I will open this post for comment both constructive and critical
First of all I hope everyone that attended had a really great day and enjoyed the entire VW goings on for the 8 or so hours
Without the support of the VW people the show would not go on
It was great to see a influx of the newer VWs mixing with the older VWs It shows that once your a VW person YOUR HOOKED for life ( he he he ) our representative from Volkswagen Group Australia couldn’t believe the enthusiasm of all the people there
Its good to hear both type of comments , even if some do hurt, but its food for thought, but it also nice to get a pat on the back .... Its NOT all my doing, yesterday I received many " Pats on the back " congratulating our Club for a great 21 years … I have seen both types of comments on the forum
Stupidity posts will be deleted
We know we have a great show and as its getting even bigger with record number of entries this year, we encourage people to join our club and participate in a rewarding event
Your comments welcome
David Birchall ( VW54)
President
Club Vee Dub Sydney Inc
The Bigfella ·
I enjoyed the day. I joined the Newcastle crowd at Thornleigh and tagged along behind as I was in a non-VW car.
Fantastic range of vehicles and good swap meet.
Thanks guys. I hadn't been to one since the mid 90's.
See you next year in a VW or two (there's three around here in various stages now).
fullnoise ·
I thought the event was great. Like usual the day goes past too quickly.
I enjoyed seeing the rods and the surge in water-cooled cars.
I didn't mind the judging, though at first I thought it was scrutineering!
A big thanks to the judges.
Keith told me he judged cars for 5 straight hours, and that there was something like 164 cars! Since he was doing the underneath that's a lot of time down on all fours; but I guess he's used to that (That's a get square for the skirt and mirror comment which was a corker).
So thanks for all the time and effort.
CYA CT
Pumba ·
Was a great day looking forward to next year,The only thing i will complain about is paying $20 for a swap site and $10 entry fee i think the swap fee should include driver cheers shane.
thugbug ·
Hello David. Indeed a great day for all. As i said in an earlier post, i felt the judging was a bit of an itch (not bitch). A hickup if you will. I noticed as a first time entrant that the method of judging slowed the stream of cars waiting to be judged. It also voided any attempt of early arrivals wishing to spruce up their cars of road grime,dust etc prior to judging. Perhaps for future Nationals the judging can be started at 9am thereby giving everyone a chance to do so.I arrived within the first dozen or so cars and quite frankly was lucky as i don`t own a show style car and only entered purely for curiousities sake and the fact a mate was entering his ghia. Cheers and thanks again for a great day.
Fatso ·
We were spectators there, it was my first time there, we had a great time. The kids painting the plaster cars was a great activity, kept my girl amused at a time when her patience was running thin.
Well done guys
bd-850 ·
First time for me, and the only complaint i had was that i wasnt there for long enough and that there were too many nice cars and i didnt get to see them all. and there were a lot of nice V-dubs in the car park so maybe if you own a vw you could park closer, even though they arnt entering it would have been good if they still got a area to them selves. not being negative but just food for thought. and maybe have the stores in one section and not spread out.
just my 2 cents.
and i did enjoy the day👍
darren-h ·
CONGRAT'S
This was my third VW NATIONALS event and I thought the best so far!. A great turn up of cars and a great atmosphere! Well done to the organising comittee, A big thank's to the jugdes! a truly huge job!
My kids and I Thank all concerned for a fab Day.
PS: Did we miss the hub cap tossing comp?
frank2112 ·
This was the first VW Nationals that we have been to and we will be back next year. (Hopefully with my bug).
Great job by all concerned.
My girls loved the cars and the rides (couldn't get them off the trampolines). I agree with bd-850. maybe a VW only parking area near the gates as there were some really nice cars that didn't enter but people would probably like to see.
bd-850 ·
like this chop top was in the car park, dnt know why it wasnt entered but still, and did anyone else see it?
Craig S ·
Howdy,
My family's first nationals, and we all enjoyed it. Bought my first Beetle last October, and it was a great education to see what I'd like to do and what I want to avoid doing!!
Thought the organisation was great.
Cheers
squizy ·
Another great day Birch. Kudos to all the Club Veedub mob for bringing it all together again, and again and again. Such a long time since those days out at Richmond. For me the important thing was being able to bring the kids along, and have them entertained all day. That's what makes the day special for the whole family.
I think it's important to have VW parking like we used to, and support what others have put in posts about that. My real concern though was the judging process, as it makes it hard to control kids if you've got to stay with the car in the queue. I know someone who was with their car for 90 mins in the queue, which would have been unbearable for my kids.
RED62E ·
It was a very good day. I spoke with you for a second Dave and you were very busy. The photographer from VMA said it was bigger than expected and he now had a few weeks worth of work from one day. I think the car park should have been segregated with non entered VW's in one area and other cars on the other side. The carpark was a bonaza of very nice and some not so cars and ever bit as good as inside. I could have spent a good hour looking around the carpark. The cars entered for judging and on show for sale were great food for thought and you could see the work put in. You may need a larger area in 2009 ! Great job. All for twenty bucks for my family. VALUE.
