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20bugsys Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Detroit Area, MI
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Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2021 8:39 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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I met Tom Tom in 1995. It was an interesting experience. I was traveling west from Michigan in my beetle, picked up a friend in Denver and by the time we reached Moab, a CV joint was toast. Someone recommended we try his place. After some time he agreed to sell me an axle and then insisted we follow him to his place so we could see his "hippy" bus. I just found these old photos a few weeks ago in a box.
_________________ 1960 | Beetle | Jade Green | 36hp OG Car
1969 | Beetle | Cherry Red | 1914cc
1984 | Vanagon Tin Top | Subaru EJ25, 5 Speed
1986 | Vanagon Syncro | Restoration to bone stock
@myescapepod
@crusty_syncro |
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Meetzorp Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2021 Posts: 5 Location: KS
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Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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60ragtop wrote: |
Was the ghia race car yours, that Bob out of Cheyenne bought? We raced the hell out it in Cheyenne and a few times down in Colorado. |
The Ghia was my Dad's, but he let me play with it a few times. He raised plenty of ruckus with it in Alliance before he hung up his firesuilt.
My car is the 1959 Type 1. I had a bunch or rust remediation done and got it repainted a few years ago, but I haven't reassembled it yet. I'm halfway in in the middle of refurbishing a 1981 Mercedes Benz 300TD, and when I get done painting it (I'm going to spray this one) I might go back and respray the Beetle. I had it painted a non-stock color (Turkis, which is still a legit color, but not the original color) and I'm strongly considering laying Mignionette Green (the original color) over top of the Turkis.
If you ever saw my car, it was probably when it looked like this:
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60ragtop Bonneville Belt Bitch
Joined: March 13, 2006 Posts: 7800 Location: Big Wonderful WYO 82401
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Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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So sad to hear this Had a lot of good times with Gary and family.
Was the ghia race car yours, that Bob out of Cheyenne bought? We raced the hell out it in Cheyenne and a few times down in Colorado. _________________ Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986
tasb wrote: |
I've restored a large number too, but I don't toot my horn quite as loud.
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sb001 wrote: |
maybe he just snapped cause his car sucked |
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Meetzorp Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2021 Posts: 5 Location: KS
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Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 9:54 am Post subject: Re: VW graveyard |
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Rich Hanson wrote: |
I ran across another, though smaller, VW graveyard in western Nebraska. There are 3-4 dozen various VW's there. Mostly bugs from 58 & up, some bay window buses and a few type 3's. I posted some ads to help the guy move some of them. I am going out there to pick up my car Aug. 28-29. I will be taking more pictures to post when I get back and hopefully have some pricing to go with each. I already have some specific ones to check over and another friend is picking up a few for himself. |
Sorry to reanimate a zombie thread, but I was hoping to get copies of those photos from you.
That junkyard belonged to my Dad, Gary Davis in conjunction with his erstwhile aircooled VW garage, Dunlap Garage.
My Dad passed away just this past Tuesday, and I'm trying to put together some memorial stuff and I'd really like to include some pics from the junkyard.
Ridiculously, I never took any really good photos of the boneyard in all the years that I was still living with my parents, or even in the years after I moved out. It was always just part of the background of "home" and it never occurred to me how special it was.
I know one thing; I'll be holding on to my 1959 Type 1 for the rest of forever. It was a project we worked on together when I was a teenager, and it was a pretty big factor in my being able to finish out high school with my sanity somewhat intact. My whole goal in life from June of 1993 until August of 1994 was to be able to drive my car to school on the first day of my senior year, and lay a patch on the school driveway after graduation. It took some violent driving to do so, but I could make that little 1600 single port scratch the tires in first and second.
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KTPhil Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 33820 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:57 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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Abscate wrote: |
67_13Deluxe wrote: |
Last I heard the beetles were selling for 800 a piece and the busses were going for 100 a piece. it looks like he has a lot left over from when I was down there earlier this year. |
Im just happy that someone on Samba can spell "busses" correctly.
I've given up on grammar, spelling, and Oxford commas. |
Most sources list the plural form of "bus" as "buses."
Reminds me of the topic in the '70s (and in recent Presidential debates) about forced student busing in public schools. I saw a bumper sticker that said "Stop Forced Bussing" which meant to stop forced kissing, a problem which I was unaware of... |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22509 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:11 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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67_13Deluxe wrote: |
Last I heard the beetles were selling for 800 a piece and the busses were going for 100 a piece. it looks like he has a lot left over from when I was down there earlier this year. |
Im just happy that someone on Samba can spell "busses" correctly.
