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Wed Mar 18, 2015 5:57 am

TexasVanagons.com has been built in order to help keep all Texas based Vanagon owners in touch with one another. Vanagons are pretty scarce here in Texas and I know I myself have only seen 4 on the road in the past 18 months or so. Yea. That's just crazy compared to the sheer numbers that reside on the west coast.

While having such a small number of Vanagons in the state I thought it would be beneficial to create a small community where we can share and learn from each other. Other benefits of remaining in contact is we can plan monthly meetups/campouts so we can talk about our obsessions errr... vehicles with other like minded people.

Visit Texas Vanagons Here:
http://texasvanagons.com/

Since there are many people that use different forms of social networks to remain in contact I've elected to create a simple Google Group for all of us to remain in contact. Yes I know that Listservs such as Google Groups are considered a relic in this day and age but then again so are the Vanagons we drive. Consider this a "era correct" method of communication. =)

This Group will allow us to coordinate meetups, camping events and other group involved activities.

Visit the Google Group List Here:
http://texasvanagons.com/email-list/

I know for me it was always difficult to try to keep up to date on Texas VW Events. I've noticed many events publicized on TheSamba but not Facebook, or via a Listserv and not on TheSamba or Facebook which made things difficult. My solution was for me to compile an entire list of Texas Events in an easy to read listing on the website. This Events List contains all of the information you need to know about the event as well as links to the location and the link to the event thread/page/website.

Visit the Events List Here:
http://texasvanagons.com/2015-events/

The Members List is a listing of our members including information about their Vanagon such as what engine they're running. Why list the engine setup? Let's say there's a member interested in purchasing a Bostig conversion, here they can seek out other local members that already own one in order to pick their brain about the conversion and maybe even test drive one before they decide on it.

Visit the Members List Here:
http://texasvanagons.com/members/

Finding a reputable repair shop that does good work on a Vanagon is VERY hard to find. This is the main reason I've created a Repair Shop List so that our members can submit repair shops that they've had great luck working on their Vanagon. I know I've already found a couple of options near me that I was not aware of before.

Visit the Repair Shops List Here:
http://texasvanagons.com/repair-shops/

There's also a Facebook TexasVanagons Group as well located here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402401100059791/

Well that's TexasVanagons.com in a nut shell. I hope that it can be to go-to source for information for fellow Texas based Vanagon owners. TheSamba will still remain the go-to place for Vanagon technical information as its a great resource, TexasVanagons.com is simply a state wide "club page" so to speak.

Other items that will be included on TexasVanagons.com in the near future are Texas area Campsite Reviews, VW Event Photo Galleries from events that I attend as well as my Vanagon Build Articles.

Texas Vanagon owners.... Stop on by and check us out!

Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:37 am

We started populating our Members List last week... and it's filling out nicely! There aren't that many Vanagons in Texas so it'll be nice to coordinate meetups and camp outs with other owners...

If you're in Texas and own a Vanagon be sure to stop by and sign up for our Email List and Facebook Group.

Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:38 am

I just sent a bunch of Referral Cards to print so that members can hand out to other Vanagon owners they come across here in Texas. This will be a great way to help our membership numbers grow!

In fact, just this past weekend I came across 2 Vanagon owners in Austin who were not yet members of TexasVanagons.com so I gave them a card. Makes sharing the site and our group VERY easy.

Sign up at the link below and I will mail you a set a 20 Referral Cards absolutely free of charge. All you need to do is help spread the word about our group when you come across another Vanagon owner whether it be at a campground, vw show or even at the grocery store. =)

Come across a Vanagon in a parking lot, place a Referral Card on the drivers side door window. Done!

Sign Up Here:
http://texasvanagons.com/free-referral-cards/

Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:28 am

Here's a listing of the VW Events in the Texas area for the month of April.

Texas VW Classic
Fredericksburg, Texas
April 18 - 19
Event Type: Show/Campout
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/eCahR
Info Here: http://www.texasvwclassic.com/

For complete list of Texas Events please visit:
http://texasvanagons.com/2015-events/

Thu May 14, 2015 6:26 am

Here's a listing of the VW Events in the Texas area for the month of May.

VolkSwaggin on the Lake
Hickory Creek, Texas
May 1 - 2
Event Type: Show/Campout
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/zKsW4
Info Here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/shows/index.php#11920

Garlyn Shelton VW Show and Swap
Temple, Texas
May 2
Event Type: Show/Swap Meet
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/b1ai8
Info Here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/shows/index.php#12243

Monumental Bug Bash
La Porte, Texas
May 17
Event Type: Show
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/0N3jo
Info Here: http://www.bayareavwclub.com/pages/2015BugBash.html

For complete list of Texas Events please visit:
http://texasvanagons.com/2015-events/

Thu May 14, 2015 7:10 am

^^^^ You should ask the mods to add this thread to this sticky.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=490501

:D

Tue May 19, 2015 1:25 pm

Houston Area:

I'm posting this here since we have a few Houston area Vanagon owners that have attended the Austin Campouts.

I'm looking at setting up a camping event for the second weekend of June possibly in Huntsville State Park (65 miles north of downtown Houston). That would be Friday June 12th thru Sunday June 14th.

Where: Huntsville State Park
When: June 12th - 14th
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/kXGG2
Website: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

So far it'd be myself, Kevin D. and possibly Dana A. and Nathan W.

Anyone else available this weekend? Also.. If you don't want to camp or can't devote the whole weekend you're welcome to drive up and hang out for the day...

