1956 Volkswagen Oval Window Bug Project - Back to My Roots!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Welcome to my dream bug project, follow along as I build my 1956 VW Bug into a traditional California Look bug. In this episode you will watch as I install a used vintage clip on the front as well as build a front quarter panel from scratch.
Thanks for following along!
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Insta: @dennistaylor522
I love how you make it look so easy to do, but it is anything but easy. You are a skilled craftsman Mr. Dennis!
Love your videos! No fake drama, no bs, just you sharing your incredible talent.
Keep it up.
Thanks
Great video, really appreciate how you demonstrate a true "backyard" rebuild using your skills instead of your checkbook! Keep it coming!!
Awesome, I’m excited for this series. I love Volkswagens!
Dennis, since you are a 70's SoCal kid, you can probably appreciate it when I say that I have an original Meyers Manx that Bruce himself and his wife Winnie personally delivered to me back when I lived in NC 😁
I'M A VW GUY - I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE!!!
Loving the Hendrix vibes with the Bug project!
There is no doubt in my mind when you finish it up it will be a sweet looking bug
Ovals look awesome chopped. 3” looks like a lot more. Just say’n
5 SPOKE EMPI'S BLACK SPOKES BRUSHED BEED I HAD A 56 GHIA AND A 60 GHIA IT WAS A HIS AND HER THING 60 WAS A 78.4X90.5 =2017 CC WITH DUAL 48 IDA WEBERS AND THE 56 WAS 69X90.5=1776 WITH DUAL 42 DCNF WEBBERS LOVE IT...
You are so brilliant. I wish I had a ⅕ of your talent. Thank you for your projects
Mind if I live vicariously through this build? I've wanted to build an oval window Beetle ever since 1978.
Dennis back in the mid 70s my family drove the back roads of Benton and Washington county in AR and bought every 1967 or older we could find. Took them to Orange County to sell. They did not need to run or be complete. California paid top dollar for Volkswagen then.
Yes we love Volkswagen cars here in UK 🇬🇧
Great video I have a 67 bus with a 2180cc with Webbers ain’t done with it yet getting there I grew up in Southern California myself I live in Southeast Kansas right now. Been watching Alex‘s videos for a long time Nikki Bobby also
Love the Beetle project, have owned 8 of th V-Dubs
I love a nice Cal look bug on Fuchs or BRMs but the early chrome molding looks so good!
Hey Dennis, had a 60 bug with a 2332 and idas I made little access doors in the fender well to access plugs, manifold bolts etc. look forward to the project.!!
This is the way to do it to have access too to adjust the carbs.
Brother, you is the man bro nobody can touch you bro do you know how to do everything man that’s why I like watching you and your daughter
Cool project! I’ll be following your build closely. Can’t wait to see all 3 bugs side by side by side. Thanks for the vid.
Having watched the 55 build I was surprised to hear you had a history with Cal Look bugs, it would be be cool to see any photos of your old bugs.
With your plans for the 56 , I would have thought it is more desirable and valuable to keep the original pan and body together, these days. You can get IRS brackets to weld on.
I had a 56 with a canvas sunroof.
My father bought it for me when I was 13 years old.
That's what started my love to work on cars.
Way Kool!👍😎
I had an all original 59 Bug. 25hp engine with the hand crank, 6volt with the wing windows, 2 piece glass tail lamps. I should have never sold that car.
not a bug fan at all, but must admit the first time you ever see a 10second bug pick the front wheels up, and carry 'em, is impressive. still remember seeing it at carlsbad probably 30 years ago.
There's a battery powered nibbles now as well. Best tool i ever bought. I use it for metal roofing and siding
In 1968 I had a 1964 Volkswagen 1500 Sedan,, had it painted British Racing Green and done black tuck and roll, silver piping & black carpet 😮 nerf bars on front sporting the must have Maltese Cross " tag ,,,1500's are pretty rare many don't know they even existed ,,
Cool, havent seen a bug build in a while.
I've built many VW's as well...I mean, my initials dictate it. Lol my last one was a 63 with an 1835 in it. Love the oval and split window bugs, never owned one, but always wanted to.
