Driving My NEW Bug on Power Tour West!

Thanks ‪@ididitinc‬ for being a partner on this!
www.ididit.com
Causing a Cal look bug in California - it doesn't get much better than that! This is my new 1962 VW Bug that I bought from MotorTrend after Lucky and I built it on a couple episodes of Hot Rod Garage. It's so awesome!! While we have cruised it not he show some and dad and nick and I have all spent a few hours cursing it around the beach and locally, it had not been on very much interstate OR over some really large mountains. Not only is it a new build, but it's also just a 1600 cc VW motor - we were asking it to do a lot when we decided to take it on Power Tour West! This is a first year event that Hot Rod / MotorTrend put on. It's a spin on regular Power Tour that normally happens in June. We started at Irwindale, went to the Vegas Track, and finished at Pomona. Such a rad time! Join us on the trip and see how the little bug did!
Thanks to ‪@themoodyroadster‬ for joining me on the trip!

[@Mclovingarage]

It was a pleasure to meet you at Irwindale and Pamona. One of my son Finley's favorite memories of the trip was when you raced him on the tree at the NHRA Museum! Really appreciate you taking the time to race him and show him some tricks on how to do it better! He talked about it for days and was stoked to pass you guys on the road from Vegas back to Pamona (Blue Dodge Coronet) You made a positive impact on my son! Thanks again!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

It was so great to meet you guys! Finley rocks and he got that triple zip by the end of it. 🙌🏽

[@randywl8925]

Wow, just watching her spend those few moments with him was really neat. Lifetime memory right there. 👍 Very nice of you Alex.

[@RebeldryversGarage]

I drove a friend's bug a few times. Made me smile each time. Most fun was going to a car show, purposely parking next a puddle of anti-freeze and had a dozen people tell me my radiator was bad.

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Haha! That’s a great trick 😂

[@davidgroskopf7898]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@flyingsparksgarage]

WE LOVED SEEING YOU, as always ❤❤❤ Y’all are the bessst

[@bodabdan]

I'm in Booneville and I have to say i love your channel. I moved here several years ago. I was sitting by a brush fire on my new place one evening and i heard a very serious blower surge in the distance. I followed up the next day and found the shop. Your dad was the coolest thing ever about showing me around his shop during business hours and I was just floored by what I saw in the shop. I know you guys are real and I'm so happy that you represent all of us gearheads so well. Keep on bugging!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

That’s awesome. Appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching!

[@charleshill9236]

Will be checking Carly's channel out. She seems really cool 😎

[@Fitzinyourhead]

It’s a VW it’s not leaking oil… It’s marking its territory Sweet bug I love your content

[@davidryan573]

I loved the Bug on HRG, I’m glad you bought it, it’s so neat to see your diverse taste and appreciation for all, thanks for having faith in the Bug and driving it the whole way tour .

[@mrmoss149]

Thanks, Alex , for posting ( for those of us who could not be there)... And- Dad's RULE!!! (Especially when they're knowledgeable car guys) Love the bug, too.

[@williamfreret6859]

What a surprise!!! You own a Bug...I'm an Aircooled guy since 85' (I'm 60+ years old now) following all your videos and specially appreciate your "quest to the 6s" venture and all this family affair around it. 1600cc + 2 Kadron 40mm carbs you can build by example a reliable but very enjoyable 2007cc (78x90.5mm) with +/- 130hp using Heads 40x35.5mm valves + 2 x IDF40mm Weber carbs or better 2 x 40mm DRLA Dellorto carbs adding a mild cam + adding a gear box with 3.88 ring and pinion + 0.82 4th gear and you will have more fun driving this kind of "Cal Look" cute bug (hills will no longer be a pblm!). 😉 Driving without windows...you rock girls! You said it all...FUN is what is the most appropriate word, riding this old VWs.

[@dommoss4264]

There’s no better feeling than cruising a cool bug that makes you grin from ear to ear. 🤙

[@ericpierce4173]

Very cool! And...great choice of a traveling companion! I follow Carly and her roadster project and it's great that you two have found each other. Rock on, girls!

[@intentsmodz]

Well now I don't feel so bad about taking my Mini. When I went to Atlanta they told me I was the First Mini ever on Power Tour. I grew up in Detroit & LOVE old school muscle but that dang supercharged 6 spd Mini is a fricken rocketship!!!

