpans were sourced and cleaned up and are currently in the process of being layed into the vehicle.

More pics to follow of the work being done on this as they are sent through from the bodyshop.

21.12.09
The engine for the Ghia is coming along nicely with all of the tinware now in paint ready to hopefully be put back on the engine over the christmas break.

I've also raided the parts bin for a couple of bits i've collected which will hopefully spice up the 1641 a little with a few new goodies being delivered early in 2010. You'll have to check out the car over the weekend to see the finished article though ;)

22.12.09
Good news Kimbos square is back from the bodyshop with the new pans in place and looking really good.

There was a little more repair required too to the inner wing area but this was all carried out at the same time whilst the car was off the road and should keep the T3 on the road for a few more years to come.

01.01.10
Happy New Year to you all.
Another one of the OVC show goers will this week be going in for a little minor surgery to remove the dreaded tinworm from it's body and have quick blowover. Ez and Beans 1970 custom bay window is a great bus and was featured in Camper & Bus last year so make sure you check out the quality of this ride over the weekend.

Pics to follow of the work being done over the next couple of weeks.

23.01.10
Thought i'd best update you all as it's been a while since the last one.

Firstly Ez's bus has gone to the painters where the rear corners were stripped back and found to have only superficial surface rust meaning the original steel can stay which is good news. More updates and pictures when they're back from Allimax.

The Ghia engine is almost ready to go in with just the fan housing to be painted and fitted up. The damaged door is also off and ready for prep along with a few other minor parts which need blowing over. It's then just a case of fitting up the parts and finishing off things like the interior before she's ready to roll for 2010.

Bad news in so much that, due to work commitments and lack of time, Rich's ragtop will not be making the ball afer all. That said Tomarses slammed late bug is sure to be a worthy replacement.

Kimbo's squareback is sporting a new 12 month ticket and is looking great with the new floorpans in place.

Finally we introduce the fifth and final VW to be on the OVC stand and that is Bruce and Charlies amazing 1962 splitscreen firebus. With just over 9000 miles on the clock from new and some great modifications this is certainly one bus to check out over the weekend if you get the chance.

21.03.10
Well it's been a while since the last thread mainly because of the work going into getting the rides finished and getting the club stand ready for next weekend but here's the final update for the show and what's been going on.

The Ghia is 95% finished with the repaired door and repainted decklid now in place. Today saw yet another engine change due to major problems with the 1641 but hopefully the stock engine will get us to Sandown.

Kimbos square is sporting a 12 month ticket after flying through the MOT on Monday and is now looking great in it's new look tyre combo.

Ez's van is now back from the painters at last and is looking great. Just a few finishing touches to go before Poppy is ready to roll.

Tomarse has left it late and decided to make some major mods to the front beam equating in some late nights this week to be ready for the show but, if it comes off, will mean he'll have an amazing slammed bug at the show.

Sad new in the fact that Bruce & Charlie now can't make the show but Andy & Deana Jones have stepped up to fill their spot with their amazing 1965 splitty which is sure to attract visitors all weekend.

Well thats it folks. Thanks if you've been following the thread and make sure you pop on over at the weekend and say hi and to check out the club and it's rides and enjoy what promises to be another amazing show.

European Bug-In 2 Video

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:31:49 +0000

In anticipation of the upcoming shows this year, here's a video to get you in the mood, showing some of the highlights of last years awesome European convoy:

Many thanks to Si (Willi) for the video.

2009 - Another great year

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 19:01:06 +0000

Well that's pretty much it for the 2009 shows and events with only the the partsfest that is Dubfreeze next weekend and The Winter Warmer weekend in Woolacombe to go before its time to wrap up those dubs before winter really sets in. It's been another great year and the shows have been up to their usual high standards whether it was taking in the gorgeous weather and great vehicles at Bug In or just enjoying the company, albeit in the rain, at Bristol Volksfest. Check out the reports on various shows below or browse some of our favourite pictures from the year in the Gallery section to the right.

2010 looks like it's going to be another cracker of a year with the promise of a new local show alongside the usual favourites with a few cheeky club camping trips thrown in for good measure. Also the great news that the club will be at The Volksworld Show again means we can show off the club in all it's glory with some great looking familiar dubs alongside a couple of winter projects which will be wheeled out for the 2010 season ;) Keep an eye out for the Volksworld resto thread that should be hitting these pages real soon.

