VW Kever Ultima Edition

Fresh snow and update

2012-02-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

After a couple of days of real winter weather, this afternoon it also started to snow.

I meanwhile the voltage regulator of the UE is replaced and the 1302 finaly became his homologation.

So both cars are up and running again.

The new license plates are huge on the small enginelid of a beetle :-(

Enjoy a picture of the 1302 in the snow.

First Snow

2011-12-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

This afternoon it started to snow.

This time it's the real thing: the one that doesn't disappeare immediately like friday evening.

Christmas Tree and lots of troubles

2011-12-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Previous sunday I went to collect my christmas tree... I barely fitted in my 1302.

In the evening sadly enough my fuel pump broke down.

I've ordered a new one and wen't to collect it yesterday evening. I took the UE to collect the pump.

Disaster strook again: on the way home - in the snowy kind of rain - the engine stalled. The battery seemed to be completely discharged. Thanks to Koen from Geko Tuning - who helpep me out with a battery booster - i got home.

At night I fitted the fuel pump on the 1302 because I needed a car on saturday.

This afternoon I've been checking all kinds of stuff on the UE and I think it's the regulator unit from the alternator that broke down. I'll keep you informed.

Enjoy some pics of the christmas Tree

My 1302L - update

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

After replacing a front wheel brake cylinder tuesday evening and adjusting the brakes ones mores I went to the technical control with the bug.

It passed the control with only the remarks for the homologation. So now I'm waiting for the government to allow the car in Belgian traffic.

My new toy: a healthy 1302

2011-11-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was able to buy a really healthy 1302.

So the last couple of days I've been busy on the maintenance of the car:

I've already replaced the rear break shoes, the handbreak-cables, the entire front brake linings, the cable that unlockes the tank filling-lid.

The brakes have been adjusted and now I'm working on the engine.

I hope the car is soon ready to go to technical control.

Enjoy some pics.

VW Airheads Halloween Drive 2011 @ Kruishoutem

2011-11-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday the VW Airheads organised another Halloween Drive at Kruishoutem.

Although we didn't particate at the drive itself we had lot's of fun.

There were some really nice looking cars and again many participants decorated their cars real nice.

Enjoy some pics.

Aircooled Invasion @ Macdo - Froyennes - 8th October 2011

2011-10-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Filemon and I went to the last Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo Froyennes of this year/season.
There was a nice turn-out with some very nice looking cars: a nice split window beetle, a karmann ghia low light, some nice porsches, ...

Sadly enough it started to rain very hard and therefor the meeting ended quit quick.
Enjoy some pics.

Bulli Treffen @ Hatzenport

2011-10-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Brecht, Elke & I went to the bulli meeting at Hatzenport. The meeting is on a campinground in the mosel.

The campground is quite old, but it is a very nice place for such a camping-meeting.

We saw lots of T3 vans and some older ones.

The weather was superb, so the campground was completely filled.

Enjoy some pics.

On the way home we stopped at the Nordschleife / Nurburgring.

Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo - september

2011-09-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Friday the 2nd september I drove to Froyennes to participate @ the Aircooled Invasion.
Also Elke and Brecht and Hans participated at this meeting.

Normally it would be the last meeting of this year and therefore the theme was Rockabilly.
But there will be another meeting on Friday 7 October.

So see you all there?

Enjoy some pics.

Walt Disney collectors items: Un amour de coccinelle

2011-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I've found two nice booklet from the Walt Disney movie Un Amour De Coccinelle on a flea market. They weren't cheap, but hell yeh...

The booklet are in good condition:

the first is a bigger booklet with pictures and the story and an vinyl disc
the second is a smallet booklet with some text and 3 viewmaster discs

1st meeting @ Gullegem by Wim & Korneel

2011-08-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Wim and Korneel: two guys I've known for years organised a 'small' meeting at Gullegem since there aren't any aircooled meetings left in that region. They focussed on the original cars.

I met with Seba and we agreed to drive in his beetle over there.

The turn-out appeared to be bigger then expected: so we got to see some nice cars!

We hope this is the start of a new high quality meeting...

Thanks guys!

22th meeting @ Lessines

2011-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Filemon, his family and Iself drove to the meeting @ Lessines.

