DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

Some classic Volkswagens have history. Others have legends.
In Episode 75 of Dub Life Diaries, Joe Person sits down with Tony Hall to tell the unbelievable story of his 1958 Glacier Blue Volkswagen Beetle—a project that became a years-long rollercoaster of missing paperwork, title nightmares, restoration scams, legal battles, and ultimately redemption.
What started as a seemingly simple $1,800 eBay purchase quickly turned into one of the wildest restoration stories you'll ever hear. The Beetle arrived completely disassembled, hidden VIN issues nearly made it impossible to title, and Tony launched a nationwide search to find the original owner in hopes of correcting a decades-old paperwork mistake.
Just when things seemed to be moving forward, the project took another devastating turn after being entrusted to a builder who would later face fraud charges. Tony shares the warning signs he missed, the costly lessons learned, and the emotional journey of eventually tracking down the completed Beetle after it had been sold to someone else.
Whether you're restoring your first classic VW or have lived through your own project-car nightmare, this episode is packed with real-world advice about patience, choosing the right builder, protecting yourself during restorations, and why some cars become part of your family's story forever.
In this episode:
The story behind Tony's rare 1958 Glacier Blue Beetle
Buying a disassembled VW sight unseen from eBay
Solving a costly VIN and title mistake
Tracking down the original owner years later
Avoiding restoration scams and dishonest builders
Recovering from one of the biggest setbacks a VW enthusiast can face
Lessons every project-car owner should hear
Tony's current VW projects, including his 1961 Ragtop
Rapid-fire VW favorites and future dream builds

If you love Volkswagen Beetles, air-cooled VWs, restoration stories, classic cars, and the incredible people behind them, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Dub Life Diaries, where we share the stories, people, and passion that make the Volkswagen community one of a kind.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In Episode 74 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Buddy Demers, a lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast whose passion for air-cooled VWs began in the Pacific Northwest and continues today with one of the most recognizable Type 3 Notchbacks around—his 1964 Notchback affectionately known as "Baby Got Sauce."
Buddy takes us on a journey through the Volkswagen scene of the 1990s in Salem, Oregon, where friendships with legends like Ed Edwards of Northwest Metal Works helped shape his love for Volkswagens. From his first matte black '64 Beetle to the hood ride culture, custom suspension builds, and the tight-knit VW community that influenced him, Buddy shares stories that every air-cooled enthusiast will appreciate.
We also dive into the remarkable history of Baby Got Sauce—a Florida-born Notchback that made its way to Hawaii before returning home, eventually becoming the incredible restoration it is today. Buddy opens up about preserving the car's legacy, assembling it with rare period-correct parts, and the unforgettable engine built by the legendary Scooter.
Whether you're into Type 3s, Cal-Look culture, vintage Volkswagens, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people who make this hobby special, this episode is packed with history, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.
In This Episode:
The story behind Baby Got Sauce, Buddy's iconic 1964 Type 3 Notchback
Growing up in the legendary Oregon VW scene
Memories of Ed Edwards, Wagons West, and Wagon Works
Buddy's first 1964 Beetle and how it sparked a lifelong obsession
Rare Volkswagen parts, vintage engine builds, and craftsmanship
East Coast vs. West Coast VW culture
How social media has changed the air-cooled community
Advice for first-time Volkswagen owners
Upcoming VW events and the future of the hobby

If you enjoy celebrating the people who keep the Volkswagen community alive, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow VW enthusiast.
🌐 Learn more about the show and apply to be a guest at DubLifeDiaries.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