[@gasratzcustoms]

We gad a great time cruising with yall! So cool to see the Bug make the trip!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

You and your crew are always a blast!

[@TEAMERICA96]

Quite a trip from Arkansas out her to Pomona in a Bug. Reminds me of a trip I made with my buddy in his '63 Beetle from Pomona to Seattle a few weeks before enlisting in the USAF in 1968. Ours was baby blue, had original door panels and the hood closed all the way. Gas was 27.9 cents/gal. I-5 didn't exist. 99 all the way. We weren't worried at all about not making it. Car troubles meant a walk to a pay phone.

[@phillipcortel6330]

Alex! I am so glad that you get to do all this cool stuff! And you are a good instructor. The way you showed the boys how to do the reaction game. Taking the kids down the race track. Explaining to them how to do it right. They actually paid attention to what you were saying! Looks to me like you enjoyed yourself more. Kool!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Thank you! I had fun getting to teach them 😄

[@Justin-bz1dp]

​@@RidingWithAlexTaylorhi

[@lonnieciallela1526]

sooo cool I was thrilled when I saw dad was into bugs a while back. I have a chop top with a oval grafted in slidding rag top and slammed to the ground. I just gave it to my son. my daughter drives a new beetle convertible

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

That’s awesome! That’s good collection of cars

[@jerrynickell3613]

Thanks for throwing some respect for the ol' VW! You just legitimized it by your endorsement. Which means the price of the bugs are going to go up! Glad you had so much fun!

[@lbermud]

Life long VW guy, but I still watch all the car shows on TV. Cool to see you're bitten buy the bug. You need the crankcase breather connected to the air filters and oil will stop slinging out from behind the crank pulley.

[@bobtexan592]

OMG!! Love your bug. Mine was a 65 rag top. Outstanding reliability afa reliability. Then I was able to find a bug campervan in the mid 80 I restored. Wish they still made them. 😄

[@ProwagenPer4mance]

So cool you did the Power Tour in your bug, now its time to build a huge motor for it and take it on Sick Summer!

[@BobDOwens]

Yes! A new Riding with Alex Taylor!!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Been trying to get caught up and get vids out! Thanks for watching!

[@joelstinson2886]

That little bug is so cool, simple old and slammed

[@morningbeachsunshine7496]

Hearing modern navigation voice inside a VW was as trip like the 60's. 🌻 Great video

[@sapoverde65]

Love the Bug ,y’all so cute in it , no windows that’s roughing it.😊

[@michaeldalzell6670]

This is great 👍🏻 to see ya back on KZbin

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Trying to start pumping more stuff out. Thanks for watching!

[@ChesterAkers-yd2nm]

Alex Taylor you look so happy driving bug and beautiful ❤️😊🎉

[@robfox5892]

This is one of the coolest cars you have! Incredible! love this, nailed the Cal Bug style!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Thank you!!

[@danaowen9014]

I love your new bug.This was a fun trip.

[@beauyo1293]

An old friend of mine had a fully tricked out lowrider Bug when we were in high school. Complete with wire wheels, single pump 3 battery Red’s hydraulic system, killer sound system, candy burnt orange with peanut butter interior. That thing was so fun to drive. Lol. You should’ve seen the looks we’d get when we were out cruising. I’ve been thinking about getting one myself. I wouldn’t build it like my old friends was, but it would definitely have to be lowered with some nice wheels and killer sound system.

[@Hammertime-y9q]

I love VWs I still have my first car a 67 VW bug. It's still a blast to drive at 52.

[@Torsee]

22:06 Alex, Next time you offer to drive people. Perhaps tell someone to rig the car with three phone holders. Those kids didn’t get to feel and see the acceleration. Do you see what I mean. Multitasking is diminishing the experience. Love the video! Love the Bug!

[@reddcocker64]

Cool Bug. Glad you decided to take it on a long shake-down cruise

[@tylerblanton365]

Alex your such a cool person. Love watching you on hot rod garage. And your KZbin is an awesome bonus

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@bucketlistmetaldetectingu.7689]

Carla is building a real nice car. Shame its not ready. VW real nice.

[@louiepauda6275]

Really enjoyed tagging along! Never been to Vagas, "Cool"! Bug, Cool!

[@Shakerhood69]

The old Bugs are so much fun, they were the first cars I learned to work on.