Although the weather wasn't great there was a nice turn-out. Due to the rain of the previous day the terrain was quite muddy, so that was kind of a bummer...

There were some nice cars: 4 split screen beetles, a Fridolin, some buggys, a Brazilia, some nice vans and lots of beetles.

In the afternoon we also drove the scenic tour. As usual it was definitely worth it!

Enjoy some pics.

Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo - Doornik 05/08/2011

2011-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we met again @ the Mac Do at Froyennes.

Although it started rather slow, once again there was a nice turn out.

On the way to the macdo I spotted a 2004 New Beetle cabrio for sale. This car is quinda special because it is in the same color as my UE.

See you all the 2nd of september.

Enjoy some pics

Meeting Baja Club @ Aartrijke

2011-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday 'Filemon' and his wife and kids and myself participated at the meeting from the Baja Club at Aartrijke near Brugge.

Due to the beautiful weather there was a very nice turn out.

It was the first time the freshly restored pick-up from Elke participated at a meeting. Sadly enough they run flat on the way to the meeting. so Brecht had the change the wheel which led to some more wheel changing by other participaters :-)
Which is a better place then a meeting to switch the entire sets of wheels of 2 vans?

Enjoy some pictures.

2nd 'Torenspurters' meting @ Appelterre

2011-07-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we went to a little meeting @ Appelterre.

The meeting took place for the second time and is organised by a couple of friends.

Although the weather wasn't great, there was a lot of fun there.

I even managed to win the sprinting contest: 'how slow can you go'. The goal was to drive a small distance as slow as possible without stopping the vehicle :-)

Enjoy some pics.

Peppercorn 2011 meeting

2011-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to the Peppercorn meeting.

As it was problably the last edition we went for the weekend.

By sathurday afternoon the entire meeting place was completely filled: so again a very nice turn out.

This year on sunday there was a 'vintage special'.

Enjoy some pictures.

Bad Camberg 2011

2011-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I visited the Bad Camberg meeting.
This meeting only takes place every 4 years and is for the oldest and most exclusive aircooled vw dubs.

Altough the weather wasn't great - saturday it rained almost the entire day - there were lots of fantastic car.

Among the participants was Claus Missing with his Hebmüller and the Swiss VW Dealer repair box with all NOS spare parts... It was the first time I saw such a box. On saturday evening I even saw a second one. Sadly enough the second one wasn't complete.

Enjoy some pics and see you all in 4 years.

K-UE Treffen Hamburg - Pictures part 2

2011-06-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

K-UE Treffen Hamburg - Pictures part 1

2011-06-15T12:15:00.001-07:00

8th meeting of the K-UE: Hamburg and Luneburger Heide

2011-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we (Elke and Brecht, Mieke and Seba and myself) participated with our beetles at the 8th meeting of the K-UE. Every year this meeting takes place in another city. This year we made quite a trip because the meeting took place in and around Hamburg.

We started our trip friday early in the morning because we had to join the 'convoi' that started at the home of the clubs president in Mönchengladbach. We started in Belgium with 3 beetles, already with 7 in Mönchengladbach and along the road the convoi became bigger and bigger. :-)

This year there were 75 beetles that participated at the the weekend/meeting.

The main event on saturday was a boat trip that allowed us to see the port of Hamburg from the water on.

On sunday we crossed the Kohlbrandbrücke, visited the Prototyp museum with the special exhibition of VW prototypes, we visited the MS Bleihen and the harbour museum.

On monday we visited the Luneburger Heide.
In the afternoon, the 5 of us drove to Ladbergen (some 250 km closer to home) where we spend the night.

On the way home (on thuesday) we met an old Fiat 126 that was driving on the belgian motorways without muffler and filled with 5 persons and luggage.

Pictures will folow soon.

Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo - Doornik 20/05/2011

2011-05-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, for the first time this year there was a meet and greet @ the MacDo in Froyennes/Doornik.

I drove my UE to Filip's place because we would drive together. We decided however that I would drive in his S042 to the meeting.

When we arrived, there weren't that many cars, but after a while it seemed to us there were even more than last years editions.

So once again: lot's of fun on friday night with some friends :-)

Enjoy some pics

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Since I still can't drive cars, I didn't made it to the easter meeting at Winksele this year.

