Air Ride on a 74 VW Type 1, and Behind the Scenes of two TV Builds

[@SMGoertzen]

35 years is a lot of dedication of dragging a project around, particularly as far as you have travelled. I can't wait to see more progress on the bug!

[@BigTireGarage]

Well it was sold for a few years in between and I drove it for a few times with different iterations as well......but this is the next and hopefully final version...how I ALWAYS wanted it

[@BlueDually4x4]

The thing about Bugs is they can be anything, and they look cool slammed to the ground or lifted up on big tires, rat rod or lowrider. And as a bonus you know just by driving it, someone is likely slugging their friend or sibling cause they saw it first.

[@THEREEFREPORT]

Looking forward to the bug build. I’m a hug air cooled VW fan.

[@2BugsandaBack]

The 4x4 stuff is interesting, but I'm REALLY interested in the Bug. Can't wait to see what you do with that.

[@block21motorsports]

Love love the bug! Been wanting one for over 30 years.

[@LegacyProductsSlidingRagtops]

Can't wait bud!! Thanks for the love as always!! Let's do MORE!!!!!

[@BigTireGarage]

Can't wait!

[@kenhomeier8629]

Love the bug and dusting off a vehicle you’ve had for 35yrs. Did the same with an 85 Toyota pickup. Felt so good to drive it again as an old man.

[@hyattbusbey3563]

My first car was a 74 Standard Beetle. Lifted 3" on jeep tires. I would love to have it again and go a different direction!

[@danbenjamin9917]

Looking forward to the bug build. And welcome to the +50 crowd! I turn 53 on St. Paddy's day 🎂🍻🥃

[@drtcurt]

Happy birthday Ian. Best wishes for the big 50..

[@BigTireGarage]

Thank you kindly

[@johnbehneman1546]

GREAT VIDEO IAN!!!! GREAT BUILDS AS WELL!!!! BUILD WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT!!!! AS SOON AS TIME AND MONEY OVERFLOW INTO MY LIFE. I WANT TO BUY A 59 EL CAMINO AGAIN. AND ENJOY MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS AGAIN!!!! GREAT VIDEO AND EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHAR YOUR TRUTH.

[@stefantrnacek1394]

I'm really looking forward to watching you work on the Beetle.

[@DailyPatinaBeetle]

Love the patina on the bug👌🏽

[@schwazman1]

I love air ride on unorthodox toys.

[@jk_wrangler13]

Happy early birthday. I just turned 51 this month. I have my dads 97 2500 dodge that I would love to get back on the road and drive in honor of him. But I can't do bur do much and I don't know a lot about diesel engines.

[@reecewatson5311]

Dude I was always wondering if the bettle was just a prop for the shop. My first car was a 67 Baja. I sold it to my brother. I want another and I'm 55. Enjoy be selfish you deserve it, you work your butt off.

[@garypackard2532]

Very cool! My YJ has the R2.8L with the AX-15

[@jaybird4095]

I'm excited to see the bug series! My 19 yr old just inherited a nightmare of a 74 beetle. It has a lot of cancer, so I expect it will be a 2+ year project as he goes to college away from home. Currently he is building a 1925/6 Ford Model T Boat Tail. So I am sure he/we can do it.

[@BigTireGarage]

Bug is a great car to start with....even more so with a little rust/cancer....they are very forgiving cars to do body work for the first time

[@andyyarnell7579]

I turned 50 last year in August. I have owned VW's since 1995. I am currently putting a '74 Bug back together, it's a one-owner car I picked up from an old friend who is in her 90's and wanted the car to go to someone who would love the car. I have always liked your work on TV building 4x4's ... I had no idea you were into VW's! Good job, looking forward to seeing the series on this VW.

[@ateamoffroad1179]

That's so awesome. I'll be working on my first car as soon as my daughters Willy's is done. 67 Plymouth big block for my son now. It will be his car now.

[@adubbelde1]

I have a 37 Chev PU that I'm building with a GEN V LT/83. I've had it since 87. It sat for a few decades after some significant life changes. But it''s progressing now. I first drove this in stock form in 68 as it was my aunt and uncles farm truck.