Thanks for filming your work, it's interesting to see the repairs uncovered versus Dennis' workmanship!
I like the old bugs the best.
FINALLY! My wish came true. My first car was a '56 and I love love love early VWs.
Personally been waiting to see work on the oval! Been a lover of Volkswagens since the early 90’s.. worked on many with friends… owned a 65 microbus for a while… a friend of a friend owns a real Herbie from the films….
Very cool project, im working on a 64 with a sunroof right now that i just finnished repairing all the rust on. Im thinking about painting it beryl green.
Central Cal here. Mullets, Cal Bugs and mini trucks! 80's in California was off the hook.
This is real restoration when you hand build replacement patch panels. I'd love to spend a week shadowing you Dennis. In the 90's I spent hours on end with the skilled old school car guys at their local shops. I learned a lot and still use what they taught me to this day. Most are gone now to the hot rod shop in the sky. Every time I do something they taught me, I think of them. You're never too old to learn. I bought two Beetles from a school mate in 2002 for $50 each. One was an early 60's and the other was mid 70's. They were complete but didn't run. His wife had divorced him and he was needing money badly. I never went and picked them up. I really just bought them because he needed the money. He passed away three years ago to cancer. I heard the cars were taken in a yard clean up. I didn't get titles so I have no proof of ownership. There is a cooler story but this is long enough. Lol
Good to see you Dennis! Looking forward to the new project!
Tennis I love watching everything you do you're such a talent and your daughter is so talented and your wife is taught them all very well and I will never miss an episode to see what y'all are
Musics got a real good at doin stuff vibe to it
Yea im not a Volkswagen guy I mean I think they're ok just too little power for my interest, but I'm not gonna miss an episode. I know how to do a lot of the fab work ur gonna do but interested to see how you do it and pick up a few things that you will show on the way! Ur a great teacher and do many things with less. I also don't always have the tools or parts as recommended but you work a little extra hard to make something like ur own tool or whatever. I don't wanna miss any of it
Love that style bug! Not a bug guy, but the shape,windows and body symmetry is really cool. And the nostalgia it carry.
Nice work👊✌️
This is the video I been waiting for love VW Beetle s
I miss my Agave green 56 ragtop everyday. Can’t wait to see yours completed.
Dennis use panel bond on your new replacement panels.. saves having to fully weld and buckle things.. ps: thanx Debbie my COE & ATR shirts showed up yesterday 👍
Love your project oval.
Looking forward to seeing the progress.
The mention of Hot VW magazine brings me back my 20 year old self! Back in '81 I put together a 1969 bug that had a Select-a-drop, was de-chromed with one piece front windows, was going for the Cal Look bug, for sure. Stuffed a 1956cc stroker, with extensive head work, dual 44 Weber IDF's and a lowered 3rd and 4th transaxel. Took it to the '82 Bug In at Seattle International Raceway. Fun times! Looking forward to this build.
We would love a downstairs shop and yard tour and how you used to do fibreglass
Orange County brat here, and I’m glad to see you getting this Oval project going and also stoked to hear that you’re going with the SoCal look!
You may have even seen my Ghia back in the 70’s in Santa Ana or El Toro area when it was Moms car and it was rootbeer brown on Riveras with tan pinstriping done by Shakey Jake.
I hope to see more on this Oval!
I had a 64 with everything swapped over to 12v with a built 69 engine. Loved that thing, would out run the new 85 IROCs in an 1/8th when the 305 TPIs came out new. 😅
These old fenders need to be wider and big ole roller skate wheels on all four corners. They just look mean sitting low over wide tires.
Love an early Bug. Have a '58 Cabrio. I'd really use some better pan halves though - the heavy duty versions you can get. The thin ones really make the car feel much less solid. The original pans you can stand on without the body fitted and they won't bend. The thin repros....ah...not so much.
Yes, Wolfsburg West makes the best floors
Your style of metal work reminds me of a show car legend we have in Australia, Howard Astill. Although a world apart, the patience and effort is almost identical. I’m a huge VW fan, I see alot of the Sourkraut styling being what is most likely that cali style you speak of so can’t wait to see your vision for this oval
ur finger pointing is on point thank u - keep it up
I had a 58 baby window myself. Did a split baby window conversion and put a 2110 stroker motor in it. It did wheelies at atop lights lol
Great video! Love the diversity of the vehicles you build and appreciate.
