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Volkybaru 
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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 Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2025 11:46 am Post subject: Volkybaru - who we are! |
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Just wanted to drop in and introduce ourselves properly. Volkybaru is a small, veteran-owned business run by two VW fanatics (me and my brother-in-law) out of Puerto Rico — which, by the way, is a U.S. territory, so no extra tariffs for shipping to the States.
I’m Jay Bonano — been hanging around TheSamba since 2020. I’ve been obsessed with VWs for years, especially Vanagons and Bugs. Right now, I’ve got three Syncros: a ’86, a ’87, and a ’89 Doka. They’re all in different stages of adventure, with the ’86 currently getting some love in the shop.
Volkybaru started because I got tired of replacing warped door panels every season after camping and off-roading. Shipping from other vendors was pricey, and the original cardboard panels didn’t hold up. So Wichy (Gilberto Cruz), my brother-in-law and an engineer with a knack for tech, and I decided to make our own. He’s the brains behind the gear — and he owns the original “Volkybaru,” a 1963 Beetle with a turbo Subaru engine. That’s where the name comes from.
I’m a combat vet with a background in logistics, so between his engineering and my admin nerdiness, we built a small family business focused on quality parts for the VW community.
We’re not trying to be the biggest — just the most useful to fellow VW folks who actually use their rigs and provide the best customer support. We’re not the first to create products for our vehicles, and we definitely won’t be the last — but we’re proud to contribute something built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.
Everything we make — from 3D scans to CNC cuts — is done by us, using our vehicles as templates. No outsourcing, no hand-cut stuff. We build each piece like it’s going into our own rigs. I also worked out some solid shipping deals with UPS and DHL to keep costs down for fellow VW folks.
You may have seen our ads on Facebook and Instagram — we’re working hard to grow Volkybaru and reach more VW lovers out there. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to reach out.
This forum’s always been about sharing real experiences and helping each other out — and that’s exactly the vibe we try to bring to Volkybaru. If you’ve got questions, ideas, or just want to chat VW stuff, hit us up!
You can reach me at [email protected] or Wichy at [email protected]
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD)
Last edited by Volkybaru on Fri Oct 31, 2025 9:36 am; edited 1 time in total |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17381
Location: Brookeville, MD
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80648
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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livethevanlife
Samba Member
Joined: May 18, 2015
Posts: 278
Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur
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| Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2025 1:15 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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I havent seen any in person yet, but I think they look great. Its always good for everyone to see small businesses in the community make it. Best of luck to you guys!
_________________
Vanagon Restorations www.LiveTheVanLife.com
The Westy Bravo https://smallcar.com/westy-bravo/
1991 Syncro Triple Knob Westfalia "Miki" 2.2l WBX
1992 Syncro Triple Knob Tintop "Schnitzel" 1.9AAZ
1990 Syncro Doka Subi 2.2l
1974 Thing
1989 Carat Tintop |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 7331
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 1:36 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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Been following you guys for a while this and there on social media.
I see the IG ads every day 
Good job 
I remember when I did my own back in 2002-2003, I thought I was so smart buying these from where I worked. Learnt a few things about jigsaws and blade tooth count
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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BrownLoaf
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2021
Posts: 112
Location: Bellingham, WA
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 4:39 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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Installed your front door panels on my syncro last weekend and am impressed so far. Looking forward to installing the rest of the kit.
Wichy was great to email with and hear some of the story from as well.
Thank you for being part of the community!
_________________
83.5 Vanagon Riviera WBX 2.2 "Brown Loaf"
87 Vanagon Syncro Tin Top WBX 2.1 "Bubbles" |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 5:51 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| dobryan wrote: |
Love it!!!! 
Please put ads here on the samba! |
To be honest, we removed our ads a few months ago when another vendor announced his retirement sale in respect for his contribution to our community.
We now have a few ads here on TheSamba but we mainly use social media to advertise and be able to reply faster.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions:
[email protected] or [email protected]
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 6:14 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| livethevanlife wrote: |
| I havent seen any in person yet, but I think they look great. Its always good for everyone to see small businesses in the community make it. Best of luck to you guys! |
Thanks for the warm welcome!