In stead I made a little drive around Geraardsbergen with Filip and his family in their lovely SO42.

In the town centre we met a very nice looking Karmann Ghia.

Enjoy some pics.

The Freddy Files 2011: Deluxe Edition

2011-03-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

This year the meeting @ Ninove was a huge success: more then 700 aircooled VW-dubs participated at the meeting...

As every year this season opener is the ideal oportunity to meet with some friends after the winter.

Enjoy some pics and see you all next year :-)

Love Bugs Parade - Brussels - 13/02/2011

2011-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we participated at the Love Bugs Parade in Brussels.

In total there where no less then 5 Ultima Editions and lots of other nice beetles: some split screen, two zwitters, some ovals, ...

The trip started and ended at the Autoworld - Jubelpark and took us through the 'somethimes' difficult traffic of the town centre. :-(

Enjoy some pics.

Update previous weeks

2010-11-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks we didn't participate that much at meetings: we visited Veterama Mannheim, drove the Halloween drive from the VW Airheads.

But there is a new member of the family: a 1962 Westflalia Sirenen Anhänger.

It was quite a long trip to collect the trailer but I think it was worth it.

Enjoy the pics :-)

21th meeting @ Lessines

2010-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 'Cox Lessinoises' held their 21th meeting.

Although the weather wasn't great, this year there was again a nice turn-out.

As usual there was a 30 km drive through the surrounding cities.

Enjoy some pics.

Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo - Doornik 06/08/2010

2010-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Again lots of fun and a great turnout @ the Aircooled Invasion - Mac Donalds Tournai.

This time there was even a camera team present. Roger Rabbit came with his lovely cup 'frambroos'. Such a nich car! A pity that its been such a long time ago we got to see it.

Because we had such a great time, we stayed quite long...

Enjoy some pics.

wrakjes van de maand

2010-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Peppercorn meeting

2010-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last sunday we visited the Peppercorn meeting in Kent- UK.

Filip had to deliver an Eriba Puck camper at this meeting, so we took the boot to make the crossing to Dover.

Due to the beautifull weather there were lots of beautilfull cars.

This year there were surprisingly many Belgian participants.

Enjoy some pics.

Oldtimer meeting @ Ludolfs - Dernbach - Germany

2010-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday there was a small oldtimer meeting at the home (scrapyard) of the well known Ludolfs.

We (Next Racer, his girlfriend Elke, his brother en I) departed on saturday. Once we entered Germany we started cruising secondary roads with the UE.

So packed with 4 people and luggage - the car was laying really low ;-)

We spend the night at a small family hotel and on sunday we drove the final part of the trip.

Sadly enough the Ludolfs were in Poland - so we didn't saw them. The meeting started in front of the scrap yard but very soon the narrow roads was filled with old timers so we had to move to the corner of the streat - in an industrial area.

The meeting had some real nice looking participants: a belgian BMW 1602, a real nice and old Mercedes cabriolet, an nice looking Audi 50, some Fiat 600's, a Type 181, two other beetles, a Porsche 911 Turbo, ...

Enjoy some pics

Budel & Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo Doornik/Tournai

2010-06-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we've participated at Beautifull Budel...

Lots of fun - but no pics :-(

Last friday we went to the second Aircooled Invasion @ Mac Do - Doornik.

Altough we (Nextracer, Elke and I) were quite early there was already someone with a nice Karmann Ghia waiting...

Again (as in the previous editions) there was a nice turnout with some real nice cars. So we spend the evening eating burgers, drinking amaretto (thanks Stefan), and talking to each other.

This easy concept still garantees lots of fun!

See you all next time folks!

K-UE Treffen Koln und raum Bergisch Gladbach

2010-05-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the K-UE organised his anual meeting.

This year we visited Koln and Bergisch Gladbach.

We started our trip on friday morning with 3 bugs: My UE, Brecht and Elke with their '54 oval, and Seba and Mieke with his '71 beetle.

We arrived at the hotel in the afternoon, went for a swim and relaxed the rest of the evening.

Saturday we left the hotel at 8.15. Our first stop was the Bensberger Castle. The drive towards this castle took us along some magnificent roads.

