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tootype2crazy Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2007 Posts: 1276 Location: St. Louis Missouri
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:48 am Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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KentPS wrote: |
Wildthings wrote: |
Sometimes I just want to be able to buy gas without having a ten minute conversation on VW's |
Just put on some earbuds, and people will just give you a thumbs up. If they start talking anyway, just say, "hold on a minute" into the mic on the cord as if you're talking with someone on the phone. Then the person usually just makes a nice comment and walks away. That trick works well with those %#€¥ solicitors outside stores. It doesn't work on spouses, though... |
I have bitchy resting face so it's really not a problem for me. _________________ air-cooled or nothing for me
1978 Sunroof Deluxe Bus (daily driver)
1978 Transporter (mom's, making into a camper)
1970 Single Cab 2.1 turbo/EFI 6 Rib, 78 front beam, vanagon backing plates on rear (project)
2001 GTI VR6 (wife's) |
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my59 Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2003 Posts: 3793 Location: connecting the dots
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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The bus gets great feedback, and when I take it to kids events sometimes I think I should be doing a tax deductions for charity for the cost of getting it there an back...every year.
Only other time I had a vehicle that had people talking was the Benz 300CD in Portland Maine. Group of guys were gathered pointing, talking and circling around the car when I came out of a diner. They were on a bus trip from Germany and never knew there were diesel coupes. They all wanted to pile in for a ride. _________________ my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget. |
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slave1pilot Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2010 Posts: 943 Location: Tehachapi CA
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 5:40 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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No, but I've met a few celebs
this guy might impress your kids
_________________ My Photobucket for my Herbie Project - http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/TK-439/library/Herbie?sort=3&page=1
Currently:
1963 Ragtop Beetle
Previously:
1967 Beetle
1968 Beetle
1970 Beetle |
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D/A/N Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2010 Posts: 2227 Location: 11222
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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KentPS wrote: |
Wildthings wrote: |
Sometimes I just want to be able to buy gas without having a ten minute conversation on VW's |
Just put on some earbuds, and people will just give you a thumbs up. If they start talking anyway, just say, "hold on a minute" into the mic on the cord as if you're talking with someone on the phone. Then the person usually just makes a nice comment and walks away. That trick works well with those %#€¥ solicitors outside stores. It doesn't work on spouses, though... |
I've been in the street under the bus (and other VW's) cursing and clearly wrestling with a rusted something or other and had people insist on talking to me. Doesn't matter if I can't see anything other than their feet or don't respond. I've even gotten out from under the vehicle covered in grease and sweat cursing a bloody gouge in my hand and people still want to talk as if the only thing that mattered was their interest in the bus.
I guess that's a little grumpy, but there are times when people are too caught up in their enthusiasm to notice that they're being intrusive. Then again, I don't own it, drive it, etc. for other people's enjoyment. I'm too selfish for that _________________ '69 Fuel Injected Squareback. "B" D-jet. 1600 with balanced rotating assembly and lightened flywheel. Full flow and external filter.
'70 Riviera. 1904cc w/ 40mm Dellortos, 019 distributor, Steve Tims “super stock” 37x32 heads, Web Cam 218, Vintage Speed SS143 Super Speed exhaust, 1 1/2” heater boxes |
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Tram Samba Socialist
Joined: May 02, 2003 Posts: 22728 Location: Still Feelin' the Bern- Once you've felt it you can't un- feel it.
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:44 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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D/A/N wrote: |
KentPS wrote: |
Wildthings wrote: |
Sometimes I just want to be able to buy gas without having a ten minute conversation on VW's |
Just put on some earbuds, and people will just give you a thumbs up. If they start talking anyway, just say, "hold on a minute" into the mic on the cord as if you're talking with someone on the phone. Then the person usually just makes a nice comment and walks away. That trick works well with those %#€¥ solicitors outside stores. It doesn't work on spouses, though... |
I've been in the street under the bus (and other VW's) cursing and clearly wrestling with a rusted something or other and had people insist on talking to me. Doesn't matter if I can't see anything other than their feet or don't respond. I've even gotten out from under the vehicle covered in grease and sweat cursing a bloody gouge in my hand and people still want to talk as if the only thing that mattered was their interest in the bus.