Bizarre ·
Yep - great day. Well done Club Vee Dub and Dave
Personally - i wa a fan of Easter. More time. Winter is busy for me.
Whatever - top marks guys
The good - new cars, especially the water
The bad - swap meet seemed wrong. Just flows better down the other end. Yes - they should be under cover. Those guys have to stay there all day.
And encourage cars to park inside but not in the show. A second entrance for those cars not wanting to be judged to speed up the judging. Personally - i dont really want to enter to be judged, but i do want to show my car
greedy53 ·
i have been to the last 10 shows and this one really floated my boat the shift in when it was on the kids entertainment the only grizzel is the food what was there was great but the line to get there was excessive i think eather 2-3 other food venders would give a better variety and shorten the waiting lines
but on the whole good job and well done
steve
pod ·
greedy53 wrote:the only grizzle is the food what was there was great but the line to get there was excessive i think either 2-3 other food vendors would give a better variety and shorten the waiting lines
but on the whole good job and well done
steve
thats what my sons thought as well ,he just didnt want another sausage on a roll etc
68AutoBug ·
fullnoise wrote:I didn't mind the judging, though at first I thought it was scrutineering!
A big thanks to the judges.
Keith told me he judged cars for 5 straight hours, and that there was something like 164 cars! Since he was doing the underneath that's a lot of time down on all fours;
CYA CT
I asked Him if he was looking for Bombs....
Lee
68AutoBug ·
Great Day for all VW fans and Owners..
but leaving Home at 530am and getting there after 10am
it was a long Morning... lol
Was a bad move to bring My Wife along...
She wanted to go home at 1pm...
I hadn't even eaten by then,,, lol
I was going to meet a lot of AVD people but all I spoke to was Steve at the Gate and Jay and Chris [Penguin] and the Ace 30 oil man...
along with a lot of people asking for VW info at My car..
BUT... I'm looking forward to the next One already Dave..
cheers
LEE
PS: My Car stopped on they way [Carby ICED up]
and on the way home... again...
vw54 ·
24 th may
david777 ·
It was a great day.
I loved it being a different weekend to Easter. And it didnt rain!
There seemed to be heaps more watercooled cars there than I have noticed in the past.
But how do we get more of those rare hidden treasures out for shows like these? I overheard someone saying...'I was really hoping to see a split window beetle here, but there arent any.'
Please organise some VW only parking in the carpark area near the entrance. There were some great VWs out in the car park, but they were spread all over the place and hard to see.
_me_ ·
I thought it was great - so much busier and a better atmosphere than last year... I agree with the comments on the judging queue however, took forever!
Even tho the Rotary's sizzle was great, yeah, a few more food outlets would have been good...
The main vendors should all be in one place [ a row to themselves on the track side? ] Those large stands kind of broke up the flow of cars and moving around the place and being back to font you ended up with a large wall of nothingness in the middle of the space...
The swapmeet guys should def. be down the bottom end [ and under cover! ] what would they have done if it had rained????
Kids rides were great.
Agree with the VW only carpark [$gold coins donation?] nearest the gate.
Massive wish here but it would be great to have diffusing white material [ parachute silk or similar ] attached to the roof - those metal slats and beams create such horrible reflections on the cars... i know thats a massive $+time job but you did ask for suggestions!!!
All-in-all a great day out.
type3kid ·
Dave i didn't get there this year but if the last few were anything to go by i'm sure all involved did a bang up job.
you have for the last few years (i'm only commenting on them as they are the only ones i've been too.) and every year it has seemed to get better, which makes me annoyed i missed this year.
keep up the good work.
aaron.
Spook ·
Good day as usual brother. Seen some nice cars, spoke to a few people.
Obviously had more kids there than was anticipated. They ran out of plaster cars. My youngest bloke wasn't happy.
Comes under shit happens though.
All in all a good day.
Menangler ·
Dave,
Was a great day as usual, it is much better not beoing on the Easter Weekend.
My only grizzle is the swap sights were up the wrong end, and quickly filled up, I spend the day outside, and I got there at 8am, there was all that empty covered area down the bottom not used. I also agree with Shane, $10 for entry and then another $20 for a sight was a bit rich.
Dave
68AutoBug ·
Yes I agree with the bad reflections from the roof..
Maybe turning the lights OFF for a while for pics??
just a suggestion... not sure how dark it would be..
but most cameras have flashes...
What everyone needs to know...
When you walk in, go straight to the Food
and buy a meal ticket...
then when you are Hungry
just walk up to the counter and You have your meal in a couple of minutes...
