Who knew you could use a Volkswagen Bus as a weapon of war. Troop transporter, sure, portable air traffic control tower, I’ve seen, but what about a enemy radio frequency jammer? I found this image while browsing Getty Images today.
Electrical engineer David Schriner explains to the media how he was able to convert a Volkswagen camper bus into a portable radio frequency weapon May 1, 2001 at the Aberdeen Testing Facility in Maryland. The weapon, which uses commonly available materials, simulates a electromagnetic pulse similar to that of a nuclear weapon, which disables electrical and communictaions devices such as cell phones, computers, radios and medical monitors. The US government funded the project to determine whether the technology poses a significant terrorist threat to the country.
(Photo by Greg Whitesell/Liaison)
I thought I’d post this pictuture, because its the #1 thing I’m asked at VW shows — "You have a sunroof in your Westie?! How did you do that?"
The answer is "I didn’t do that", some former owner did it and judging by the style of roof, it was probably installed soon after the purchase date. Overall I’m pretty happy my Westie came with it. We took the glass out when traveling through the Rockies, which resulting in some great shots. It adds a lot of light to the front cab, which is nice. It does effect the cargo holder up top, but I’ve engineered something similar to a BBQ grill that can sit in what’s left of the holder to support any large things I want to put up there. It does leak on occasion, but only if I’m parked on a hill.
I’ve never seen another Westy with a sun roof. If you’ve got one in your bus, feel free to post a link to a photo in the comments.
You may also notice my roof panel is wood, in contrast to the white mactak that you usually find on most bus roofs. I also have a former owerner to thank for this. Most of the panels in my bus are a nice finished birch plywood veneer, which adds a lot to the “cottage of wheels” look.
This comes from the VolksFolks of the Southern Ontario Area mailing list (aka The Bug Pack), which I read often, but rarely post to. I love these stories of warehouses or barns full of old VWs waiting to make their presence known. If you’ve got one tucked under your hat be sure to share.
Posted by: “Yves Voyer” yvoyer@gmail.com
Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:56 am (PDT)
Hi, I do not write often but read all posts.For the museum:Yes, and
no. A fanatic ehthousiast and owner of many VW (including a last year
specimen) has the wish to do so. But this is still a plan. Few
enthousiasts have seen his collection through private partys.(I used
to have pictures of that) In Pohenegamook city there was a car museum
and he exposed few of his treasures, during that time a roof felt down
on his convertibles bringing damages to few cars. Last time I heard
about him ,he was trying to locate all cars in one strong warehouse.
Sorry I have no pics left I lost them in the fire of our home : total
destruction, but the Karmann Ghia was warehoused elsewhere!
His name is Francois Hamel. A friend of mine is working on a Heb and
Francois lended him his 1950 original convertible for accuracy.
Francois is very knowleadgeable about VW and I may try to get his
phone number or email if needed.
Yves, from Québec city with 7 meters of snow at the mountain and still
20 to 25 cm. coming in the next 2 days !
Is your young one dreaming of a VW Bus? Are they hoping to inherit your beloved camper? When is a good time to hand down the family jewels? I inherited my Grandma’s car (a 1966 Pontiac Beaumont Sport Deluxe) when I was 16 and wrote it off in a bad accident a year later, so by my example 16 is maybe too young.
When my kids are old enough to drive, a “beater car” will probably be a 2002 Aztec. Gone are the days of picking an old aircooled VW for a few hundred dollars and grinding the gears until you learn how to work your way through a 4 speed.
These days most split window buses are more valuable than a high end laptop and are appreciating daily. Would you let your kids drive your prized $60k Samba? Comment away.
My friend Vil sent me a couple of clips from a recent Fifth Gear episode. The hosts test a new VW Eurovan California camper and a Brazilian watercooled Bay Window-style Danbury Rio camper, including an “overnighter”. It’s a great segment and they bring up an interesting third option.
Wow. This has to be one of the fastest, if not THE fastest, double cabs. I could probably find better ways to spend $250,000, but it wouldn’t be as unique. Jalopink has the photo gallery.
Jalopnik.com dug up this promo video for the new VW Microbus concept, circa 2001. With all the talk lately about Chrysler producing a new Microbus for VW, we shall see if 2008 looks like 2001 or something from a 2004 Chrysler cutting room floor.
A video is worth 10,000 words so I’ll let YouTube speak for this one, but it’s clear the marriage of a Mazda rotary engine and a bay window bus can have positive results.
With prices of 21 and 23 window Samba split window buses soaring into the $50k range, it was only a matter of time before somebody built their own bus. This piece of woodworking art was on display at the International VW Bus Meeting in Hanover, Germany in early October.
busman is online