I guess that's a little grumpy, but there are times when people are too caught up in their enthusiasm to notice that they're being intrusive. Then again, I don't own it, drive it, etc. for other people's enjoyment. I'm too selfish for that |
Making strangers happy doesn't always have all that much to do with making the owners happy... if it was me I'd be bugging you to say "Better you than me, pally! Have a Bayooootiful day!" then walk away whistling... _________________ Немає виправдання для війни! Я з Україною.
Bryan67 wrote: |
Just my hands. And a little lube. No tools. |
To best contact me, please use the EMAIL function in my profile |
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vwwestyman Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2004 Posts: 5688 Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:46 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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I very much enjoy the attention that my Buses (and Thing) get. I love that I see people smile and wave (or try to take stealthy pics) when I drive by.
It's just cool to me that people enjoy seeing the Bus drive by and that just by going to work (or home from work, or whatever) that I can put a smile on someone's face.
The worst time of someone wanting to talk old VW was when I was cleaning up my Great Dane's kennel after he had gotten sick in it when I was at work. Guy knocked on my door while I had a mask on (I mean, why not?) and gloves on wanting to talk about my '78. He was making comments about the engine conversion as if he was negotiating a purchase of it (though I had not one time indicated I was interested in selling other than a a previous offhand comment that "everything is for sale for the right price). That was certainly off-putting. _________________ Dave Cook
President, Wild Westerner Club
1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing |
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VOLTWAGEN Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2014 Posts: 118 Location: Perth, Australia
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Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2018 5:28 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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My new car gets more attention than my 72 Bay
https://instagram.com/p/BkH1kYvF295/ |
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Bleyseng Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2005 Posts: 4752 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2018 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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My ghia convertible gets more attention as people don't know what it is. _________________ 70 Ghia Black convert-9/69 build date-stock w/133k 1600 SP-barn find now with a rebuilt tranny and engine
77 Westy 2.0L w/Ljet, Camper Special engine-95hp and with LSD!(sold)
76 Porsche 914 2.1L L20c, 120hp Djet (sold)
87 Syncro Westy Titan Red 2.1L 2 knob 100k miles |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist
Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13389 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2018 8:00 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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Wildthings wrote: |
Sometimes I just want to be able to buy gas without having a ten minute conversation on VW's |
This ^^^
Or when you stop at Home Depot, Corner store, etc.. I'm always friendly to folks that want to share a favorite VW story from back in the day. However, somedays you just want to get in/out of the store or where ever you are at quickly. _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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Wasted youth Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2012 Posts: 5134 Location: California's Hot and Smoggy Central Valley
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Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2018 10:01 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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Have I ever owned anything that made strangers so happy?
Yes.
My AMC Pacer used to make people laugh all the time. |
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airschooled Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012 Posts: 12728 Location: on a bike ride somewhere
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Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2018 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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wcfvw69 wrote: |
Or when you stop at Home Depot, Corner store, etc.. I'm always friendly to folks that want to share a favorite VW story from back in the day. However, somedays you just want to get in/out of the store or where ever you are at quickly. |
Learn a second language just well enough to tell people you're in a hurry.
Spanish works great in the PNW and Midwest, but not so much in the South West…
Robbie _________________ Learn how your vintage VW works. And why it doesn't!
One-on-one tech help for your Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22671 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 4:16 am Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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Wasted youth wrote: |
Have I ever owned anything that made strangers so happy?
Yes.
My AMC Pacer used to make people laugh all the time. |
Towing a Gremlin will add even more cheer. _________________ .ssS! |
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TomWesty Samba Member
Joined: November 23, 2007 Posts: 3482 Location: Wyoming,USA
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 4:24 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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Abscate wrote: |
Wasted youth wrote: |
Have I ever owned anything that made strangers so happy?
Yes.
My AMC Pacer used to make people laugh all the time. |
Towing a Gremlin will add even more cheer. |
When I drive my bus the Gremlins ride along..... _________________ If you haven't bled on them, you haven't worked on them.
Visit: www.tomcoryell.com and check out my music! |
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guzzirider Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2005 Posts: 107 Location: Durango CO at last
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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you why..it is the same reason people will pay outrageous money for a restored bus.
Because more people got their 1st kiss, drank their 1st beer, smoked their 1st joint, did their 1st road trip, attended their 1st concert in an air cooled VW than any Bentley , Rolls, Jag or BMW.