We could send a front door set for your next build, if interested send me an email and we could arrange something.
For now we work the following models:
Vanagon - all years
Beetle (Escarabajo) - years 65-66, and 67-77
Beetle Convertible - years 67-72 and 73-80
Bus T1 - years 64-67
Bus T2 Bay Window - years 68-70; 71-79
Karmann Ghia- years 68-74
Type 3 SquareBack- years 61-73
Regards,
Jay
[email protected]
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 6:29 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| BrownLoaf wrote: |
Installed your front door panels on my syncro last weekend and am impressed so far. Looking forward to installing the rest of the kit.
Wichy was great to email with and hear some of the story from as well.
Thank you for being part of the community! |
Thanks so much for the kind words!
We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the Volkybaru panels—and that chatting with Wichy made it even better. He’s the mastermind behind Volkybaru and pours a lot of heart into everything he does.
Your Syncro sounds awesome. For me (Jay), my own Vanagon journey started with an '87 Tin-Top I picked up in Upstate New York before heading to Puerto Rico for my Army assignment. The VW community here is something special—so much so that I’ve decided to retire here and keep the passion going.
I’ve been following TheSamba for years, soaking up ideas and learning from everyone’s experiences. I officially joined as a member in 2020, and now we’re proud to keep Volkybaru actively involved in the community. We’re always out at local car shows across the island, and it’s been amazing to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share the same love for these vans.
Thanks again for being part of the journey—we’re excited to keep building together!
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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mrinnovation1
Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2025
Posts: 306
Location: IL
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 6:52 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| Could've used you guys a few months ago. Excellent craftsmanship from what I can see. |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8891
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 7:19 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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Jay, Welcome, these are great!
Awesome opening post, too!
I’m soon redoing ours, painted to match the tan cabinets of early Westys.
Predict this is a dumb question: but can you do panels in any lighter colors?
Yours is exactly the business model we support every single day.
(unless broken down, or unable to find wallet)
PS — Hope you escaped Melissa!!!
_________________
If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
The caveman’s first question to the headhunter: “Hey, you got any coffee?” |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 9:34 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| E1 wrote: |
Jay, Welcome, these are great!
Awesome opening post, too!
I’m soon redoing ours, painted to match the tan cabinets of early Westys.
Predict this is a dumb question: but can you do panels in any lighter colors?
Yours is exactly the business model we support every single day.
(unless broken down, or unable to find wallet)
PS — Hope you escaped Melissa!!! |
Thanks so much for the warm welcome and kind words!
At the moment, we offer panels in black and white, but we’re actively working with a vendor to introduce tan and grey options that will complement a range of VW interiors across different years. We’re excited about the possibilities and hope to have those available within the next two months or so!
And yes — we made it through Melissa safely, thank goodness. Appreciate you checking in!
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 9:42 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
Been following you guys for a while this and there on social media.
I see the IG ads every day
Good job
I remember when I did my own back in 2002-2003, I thought I was so smart buying these from where I worked. Learnt a few things about jigsaws and blade tooth count |
We follow you too Brother!
Making the panels manually or even with a router was no fun, we have been there too!
BTW, the first few sets we send to Hawaii were from a Navy guy who saw our products at a local car show in Puerto Rico and wanted them shipped there. We use both DHL and UPS with heavily discounted rates that are passed directly to the customers. We could always send another one if you are restoring the van after the unfortunate incident.
PD: Hope the IG's and Facebook ads are not too intrusive!  Just wanted to spread the word and build confidence out there.
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8891
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2025 12:50 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| Volkybaru wrote: |
| E1 wrote: |
Jay, Welcome, these are great!
Awesome opening post, too!
I’m soon redoing ours, painted to match the tan cabinets of early Westys.
Predict this is a dumb question: but can you do panels in any lighter colors?
Yours is exactly the business model we support every single day.
(unless broken down, or unable to find wallet)
PS — Hope you escaped Melissa!!! |
Thanks so much for the warm welcome and kind words!
At the moment, we offer panels in black and white, but we’re actively working with a vendor to introduce tan and grey options that will complement a range of VW interiors across different years. We’re excited about the possibilities and hope to have those available within the next two months or so!