After this visit we were invited at the new Porsche Centre in Bensberg.

The lunch was served in 'der Tenne'. Again the roads that took us there were spectacular. To reach the parking lot we had to make a spectacular climb.

In the afternoon we enjoyed some coffee and cake and visited the Altenberger Dom.

For diner the hotel organised a little BBQ. Afterwards we received the briefing for the sunday programm.

K-UE Treffen Koln und raum Bergisch Gladbach - Sunday

2010-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

Again we left the hotel at 8.15 and drove to Cologne (Koln).

We parked the bugs in front of the Kolner Dom and visited the Dom.

Seba, Elke, Brecht and I took the stair the climb the tower. The view of the city on top of this tower is magnificent. Off course we took some pictures of the bugs standing in front of the Dom.

At noon the bishop blessed our beetles for safe driving - as was frequent in the fifties.

After a typical lunch we made a boat trip on the Rhein.

After a little walk we took the elevator at the LVR-Tower to enjoy the view on the historic centre of Koln and the surroundings.

After the buffet and the briefing we ended our day in the bar of the hotel.

K-UE Treffen Koln und raum Bergisch Gladbach - Monday

2010-05-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

The meeting ended on monday.

We checked out at the hotel and left again at 8.15. Our first stop was Koningswinter.

There we took a ride with the 'Drachenfels bahn' (a train that's climbs the hill with a spur gear).

When the train took us to the top we visited the ruins of the castle and enjoyed the panorama of the Rhein.

The meeting ended in Petersberg. The climb consists of numerous hairpin bends.

Here we had our lunch on the terrace and afterwards we received our certificate off participation.

The Belgian participants visited the Beetle-meeting in the nearby Bad Honnef and took the ferry from Königswinter to Bonn.

Afterwards we enjoyed a schnitzel at Im Krebsloch at Aachen Brand and all made it safely to home.

We enjoyed a fantistic weekend / meeting and look forward to next years meeting.

Kom Iel Foo - Jabbeke

2010-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sathurday afternoon we drove to Jabbeke to visti Kom Iel Foo.

A nice restaurant that's been run by Michele and Isabelle: also 2 VW enthusiast.

Enjoy some pics of our little excursion.

Meet and Greet @ kom iel foo

2010-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Are there other aircooled-VDub drivers that fancy a meet and greet @ kom iel foo next saturday?

More info at elfer24t@hotmail.com

Be there!

25 years Automuseum at Wolfsburg - Part 1

2010-04-26T02:05:00.000-07:00

25 years Automuseum at Wolfsburg - Part 2

2010-04-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend the K-UE club was invited to the open house at the Wolfsburg Museum. The occasion for this event was the 25th birthday of the museum.

Because it's been 15 years i've visited the museum, this was the perfect occasion the participate.

Saturday morning Nextracer and myself left for Wolfsburg with my UE for what would become quite a long trip.

A traffic accident at Rheda Wiedenbrück made we stood there almost 2 hours on the 'Autobahn'.

We arrived in the evening at Wolfsburg and made a walk in the environment of the VW-plant.

Sunday morning we first took a look at the Wolfsburg castle and then we visited the museum with lots of special V-dubs...

We spent the afternoon at Autostadt and left for Belgium in the late afternoon.

Enjoy some pics.

Techno Classica

2010-04-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we visited the 'Techno Classica' - the greatest old-timer fair in Europe.

Again lots of great Porsches and V-dubs: like a hebmüller-sedan, a Porsche denzel, ...

Enjoy some pics.

Easter Meeting at Winksele

2010-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the easter meeting at Winksele.

Despite of the weather that wasn't that great a nice turn out: even the easter bunny was present!

Enjoy the pics.

Thanks Bloemme for a nice meeting!

Porsche 911 - Targa

2010-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Early 911 Targa in Italy...

Fitted with original fuchs alloys.

Looks very nice isn't it ;-)

Soon more!

Ninove: The Early Bay Bonanza

2010-03-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Again a huge turn out at Ninove for the first real meeting of the new season.

There was even a second UE present: a right hand driver from the UK!

K-UE Treffen - Stuttgart II

2010-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Another picture of my Ultima Edition taken by Sonja und Fred Friedli.