Now in 10 years that will not be true...and they will just be weird old cars that pollute a lot
like a model A or a Packard is to me
_________________ 69 doublecab with 2" lift
Suzuki DR650
2016 Dodge Crew 1500 4x4 |
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swharris Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2010 Posts: 502 Location: N. Orange County
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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[quote="sodbuster"]Yes I do. but people don't get to see that stuff nearly as much as they do my buses. That other thing is my collection of old BMX bikes. When I bust a few of those out I've seen grown men turn back into a 12 year old the moment they lay eyes on them. Fun to watch actually.
LOL. Guilty as charged. I owned a nickle plated Dan Gurney hard tail (like below but with the chrome tube forks)but always lusted after a Webco or StrokerII (square tube) and the holy grail out here was a DG or Redline(I had 0 money to buy those). My bike was such a tanker...could barely make it get off the ground. Ahhhh the 70's.
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swharris Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2010 Posts: 502 Location: N. Orange County
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 9:28 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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slave1pilot wrote: |
No, but I've met a few celebs
this guy might impress your kids
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Holy crap, Lucas's face says it all. LOL. Imagine having to take a pic with every starwars geek ever born. Sigh... The money might be worth it, but I doubt it. |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16971 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 10:01 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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I don’t drive my ‘71 bus all that often but last Saturday my wife and I were on our way home from dinner around 8pm and just decided on the spur of the moment to jump in the bus and head down to Mission Bay to watch the Sea World fireworks from Fiesta Island. It was great being parked in the sand a few feet from the water with a great view while enjoying our new camp chairs and a beer. Young couple walks by and said great bus. I thanked them. It made my day. Then we found out that Sea World stopped the daily summer fireworks show this season. Oh well, it was still great. _________________ Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
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vwwestyman Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2004 Posts: 5688 Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 10:05 pm Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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Took my foster son to see Jurassic World tonight. (Sidenote, if you like dinosaurs eating people and can suspend reality otherwise, it was pretty fun.)
He wanted to ride in the Thing but it is pretty cool out so I said we were taking a Bus. He was complaining and said that he would rather ride in [pointing at every other vehicle we passed, including, horror of horrors, a stupid old Chrysler minivan].
I told him I figured he was the only person who doesn't like these things, just as some random people waved at me.
I think he was just being a typical obtuse 14 year old. _________________ Dave Cook
President, Wild Westerner Club
1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing |
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slave1pilot Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2010 Posts: 943 Location: Tehachapi CA
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Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 6:09 am Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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swharris wrote: |
Holy crap, Lucas's face says it all. LOL. Imagine having to take a pic with every starwars geek ever born. Sigh... The money might be worth it, but I doubt it. |
Yeah, The nerds are the reason I got out of it.
They obsess over the films like people here obsess over VWs.
Everything has to be star wars or about star wars in every aspect of their lives. _________________ My Photobucket for my Herbie Project - http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/TK-439/library/Herbie?sort=3&page=1
Currently:
1963 Ragtop Beetle
Previously:
1967 Beetle
1968 Beetle
1970 Beetle |
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andrewtf Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2011 Posts: 604 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 6:32 am Post subject: Re: Ever owned anything else that made strangers so happy? |
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My 'other' car (as listed in my signature line) is a '63 Austing Healey. It has been sitting and waiting for a few years while I work on my buses, but when I used to drive it, it was even more head turning than my bus (Big Emma does run a very close second though).
The car is almost all engine, so it is really fun to drive. When all dialed in, it is a very tight and energetic driving experience - but can be a bit frightening as well. Driving on the highway always made me just slightly nervous because it is so small I'm actually afraid people won't see me - especially when you get beside a truck. As one friend said after getting a ride around: "This is just like being on a ride at the county fair."
A fellow Healey owner once told me driving it was like being a gorgeous woman. Everyone looks at you, and is nicer than they should be. If you arrive at four way stop, everyone always lets you go first.
For the transmission enthusiasts, it is geared a bit oddly (at least by modern standards). First gear is almost never used. It is the only non-syncro gear it has and they called it a 'crawler gear'. I would use only in very rare circumstances - like starting from a dead stop going uphill. And there is overdrive (activated by a toggle switch on the dash) for both third and fourth gears. And then there are those wonderful Lucas Electrics!
One of the most frequent irritations in my life is that all three of my vehicles are manual transmission and none of them have the same shift patterns. It always takes me a few minutes to get used to the one I'm driving. But then when I drive my wife's car, I constantly try to shift her automatic. _________________ '75 Riviera - 'BIG EMMA' (Pan American highway trip paused for a make over)
'77 Riviera - Murphy' (being reborn.... slowly)
'63 Austin Healey |
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