[@GeorgeMcNally]

I think it's pretty cool that you leave your sponsors log in the lower right corner for the entire video. I sponsor stuff, I think it's cool that you are paying respect to the folks helping you pay the bills.

[@LivingOnCash]

Cool little bug. Definitely a SoCal Bug look. Have to SMH though at the kids you took down the track. Instead of paying attention to you and what's happening they have to have their phones out. Worse thing is the vertical filming too! 😂 At least the guy up front was in landscape mode. I was happy when I heard there was going to be a west coast Power Tour but disappointed when I saw the route. One of the cool things about all the other Power Tours is that they stay on two lane back roads and go through a bunch of small towns. Running up the boring 15 freeway is something I've done a gazillion times and there is not much of interest along the way. I think a much better route would have been starting at maybe Fomoso and going up US1 along the coast to Sonoma and then over to Redding or Sac. I'm going to do the Redwood Rally Drag and Drive event this fall because it goes through some amazing scenic roads.

[@nashguy207]

Love the bug. i have a soft place in my heart for them. Back in the day I had 2 of them a 72 that was stock and a 67 that had a built 1900cc with dual webers loved that little car!

[@keithphillips6111]

I always knew you would do great things Alex. I've been here since you started your channel. The very 1st video.... hopefully you read this....I just want you to know that I'm so proud of you and your family. Much love kiddo.

[@chocodiledundee1]

It’s gorgeous , I love everything about it , the Porsche wheels , the bucket seats with head rest but old school vibe upholstery, my brother have a 69 totally original outside like Herbie same colour with Recaro bucket seats and rear seats got also shortened to fit ,4 disc brakes all around and 90’s GTi Golf Turbo garret with everything Forged inside engine , my brother would take any car and stretch from the traffic lights , seats Low like yours VW beetle are the best and most dynamic car ever hands down so iconic ! All the best from South Australia 🇦🇺

[@johnlewis6569]

Alex thank you for your post. I appreciate your content and you seem to always work hard to make sure that there is a little history as well as fun. I’ve shared with you before that I’m building a 1952 Henry J. and eventually It will be completed. I have a secret love of VW’s and have owned a few in my life time. I have 1954 VW now and it’s a driver. As I’m sure you know you can never have enough projects……lol. Thanks Again and maybe someday I’ll be able to get a chance to meet you and your dad. 👍🏻

[@normp3273]

I freaking love that bug!!

[@berryfisher4764]

The little bug 🐞 did good!! 😊

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Yes it did!

[@chrisprieur270]

That's a neat little bug y'all built. I've never driven one but hear they're like street legal go-carts. You letting yourself get boxed in for added security reminded me of a story from high school. My junior (I think) year of high school the drum major for the marching band had a very clean white 60's bug. A buddy of mine and a few others picked up his bug and moved it behind the band building where he had a make a million point turn to get it out of there. I'll never forget him walking out of the band building and asking where his bug was. Keep in mind this was Bryant, Arkansas back in the late 90's and you get a group of teenage country boys together shenanigans are likely to happen. I know it wasn't funny for the bug owner at the time but opportunity presented itself and my buddy and a few others hazed the drum major. I think this particular bug owner ended up flying fighter jets off an aircraft carrier so pretty badass right there! Also a very talented woodwind musician.

[@parker1ray]

In the 80's and 90's, I was a bug builder and owned 6. My last one was a 66 and had a complete fiberglass dog house tubed front, and fiberglass tail. It had a fully built German 2000cc motor with dual 48mm dells. It was slammed and had a 2000 watt thumper with no back seat and a huge sealed box pushing 4 18" dual wound subs. Now I am 61 and drive a Hyundai wah!

[@Stupidfastracing]

Beautiful lady and the bug is sweet

[@ocavant]

Spoke with you briefly at the finish of the VW rally a few months ago. Had no idea you guys would be doing a ACVW and were surprised to see you guys there. Great to see you did'nt shoehorn a V8 in a classic dub...though I'm sure Lucky wanted to do that ;-). You did us VW'rs proud, so from some bus guy in OC, thank you (and your dad) for standing up for classic VW's....even Cal looked ones that us vintage guys tolerate and maybe envy a bit. Can't wait to see you continue the build with a 2300 and 48's or something cool and fast amd maybe even somehing odd and fast like a type 4.