This picture was taken at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.

K-UE Treffen Stuttgart

2010-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

A nice picture from the UE while returning (through the forest) from Ludwigsburg sent to me by Sonja and Fred Friedli.

Halloween Drive IV

2009-11-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Last sunday the VW Airheads organised their Halloween Drive (for the 4th time).

Sadly enough this year the weather really wasn't great: it rained the entire afternoon.

Despite of the weather though there was a real nice turnout.

We had lots of fun and a great afternoon!

Thanks you guys and see you all next year!

6th UE meeting: the pics - part 1

2009-09-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

6th UE meeting: the pics - part 2

2009-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

6th Ultima Edition Meeting - Schwäbische Alb, Stuttgart (Porsche), Ludwigsburg, Schwarzwald

2009-09-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

During the previous weekend the 6th K-UE meeting took place.

This year we stayd at Schwäbische Alb with some fantastic sights.

At friday we visited a wineyard (off course with a small degustation), the castle at Hohen Neuffen and in the afternoon we visited a impondment lake.

The highlight of this meeting was saturday: in the morning we visited the new Porsche Museum at Stuttgart.

In the afternoon we were at the castle in Ludwigsburg. This city exists 300 years... so we parked the beetles in a special way.

On sunday we drove the porsche test circuit to Baden Baden. At noon we lunched at the Eyachmühle with again lots of magnificent sights.

Again Walter managed to give us a fantastic weekend!

Aircooled Invasion @ MacDo Moeskroen II

2009-08-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Wegpiraten ?

2009-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Zonder verdere commentaar :-)

Meet & Greet @ MacDo - Moeskroen

2009-07-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

This evening we visited the first meet and greet @ MacDo Moeskroen.

It was a nice gathering with lots of nice aircooled V-Dubs.

There were 3 trophee: one for the best of show, one for the Hebmüller and one for the participant that made the longest transfer to get there.

Enjoy some pics!

Hessisch Oldendorf

2009-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

This meeting doesn't needs much words: it's the most beautifull vintage VW meeting in the world!

We had a superb weekend...

The highlights where the visit of the Grundmann museum and the saturday drive.

Thank you Nextracer for this beautifull trip in your oval!

See you all in 2013!

Enjoy a few pics.

VW Mexico Beetles - Transmission

2009-06-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

From 1992 on, Volkswagen didn't put a magnetic oil-screw any more in the transmission.

This magnetic screw collects little parts that float in the oil, that can be removed while changing the transmission oil to prevent damage caused by these parts.

Volkswagen doesn't give a specific km-rating for changing the transmission oil.

For the moment the K-UE club sends a writing to its members with the advise to replace the oil-plug with a magnetic one. This plug is available through the original VW dealer service. The part nr. 113 301 141 B.

The transmission contains circa 2,5 liter oil. The original oil is mineral transmission oil GL5 SAE 80W-90. Alternatively its possible to fill the transmission with semi-synthetic 75W-90 oil.

Changing the oil and replacing the oil-plug for a magnetic one can prevent for damage!

Bracket Racing at Mere - june 2008

2009-06-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

A picture of the blue UE at his first meeting after the reparations.

This picture was taken during the bracket racing by Bert.

More pictures on the Fototreffen site: http://www.fototreffen.be/

Mille Miglia #2

2009-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a picture off the winning team during the start in Brescia on thursday.

Mille Miglia 2009 - Brescia - Rome - Brescia

2009-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's quit easy: the Mille Miglia is the most beautifull oldtimer rally in the world!

This years edition was won by Carlo and Bruno Ferrari in a Bugatti from 1927.

For the VW-enthusiasts: 3 vw beetles with the oval rear window competed in this beautifull rally together with lots of Porsches 356.

VW Garage sign

2009-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last friday I've sold my old original VW dealer sign from the fifties.

Before it definitely left my personal VW collection I'fe took a last pic.

Ultima Edition - Model car by Schuco

2009-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Finally there will be a model car of the Ultima Edition 1600i.

It's Schuco that developped the car together with the german club K-UE.

At first the car will only be available in Aquarius Blue somewhere in August or Septembre this year. Next year the Harvest Moon beige car will follow. The size will be 1/43.