What does it take to build one of the most respected names in the air-cooled Volkswagen restoration world?
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, I sit down with Morrie Hozen of Silver Lining Auto Restoration along with his nephews Moisei Prohoroff and Phil Prohoroff, the team behind West Coast Classic Interiors and Loose Nut Safaris. Together, they're preserving the craftsmanship, quality, and passion that keep classic Volkswagens on the road for generations to come.
We dive into how Morrie left a successful career to follow his passion for restoration, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and how the family has grown their companies into a thriving operation specializing in some of the finest restorations and parts in the classic VW industry.
We also discuss:
• The truth about running a family business
• What separates an average restoration from an award-winning one
• Why quality craftsmanship still matters in today's world
• The evolution of the air-cooled Volkswagen hobby
• The future of Safari windows and classic VW interiors
• Lessons learned from acquiring legendary VW brands
• Advice for anyone restoring their first Volkswagen
Whether you're restoring your dream Beetle, Bus, Ghia, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people shaping the VW community, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.
🎙️ Guests:
• Morrie Hozen – Silver Lining Auto Restoration
• Moisei Prohoroff – West Coast Classic Interiors
• Phil Prohoroff – Loose Nuts Safaris
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another VW enthusiast. Every share helps keep the air-cooled community growing.
Follow DubLife Diaries for more conversations with the builders, restorers, racers, collectors, and personalities who make the Volkswagen lifestyle unlike any other.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

What does it take to become one of the most recognizable personalities in the air-cooled Volkswagen world?
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, I sit down with Glenn Obert, better known as The Duckman from Duckman Cycles & VW Garage. With over two decades of creating VW content and a loyal YouTube following of more than 90,000 subscribers, Glenn shares the stories, successes, and challenges that have shaped his journey.
We talk about his legendary chopped 1956 Oval Beetle, how he learned to fabricate using whatever materials he had available, the evolution of YouTube, and why authenticity still matters in today's creator economy. Glenn also shares the inspiration behind founding the Oil Slicker Society International, a Volkswagen club built around positivity, inclusion, and bringing enthusiasts together.
Along the way, we discuss creativity, resourcefulness, the future of the Volkswagen hobby, the impact of AI on learning real-world skills, and what keeps Glenn motivated after decades in the community.
Whether you're restoring your first Beetle, fabricating your dream build, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people who make the Volkswagen community special, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
In This Episode
Glenn's journey to becoming "The Duckman"
Building the iconic chopped Oval Beetle
20+ years of YouTube and content creation
Growing Duckman Cycles & VW Garage
The story behind Oil Slicker Society International
Why creativity and resourcefulness still matter
The changing Volkswagen community
Advice for builders and content creators

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow DubLife Diaries, leave a review, and share it with another Volkswagen enthusiast. Your support helps us continue sharing the stories of the people who keep the air-cooled community alive.
Connect with Glenn
Youtube : Duckman Cycles & VW Garage
Facebook : Oil Slicker Society International
www.DuckShit.net (All Glenns contact Info is here).
Follow DubLife Diaries
New episodes featuring builders, collectors, racers, restorers, and Volkswagen enthusiasts from around the world.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

What does it take to build an award-winning upholstery business from the ground up?
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Alan of Vara Upholstery to talk about the journey behind one of the most respected names in custom Volkswagen and marine interiors.
Alan shares how buying a boat with damaged upholstery sparked an unexpected career, leading him to apprentice for free, open a tiny shop known as "The Shack," and eventually earn recognition as Best Upholstery Shop in Tampa Bay. Along the way, he opens up about failed businesses, taking risks, learning from costly mistakes, and why creativity has always driven everything he builds.
The conversation also dives into:
·       How Alan discovered the Volkswagen community
·       The story behind some of his favorite custom builds
·       Winning multiple classes at Bug Jam
·       Building the Salty Dub community and the vision for its future
·       Lessons every entrepreneur can learn about taking chances and keeping your word
·       Why success today means more than just making money
Whether you're into Volkswagens, custom fabrication, entrepreneurship, or simply love hearing the stories behind passionate builders, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
🎙 Guest: Alan Guevara– Vara Upholstery www.VaraUpholstrey.com
🛒 Support our sponsors:
Use code DUBLIFE10 for discounts on Salty Dub merchandise, including the popular vent window clips. www.Saltydub.com
Same discount code applies to Volksmania Magazine www.VolksMania.com
If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another VW enthusiast. Every download helps us continue sharing the stories that make the Volkswagen community so special.
#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #AirCooled #VaraUpholstery #CustomInteriors #ClassicVW #BugJam #SaltyDub #Entrepreneurship

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations