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Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:36 am

Helluva job, man. Helluva job. She's impressive.

Some of these rebuilds remind me of a show that was on TV a couple of years ago, "Wrecks to Riches", where the shop would find these muscle cars rotting in junk yards and turn them into Super Muscle Cars will all the modern amenities. Then they sell it at auction for a ton.
Rodbuster would fit right in...except I don't see you selling it!

Fri Mar 06, 2009 4:09 pm

Truly amazing. Many thanks for all the updates :)

Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:01 pm

absolutely stunning detail, could hardly be more perfect, but...

unfortunately the car has no stance, it screams to be lowered and/or raked w/a different wheel set.

not trying to be negative guys :oops:

Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:38 pm

i will be unable to be at the show but take a bunch of pics and post them please

Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:01 pm

row wrote: absolutely stunning detail, could hardly be more perfect, but...

unfortunately the car has no stance, it screams to be lowered and/or raked w/a different wheel set.

not trying to be negative guys :oops:

oooo.... Yup, I'd have to agree... Been thinking it but, so impressed with the car didn't want to say it! :roll:

Why not some 'updated' custom wheels? Maybe some 17s front 18s rear?I think it would look great a bit lower too.... Just my 2 cents :)

AWESOME CAR for sure!!!

Thanks again for sharing! Good luck at the show!!! =D>

Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:17 pm

Thanks for all the time & effort put into each and every one of your post. Although everyone’s style may differ, everyone should be able to appreciate the craftsmanship put into this retro ride! It was definitely ahead of its time with that chassis! Good luck with your upcoming show!

Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:31 pm

I have been asked to post some past photos of my 69 KG and its versions. It started out as beige stock ghia that I drove as my daily transportation from around 1973 thru around 1980. I sold it and it went thru some hard times. I ended up buying it back and restored it back to stock including the color. Being not happy with easy decided to do a custom paint on my ghia and it has never stopped since them.

Photo 01, Browns Ghia, I am the guy in the to tight t shirt. This was at the Bug bash in Modesto put on my Goodguys, the hot rod guys. I can name the people in the picture, but you know who you are.

Photo 02, Crystal Blue Persuasion, Upon going to a few shows and getting a taste of custom we did a body off redo on Browns Ghia. It had many innovative parts and was one of the first to do a complete body work including the chassis. This looks like Baylands Raceway in Norcal.

Photo 03, Right Stuff Ghia, This was cool. Lane Evans of HVW had found a space suit and Robert Valdez who worked for me could fit in it. He is in the photo. This is in LaMirage just out of Mojave. RK did the feature cover here. The car was know thereafer as Right Stuff Ghia............ :shock:

Photo 04, Rodbuster, This was hot in front of an Corporate Headquarters for Buck Owens Enterprises, RK did some shots for the feature here.

Photo 05, Rodbuster Returns, Current vintage.

Questions and Trivia from Posts:
1. VWHabit, if you make it to the show look me up I will be there every day and like to meet a fellow VW person.

2. tondemonai, I agree, I have no intent on selling RB unless someone comes along with $500K. I did what I did to preserve what was done back in the 80's and wanted to some day museum the Ghia under my terms. The last 6 months we put in over 2000 hours in the restoriation. I have done more than 1000 hours and Tim who works with me the same. It has been 10/12 hour days and last 3 months 7 days a week for me. I am ready to relax a bit. Today we worked on the display and did the final items on Rodbuster, it is done. :D

3. bamabug67s , thank you my pleasure to provide and share our efforts.

4. row, I agree. In case you did not pick up on it the coil over suspension allows me to have a 4" range on ride height. I can pretty much have any ride height that I want. The reason we have it set at this height is due to display issues. When I post photos of it going on the display you will understand. I have to push RB over a 2" rise and do not want to damage the body. I agree I hate nosebleeds and if a car is to high it gives them to me. My 50 Mercury has 5" of travel and I like to drag the tail pipes. I have a generous supply of maganium for skid plates if you know what I mean. I am confused on what you mean on "Wheel Set", I am not familar with that term in that context, please clarify.

5. VWDORK, I plan on sending daily photos, I am not sure if they will let me post not VW shots, but will find out.

6. scottz, I have had mixed emotions on wheels. If you look back at my posts I would like to change the wheels and tires, but spending $4500 for display only makes to sense to me. I am building a 33 Cabriolet Ford Roaster which I cannot post here that has 20"/18" and sits cool. I agree with your idea but cannot see spending the cash. If you look at Right Stuff Ghia it has T bird wheels. The problem these are 190/365 metric tires made for limited use. It was a mistake back then that has bitten me many times. They are very expensive now and I could not salvage the tires. As I said above I have 4' of travel that I can move the set up which means I can have just about any ride stance I want. I personally like low, mean and fast look.