[@phillipcole3068]

That definitely was an adventure! I saw this tour first on MerlinsOSG. I didn't know if it was cooler to see that he knew you or if you knew him! I'm a big fan of you both. His broad mechanical knowledge and your accomplishments are amazing! Sorry for so many exclamation points!!!! 😏

[@richardelliott8352]

one of the things I noticed that are not often found in old VW beetles was a fire extinguisher thrown in the back. I assume this is because of the general high level of motorsports expertise this lady travels in , because regular commuters don't spring for a fire extinguisher , but probably should. I only noticed because I finally bought one on Black Friday , because of a rare discount. Since I have a car with a plastic body, it only makes sense. And is logically the first money spent on getting the car parts renewed or replaced for road worthiness.

[@benhumphries8325]

Great video looks like a great time Carly should get used to no windows when she gets that bad ass roadster done.

[@hotroddevils5031]

Two bad ass hot rod builders in a Cal-bug driving the Power Tour...what could better?

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I found your channel today and subscribed to it today 😀 yay ❗️ I love your VW too ❤️

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Rad! Thank you 😊

[@johnjwedrall4290]

@@RidingWithAlexTaylor you're welcome 😊

[@shanewright6958]

What a cool car 👍👍

[@davidgough1161]

Beautiful scenery, thank you for the video. Glad you two made it and looks like you guys had a good time.

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

We had a blast! Thank you!

[@CaptainRon513]

Very cool!!..Really enjoyed the content...Love your bug...So fun!

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Thank you for watching!

[@michaellynnparris2954]

Awesomeness great job ❤

[@sunset1300]

That is way cool. I get so tired of just making horsepower.I drove my Porsche 914 Type 4 VW motor from Phoenix to Portland twice. Best car of the over 100 I've owned.

[@ScottStinchcomb]

Loved the episode of this build. I want a old bug now. Looks so easy to work on and plenty of bolt on parts for these. And best of all, doesn't look like a lot a garage space is needed for these lil' things.

[@JohnW1711stock]

At least you don't need to worry about the radiator leaking. LOL!

[@FastasFox35]

Congratulations on making the front page of the Summit magazine 🤘🤘

[@WingspeedGarage]

Kinda love the black on blue fenders

[@kh40yr]

1962 Type 3 Notchback/Fastback/Station Wagon/Squareback was brought back from Germany, by my dad when he Left the 101st Airborne Special Forces around the Munich area. A mini VDub station wagon with cooling louvers, shark gills on the rear quarters, if you look one up. Pops was Emerald Green in color. Was picked up on the docks of New York, and drove to the Pac Northwest. We went everywhere in that thing. Lotsa miles as kids in that. It came with the 1500 and single carb. Dad said he added the twin solex carb kit from VDub when it came out. I am still looking for that 62 Type 3 Squareback.

[@ChristopherBix2]

Noting cuter than two happy cute girls cruising down the highway in that awesome bug. ❤ And you did such a great job giving those kids the drag race experience.

[@terrypage8172]

It'll be fun I'm sure. It's a cool ride. Have fun.

[@bradinch1563]

i towed my racecar from la to las vegas for 35 years.always hated the baker grade. so glad you are back doing youtube, hey, are you taking the 55 to sick week??

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Alex, another entertaining video by you. :) I've put many miles on the "Volkswagen Kaefer" (the people's Beetle); it's a fun car. :)

[@nickmeoli6903]

That's was a great video! Loved the drag strip tutorial!

[@vintagespeed]

hell yeah! i've owned 30 VWs and never had the nerve to drive one to vegas. nice work! 👍 oil pressure gauge is a must have.

[@evloftis4143]

looks like yall had a good time

[@HellmuthsHotRods]

Life long VW driver, racer, off roader, everything you can do with Vw guy here. I didn't know you bought that car, that's cool. My race bug is a wheelie-popping, mid 11 second all motor car, which in this day and age isn't as impressive as it used to be, but there is something super fun about a rip snorting fast air cooled VW. If you build a nice 2 liter for that car you will be shocked by how fun it is on the street.

[@fromughdig414]

I'm a huge fan and fellow fluid coupler rebuilder!

[@JohnnyMoneyStax]

Loved the episode of Hot Rod Garage with you and Lucky building the bug and it was awesome seeing the hard work in progress!!! Still looks good since the episode aired last 2 weeks ago.

[@brianwills4398]

Is lucky her father? I always thought so

[@agasrcng]

@@brianwills4398no, Dennis Taylor is her dad.