Remember to check out the Events section on the main forums as the club meets will still be going strong on the second Sunday of the month over the winter months. If you fancy a chat and a coffee in some warm surroundings feel free to swing by and say hello and hopefully we'll see you there soon.

So have a good winter, a cracking christmas and new year and we'll see you in 2010 if not before.

Show Report - European Bug-In 3

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 09:42:00 +0100

If you're serious about VW's and love a bit of nostalgia mixed in with some great drag racing then European Bug-In is certainly one show not to miss. For the third year running the OVC decided to hit the road and cover the 800 mile round trip to take in the best of what Europe has to offer and we certainly weren't disappointed. One of the longest parts of the trip for us is the jaunt from Bristol to Dover, without hitting the M25 traffic, so it was another early start for the cruisers but as the sun started to rise we were well on our way to making the ferry.

This part of the journey didn't go without drama and by the time we'd hit the M20 one of the vans was in need of attention. Fortunately there were some knowledgeable travellers amongst the party and the OVC train was back on the road in no time at all.
As we arrived in Dover the sun was high in the sky and the temperature was soaring making for a wonderful crossing and in no time we were hitting the French shores and heading towards our destination.

With regular stops being made to top up the oil on the sick bus and to generally cool down we eventually rolled into the town of Chimay in the early evening and set up camp in a familiar spot. In no time at all food was being cooked and beers downed as everyone looked forward to the first day of the show.
Friday morning saw bright sunshine as we headed towards the showground to see what was in store for the weekend. The show was unusually quiet for the Friday compared to previous years but this didn't stop everyone making the most of what there was to see and do.

Unfortunately on the way to the show the aforementioned bus decided to haemorrhage oil badly but after the relevant parts were sourced and a couple of beers sunk we pulled out the engine, identified and sorted the problem (all be it temporarily) and the van was back on the road in no time.

We decided to hit the town for dinner and a few drinks and had a wonderful evening just chilling and sinking Chimay beers until the long previous day caught up with most wandering back to camp.

The rest of the group wandered to the track entrance where they were greeted with the usual European evening entertainment with burnouts and scraping dubs galore making for a great spectacle and even an interlude with the local Gendarme on the walk home didn't spoil a wonderful first evening at Bug-In.

As we headed towards the show on Saturday morning we could see it was busy but no one was prepared for the sight as we entered the gate to the show. There were aircooled dubs filling every space with seas of people for as far as you could see. Whichever model of VW you're into your needs were catered for and we lost count at just over 1000 vehicles on show! This is by far one of the best sights I have seen at a VW show and a memory that will stay with me for a long time.

After taking in a large preportion of the show vehicles and checking out the trade stands we headed to the track where we got our fill of drag racing whilst supping Chimay beers and basking in the glorious sunshine.

For the first year since the show started the organisers decided to put on some evening entertainment on the Saturday night which consisted of a couple of live bands and a familiar looking DJ who kept the party going well into the night. The burnouts were happening yet again outside the main entrance although this was closed down quite quickly by the organisers due to an accident the previous night which saw a sick 'vert quite badly damaged. These burnouts were replaced by a party atmosphere with music pumping and ravers filling the road and generally enjoying themselves.

Sunday is the final day of the show and, after checking out the show and shine and tradestands, we headed to the track for another afternoon of drag racing and to check out the awards ceremony to see if the judges decisions matched ours. Another great part was getting to see the classic gassers and race cars at the end of the day once the racing had finished.

It was also great to stand on the track alongside some of the Cal Look pioneers and Bug-In legends as well as some modern day greats. The finale was the gasser lineup which signalled the end of another great Bug-In and memorable weekend. All there was left to do was collect our souvenirs and head back to camp for our final night in Belgium.

Packing up on Monday was a little damp due to the nights rain but we were ready to roll in no time and, after stopping for supplies, we headed to the now empty track for a few photos and burnouts before hitting the road for the long journey home.

Spirits were high, as was the oil consumption on one bus, and after a bumpy and wet drive through France we were boarding the ferry yet again. In no time at all we were on English soil and, after a few stops for checkups, we were home and reminiscing about an absolutely brilliant weekend.
With the promise of improved track facilities for next show in 2011 I can see there being another magical weekend instore for all who attend and I for one will be booking my ticket for another Bug-In experience.

