1956 Volkswagen Oval Window Bug Project - Back to My Roots!

[@Don14320]

I love how you make it look so easy to do, but it is anything but easy. You are a skilled craftsman Mr. Dennis!

[@lornefortin]

Love your videos! No fake drama, no bs, just you sharing your incredible talent. Keep it up. Thanks

[@davidbowden7331]

been a vw guy for 35+years myself so been waiting for you to get going on this bug build. Watching you knock that front quarter and front end together was a joy to watch you make it look so easy. Be nice if you have any pics of your old VWs to show them, 👍

[@DrVdubbin54]

I love a nice Cal look bug on Fuchs or BRMs but the early chrome molding looks so good!

[@JohnLittle-ze7sp]

There is no doubt in my mind when you finish it up it will be a sweet looking bug

[@4thstreetgarageandfab]

Dennis, since you are a 70's SoCal kid, you can probably appreciate it when I say that I have an original Meyers Manx that Bruce himself and his wife Winnie personally delivered to me back when I lived in NC 😁

[@mikebu6729]

I so enjoy watching, listening and learning as Dennis works. Dennis is a true Master. He is giving us a wonderful education, if we just take the time to attend his Master classes. Thank you Dennis and Debbie. May you and all of your family have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. You have the very best KZbin Channel. I look forward to everything you post. Thank you.

[@christianmccollum1028]

I'M A VW GUY - I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE!!!

[@botman9391]

Great video, really appreciate how you demonstrate a true "backyard" rebuild using your skills instead of your checkbook! Keep it coming!!

[@tedbailey7474]

As a lifelong aircooled guy, I'm here for this build. My 59 rag came home in about 9 pieces. Body shell, 4 fenders, hood, decklid, front beam and tunnel. I know Fuchs are the CalLook standard, but man it'd be awesome to see some custom Billet Specialties wheels on it since you have the connections...

[@christiandunn4572]

Man, I had a 59 on a semi auto pan, i did it all myself in my parents garage... it was Cal Look, it was pastel green slammed with imitation Weld wheels!! Was a real nice car. Super cool to see a beetle build!! Thanks Dennis and Debbie!!!

[@adwood201]

It's nice to see someone bring back a humble Daka Daka and for it not to be left languishing in a field.

[@bava67]

I’m really happy to see this happening. Aside from a 66 Nova wagon, I’ve done only VW’s for 40 years. And have probably owned 40 of them as well. I definitely have the sickness. I’m in Fresno California so was able to go to shows all over the state. And am definitely a traditional CalLook fanatic. But due to my health, will have to sell my 63 Bug project. But I still have the cool 68 Squareback the I finished about 8 months ago.

[@jeremysathre7369]

Pretty awesome bug, you may get a kick out of the frame off 62-69 custom I did, first ground up, new pans, and a lot of the same fab work you are doing, except I frenched in 39 Ford taillight’s

[@allrevdupgarage7773]

Awesome, I’m excited for this series. I love Volkswagens!

[@Hitmans30a]

I think , deep down , hot rodders like an early bug done right. Looking forward to this.

[@mikehjelseth4651]

The mention of Hot VW magazine brings me back my 20 year old self! Back in '81 I put together a 1969 bug that had a Select-a-drop, was de-chromed with one piece front windows, was going for the Cal Look bug, for sure. Stuffed a 1956cc stroker, with extensive head work, dual 44 Weber IDF's and a lowered 3rd and 4th transaxel. Took it to the '82 Bug In at Seattle International Raceway. Fun times! Looking forward to this build.

[@jefft7968]

I'm looking forward to this build. I took my driving test in a Bug in '85 and have had several since then. My parents and maternal grandparents were also Beetle owners, so the affinity goes back a ways.

[@6T9GHIA]

Orange County brat here, and I’m glad to see you getting this Oval project going and also stoked to hear that you’re going with the SoCal look! You may have even seen my Ghia back in the 70’s in Santa Ana or El Toro area when it was Moms car and it was rootbeer brown on Riveras with tan pinstriping done by Shakey Jake. I hope to see more on this Oval!