[@sjcperformance]

eastwood has a 3 panel veiw helmet. I love it, so much to see.

[@IMGbaugher]

Can’t wait to see the bug finished. Gonna be killer.

[@TheGentilcores]

Ian, I’ve enjoyed watching you for many years now… seeing that Bug in the background finally getting the love is an awesome thing! Super stoked for you to see this finished before 50!

[@ajfarson]

I love that bed kit but it would be cool to have some storage cubbies built into the wheel wells for tools, fluids, spare parts, etc.

[@Shazo363]

That Esab hood looks good. Love to have one but I work in power plants, steel mills, refineries.... I spend that much on a hood and it'll end up getting crushed in a week with my luck lol

[@welndmn]

I add a little green loc tite sleeve retainer to my nutserts as well.

[@johnkovach1033]

i have the same nut cert kit works great, it would be cool to have another die to dimple the sheet metal to make the insert flush

[@robertomedinaj7090]

Hey Ian an idea for the tjLj in that new space between the front seats and the back tires is a dead space you can do in each side like a box for the batteries or for the air compressor or just for storage 👍🏼💪🏽😜liked this episode a lot have a good one ✌️✌️✌️

[@mattk6222]

Looking forward to seeing the bug get the love!

[@frediefarmer]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽love the longer videos

[@Thexkidd]

Nice front bumper on the jeep.

[@barneywing9876]

Finally get to meet your bug. Love what you did with it and the story behind it. I love your idea of the air ride suspension. I have a 1967 vw beetle that I bought when I worked for a Chevrolet dealership. Pretty much stock except for the 1835 cc engine. It's been sitting in the garage and the last time it was licensed was 2005. I finally replaced the entire wire harness and like you hopefully get to drive it again soon.

[@PaulKaiser42]

Dude every time you put together axles it’s awesome to watch!! Such an amazing skill you possess👍🏻👍🏻

[@pameladunn7346]

hot VW magazine ... her we go , the guru of 4x4s is a slammed bug guy ? Very Cool - who knew

[@chriszasada9756]

You and me both hitting 50 this year and same as you have a few projects to do as well. Love your posts , learned quite a bit

[@miniwolverine6227]

I was born in 1970 Ian and my Dad had two of these back to back at around the age of five. When you opened the passenger door to show your panel work, it was really weird, but I COULD SMELL THE CAR WE HAD! 🤣 As always, I can’t wait to see ALL of the projects you do!

[@BigTireGarage]

The Bugs have a definite smell

[@mrmr9656]

I friggin love all of your shows and the wealth of knowledge you have for us all. If yall ever do Fan shows where you take on a person to do like student teacher ep"s id sooooooo be up for that.

[@stevehaken]

Nice work. Can't wait for the bug to take off.

[@DaveOfAllMasterOfNone]

Question: What are the most important elements when making an on-road off-road Jeep? What is a reasonable tire size? What tire size is pushing your luck? What gear and transmission ratios should I look for to get good on-road highway speed and good off-road crawling ratio? You have built so many rigs I am sure you know all the finer points to make an aggressive off-road Jeep that can still have manners on the road.

[@torind2000]

Happy Birthday :) Also, making your heart feel whole makes perfect sense for starting the car. cant wait!

[@andrewseltzer1145]

Saw fred install some nutserts with the oversize nut and bolt method but used a impact, days later I had to install a nutsert in a tricky area, using an impact was a breeze !

[@lunkydog]

Personally I'm an earlier (pre 64) VW guy although my first car was a 69 Ghia, but I've been waiting for your VW ever since several years ago when you responded to my question about what was the VW in the background. I did briefly own a 70 bug that I drove a bit while sorting out the pan before putting a 56 body on including a 58 sunroof section installation

[@greasemonkey4god]

Love the bug… my gap is a 62 scout… I finally got one again last year and it did run around last summer for a bit before clutch problems sidelined me and the scout budget interfered with the hunting season budget… hoping to get back on it around March.