Enjoy one of the first pictures of this model car. There will be some more improvements on the final production.

SO42 Progress

2009-04-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend The Magic worked on the SO42.

He refitted the transmission, the fuel tank and started fitting the windows.

The front and rear are allready placed: now he is fitting the 'Westy windows'.

UE: replacing broken wheel bearing

2009-04-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found the time to start fixing the Ultima Edition after the troubles with the broken wheel bearing when returning from the Topless Edition at Ninove.

I've already replaced the broken bearing that caused the troubles, but I still have some work with the front brakes.

Most important was that now it's possible the "drive" the car again during the time I have to wait for the replacement parts from Mexico.

Ninove 2009: The Topless Edition - UE broke down on the way back

2009-03-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

The first real meating of the 2009 season was a real succes!

The city of Ninove welcomed more then 500 aircooled V-dubs. Maybe the weather made this succes or perhaps it just was this year's theme: "The Topless Edition" ;-)

I think it was the first Belgian meeting that welcomed two ultima editions: one of each colour.

Krism and my former beige UE were also present. We drove together to the meeting, so both cars were standing one next to another in the streets of Ninove.

Sadly enough my UE broke down on the way back home: a broken wheel bearing caused major damage to the braking system and the front axle: the disk was bent and this caused further damage to the calliper... finally due to the wear of the bearing the wheel slammed to the front axle.

Westy SO42

2009-03-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I've been helping the magic with the restoration of the VW Camper Westfalia SO42.

We've installed the steering axles and put the car back on his front wheels. What a nice view!

Afterwards we removed the rear wheels and the transmission, so that the rear axle can be restored.

Cuppa Chaud 3 - The pics

2009-03-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the third Cuppa Chaud meeting: although there weren't that many people/cars we had a fantastic time!

I'm sure this event will become much bigger once the word gets round.

After the 'meeting' we decided to take a little trip into Holland and drove to Sluis. ;-)

We all had a great time: so see you all next month?

Die VolksFreunde: Third Cuppa Chaud Breakfast Meeting

2009-02-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Immer Grade Aus from Die Volksfreunde invites us for the third time for the breakfast meeting with a hot cup of coffee or chocolate milk. This event takes place next sunday from 8h00 untill 10hoo (AM offcourse)

Place to be is the former ARBED plant (Dulle Grietlaan) at Gentbrugge.

Be there!

Brussels Autosalon 2009

2009-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday nextracer and i went to the Brussels Autosalon 2009 - the small edition.

While queing for the ticketsales, a nice looking lady from fiat came to us and gave us 2 free tickets. Thank you very much!

There were a lot of cool things to see: the Fiat 500 Abarth, a new Piaggio Ape, the VW Samba van from D'Ieteren and last but not least: the two retro looking bikes from Ducati!

Enjoy some pics.

A merry Christmas to everybody!

2008-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ducati Scrambler - update

2008-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finaly recieved a special fluid to clean the gas-tank of the Ducati.

So I've filled the tank with clean fuel and added the cleaning solvent. I've immediately noticed that I will have to replace both fuelcocks.

The mixture will have to stay in the reservoir for several days and the reservoir has to be shaken for time to time.

I've also finished cleaning the carburetor and put it back on the bike.

It may be slow progress, but at last there is some progress!

Nice stuff at the Auto und Technik Museum Sinsheim and the Technik Museum Speyer

2008-11-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy some pics of those nice museums in Germany.

Definetely worth a visit!

Update: the italian job

2008-11-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Regarding the v-dubs there is nothing new to tell you: I still have the blue Ultima Edition but it's hardly been driven the last months.

Last weekend I went to the Mostra Scambio at Novegro/Milano in Italy. My primary target is to get the paperwork of the 125 scrambler in order and to collect the parts I need to get the bike mecanicaly in working order.

My carburetor was in very poor condition and since Dellorto has hardly any spares for these scarse carbs, I've been seeking for another parts in italy.

Last week I've found another carb and yesterday I've build one working carburetor out of both.

Enjoy some pics of Novegro: a VW Samba, a Fiat 500 with 0 km! and some bikes.