I'm glad My Wife did that... lol
I agree that the large vendors did interupt the flow of cars
and also of people walking...
so I agree with those comments above...
But its still a great Event and has been for many years..
and the venue is much better than the soccer place..
so, Will the nationals be on at Easter next year???
Is the 24th May next year Easter??
Lee
h ·
hey
wow that was quick.. 😀
anyways maybe finally next year i may be able to drop in for a visit to the nats as i'll be really close by in vicco..
h
rose ·
It was a terrific day lots of different veedubs that I haven't seen before well done guys the date change seemed to have worked.
Two of the guys from newy that went down to sell there cars sold them so very happy.
Bigger and better day went to fast I still don't think I got to see all the cars. I did manage to go out to the car park and have a look.
Easter is good Friday 10th April
comrade38 ·
Hey my first time to the VW nationals, I thought it was a great day, (my old man is involved with vintage Jags and he commented on how better organised the VW day was)... I agree with some of the other guys that it'd be great to have a section in the car park for the vws, I don't know about the swap meet or other stuff as it was my first year, but won't be my last, congrats and looking forward to next year (may even enter the notch!)
68AutoBug ·
Yes
the Nationals is one of the best run venues in Australia
and thanks to all the guys and girls who worked so hard all day...
I would like to see a VW Only car park inside the gates
as there was no way I was going to park out there...
plus i missed all the cars in the carpark...
LEE
grogy ·
it was my first, and was very enjoyable and seemed to run smoothly. the food was good and very reasonable priced. i stayed around for the judging but left soon after it started as did many others, i wonder if the winning cars drove up to get their trophy, would more stay to watch, i know i would have. it be nice to see and hear them run.
Mick058 ·
Good show and very enjoyable, only complaint would be a quicker judging process. Maybe double the judging from 2 cars to 4 cars at a time.
decked dubby ·
grogy wrote:i stayed around for the judging but left soon after it started as did many others, i wonder if the winning cars drove up to get their trophy, would more stay to watch, i know i would have. it be nice to see and hear them run.
Or like the easter show where each winner has a ribbon placed on it during the show so everyone knows what won. Like a chocolate cake.
Mick058 ·
Maybe an overhead projector and photos of the car as it wins. It would be nice to see who wins...
1303Steve ·
Hi
My son and I have discussed taking a photo of each car along with its entry number as it enters the show, he would do a slide show to coincide with the presentation, we will take this idea to the committee next meeting.
Good idea with the winners ribbon, only problem is that buy the time the awards were handed out everyone that diidnt win a prize would have left.
Steve
rob53 ·
It was a good show this year, though I found the swap meet a bit 'all over the place', however there was a good selection of parts this year. The amount of cars on display was fantastic, and much better than the last few years. Plus the car park had a fair few decent dubs too which was great!
Well done to everyone who helped organise such a great show.
99gti ·
Firstly thanks for hosting the event! A good day was had by myself and many others. Here's a watercooled perspective on a few things that would only better the event for next year..
I had a quick chat with Steve Carter? (i'm sure that's your name) at the end as we had a few cars awarded (myself included) for categories they didn't belong in. I won standard Mk4 but I was entered under modified Mk4. There was another such as the winner for standard mk5 wich was also a very modified car but the same car also won 2nd best cabrio (it also had a hard top). I'm not sure how this happened, but I know at one point the entry form changed. Could I perhaps have entered the wrong form? I wouldn't mind if someone could dig it up and shoot me an email to let me know. I was car 44.
To make it easier next year on the watercooled judges, I think we realy need to get all the cars in their categories side by side so they can compare for those last few crucial points. And it needs to be marked clearly on the sticker what categorie the car is entered into.
Whilst we have enough cars now to warant drive through judging, a second entrance for the watercooled cars would be favourable and perhaps we could start filling in from either ends and meet in the middle for a more equaly spaced setup.
All in all it was a great. Thanks again.
vw54 ·
Some good comments so far
We will be using some of these suggestions so keep them coming
whats the total number of cars at the end of the day mate.
vw54 ·
Barls i think it was 167 i am waiting to see how many were Watercooled
99gti ·
I'm pretty sure we had 79 watercooled entrants.
squizy ·
With the Kustom Kulture side of things getting bigger and bigger, perhaps it's time to also take on board the external interests of dubbers - and not just Veedubs. For example, the Lowrider and Cruiser bike scene is pretty big - I'm sure there's a few people with some cool bikes out there too. Perhaps open up a category for that is well, judged by peers. In the past years you've included a Rat class, which is a start - perhaps think a little outside of the sqaure, and see what can be picked up from the Kustom and Hot Rod Scene, that may make the day even more enjoyable.
1303Steve ·
Hi
I think next year we need a rat class and a volksrod class, see these cars grow in number every event.
There 167 cars, there were a few more there that didn't enter.