And yes — we made it through Melissa safely, thank goodness. Appreciate you checking in! |
COOL, on all counts!
Is there a way for you to let me know when available? I can PM my info.
We are going to do all four door panels, in tan.
Thanks!
_________________
If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
The caveman’s first question to the headhunter: “Hey, you got any coffee?” |
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Icebox500
Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2021
Posts: 270
Location: Louisiana
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| Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2025 3:16 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru - who we are! |
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One of those pics is from my van install. Did the whole camper kit and am very happy with the upgrade.
_________________
87 Westy 2WD “Van Geaux”
FAS 2.0 Gas GENV (10/2025)
AZ Transaxle + Peloquin Manual Transmission
GW lift springs, solar, Burley front & rear disc, etc...
New Orleans, LA (previously CO, WA, and CA)
Past
87, 90 Westys
64, 65 splittys + various air cooled |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8891
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2025 5:19 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru - who we are! |
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Word of mouth still rules, Thanks!
Colorado hated to lose Ya… all the best down there. If you haven’t, the seaside route west to Creole is really special...
_________________
If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
The caveman’s first question to the headhunter: “Hey, you got any coffee?” |
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| Back to top |
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Icebox500
Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2021
Posts: 270
Location: Louisiana
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| Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2025 6:15 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru - who we are! |
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Diggin it so far!
| E1 wrote: |
Word of mouth still rules, Thanks!
Colorado hated to lose Ya… all the best down there. If you haven’t, the seaside route west to Creole is really special... |
_________________
87 Westy 2WD “Van Geaux”
FAS 2.0 Gas GENV (10/2025)
AZ Transaxle + Peloquin Manual Transmission
GW lift springs, solar, Burley front & rear disc, etc...
New Orleans, LA (previously CO, WA, and CA)
Past
87, 90 Westys
64, 65 splittys + various air cooled |
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calsurf
Samba Member
Joined: June 28, 2022
Posts: 196
Location: SoCal
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| Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2025 12:23 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru - who we are! |
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| Nice panels, welcome. If anyone has a photo or two of the full Vanagon camper panel set installed that'd be great. I'd like to see how that looks, thanks. |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2025 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: Volkybaru - who we are! |
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| calsurf wrote: |
| Nice panels, welcome. If anyone has a photo or two of the full Vanagon camper panel set installed that'd be great. I'd like to see how that looks, thanks. |
If not mistaken, @Icebox500 installed our Westy set.
Please note that we don't provide the panels behind the cabinet. We will work on them, but we have been working on other projects.
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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Volkybaru
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 20
Location: Caribbean
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| Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2025 8:05 am Post subject: Re: Volkybaru who we are! |
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| E1 wrote: |
| Volkybaru wrote: |
| E1 wrote: |
Jay, Welcome, these are great!
Awesome opening post, too!
I’m soon redoing ours, painted to match the tan cabinets of early Westys.
Predict this is a dumb question: but can you do panels in any lighter colors?
Yours is exactly the business model we support every single day.
(unless broken down, or unable to find wallet)
PS — Hope you escaped Melissa!!! |
Thanks so much for the warm welcome and kind words!
At the moment, we offer panels in black and white, but we’re actively working with a vendor to introduce tan and grey options that will complement a range of VW interiors across different years. We’re excited about the possibilities and hope to have those available within the next two months or so!
And yes — we made it through Melissa safely, thank goodness. Appreciate you checking in! |
COOL, on all counts!
Is there a way for you to let me know when available? I can PM my info.
We are going to do all four door panels, in tan.
Thanks! |
Feel free to send me a PM. We'll announce them regardless, but we'll make sure to notify you once they're available.
_________________
1987 T3 Syncro EJ253 tin top converted to Westy
1989 T3 Syncro Doka/ Alusingen Canopy/ ADY engine
1987 T3 Westfalia Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1986 T3 Transporter Panel Van JX (SOLD)
1985 T3 Wolfburg Weekender Westy (SOLD)
1982 T3 Westfalia automaic (SOLD) |
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