More Ducati "Power"

2008-10-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Another Vintage Ducati bike: a 125cc Ducati Scrambler Mk2

I'ld like to get it back on the road by next spring...

Vintage racing anno 2009 ?

2008-10-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

Completely restored Ducati from 1965.

Engine and gearbox where completely rebuild. The 125 cc engine is fitted with a 28 mm Dellorto.

Doesn't she look great?!

UE spotted at WCB Coast run - Wenduine

2008-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today Nextracer spotted the Beige UE I've sold this week to Krism at the WCB Coast run - Wenduine.

Goodbye

2008-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

As some of you probably already knew: I've sold the beige UE I've owned for about a year.

Today the new owner came to collect the little car.

The car is in good hands and stays in the neighbourhood; so thanks Krism!

See you soon!

Mission: Das Drag Day 6

2008-09-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today Nextracer, Elke and I went to Germany: our mission was to collect some things I've bought and to visit the 6th edition of the Das Drag Day at Bittburg.

Enjoy the pics ;-)

elfer24t is defintely going Italian: Vespa and Fiat 500

2008-08-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

After the Vespa the new toy is a Fiat 500.

The car handles quit well and is fitted with the 100hp engine...

car wash

2008-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I've noticed that both the UE's really needed to be cleaned.

So today I took the time to clean them both and take some pics afterwards.

5th meeting of the VW-Käefer-Club Ultima Edicion e.V. - 50 years VW Kassel

2008-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

From 4 till 6 july the 5th meeting of the VW-Käefer-Club Ultima Edicion e.V. took place. This year we visited Kassel because we were invited for the 50th anniversary of the VW factory there. 99+1 beetles took part in this beautifull event.

Again the club arranged a very fine meeting with lots of surprises: Saturday we visited the VW plant and we didn't only got a factory tour: we were also allowed to drive in the plant itself with our bugs!

For the occasion the VW Museum allowed the very last Ultima Edition to be present. Also the last but one UE (The Auto Bild bug) and the only red UE were present together with the oldest bug (a 42 chassis with a presumed '48 body).

After the factory tour we visited the Ederstausee, Fritzlar and Bad Arolsen.

On sunday we visited Otto Weyman, the owner of the oldest beetle and silversmith, Glinicke - the VW dealer of Braunatal - and the city itself.

Special Thanks

2008-06-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

The blue Ultima Edition is almost ready.

So it's time to thank the ones that helped me most to get the little 'herbie' back on the road:

*/ the bodyshop: 'Carrosserie De Meester' at Merelbeke

http://www.carrosseriedemeester.be/

*/ the main suppliers for the spare parts: GAS-VW and BBT

http://users.gas-vw.com/

http://www.bbt4vw.com/

*/ for the wheel alignment: 'Bandencentrale De Geyter' at Sint-Amandsberg

http://www.degeyter.be/

*/ the car bench suppliers that measured both ultima editions: Spanesi

Thanks guys ! ! !

100.000 km Treffen Hückeswagen

2008-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday I've been to one of the best meetings this year: the 4th "Gute Fahrt 100.000 km Treffen".

The 2 first meetings were in the fifties and Gute Fahrt organised the 3th one in 2002 in Huckeswagen. This year they chose the same beautiful location.

Enjoy some pics of this strictly vintage VW meeting.

Test driving

2008-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Friday evening and sunday morning I did some test driving. Stil suffering some 'minor' problems like brakes and steering ...

But: the one and only 'RIK' was driving again!

Spanesi bench

2008-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Although there was no significant difference in both the chassis of the Ultima Editions we put the blue one on the brand new Spanesi car bench (the yellow one on the first pic) to improve the work that was done before.

The wheel alingment was changed to get as close as possible to the mexican specs and a new appointment was made for the 'keuring na ongeval' (MOT).

At the Hannover meeting I found a new original German right rear fender for my car. The original Mexican one was a little bit wider then the fender that came from the car. Could a German one be better?

Thursday the car went to the MOT and friday it went back to the body shop to paint the german fender and to give the car a new undercoating.

Yesterday I've mounted the new fender and the result is much better.

Next week I'ld like to improve the breakes and make some 'minor' adjustments in order the get the car on the road again.

What's happening?

