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"Save the Bug" Charlotte N.C.
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VOLKSWAGNUT
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:37 am    Post subject: "Save the Bug" Charlotte N.C. Reply with quote

Heres an interesting story. For many years I remember as a child seeing what appeared to be a 1966 Beetle sitting on the roof of an old import garage in Charlotte N.C. . My father, a specialized freight carrier dispatched out of Charlotte, and I would pass it almost every day when I would go to work with him in the summer months. He would always point it out to me. We always had (have) a VW or 2 around the house. The garage has been closed for years, and the new owner plans is to open a resteraunt in its place, using the existing bulding. It would seem the uppity up snobs of Charlotte dont think it fits in anymore, because it doesnt quite pass the latest advertising restrictions. The new owner would like to save the Beetle, or as the locals call it "The Bug", mainly because he has now realized its potential for advertising and utilize its local popularity. It has been interesting to watch the local news and the many demostrators out to "SAVE THE BUG".

Here is the link to the stories.

http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=11479524

http://www.wcnc.com/home/City-leaders-will-likely-spare-westside-landmark-72129052.html

http://www.wcnc.com/home/W-Charlotte-landmark-may-be-removed-69722692.html

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/21573966/detail.html#

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/21326886/detail.html
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Last edited by VOLKSWAGNUT on Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:17 pm; edited 1 time in total
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MAYHEM
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The old Triple G auto. Passed the place everyday for years.
Definitely a local landmark. Always wondered, after they shut down, what would become of the bug.
I hope it stays.
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Hippie1303
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thats funny, I have lived just outside carlotte for a good many years now and have never seen this bug. I'll have to go find it some time.
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DonnieDarko
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PostPosted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 10:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Never seen it or heard of it either ...
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maximan1
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PostPosted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If they do make them take it down, they should fix up the bug and drive it to the restaurant every day.
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LeviMan2001
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PostPosted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 4:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

maximan1 wrote:
If they do make them take it down, they should fix up the bug and drive it to the restaurant every day.


x2
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BryanM
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PostPosted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

when the owners of GGG closed a few years ago they sold the land to an investor. The bug was put on the roof of that building in the 70s by the first owner of GGG. As I understand it the bug was granfathered in to the previous owners of Triple G and is granfathered in to the current owner. However it will not be grandfathered in when the current owner sells it to an investor.
From what I can tell it isnt due to snootery but existing rules regulating oddball signs and or structures that means it must come down when the property sells. If the land owner doesnt like it they should petition the city council or the permits office.
I would hate to see it come down but I seriously dont think it is the "big bad city" that is out to get the little guy. Little guys dont purchase corner property in a very expensive part of town.
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VOLKSWAGNUT
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

No but big city's do make changes to fit thier desires of what they think the city '"should" look like, even if the popular vote is to keep a sign or two. That old Bug didnt always look like it does now, at one time looked like a decent car, and surely brings attention. This isnt the first sign or building that has been scrutinized. Charlotte has the tendency to forget and bury it's historic properties, and advertising. Dont get me wrong it is a nice place to live, with a broad spectrum of ideas and activities, but sometimes I personally wonder what the "decision makers" are thinking.
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aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
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Last edited by VOLKSWAGNUT on Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:27 am; edited 1 time in total
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coad Premium Member
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I guess I'm in the minority, but I think it looks like Hell, and if I lived anywhere near it I would want to see it gone too.

Besides, Volkswagens are supposed to be driven, not pimped out as a cheap sign.

Take it down, restore it, crush it, salvage it for parts so other beetles can live, whatever--just put the poor thing out of its misery.
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vaughn bros.
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ive seen that car. Laughing Maybe since they want to keep it, then they could just fix it up a bit. Ive thrown away better looking parts than that car has. Get folks in Charlotte to drop off some freebies.
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VOLKSWAGNUT
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks like it the decision may be coming to a end.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=397689

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1217307.html
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aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
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letthemusicflow
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 3:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've seen that. I hope it stays too.
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VOLKSWAGNUT
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:55 am    Post subject: Re: "Save the Bug" Charlotte N.C. Reply with quote

Just to update.. still there..
Good for them..


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited
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TDCTDI
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:17 am    Post subject: Re: "Save the Bug" Charlotte N.C. Reply with quote

It good to see that some of those old advertising gimmicks get grandfathered, they ended up removing the '58 ragtop from the top of T-hoff because of a new sign ordinance in the late 90s.
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skills@eurocarsplus
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:40 am    Post subject: Re: "Save the Bug" Charlotte N.C. Reply with quote

wow....that must have been one HELL of a shop. good for them for keeping it
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