Show Report - Bristol Volksfest 2009

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 21:23:24 +0100

One of the unfortunate things about VW shows, or any other event held in the UK, is you can never guarantee one thing and thats the weather. For as long as I can remember Bristol Volksfest has always had the best conditions but that was to change for 2009!! With the show taking on the now normal format of being a three day event the early OVC revellers hit the Wraxall showground around lunchtime on the Friday to make the most of the good weather and set up camp ready for the influx of members due later in the day. As the afternoon turned into evening the club stand filled to bursting point with dubs, tents and awnings filling every available space but by 8pm BBQ's were being lit and most were enjoying their well deserved drinks. However shortly after the rain set in and most took shelter in the new OVC gazebo which proved invaluable as the night wore on and the rain continued. This is the way it stayed with people staying put, bottles in hand, until the last of the drinkers wandered off to bed at 4.30am!!

Saturday morning saw grey skies and a cold biting wind which certainly dried things off but did nothing for my pounding head!! The trade stands were perused for bargains and the minimal amount of show cars looked over before the yard arm swung over and the first ciders of the day were opened just after lunch. The OVC club stand lineup was another great spectacle for people to look at and photo's galore were taken of the OVC's finest rides.

More........
Throughout the weekend we also decided to run a raffle to which Interpro, Oktoberfest and PROPS donated prizes with all the proceeds being donated to the PROPS charity. This was well received with a steady stream of participants throughout both days.
As evening approached costumes were donned in preperation for the 'Glam Rock' entertainment which had been laid on by the organisers in the main arena.

After dinner had been eaten and a few looseners sunk we headed off to see the band which, sadly, didn't live up to the hype. A fair few left the arena early and headed for the warmth of vans or awnings and when the rain set in yet again shelter was the only option although it didn't stop a fair few from drinking on into the early hours yet again!!

Sunday is the main show day at Bristol and, by the time the last of the late risers awoke, most of the show cars were in place and the sun was shining. There were also a few more traders who had turned up for the day which made for a good morning wander.

By lunchtime the sun was beating down and most just sat around chilling in the warmth and generally enjoyed the atmosphere. It was then time for the show and shine awards and, for the second year in a row, Andy Keating picked up an award for his stunning beetle, so well done dude.

The winning tickets for the OVC raffle were also drawn and it was an excited young man by the name of John Croucher who won the first prize of a radio controlled splitty with our own Moo winning a pair of Oktoberfest tickets and Dave Eveleigh winning the PROPS hoody.

All that was left to do then was clear down and pack away the club stand and head off on the mandatory club cruise through Bristol. The general feeling among most was that another successful show and great weekend was over which wasn't really spoilt by the weather at all ........ we are used to it after all !!!

Volksworld 2009

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 14:47:35 +0100

The Volksworld show is one of those events that true VW fans look forward to year in year out and is certainly one of the top shows on the annual calendar. This year was no exception and if you add in the incentive of a club stand right in the heart of the show you can understand why there were some excited OVC'ers who met bright and early on Saturday morning. The five vehicles chosen to take part steadily cruised cross country with a mixed bag of weather en route and in no time we were queuing to take our places beneath the grandstand at Sandown Park.

To say it was chilly would be a slight understatement so many quickly cleaned their vehicles and headed for the solace of the main halls or the swapmeet where show cars were drooled over and bargains purchased.

As lunchtime approached the first of the ciders were opened along with the now legendary egg & bacon pie (Thanks Jo) as we all relaxed and soaked up the atmosphere of the show.

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After an afternoon of looking at some of the best VW's in Europe we all headed to our hotel where, after a quick shower (or sleep), we decided to seek out food. Then it was on with the night sinking a few ciders and shorts until well into the early hours.

Sunday morning saw bright sunshine but some not so bright heads as Saturday night antics took their toll on a few. The day followed a very similar format to Saturday, minus the cider, and before we knew it the prize giving ceremony was over and the show was drawing to a close. We left Sandown in glorious sunshine and reflected on another wonderful weekend.

Even the final 65 miles on the back of a towtruck didn't dampen my spirits and I still managed to arrive home with a smile on my face as I can imagine most who attended the show did. All in all another great weekend with some stunning vehicles and great laughs with great people. A big well done to Ivan and the team for another cracking show...... see you same time same place in 2010.