2008-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

The measurements of the chassis of both UE's are being taken and set out in 3D...

Update

2008-04-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

I couldn't rest with the fact the I didn't get the 'Herbie' back on the road, so the past days we've been seeking all day and night for possible solutions...

I searched for other wheel-alignment specs and finaly this morning I recieved these from Puebla Mexico. Sadly enough the MOT used the right ones.

So it semes there's really something wrong!

Again no luck!

THE END: RIK068 = R.I.P.

2008-04-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

At the 'keuring na ongeval' (some kind of a special MOT that's obliged in Belgium after you've had an accident with major repair works to the chassis) today the car is been declared NOT streat legal.

Since there's no quick and / or easy solution the get the car back on the road before saturday this will be the end.

SORRY 'BOUT THAT!

We've tried - I even drove to Germany again last saturday to get those last missing parts but it didn't work out as planned!

SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYBODY WHO HELPED ME WITH THE REPAIR OF THE LITTLE CAR!

I'm afraid this really is the end of the car and my passion for it...

Engine installed!

2008-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today I've put the engine back in the car.

First I've installed new engine sealings and then the entire 1600i.

The older 30 hp engine are definitely more fun to mount!

Afterwards I also couldn't resist testing the engine: so it ran already like 2 minutes. This due to a lack of time - else I definitely would of taken the car for a test drive! ;-)

UE Aquarius Blue: (Slow) Progress

2008-03-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

This week I've spend two days in Germany:

Today I collected my engine that's been completely rebuild and found an original rear light.

Thursday - at the Techno Classica in Essen - I recieved an original Mexican engine lid lock. Today I adapted the lock to the original keys of the Ultima.

Car Bench

2008-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the previouw weeks the bodywork was repaired and the replacement parts ware welded in.

Meanwile in Germany the engine is also stripped. Normally it will be repaired sometime next week.

UE - Engine removal

2008-03-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today we removed the engine of the blue UE.

Sadly I'm still waiting for the parts to arrive...

New hinges for the engine lid

2008-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today I sandblasted a pair of new hinges for the engine lid.

The original ones seem al right but in fact are quit bent!

More Parts

2008-02-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today I finally recieved a replacement for the engine lid of the blue UE.

The difference between this engine lid and the older cabriolet ones is the support for the contact from the alarm system.

The restoration will start soon now!

UE Restoration

2008-02-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today we moved the blue UE from the garage to the place where the body work will be repaired.

I've already gathered some original VW replacement parts: rear fender, rear side panel, rear apron, bumper supports, ...

Progress ?

2008-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Finaly: the date for court is set!

March 7 is D-day concerning the accident with the blue ultima edition.

Bugtour 5 - 20 April 2008

2008-01-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Time to subscribe!

More info at: www.bugtour.be

Ultima in the works

2008-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I moved the car closer to home. So wenn I have the opportunity it's more easy to start working on my beloved bug.

Today I removed the right heat exchanger.

The engine stays in the car untill it's is alligned with callipers on the bench.

Rear fender

2008-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I removed the rear fender to get a better view from the damage to my Ultima Edition.

As you can see the car was fitted with a Koni-suspension.

Oval rat-looker at Krabbeli

2008-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

This summer I spotted a genuine rat-looker at Krabbeli in Luxembourg...

Another terrible accident?

2008-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Found this one on http://www.flat4free.com/ today...

Nice photoshop of a beige Ultima Edition and an elephant.

Strange VW Type 2 - Radio Van

2008-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Some pics from that I made a while ago (august 2006) in my hometown - "Merelbeke" ...

Is there somebody who knows a bit more about this strange looking Type 2? To me it looks like a radio car.

The interior of the van is filled with radio-equipment from the seventies and with a huge fan for cooling.

X-mas beetle

2007-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

To everybody a merry X-mas and a happy 2008!

Since everybody decorates a X-mas tree, we tried to be different and decorated a '62 beetle with sunroof.

Some more pics of the Ultima Edition meeting in Dülmen

2007-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

This week I recieved a couple of pics from the Ultima Edition meeting in Dülmen taken by the German Photographer Uli Joos.

Can you imagine those reactions on the Belgian 'Herbie' between al those nice looking beetles?