We can get 2 vans per site easily so once I get a good idea of attendees I'll book the appropriate number of sites.

Anyone else interested?

Tue May 19, 2015 1:36 pm

Hey that is a great idea, and great execution! If I lived in Texas it would be a huge asset. Impressive to see so many stock engines still running Texas vans!

Tue May 19, 2015 1:38 pm

tarandusVDub wrote: Hey that is a great idea, and great execution! If I lived in Texas it would be a huge asset. Impressive to see so many stock engines still running Texas vans!

Thanks a ton for the compliment! I do appreciate it!

Wed May 20, 2015 2:20 pm

OK I've booked 2 sites at Huntsville State Park for Friday June 12 - Sunday June 14 in the "Coloneh Camping Area".

There is water and electric hookups and we can get 2 vans per spot easily. So far I think we have 4 vans total going and there will be plenty of room if someone wants to come hang out for the day and not camp.

If we get more vans interested in coming out lemme know and I can reserve another spot or two. The park is filling up quickly with the onset of summer so make up your minds quickly as it might sell out soon. Thanks

Tue May 26, 2015 9:46 am

Here's your TexasVanagons Notification email for the month of June.

======================================
CONTEST Announcement!
======================================

TexasVanagons is giving away a $75 GoWesty Gift Certificate to one lucky winner. Entering is easy plus we give you a chance to get up to 3 entries for our random drawing. This contest is open to all Texas based Vanagon owners.

Contest info here:
http://texasvanagons.com/contest-75-gowesty-gift-card-giveaway/

======================================
June Event Calendar
======================================

Sharkapalooza VW Experience
Pilot Point, Texas
June 5 - 7
Event Type: Show/Campout
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/6DmNh
Info Here: http://www.sharkapaloozaexp.com/

Houston Area Vanagon Campout
Huntsville, Texas
June 12 - 14
Event Type: Campout/Meetup
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/mNpRS
Info Here:
I've booked 2 sites at Huntsville State Park (~65 miles north of downtown Houston) for Friday June 12 - Sunday June 14 in the "Coloneh Camping Area".

Attending:
1. Abel L.
2. Kevin D.
3. Dana A.
4. Nathan W.
5.

There are water and electric hookups and we can get 2 vans per spot easily. So far I think we have 4 vans total going (as of 5/26) and there will be plenty of room if someone wants to come hang out for the day and not camp.

If we get more vans interested in coming out let me know and I can reserve another spot or two. The park is filling up quickly with the onset of summer so make up your minds quickly as it might sell out soon. Simply reply to me if you're interested. Thanks.

For complete list of Texas Events please visit:
http://texasvanagons.com/2015-events/

Wed Jun 10, 2015 5:21 pm

Here's one of the cool mods I saw at a Vanagon Meetup in San Diego recently. He installed a Westy front table into his closet and used it as a door. Now he has one item that serves two purposes.

Check it out here:
http://texasvanagons.com/westy-front-table-as-closet-door/

Mon Jun 22, 2015 7:32 am

If you missed out on the Austin area meetup we had this past Friday night here's a small write-up on the event.

http://texasvanagons.com/austin-meetup-june-2015/

Hopefully we'll see you at the next one!

Tue Jun 23, 2015 8:12 pm

I just posted a write up on the Brickwerks dual gauge pod available through T3Techniques.

Check it out here:
http://texasvanagons.com/oil-pressure-temperature-gauge-pod/

Fri Jun 26, 2015 9:06 am

Here's your TexasVanagons Notification email for the month of July.

======================================
July Event Calendar
======================================

Dubs & Dogs
Frisco, Texas
July 11
Event Type: Meetup/Show
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/lwTZy
Info Here: https://facebook.com/events/1619642754915035

Dub Splash
Carrollton, Texas
July 12
Event Type: Show
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/KMTxp
Info Here: http://www.dlkdubsplash.com/

We're also looking at having an Austin and a Houston meetup sometime towars the end of the month so keep an eye out for that announcement. We had a great turnout for the most recent Austin meetup!

For complete list of Texas Events please visit:
http://texasvanagons.com/2015-events/

Sun Jun 28, 2015 2:12 pm

I just posted a write up on the Houston Area campout we had a few weeks back.

Check it out here:
http://texasvanagons.com/houston-campout-june-2015/

Sun Jun 28, 2015 10:13 pm

I may be able to make one or both of the "up north" meets. Got a vacation coming, though and may be headed in a different direction. We'll see.

Cheers

-Karl

Mon Jun 29, 2015 6:11 am

Forthwithtx wrote: I may be able to make one or both of the "up north" meets. Got a vacation coming, though and may be headed in a different direction. We'll see.

Cheers

-Karl

Awesome!

If anything be sure to put this date on your calendar:

Texas Busfest
Location: Lake Belton, Texas
Date: October 9 - 11
Event Type: Show/Campout
Map Here: https://goo.gl/maps/ByOXy
Info Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1578849335712719/

We had 16 Vanagons last year and this year with the advent of the TexasVanagons site I'm hoping we can double that! It's a great weekend event.

Mon Jun 29, 2015 7:59 pm

A blog post about the Vanagon that won Best Syncro at Syncrofest 5 this year. Man this thing is sweet!

Check it out here:
http://texasvanagons.com/syncrofest-5-best-syncro-winner/

Sat Jul 04, 2015 10:07 am

Blog post about Reese Engineering aluminum bumper Washers...

Check it out here:
http://texasvanagons.com/aluminum-washers-for-gowesty-bumpers/