7. 50Split, you are right, opinions are like belly buttons every one gets one. I do not take anything personal as I have my own belly button. I agree with many of the comments from posts but have contraints that I have to work within also. Thanks for the compliments.

Tomorrow we have to work on our sign, display and some time on FX. Monday is more FX items, load up and pack. Tuesday is travel day. I will post only if I get any questions. If any of you have any photos of the generations of Rodbuster, please post them, I am working on the history now.

Chris Addington :P

Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:57 pm

March 10, 2009, today we traveled to Fresno and got the first 100 miles on FX, it did well with no issues. Since this is an inside show we have to ask for early entry so we can install Rodbuster on the display, the below photos shows that process:

Photo 01 This is Tim ,Adam and myself rolling up the rear cover. We fabricated a cover over a metal frame to provide a waterproof enclosure in case of rain. Rodbuster is under the cover.............Notice the two alum ramps, this bridges between the slide bed and turntable display.

Photo 02, We have the ramps in place and moving the bed back to align with the ramps that go between wheel holders. Notice the bed is tilted to align Rodbuster for ejection onto the display.

Photo 03, Tim operating the controls while we watch the path so it aligns with the ramps. Notice the lookers in disblief to what is happening. Shock factor 10 :twisted: This is the only way you can see FX, with a VW in the shot, it is a 1948 Ford truck we made into a double cab and put it on a 2003 3500 HD Silverado/Diesel. It was a cool ride and had impact when we drove it in. Classic hauling a classic............

Photo 04, , Alright who left the muffler bearing on the floor? :P

Photo 05, Rodbuster is rolling back on the display. We have a very slow hydraulic winch so it can be controlled acurately. Adam is watching for alignment. Notice the ramps that run from wheel holder to wheel holder. These are slid off after Rodbuster is in place. It is interesting to rock it over the bump stops.

Photo 06, In place to everone's amazement, just another day in VW world, right!

Photo 07, Me removing the temporary bridge ramps. Must be a CALTRANS job, to many people watching....Notice how high we sit off the ground, there will be a skirting to go around the diplay later, I will post more photos later this week of that process.

Photo 08, On the display and covered, you do not want to show to much to early if you know what I mean. The red spots are from driving thru area 51, it seems to have left an impression on the side of the car, no it really is the LED stage craft lights we are using, they are real cool.

Photo 09, Partial side shot for the Samba folks. Yes it is an In and Out cup on the dispaly we stopped there for lunch.

Photo 10, highlight of my day. That is Blackie, he is 82 and this is 50th Anniversary Show, Autorama. He is an icon in custom car circles and to be just invited to this event, being his 50th and most likely last is a memory for a lifetime.

If you any of you come to the show we found some Cal Volks "T'', Tanks and sweat shirts. If you come the show I will give you one if you can prove you watch SAMBA an have a VW as long as supply lasts. I will be at the show most of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I will post my cell number so you can hook up with me. These are shirts from over 20 years and have been stored, we did wash them before bringing them are they are virgin shirts, not worn of course. If you can make the show it will be worth you time to see some classic iron as well as see Rodbuster in person, make it if you can.

Long day signing off.................
Chris Addington

Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:49 am

WoW,I would like to kow more on the hauler(tilt n load truck) Pure sex!

Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:54 am

Chris, as regards as posting pics and more info of your FX truck/hauler or your other rides...you should be safe to post pics in the "Off Topic" section here on TheSamba.

Here are some examples threads that are in the "Off Topic" forum:
Bicycle Fest - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=242891
Anybody into Jeeps?? - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=321286
Delivery Truck - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31777
hot rod fever - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279941
Any 1960's E 100 Ford Econoline van and pickup owners here? - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=285689
What car(s) are you rollin' in besides the Vdub(s)??? - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73005

Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:41 am

Awesome.

That truck looks cool too. I wish I could check the entire thing out in person.

Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:49 am

Banzai KG wrote: Chris, as regards as posting pics and more info of your FX truck/hauler or your other rides...you should be safe to post pics in the "Off Topic" section here on TheSamba.

Actually Everett has given Chris "the nod" to post pictures of the FX Truck in this topic as long as the pictures are remotely located...no need to start a new topic.

Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:30 pm

That is the glossiest I have ever seen a car....Looks wet all the time!!!! =D>

Rich

Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:14 am

I so want to be there! But finances do not agree!

Here are some old pic's of RB and some that are close to FX you might enjoy (hope no one gets mad - it seems to be part of the thread). I shot these at various shows........

Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:49 am

Thanks for the photos of Rights Stuff Ghia, if anyone out there has any old photos please post them. I will send a post from Fresno tonight we should have Rodbuster ready, have been working non stop to get it ready at the show. We are just inside the front door as you come in to the show in a prominent location. Blackie gave us a great location. Thanks for the comments on the hauler. I will post more next Monday when we load back up and maybe have better focus :D

Chris Addington :P

Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:35 pm

Today was the full day we had to complete the display. We made good progress and only have to place the mirrors tomorrow and due some light cleaning. Tim and Angel did the body polish, Adam worked on anal detail, Bette did cleaning and I programmed the sign and installed it. It has kicked my back side up til now. it is Protech digital sign. I have about 3 pages of text that we have spent 3 weeks trying to figure out the software. Nothing like poor instructions and virgin inputters. After about 5 calls to the tech line I got it programmed today close enough for the show. It is an LED sign with traveling text. Fits right into our billed laser engraved sign.

Photo 01, Photo of the driver front quarter. That wagen just beyond Rodbuster has a 427 Ford Roush engine, in a grocery getter!. Luster is looking good and deep. Notice how the color rolls to black.....

Photo 02, Shot from the rear deck lid looking out. Notice the red sleed unit. This is the"French Connection" the last car Body Coddington built. Multi million vehicle, cool up close. In the foreground is a Stutz something. FYI this is the front entry to the building, so you can see the company we are in and representing VW world in this event. We are please on where we where placed. The yellow car in the background is Riddler winner, (Detroit Autorama)

Photo 03, ,Tim is polishing while Angel is working on the back. Note the helmet, paint is over 20 years old with a globe light it sets on. The bare bulbs are tracker lights that surround Rodbuster, waiting to be installed.

Photo 04, Angel polishing the bodywork under the engine area, it has to shine as nice as the outside body. The sign was laid out 20+ years ago by Shakey Jake, a pinstripper. We then took it to a laser engraver who did it for us. The digital sign I was talking here is the sign I was speaking about.

Photo 05, , Cousin Adam, yes, cleaning the light track with a tooth brush! :lol: Detail Detail Detail Detail

Photo 06, Interior shot showing the Black Mambo Shifter, it looks cook here. The green tint comes from the LED lights, very intense.

Photo 07, , Interior shot.

Photo 08, . Our first SAMBA visitor. Bruce came by and we visited as well as gave him a personal tour of Rodbuster. In case you did not know when we first started showing he kicked my butt. His car was that nice, I just kept improving and detail, detail, detail, detail.

Photo 09, , This was his car from 1983 feature car in HotVW. Very cool. Nice to talk to a VW person in a Hot Rod world.

Photo 10, Angel squinting his eyes from his polish work.

We stopped around 4 pm and went to an early dinner. We are going back to the show to what is happening. They still had 20 plus cars to bring in. In case you did not know he personally positions every car in their space. The show is looking beyond my expectations, if you can make it, it will be the best show you have ever or will seen again in my opinion.

Chris Addington

Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:36 pm

I've got pics to scan and will post later...but for now, I'll just bring them with me to show you on Saturday. That would be the days of the Browns Ghia & Right Stuff.

Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:45 pm

Ranchmink wrote:
Photo 08, .
Our first SAMBA visitor. Bruce came by and we visited as well as gave him a personal tour of Rodbuster. In case you did not know when we first started showing he kicked my butt.
His car was that nice, I just kept improving and detail, detail, detail, detail.

Photo 09, ,
This was his car from 1983 feature car in HotVW. Very cool.
Nice to talk to a VW person in a Hot Rod world.

Ah yes...I know Bruce from Eyeball Engineering.

RB looks great, cannot wait to see up in person!

Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:05 pm

I am leaving right now for Fresno. This is going to be fun. 8) 8)
I will only be there Fri. I have to come back for some CIF basketball @ UCLA on Sat.
But who knows I may drive back up for Sun.
Be good to see you again Jim.

Glenn

Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:57 pm

Well we finally have Rodbuster on the display, cleaned, cleaned, detailed, detailed and in the show mode. The show opened today at 1 pm with a good crowd. We crashed and laid low today. Tomorrow the show opens at 10 am and closes at 10 pm, it will be a long day. The photos below are not the best but until I get a better flash the best I can do.

photo 01, view from front

Photof 02,

Photo 03, intgerior view

Photo 04,

Photo 05, Official Rodbuster helmet from the early years, painted to match.

Photo 06,

Photo 07,

Photo 08,

Photo 09,

Photo 10,

If you are coming to the show give me a call when you get here, my cell is 661-345-1627 to make sure we can meet you. We still have shirts left as long as they last we will give them out to SAMBA viewers. Will post more tomorrow.

Chris Addington