[@red-doggracing5557]

Great video I have a 67 bus with a 2180cc with Webbers ain’t done with it yet getting there I grew up in Southern California myself I live in Southeast Kansas right now. Been watching Alex‘s videos for a long time Nikki Bobby also

[@bhlom4135]

Love that style bug! Not a bug guy, but the shape,windows and body symmetry is really cool. And the nostalgia it carry. Nice work👊✌️

[@williamfreret6859]

Yes, bug progress! So much work in 3 days, congrats as it's not an easy task to have a well aligned front hood when you have to work with a one in bad condition and a front end damaged... As an Orange county guy I suspect a DKK/DKP Cal Look bug style with a powerful engine! Can't wait to see what happens next.

[@h.h.legacydiesel6724]

We are loving what you are doing, thanks for sharing your wisdom. My Wife would love to own an older V.W., She is driving a V.W. now and we have owned many. 50% diesel ⛽️ 50% Gas ⛽️. A split window is cool, but so is the small oval. You continue to teach and We Thank You, 🍎🍎 for the teach. Me being a chevy big block and diesel guy, would love to see you build a monster of a V.W.engine now. Then you will have it for your split window. 😮😅❤ Mika is such a treat, we have cats, that hunt mice, 🤫🤭🤔😉😊 We were so hoping that the V. W. Was Your next build, A nine second street dub is nothing to sneeze at. One thing missing for your build is Alex & Meg, it's only fair that you have loads of help❕️Love that Deb is always there. Is that a steel floor under the bug❔️and does it have a soft rubber pad over it❔️Thanks a bunch Dennis 😊😊. ✌🏻❤️ 🇨🇦.

[@robertstanley629]

I had a 56 with a canvas sunroof. My father bought it for me when I was 13 years old. That's what started my love to work on cars.

[@boricuaenOK]

We just bought a 56 and body off resto! Excited to see your progress as we do ours

[@mr_jimmy_c]

Personally been waiting to see work on the oval! Been a lover of Volkswagens since the early 90’s.. worked on many with friends… owned a 65 microbus for a while… a friend of a friend owns a real Herbie from the films….

[@jamesthetford2516]

Tennis I love watching everything you do you're such a talent and your daughter is so talented and your wife is taught them all very well and I will never miss an episode to see what y'all are

[@dsshowerpan]

FINALLY! My wish came true. My first car was a '56 and I love love love early VWs.

[@toddclark332]

That really cool my Dad and me the last bug in 25 I was in the 4th grade had a53 in the show 1835 dual Port thanks for the show Dennis ok later

[@AirSpooledGarage]

Ovals look awesome chopped. 3” looks like a lot more. Just say’n

[@shloopter30]

Central Cal here. Mullets, Cal Bugs and mini trucks! 80's in California was off the hook.

[@the_critter]

Hope to see a video on building up that IRS pan and what you do with the beam and suspension. Keep this one going!

[@timwilliams2302]

VW Beetles are the coolest. Looking forward to more on the build up. Can't wait.

[@jh1867]

Great progress. Love it. I had a 70 beetle as my first car. My dad was a VW parts dept mgr for 48 years. Grew up in the dealership.

[@Jimmyb918]

This is going to be an awesome project to watch

[@haffrods7055]

This is real restoration when you hand build replacement patch panels. I'd love to spend a week shadowing you Dennis. In the 90's I spent hours on end with the skilled old school car guys at their local shops. I learned a lot and still use what they taught me to this day. Most are gone now to the hot rod shop in the sky. Every time I do something they taught me, I think of them. You're never too old to learn. I bought two Beetles from a school mate in 2002 for $50 each. One was an early 60's and the other was mid 70's. They were complete but didn't run. His wife had divorced him and he was needing money badly. I never went and picked them up. I really just bought them because he needed the money. He passed away three years ago to cancer. I heard the cars were taken in a yard clean up. I didn't get titles so I have no proof of ownership. There is a cooler story but this is long enough. Lol

[@justinpakarno4346]

Thanks for filming your work, it's interesting to see the repairs uncovered versus Dennis' workmanship!

[@AutoWAG]

Yes we love Volkswagen cars here in UK 🇬🇧

[@partsmandan6619]

I LOVE your time laps music!

[@jeffmooers2174]

Dang...now I want a bug. Thanks Dennis.😅

[@MrWinger303]

I'm not much for Bugs; however, I sure am for your videos...no drama, no hollerin', just good-old fabrication and straight-forward talk. Don't change a thing.

[@tylergarrett1796]

Hey Dennis, had a 60 bug with a 2332 and idas I made little access doors in the fender well to access plugs, manifold bolts etc. look forward to the project.!!

[@williamfreret6859]

This is the way to do it to have access too to adjust the carbs.