[@tommygun1701]

Please do more on that car Never been a beetle guy until recently. I'm gonna pick one up myself here real soon

[@luispacheco2403]

You didn't know you had your own KZbin show. You're an amazing young lady. Can't wait to see all 180 videos before you add more.

[@myredmach1]

You go Alex!! Your Bug is super cool. Michael from Pennzoil

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Ooo hey there!!! Thank you! 😄

[@jesternangel]

RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY HOME STOMPING GROUNDS...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES..WIFE AND I MOVED TO NORTHERN KANSAS 3 YEARS AGO...FRIEND OF OURS STILL RUNS A NASCAR TRUCK AT IRWINDALE...

[@mikemullay5622]

The 1960 Beetle I grew up with had door pockets in the door panels. Your bug is the first year for the fuel gauge.

[@pawleymediaconsultantsllc5]

As an owner of a '65 & a '71 VW Beetle, all I can say is OMG😍😍😍

[@biggriggs]

Alex Taylor racing bugs. Alex the kids will remember that run forever. thanks Alex, more videos. 👀🐜

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

I love the bug! And it was fun to get to take them down the track. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffallen5387]

Big guy at heart! Love this video! Thanks

[@michaellopez550]

Nice to see you again cool looking Herbie lol I thought maybe you were working on a road kill video but can't wait see next episode have fun be safe stay pretty

[@johnrode7109]

Type 4 with Weber carbs and that little bug would be real fun

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Awesome video thank you for sharing Alex It was nice to meet Carly as well hope you'll keep us updated on her build 😊 Looks like the little bug did great 😊❤

[@ScottKirk-Notredcrew]

Loved watching Alex the teacher! Pretty cool that you took the bug, great for people to understand there are so many flavors of awesome in the car world not just V8 Muscle.

[@kinglou5442]

looks so sick lowered

[@AngeloC49]

Love Bugs!! Keep up the great content 👍🏻

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Thanks for watching!

[@Techangler65]

I love these old bugs. I have build so many over the years and never thought to keep one or two for myself lol. Now the cost.

[@markpierce9120]

that would make a great ride to work and back or cross country!!

[@salto1994]

Great Video. Happy 2024 to you and the family. I wish i could watch Hot Rod Garage again, sadly MotorTrend hasn't been available for Non US or Canadian peeps since the around the pandemic :/

[@64CHEVYTWO248]

HI ALEX LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE HAVING FUN !! NICE TO SEE ALL THE NICE CARS ! I MISS YOU ON HERE !!! TODD FROM MICHIGAN

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

There was a great collection there! Thanks for watching!

[@64CHEVYTWO248]

HI SORRY I CAN NOT BE THERE ! TODD FROM MICHIGAN @@RidingWithAlexTaylor

[@cotymiller]

awesome to see another great video out Alex, alot of beautiful cars amazing people, and the scenery is always amazing......well besides the traffic ha ha !!

[@marksearcy9708]

Cool bug, imagine with a 2180 cc 180 hp. engine, super dif, super bet. 1st.gear and steel shift forks high rise intake and a webber 44idf to top it off.😁

[@joecrone9862]

Kool buggy !

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Thanks!

[@larryburwell8550]

great video Alex. your a great driver and i love you on hot rod garage. thanks for sharing.

[@slimpickins3425]

Very cool Alex! Im a big fan of HRG, and look forward to every episode, now I get to see another side and loving it so far! Hey what Air cooled VW doesnt leak oil!! I have two, love them, and Im so glad that you bought the bug you worked on during the show!

[@SmittyInVegas]

This whole episode was quite the trip! Smitty in Vegas

[@mcraceworks]

Cool video looked like good times. To bad northeast left out of hot rod events. Lucky kids got to learn from a drag racing pro. 👍🏻

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Maybe they’ll make it up that way one day!

[@L.A55]

VW bug..yep that is totally unexpected for an Alex Taylor ride !.. Have fun, be safe..

[@RidingWithAlexTaylor]

Haha! Slow… but such a blast!

[@SteveBatsford-tp1ho]

Alex, My first car was a 63 VW bug. Bought it for $500 and it was always one of my favorite cars. As with all old VWs, the heater boxes had rusted out so I had no heat and I live in new england. So when my windshield got frosted over I would light a candle on the dashboard for a defroster. Worked pretty well!