With the Bugs 36 horsepower engine, Gary's used to the slow lane. But today, not all vintage VWs are pokey ... or simple.
Ron Zito has customized his Bug. "When the Bug came along I just wanted to restore and make it a high-tech car."
Ron has put $30 thousand into his baby ... he's upped the horses to 90 ... but it's a showpiece, not a daily driver.
Gary, Ron, and other local VW enthusiasts often hang out at Bruce Bewarders shop. "'1957 I started and I've been at it ever since. I had my own shop since '68. Just kind of a little play place. As you can see by my buddies here."
Bruce says this is just a place for those who have Volkswagens in their blood. "It's hard for me to explain. After you get around a Volkswagen you're going to have a Volkswagen."
And whether it's at Bruce's shop or at a big event, like the annual Spring Fling in Madera folks with Volkswagens like to get together. Hundreds of VW lovers from all over bring their restored customized and untouched rides to VW shows, like this.
Gary Clifford says having a VW makes you part of an extended family. "I would not have the friends I have if I didn't have a Volkswagen or an interest in Volkswagens."
One big reason there are so many VWs still on the road, is it's not too hard to keep them running, and for some, it's a labor of love.
Bruce puts it this way; "They gotta be tinkered with. They gotta be touched."
Abe Salvian's been tinkering with Volkswagens for 60 years. Abe started working on Volkswagens when they first arrived in the US in 1949. He's owned Continental Dismantlers for nearly half a century after quitting his job at the Fresno VW Dealership. "I left Volkswagen downtown in '63 and I've been here ever since." Salvaging and selling VW parts.
"Engines, transmissions, sheet metal, fenders, hoods, seats. I save everything that I think can be sold." Abe's parts mostly go to folks who are restoring and rebuilding VWs. But for those who want to drive a classic and avoid all the work, Ron Johnson may have a deal for you.
He shows us one of the "like new" Bugs on his lot. "'74 Super Beetle. Completely refurbished. Just like a new car. Ready to go."
Johnson revives and sells VWs in Lemoore. He's been doing this for 40 years. "We'll disassemble it completely and paint it, rebuild the motor, just go completely through it."
Ron's bugs start at around $6 thousand. You can buy a running junker for a couple of thousand, but show stoppers can go for from $20 thousand to $100 thousand. Not bad for what was once a cheap economy car.
Whether they are beat up, restored or customized, folks love their Volkswagens. "Every one of them's got a different personality. That's what makes them so much fun." Ron says.
Gary adds, "It's just a great, simple car."
Bruce puts it like this: "It's a way of life."
Whether, restoring, customizing, salvaging, selling, or just driving ... It's not a car, it's a Volkswagen.