[@douggrenard91]

Love the Beetle project, have owned 8 of th V-Dubs

[@bobbolieu9013]

Two things: I like how you think out loud Dennis. I can tell that there is a lot more rolling around in your mind than you are speaking for us. Second. I am amazed at how quiet your wife is while she is recording you at work. She is doing a Masterful work.

[@johnnietomlin-y1o]

I like the old bugs the best.

[@alvinpowell6189]

Not much of a VW guy but I am a total Dennis Taylor fan! So consequently I will watch everything he does because he is a true craftsman and a natural instructor! Very much like Freiberger, which makes Dennis in rare company!!

[@SuburbanHooligan]

about time you got around to the bug. looking forward to this, hell yeah.

[@leftyo9589]

not a bug fan at all, but must admit the first time you ever see a 10second bug pick the front wheels up, and carry 'em, is impressive. still remember seeing it at carlsbad probably 30 years ago.

[@OctaneExpress]

I miss my Agave green 56 ragtop everyday. Can’t wait to see yours completed.

[@gregorykolanek6820]

Enjoyed your video. Started with a 65 , my 5th car is a 66. It's patiently waiting 20yrs. Need to finish and give to my son.

[@JohnCooke-gp6ck]

5 SPOKE EMPI'S BLACK SPOKES BRUSHED BEED I HAD A 56 GHIA AND A 60 GHIA IT WAS A HIS AND HER THING 60 WAS A 78.4X90.5 =2017 CC WITH DUAL 48 IDA WEBERS AND THE 56 WAS 69X90.5=1776 WITH DUAL 42 DCNF WEBBERS LOVE IT...

[@josiahpoirier5449]

Great video! Love the diversity of the vehicles you build and appreciate.

[@WNCworks]

I've built many VW's as well...I mean, my initials dictate it. Lol my last one was a 63 with an 1835 in it. Love the oval and split window bugs, never owned one, but always wanted to.

[@BigMountainCustomRC]

I had a 58 baby window myself. Did a split baby window conversion and put a 2110 stroker motor in it. It did wheelies at atop lights lol

[@johnjunge6989]

As Cotton says " Dennis is a miracle worker, he can fab anything ". Looking forward to more.

[@RogerJohnson-p3b]

Dennis I really enjoy your show. You can do all aspects of hot ridding. Been following you since Alex's bad Karl. Your builds are excellent!

[@bruceplumisto]

The Bug content is awesome Dennis!

[@InnocentMiscreant]

A bug is a car j wouldn't own but always thought was cool looking forward to seeing this one finished up like the COE

[@daleyhanson5889]

In 1968 I had a 1964 Volkswagen 1500 Sedan,, had it painted British Racing Green and done black tuck and roll, silver piping & black carpet 😮 nerf bars on front sporting the must have Maltese Cross " tag ,,,1500's are pretty rare many don't know they even existed ,,

[@FredieFarmer60]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽 love the bugs. Can’t wait for the videos.

[@JohnRoberts71]

Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[@boatshoes97]

Can’t wait to see more videos of the Vw

[@petercrowhurst]

I.ve been waiting for the bug build. Awesome stuff

[@SchmokesShop]

My main project is a '65 Beetle, I look forward to this content! I am literally debating on buying the wheel arch or trying to fab it myself right now 😎

[@Dad-jk2wd]

Mr. Taylor Love the channel and the content. Thank you

[@MrPackrat427]

Dennis you are an Amazing craftsman and fabricator . Can't buy it , you make it and you make short work of it. I love it !!

[@tommysamuelson9963]

Love your project oval.

[@ShaunDavis-jl6fr]

Desert tan colour with centre lines would look wicked. If go green like classic colour thecporshe rims would set it off nicely. Loved watching drag bugs do wheelis as a kid..

[@sapoverde65]

Had a VW I drove in highshool , loved it four speed no ac 😊

[@shawnnevin4953]

Dennis, please keep your videos coming. I have learned a lot from you, Alex, and Nic watching all the stuff you guys do. Love all your cars, wish I could had made it to the PRI show this year to see the truck in person. again please keep you stuff coming.

[@biggriggs]

always like Dennis Taylor videos, thanks Dennis.🐶

[@jimzivny1554]

I'm not a VW guy but I'm enjoying watching you build this.

[@duckscustomgarage9239]

Looking good Dennis . Man we have used a bunch of those old VW hoods for sleds I wish i had some VW's back i cut up to make rail buggys out of . If i had only knew back then .