Winter Cruise/Sunday Lunch 2009

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 19:06:00 +0000

When you arrange a 'Winter Cruise' in good ole' England you may expect a little rain or maybe a touch of frost but you don't really expect 'proper' winter conditions. This was certainly the case with the annual OVC winter cruise & sunday lunch which took place on February 8th. The week before can only be described as arctic and evidence of this was still around when the 20+ strong convoy headed out of the meeting place in Aztec West. The chosen route was to head out through the Cotswolds and, as we winded our way through the picturesque countryside, the snow became increasingly thicker with the rolling hills and fields providing the perfect backdrop.

As we.......
reached The Hunters Rest Inn just outside Tetbury a light flurry of snow began to fall and, as members tucked into their great sunday lunches and delicious pud's, we watched as the snow got heavier and heavier outside. Once the meals were finished members dug deep into their pockets for the raffle which raised an impressive sum of �86 which was donated to the PROPS charity.
Unfortunately, with the weather turning increasingly grim outside, many decided it was time to head off but this didn't spoil another great day out on the OVC calendar and set the tone for the start of another great year in 2009 :)

Oktoberfest 2008

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 19:32:32 +0100

It's always exciting when a new local show is announced especially when it's by organisers who have successes such as Vanwest and Bristol Volksfest under their belts and this event was no exception. The show was billed as a relaxed family event with the empheses on having fun and generally chilling after a long show season at a five star campsite. The added attraction of a european spec BMX track and other exciting activities meant that club and general camping were booked weeks in advance and, as usual, the OVC were out in good numbers to see what was on offer and generally have a good time. The first campers arrived at the 'Gruffy Grounds' area of the site ...and were followed by a steady stream of campers throughout the afternoon and into the evening making the most of the October sunshine. By night fall many were stoking up the barbies and sinking into a cider or two which carried on well into the night and, although the temperature dropped considerably, many were found to be having a good time even if it was in a tent with a radiator on full blast !!!
Saturday morning saw overcast skies but excitement was high as the brave early risers headed to the BMX track with the cries of "Be Carefull" still ringing in their ears. Obviously this was forgotton by the time the track was reached and within four minutes of the helmets being donned and on the first run of the day getting underway an ambulance was being called to the track and the OVC were a man down!! Luckily it was only concussion but it still meant a trip to Weston general in an ambulance and the end of any track action for that weekend for the unlucky one. This accident knocked the wind from a few peoples sails but the track was still enjoyed by most all be it a little slower than anticipated.

The rest of the day was spent, as the organisers had intended, just taking in the show and relaxing with friends and family with the children especially enjoying themselves.

By late afternoon, as is mandatory at shows, the booze was cracked open and many took solace in and around a couple of pitches and in one very warm van !!!

As the evening progressed it was decided that the club would go and catch the band that had been laid on as entertainment.

All was well for the majority of the night until a rather heavy handed approach by the bar managers about people drinking their own booze meant that a small part of the evening was ruined and left a rather sour taste in peoples mouths. Never the less the party moved away from the bar area and back to the pitch where the drink carried on flowing even when the heavens opened at 2am and everyone dived for cover.

Sadly this rain continued throughout the night and many woke on Sunday to find flooded awnings and tents. As breakfast was cooked and eaten the rain started to die off enough to allow a brave few to get another fix on the track, enjoy the show or take in the small show and shine area.

Unfortunately many campers decided that they'd make a dash when the rain finally stopped just after lunch and by mid afternoon the show was coming to an end.

All in all a good weekend which has the potential to be another great success for the organisers once the teething problems that all new shows experience are sorted.

Brad's Cancer Foundation Raffle - Win a Ghia!

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:29:35 +0000

Brad Davis was a VW enthusiast who's life was tragically cut short at the age of just 18 due to cancer. Brad's Cancer Foundation is a registered charity set up to provide support for the development of a Teenage Cancer Unit through the Teenage Cancer Trust and to help the families of those affected.

As part of their efforts, they are holding a raffle to win a Karmann Ghia (complete with full 12 months MOT) that was kindly donated to them! The lucky winner will be announced at VW Action in August of this year.

We should be getting hold of some of some of tickets soon and they will be on sale at �2 each. More info on where/who to get them from coming soon.