Things on the wish list
12/16/2024
Recently, my colleague Paul Krüger brought up the subject of lowering the car - he would like to get rid of about 1.5 centimeters of ground clearance. This got me thinking about a few things I would like to do for myself or my cars. However, lowering is not one of them. This would perhaps only be an option for the T1 Bulli; the ground clearance of my van is so high that this would be perfectly possible without significantly restricting its suitability for everyday use. In any case, the off-road capabilities of a VW Transporter from the first three series make many a modern SUV look old. But that's another topic.
My wish list is hypothetical, because the parts would simply have to be available to me and only need to be installed. Having to purchase them first would be a killer argument for me from the outset for most options. Therefore, assuming they were free or just there on the shelf without any need - simply as a nice addition, what would it be?
First and foremost, a sharper engine for the VW T1. Even with its 1.5 liters - a big block, so to speak! - the original engine really doesn't pull a sausage skin off the plate. The goal would be to be able to stand up to the trucks on the highway. Around 70 hp would be quite nice, plus a longer 4th gear. Because the ear should also be spared a little. Even if my Type 27, i.e. an ambulance, had another wooden one fitted over the tinny engine box in the rear - with noise and heat insulation from the factory - the bus would still be loud.
A used H-engine (1497cc 44hp) for conversion is already lying in a corner, alternatively there is also an AB 1300 two-channel engine (maintained by the authorities from a former PTT Beetle) under the workbench, which could also be souped up: Keyword: larger bushings and pistons for more displacement, different carburetor. I would probably have to stick with the single system, as the original look should be retained - just like the original engine, which I don't want to change.
A rear blind (see cover picture) is on the wish list for the DeSoto; this metal part is clamped between the upper edge of the rear window and the parcel shelf to reduce the sunlight. The primary purpose would not be to make the passengers feel more comfortable, but to protect the original upholstery - especially the rear edge of the rear seat - from UV radiation.
However, fuzzy dices, these cubes on the rear-view mirror, really make no sense on my six-cylinder with fluid-drive semi-automatic transmission. In the original sense of the word, they indicated at the red light that you were up for a little traffic light race, something that my cast-iron fat ship would definitely lose out on. They are also supposed to be available as air fresheners, but then I definitely ask myself why you drive an old car at all if you can't smell it inside?
A roof tent would also be on the list of possible additions for one of my cars. Mounted on the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon, it would make a real leisure vehicle. In addition, the tent on top would distract from the former purpose of the car below; it once served as the hearse of Ascona in Ticino. Instead of a coffin holder, the load compartment now has a large pull-out load floor from a fire engine. This would be ideal for adding a kitchen and storage space for leisure items. Ahh right, but the Chevy would still need a license first...
A really attractive gadget for the 1929 Graham-Paige would be one of these extendable balcony grilles for the running board. Clamped to the edge of the running board from below, the variable-length scissor grilles could be used to carry suitcases and duffel bags or fishing rods along the side of the car, provided that the items were packed in a watertight bag. The Graham has no luggage compartment whatsoever due to the lack of a luggage rack and the two spare wheels at the rear. Oh yes, and one of those triangular spare tanks would be nice too. Firmly convinced that I would never own a pre-war car, many years ago I sold an NOS (!), i.e. New-Old-Stock canister, a former flea market find between baby carriages and old clothes, at a parts exchange. The thick galvanized "bidon", which is now around 100 years old, actually still bore the label of the dealer at the time, Ferrier-Güdel in Lucerne. Yes, there are many more wishes, but that's enough for now!
Incidentally, you don't even need to take out a wrench for the bus, let alone spend any money: There's a wonderfully entertaining tool at https://kombi-nation.co.uk/ that allows you to design your dream van virtually - down to the very last detail!