[@cjleon1104]

That 74 has waited its turn 10 fold. Build that bug!

[@deanwelshans]

I’m pumped to follow this Cummins, TJ to LJ build as I am planning a nearly identical build with my 04. My only real departure from your plan is mine will be an LS since Cummins won’t sell me an R2.8 for my year. Curious to see what you do for a steering set up since I do not want to go full Hydro on a street driven jeep.

[@BigTireGarage]

JK Steering box

[@reecewatson5311]

Morning Ian, my son Cayson (Mohawk) was wondering if you where going to bring the 1960's GMC Truck to Hot Springs? Let us know when you come to HS. He said bring some stickers and swag, he's saving his money...

[@tomthumb4767]

Love them bug builds .

[@blakeerdmann]

Man I can't wait to see more of this. I made my own 4" narrowed beam and did from disc brake conversion. I'm looking into building my own air ride kit now.

[@dubbsmo316]

Love the work you’re doing on the “Cummins Jeep”! I’d love to get your thoughts on the new inline 4 cylinder LS that was at the PRI show? Do you think it will make into to 4x4 world? What are your thoughts on it?! I’d love to get my question on the show!

[@rodcros]

I remember this car from Bennett's Gas Bar in Smiths Falls.

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes indeed

[@tymatt89]

Ian, when building an axle for 3 link or 4 link, when is a axle trust need and why? I've seen builds with and without axle trusses.

[@deanhunt5443]

Always love your content Ian. Me being up in the Great White North, what do you suggest for a selectable locker? Air locker or E-Locker? Are there issues of air lockers freezing up in the cold climate? Positives and negatives of each system?

[@vicgustafson8514]

The only thing I do not like about the LJ kits is the way you cut the center of the wheel well. They should supply a sheet metal panel to fill the gap.

[@MrStacy1974]

It's kind of a cool flex to be able to say you still have your first car 30 years after getting it.

[@christianwise6385]

What’s up Ian, I figured this would be a good place to ask. Is a front or rear winch more useful across the board? By that I mean mud ,rocks , sand water and parking blocks at the mall etc…

[@Jesselewis5150]

Turning 50, and still a glorious flawless main of hair. No Gray ? What's your secret, pilates ?

[@skyhook040]

Love your show and have been following you for years. I also bought the GENRIGHT TJ to LJ Stretch before Christmas but yet haven't found the time to assemble it. I'm very happy to hear that you very excited about the kit which puts me at ease.Is there anything that I need to pay attention to or watch out for while assembling this kit? I have a CLAYTON 3 Link Long Arm Lift Kit W/Rear 5" Stretch on the TJ... Should I move the rear frame brackets or should I make the rear control arms longer? I imagine I will figure it out as I get there but a heads up would be great. Q & A... was Jessi Combs your favorite co-host out of the the ones you had. If not... who? She is missed

[@BigTireGarage]

I would just make the rear arms longer, it wll be pretty long but should make for a great wheeling machine

[@cliffgrexton3760]

Don't no if you answer your comments but that floor jack looks great what is it and were do I get one because mine is on its way out

[@alexandervillere7066]

Question for your AMA segment, Thoughts on locker/spool options in 05+ Ford super duty dana 60 front axles with Warn manual locking hubs? Currently open diff, but wanting to add a traction device. Was considering a mechanical or selectable locker, but unsure of many scenarios where I would want the front locking hubs engaged, but not the differential. Starting to lean towards a spool. I have 2 different vehicles with the same front axle, one is a Jeep JKU and the other is a 09 SAS Duramax. Both are "street legal", Jeep is DD, weekend warrior. Truck is my tow rig, but often ends up in terrain requiring 4wd. Thanks in advance for any help on my decision.

[@CanadianParamedic]

This video is gonna get demonetized because you said Semi-Auto Axel.😂 Another Great Video Bud.

[@larryhall6416]

Have you ever used the Banks transmission brake system? What do you think of this product? I'm putting it in a 98 ram 3/4 ton with a 24 valve in it. It is used to pull a dirt mod to and from the track. Do you think it is overkill for my truck? Keep up the great content 👍🏽

[@ltmedic3]

It seems like you have so many different projects going, how do you keep things straight without loosing your mind?