I've given up on grammar, spelling, and Oxford commas. _________________ .ssS! |
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67_13Deluxe Samba Resident Alien
Joined: February 18, 2005 Posts: 912 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
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Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:09 am Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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Last I heard the beetles were selling for 800 a piece and the busses were going for 100 a piece. it looks like he has a lot left over from when I was down there earlier this year. |
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NoDents Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017 Posts: 438 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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I was in Moab this past Sunday and stopped by Tom Tom's VW museum. Very sad. Lots of VW potential rotting away.
Maybe now that "my friend Pete" has moved from Texas to Moab, someone can get him interested in restoring a few of them. He's about 5 miles down the road.
Really a shame since I'm a vert Ghia guy to see a 70s and a 60s vert sitting there. About 10 Ghias all together.
No split window buses, only Bay and Van models. _________________ No Dents
1963 Bug - Sold in 1980
1966 Karmann Ghia Convertible - Stolen in 1988
1971 Karmann Ghia Convertible, resto/mod COMPLETED 10/2020 |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22509 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 6:47 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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I Love that people price whined in this thread...
Quote: |
also remember something like each vehicle was $2500, non-negotiable. |
And walked out in a huff.
6k for a Split, too. Ridiculous.... _________________ .ssS! |
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notchback Insensitive Jerk
Joined: December 16, 2003 Posts: 7024 Location: Behind the Zion Curtain
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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67_13Deluxe wrote: |
campingbox wrote: |
EverettB wrote: |
From Google Maps, it doesn't look to be on a highway frontage and I can't see the freeway from the street view so any additional value from that seems unwarranted IMHO.
Maybe someone who has been there can confirm differently. |
It’s been 10-15 years since I have been to Moab but I believe the junkyard is somewhat visible from the small highway that runs through town. That is assuming the properties right along the highway haven’t been built up.
Does anyone know if that’s a reasonable price for a commercial property in Moab? I would have expected less but it’s possible Moab has gone through some changes since I’ve been there last. |
From what I hear that is pretty reasonable for Moab. The properties around the museum are going for more than that. Moab is turning into a tourist trap.
I was just down at the museum last weekend. Everything is lined up and a lot of the vehicles that were there are gone now. its looking pretty good but sad to see it all disappear. I bought a 63 Beetle from him last month. And had to go down there to pick up some things for it. |
My brother-in-law and his business partner just recently bought the last piece of land available on the river in Moab. They goal is a hotel and a glamping camp ground. Lots of money for an empty chunk of land and lots of money so far for permits, zoning, engineering, surveying, etc. Probably more than I'll make in my lifetime. _________________
zeen wrote: |
Arguing with johnnypan is like mud-wrestling a pig. After a while you realize he just enjoys playing in the mud, winning the contest is not the point. |
FU#3 |
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67_13Deluxe Samba Resident Alien
Joined: February 18, 2005 Posts: 912 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 4:19 am Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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campingbox wrote: |
EverettB wrote: |
From Google Maps, it doesn't look to be on a highway frontage and I can't see the freeway from the street view so any additional value from that seems unwarranted IMHO.
Maybe someone who has been there can confirm differently. |
It’s been 10-15 years since I have been to Moab but I believe the junkyard is somewhat visible from the small highway that runs through town. That is assuming the properties right along the highway haven’t been built up.
Does anyone know if that’s a reasonable price for a commercial property in Moab? I would have expected less but it’s possible Moab has gone through some changes since I’ve been there last. |
From what I hear that is pretty reasonable for Moab. The properties around the museum are going for more than that. Moab is turning into a tourist trap.
I was just down at the museum last weekend. Everything is lined up and a lot of the vehicles that were there are gone now. its looking pretty good but sad to see it all disappear. I bought a 63 Beetle from him last month. And had to go down there to pick up some things for it. |
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campingbox Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2000 Posts: 10191 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 5:12 am Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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EverettB wrote: |
From Google Maps, it doesn't look to be on a highway frontage and I can't see the freeway from the street view so any additional value from that seems unwarranted IMHO.
Maybe someone who has been there can confirm differently. |
It’s been 10-15 years since I have been to Moab but I believe the junkyard is somewhat visible from the small highway that runs through town. That is assuming the properties right along the highway haven’t been built up.
Does anyone know if that’s a reasonable price for a commercial property in Moab? I would have expected less but it’s possible Moab has gone through some changes since I’ve been there last. |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69697 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 10:51 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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From Google Maps, it doesn't look to be on a highway frontage and I can't see the freeway from the street view so any additional value from that seems unwarranted IMHO.
Maybe someone who has been there can confirm differently. _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Fish Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2000 Posts: 5531 Location: OB. It's beside the point.
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 10:04 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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$900,000 for a Highly Visible Hwy. Frontage on two streets (1341 Mill Creek Dr. & 1379 Spanish Valley Dr.) Bring your Thoughts and Dreams to this 0.97 Acre Highway Commercial Zoned property. Vehicles are negotiable. 110/220 V 3 Phase. _________________ Prosit!