[@davidgough1161]

Good to see you Dennis! Looking forward to the new project!

[@billpewterbaugh2982]

Great video Dennis it's very interesting to see you fabricate parts and panels that you need to get the job done.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Now you’re talking my language, thus my channel name! Woo hoo!

[@BillGordon-y8m]

Dennis thank you for doing these videos the best on you tibe

[@wesbelew4275]

I really enjoy watching you work Dennis. I wish I could get you to put a roll cage in my 70 Chevelle SS. My old car is kinda rough but I'm fixing it up as I can afford to do things. But I really want the roll cage done nice in a way that it isn't noticeable, or at least doesn't stick out like a sore thumb and I'm not a good enough welder or fitter to do it myself.

[@Halibrand]

Very cool project, im working on a 64 with a sunroof right now that i just finnished repairing all the rust on. Im thinking about painting it beryl green.

[@frogman7874]

Love your channel! I see this car being lowered with a two tone green. Body medium to light green with darker green fenders with a bit of chrome. Just my opinion. God bless you and your beautiful family. Happy new year!

[@robinwendt5527]

Yea im not a Volkswagen guy I mean I think they're ok just too little power for my interest, but I'm not gonna miss an episode. I know how to do a lot of the fab work ur gonna do but interested to see how you do it and pick up a few things that you will show on the way! Ur a great teacher and do many things with less. I also don't always have the tools or parts as recommended but you work a little extra hard to make something like ur own tool or whatever. I don't wanna miss any of it

[@watsom31]

I'm so happy you're doing this build

[@JT-dj9hc]

Dennis aways learn so much from you, much appreciate

[@sidneyjohnson52]

Great video. Love the Volkswagen content.

[@MattSmith-qn9cv]

I love how your so passionate and excited about working on one of your dream cars, the bug, super interesting following your fabrication on it

[@redpillpirate111]

Not really a VW kinda guy but I did cut my teeth learning to drive a standard transmission in a 68 Bug. So I have a little soft spot for them. I had a friend in high school who grafted a set of "Thing" or Jeep flat fenders on the nose of his 69 bug and chopped the top about 3 inches. It was the coolest bug I've ever seen!

[@jamesdeath3477]

Love an early Bug. Have a '58 Cabrio. I'd really use some better pan halves though - the heavy duty versions you can get. The thin ones really make the car feel much less solid. The original pans you can stand on without the body fitted and they won't bend. The thin repros....ah...not so much.

[@bava67]

Yes, Wolfsburg West makes the best floors

[@markhoff5205]

GREAT WORK Dennis!!

[@VeeDubs2022]

I love volkswagens!!! Excited to see this build!

[@jwright650]

I had a 64 with everything swapped over to 12v with a built 69 engine. Loved that thing, would out run the new 85 IROCs in an 1/8th when the 305 TPIs came out new. 😅 These old fenders need to be wider and big ole roller skate wheels on all four corners. They just look mean sitting low over wide tires.

[@edwardvidal3268]

I love watching your videos because of your skills as a fabricator and You own most of my dream cars ! Gasser Willys, 55 Chevy Gasser which I’m building my own too ! I’m from Hawaii and VW always been popular there specially the oval windows ! I can’t wait for more videos on your cars ! Aloha from Texas 😃🤙🤙🤙

[@bobbyroberts6173]

This is the video I been waiting for love VW Beetle s

[@dennistorgerson6091]

Really looking forward to this build! Oval is the only way to go.

[@douglasbasinger2513]

Dan, what you do it art, sir. Thanks for sharing all this with us mere mortals.

[@Boneshaker420]

Hope yall stay warm up there. We down here in hot springs. Great work as always Mrs Dennis

[@timburke7572]

As a hot rod & bug guy ,,i enjoy your videos a bunch..

[@charliedavis6143]

I just received my new cross-t , great shirt, old school . I’m not a VW man , always thought they were great , I remember back in the 50’s & 60’s they were everywhere, but I learn a lot of tricks & techniques from your videos. Good job Dennis !

[@MikeRay1978]

Dennis you’re an interesting guy with good taste in toys. I enjoy your content and I’m glad you share it. You’re pretty good at this KZbin thing friend.

[@CaptainRon513]

Unbelievable Artist!

[@houndog1]

once again dennis and debbie work their magic. the bug is going to be badass when they are done.