Steve
VWFREAK ·
Another great event as usual, but I found the variety of food and the killer lines a little disappointing this year.
Other than than, great stuff.
newghia ·
Hi all,
i am the owner of the ghia with the merc headlight conversion,thanks to everyone with constructive comments on the day.
Noted one of the other members comments about the cost & lack of roof & wipers, as i have owned this car for 12 years and never driven it with the roof up, i just couldn't see the point in having one, wipers may be fitted if i see the need. This car is still a long way from being finished, then the next one starts!!!!! a type 34 also with no roof. Enjoy & cruise low.
thugbug ·
Hi Newghia. Not my concern as to whether you have or not wipers or roof. That is your choice. It is after all your design of vehicle be it the way you bought it or are transforming it. I was merely pointing out an observation based on what i heard you paid for/ spent on the car. Certainly no malice intended. Now i have a question for you - How does your car get passed for registration without wipers? cheers
pyr0 ·
i thought of this one the other day on the way home from the nats, i know its a little slow on the idea side but what about for thos people that entered if they could get a copy of there score card that way they know where to improve on for next time ?
Mick058 ·
Good suggestion pyr0. I got asked by people (non vw's) what score i got and where i lucked out etc. They were surprised that the was no score card
vw54 ·
judging results are availbale upon request
GTMac ·
Ready to be shot down in flames, but too many new vehicles for my liking. Not interested in seeing a Mk4 or 5 Golf with a set of rims and a pumping stereo. Can drive through Norton St to see that.
Each time I have showed people the pics, they have made the same comment!
LukeV85 ·
GTMac wrote:Ready to be shot down in flames, but too many new vehicles for my liking. Not interested in seeing a Mk4 or 5 Golf with a set of rims and a pumping stereo. Can drive through Norton St to see that.
Each time I have showed people the pics, they have made the same comment!
there is more to those cars then just pumping stereos and chrome wheels, lots of the newer watercooled cars have some great mods, and a big fan base too.
1303Steve ·
Hi
Like it or not, that is the future of VWs. With fewer and fewer air cooled on the road, water cooled cars probably already out number air cooled cars.
The number of water cooled entered just about equalled air cooled entrants this year.
Once you talk to the guys you find that they just as committed to VWs as us, some don't like air cooled cars some are AC/WC.
Steve
newghia ·
Hi, thugbug,
No malice taken, wipers go on for rego. just dont like the look of them when on show. Car has been built to be legal and to be passed down to my boys, i intend to inflict them into the vw culture!!!!!!!!
Does anybody know the whereabouts of a white beetle with louvered pattern in front bonnet that i built many years ago? last heard of in the liverpool area i think the guy's name was "cooley"........
thugbug ·
Hi Newghia. Must have had the tint turned up on my glasses as i didn`t notice the mounting points for your wipers. I imagine then, that as the wipers were removed grommets painted or otherwise were plugging up the holes. Nothing wrong with VW infliction. Or affection for that matter. cheers
newghia ·
Hi Thug, i can assure you that they are there, the small chrome covers i had on obviously did exactly what i wanted, (made them less visable ) that makes me happy that you didn't notice, i was going for the subtle look. Cant wait for the rain to stop so i can drive it again!!!!!!!!!!!! sure that will make you grin. Have a great weekend, wish i was at wintersun.
1303Steve ·
Hi
Nice car newghia, what is it with you Ghia guys? John Waldren owns a Ghia with no side windows, he cant drive it in the rain, so most VW shows he goes to it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,rains.🤪
Steve
newghia ·
Hi 1303,
i think it must have something to do with the fact thateverytime we go to buy something we get stung so we try keep costs down!!!! i failed !!!!
Also, why do they keep having shows when my social golf club is booked to play ? too many choices.
badkarmann ·
i get comments made about my bumpers all the time people mistake them for porsche bars all but custom made for the car to go with wide body that i have.great job bit out there like mine is.
GTMac ·
LukeV85 wrote:
GTMac wrote:Ready to be shot down in flames, but too many new vehicles for my liking. Not interested in seeing a Mk4 or 5 Golf with a set of rims and a pumping stereo. Can drive through Norton St to see that.
Each time I have showed people the pics, they have made the same comment!
there is more to those cars then just pumping stereos and chrome wheels, lots of the newer watercooled cars have some great mods, and a big fan base too.
My ignorance then cause I failed to see anything other than chrome rims, and that was from a distance as couldnt be bothered to look at them, can do that at a showroom. Give me 30 years and I may see things different. I like the cars, have owned late model VWs, just not what Im after when i go to a car show.
newghia ·
Hi badKarmann,
i thought your car looked cool. Also mistakenly thought that you and i "were" the MODIFIED ghia class, should have realised that cant call it stock if it still looks stock but you have changed the interior !
Who made your bars for you ? I really liked your engine lid mods, Hope to catch you at the next gathering.