[@steveornot]

I know welding areas need ventilation but what do you use in your shop? Does it suck out your conditioned air with it?

[@davidmeek1025]

I’ve been a long time fan. It was watching your shows that got me to consider then buy an ESAB emp welder. No regrets. Just one question. What is the project the electric drive axle going into? I noticed it in the background .

[@BigTireGarage]

VW Thing longvtravel sand car

[@georgef1176]

I have always wanted to build a lsx v8 Baja bug, daily wheelies wound be sick.

[@BigTireGarage]

I want to build a chassis with lsv8 Tremec 6 Speed and a 9" under a Karman Ghia

[@VWJawbreaker]

Which ragtop kit is that from Legacy?

[@robertcook7144]

Always love seeing Zelda the shop dog. Question, how do you handle having her around when you are welding?

[@BigTireGarage]

I just lock her up front in the office...she sleeps on the couch

[@goatman3828]

Can't seem to find that TJ to LJ kit. Even on the Genright website. Where could I find it?

[@BigBluePile]

Question, you guys do a ton of welding and cutting/grinding....do you do any medical surveillance? Like chest x-rays for heavy metals?

[@codybancroft6039]

What is the the biggest size tire you would run on stock 1 ton axles 4.10 gears v8 powered squarebody Chevy

[@lhurst9550]

27:25 Actually rubber wears metal; not only when hot or old.

[@RumRaspberryMocha]

“British racing green” 😂 That color is actually called Revenna Green and its a bitchin’ color!

[@mikegomes7160]

Ive been a fan since your days on Xtreme. What's your favorite tube bender and what tube bender do you recommend for a home shop ?

[@BigTireGarage]

I LOVE my Rogue Fab bender....I like "verticle" style benders for home shops because they take up less space when bending tube.

[@mikegomes7160]

@@BigTireGarage thanks !

[@mikegomes7160]

You just made my day lol

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

Hey Ian, is that Survivor playing on your phone in the background while your doing the gears in the rear diff???

[@BigTireGarage]

Probably...I have been binge watching all 43 seasons over the past few months

[@hanghai6758]

Ian what happens is Suzuki samurai. Gets to update

[@jameslaxton4240]

I need the jeep hardtop lol

[@AtlasOffRoad]

Hey Ian, do you ever use a case spreader?

[@tailorpopp8062]

I’m buying my first jeep at the end of the month I’m looking at a 98 Cherokee what are some things I should look for that are common problems

[@BigTireGarage]

Rust...if an XJ has rust in the unibody...pass and find another one

[@tailorpopp8062]

@@BigTireGarage thank you that seams to be the consensus form the people I’ve talked to

[@vetguy2562]

I gotta tell ya Ian, if I win the super gabillion lotto, I'll make you a millionaire teaching me everything, I could seriously binge on your content Stay cool, and Awesome Karma out to you 🤘😎

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for the Karma......I would do it for way less than a gabillion

[@vetguy2562]

@@BigTireGarage Righteous, we'll just 50/50 that pocket change then 😆👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

From a VW person to another, finish the VW!

[@camhafemeister]

I always see that cactus in the shop is that something you made?

[@BigTireGarage]

Nope...bought it from Lasernut on the Lakebed at KOH last year

[@nicklewis6177]

Need more v dubs

[@DG-ic1hg]

Yes V DUB

[@almonjacob3496]

With all the product you must put in your hair, has it ever caught on fire when your welding?

[@BigTireGarage]

No...non flammable gel my friend

[@shanewright6958]

👍👍

[@nate.bailey]

32:14 tesla drive unit???

[@reinaldorivera4158]

You guys can come get my 69 vw fastback and put it on a frame so it can be front engine . I wouldn’t mind l😊

[@RumRaspberryMocha]

2005 wants its hair do back 🥴

[@BigTireGarage]

nope

[@xTinBenderX]

Gomanche just took a back seat for most anticipated build VW🩸