.·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·..><((((º>
.·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·..><((((º>
# 303 and #156
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69697 Location: Phoenix Metro
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VWsInTheWest Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2017 Posts: 1 Location: Desert Southwest
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Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 5:28 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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I know tnis is an old thread but i was feeling i needed to revive it. I have debated for weeks, but now i see someone has beaten me to it, and to talk tom up, so now i'd feel guilty if i said nothing.
I had not been on tne samba for years, so i made a name just to log in and let folks know...tread lightly.
I don't know if working on a vw trike project qualifies him as a "vw enthusiast" like the last user said...lol.
He just inherited the stuff. He knows..."some". He claims to have "restored over 300" VWs though.
Lots of that type of wild exaggeration that i just dismissed as colorful jaw flapping.
The "oldest car in tne yard" he wants more for, because it is a '58. Vin was pretty clear, and it seems to be a '62.
*There are definitely some buildable cars, some fairly intact. Then some good ons that are buried up past the rockers from a flood years ago.
Maybe 2-3 dozen 1962-67s, from shells to almost complete.
Lots of 68-up bugs and ghias. A couple of dozen 1970s Type IIs..
Being years late for the party, (tom sr. Died what, 8 yrs ago?), i found out about this collection earlier this year. But there are no pictures online posted by the owners, no facebook anymore, nothing. No action at all.
Googling, really you get nothing except local moab profiles of tom sr., travel blogs and photographer's pics, (nothing newer than 2015-16) a couple of videos (the newest is an aerial clip from 2016...and there were still cars)..and this thread on the samba.
And no new posts on this thread for years.
Come to find out cars have still been trickiling out...still.
So i Talked to the widow, the son, and went down.
It has been lots or odd things, and some red flags but i got involved.
******At this time i don't want to get into the specifics, but i want to ask anyone who has had an issue with him of any kind, to please contact me via PM.******
Maybe your voice can be heard, i am having to enlist the help of the legal system there to get my money back. Or any action.
I can't begin to explain the wild stuff he has pulled while supposedly titling two cars. Simple to do.
Something that I have had another, honest man in utah do on another car, then lose the title and get a duplicate...all while moab tom has delayed and unfotunately...lied.
I have been doing this stuff for a long time, and this guy is bold. My experience has been quite bad, and despite many options being given to him to *resolve* this amicably, he has completely avoided taking part.
*Even after his mother (the actual business owner) promised me a refund in late June!
Just please be careful, and preferrably take what you buy out right then.
* if that scenario suits you, then yes, you will likely be fine and never see how this gentleman operates!
Oh he did share that he will not deal with "any of those california people". |
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RTope13 Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: North Ogden, Utah
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Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2017 9:34 pm Post subject: Re: The largest VW graveyard in the west? Tom Tom |
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For all those that are still following this thread, will be happy to know.
After Tom passed, his son is a VW enthusiast and has kept some and sold most of them. Me and my son made the trip back in May and saved a 68.Solid car natural patina and has been down there since 83. Hes been selling them off and most are being put back on the road. The car club im in weve saved 8+. So they havent gone to the crusher. Sold overseas and to fellow dubbers |
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blankmange Type 3 Darksider
Joined: July 17, 2004 Posts: 11498 Location: Bloßer Stahl-preapocalyptic MidCoast
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 6:13 am Post subject: Re: Tom Tom BD |
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Rich Hanson wrote: |
Just a note that there is a thread tracking the rebuild and subsequent sales and international travel of the '54 barndoor 23-deluxe that Ol' Tom had. go to the forum and search "The Tom Tom BD"
Rich |
or you could just post a link to the thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2290141#2290141 _________________ póg mo thóin
Certified DHS Technician
Samba Member # 24517 |
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Rich Hanson Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2004 Posts: 61 Location: Becker, MN
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 6:01 am Post subject: Tom Tom BD |
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Just a note that there is a thread tracking the rebuild and subsequent sales and international travel of the '54 barndoor 23-deluxe that Ol' Tom had. go to the forum and search "The Tom Tom BD"
Rich _________________ Ragtop Rich
61 Ragtop Bug
60 Bug
57 23-Window Bus
57 oval window
83 1/2 Westy |
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ajbuggin8 Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2011 Posts: 166 Location: Utah
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Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:07 am Post subject: |
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SoonerDave wrote: |
Went to TOm's place this weekend, tried to talk him out of a swivel seat base from one of the only 2 or 3 Vanagons on his place. I failed.
He has zero water-cooled vehicles there, he got rid of all of them.
He claims he will rarely part-out a full van.
Super nice guy, very knowledgable. |
is it tom jr that runs it now, is there alot of stuff there still. did u take pictures, i would/looooove to drive up there but only if its worth it. |
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