I'm looking forward to this build. I took my driving test in a Bug in '85 and have had several since then. My parents and maternal grandparents were also Beetle owners, so the affinity goes back a ways.
VW Beetles are the coolest. Looking forward to more on the build up. Can't wait.
My main project is a '65 Beetle, I look forward to this content! I am literally debating on buying the wheel arch or trying to fab it myself right now 😎
I think , deep down , hot rodders like an early bug done right. Looking forward to this.
I really enjoy watching you work Dennis. I wish I could get you to put a roll cage in my 70 Chevelle SS. My old car is kinda rough but I'm fixing it up as I can afford to do things. But I really want the roll cage done nice in a way that it isn't noticeable, or at least doesn't stick out like a sore thumb and I'm not a good enough welder or fitter to do it myself.
I still live in california I also live through the cal bug days and I bought my first house building bugs and selling bugs,squarebacks even a 181 safari truck. I have two someday bug projects a cal/drag meyers manx old school centerlines etc.
That really cool my Dad and me the last bug in 25 I was in the 4th grade had a53 in the show 1835 dual Port thanks for the show Dennis ok later
Aloha Dennis... it's so funny how you hardcore hot-rod guys all have a little bit of Volkswagen in you...I love it! Pretty sure you and I went to the same Bug-Ins at Orange County International Speedway! God I miss that place... Lions Drag Strip too! My favorite uncle that got me into Vw's use to bracket race a Squareback at Lyons 67-70. Fun watchin you on the Oval. I always wanted a Split but like you couldn't afford it!
Cheers...keep up the good work!
💚the videos Dennis; I am sit'n here watch'n and I got to think'n about a comment the Old Man's Garage had made about what "the audience" finds interesting & that kinda blows My mind because all the videos are interesting, BUT for example: if Big Chief teamed up Bill and went around the Country Tune'n problem Vehicles like Freddy Dodge finds Gold ...that would be pretty Interesting
We just bought a 56 and body off resto! Excited to see your progress as we do ours
Would love to see the light green!
Dang...now I want a bug. Thanks Dennis.😅
Amazing
As a lifelong aircooled guy, I'm here for this build. My 59 rag came home in about 9 pieces. Body shell, 4 fenders, hood, decklid, front beam and tunnel. I know Fuchs are the CalLook standard, but man it'd be awesome to see some custom Billet Specialties wheels on it since you have the connections...
It's a great video. I enjoy a professional's work. The bug is going to be cool.
The original VW shop manual had every collision measurement in it.
The manual you need is dark blue and about 3" thick
Mine was stolen from my toolbox when I was working at the dealership.
Not much of a VW guy but I am a total Dennis Taylor fan! So consequently I will watch everything he does because he is a true craftsman and a natural instructor! Very much like Freiberger, which makes Dennis in rare company!!
always like Dennis Taylor videos, thanks Dennis.🐶
Looking good Dennis . Man we have used a bunch of those old VW hoods for sleds I wish i had some VW's back i cut up to make rail buggys out of . If i had only knew back then .
We are loving what you are doing, thanks for sharing your wisdom. My Wife would love to own an older V.W., She is driving a V.W. now and we have owned many. 50% diesel ⛽️ 50% Gas ⛽️. A split window is cool, but so is the small oval.
You continue to teach and We Thank You, 🍎🍎 for the teach. Me being a chevy big block and diesel guy, would love to see you build a monster of a V.W.engine now. Then you will have it for your split window. 😮😅❤ Mika is such a treat, we have cats, that hunt mice, 🤫🤭🤔😉😊
We were so hoping that the V. W. Was Your next build, A nine second street dub is nothing to sneeze at. One thing missing for your build is Alex & Meg, it's only fair that you have loads of help❕️Love that Deb is always there.
Is that a steel floor under the bug❔️and does it have a soft rubber pad over it❔️Thanks a bunch Dennis 😊😊. ✌🏻❤️ 🇨🇦.
You need to put skates on Deb so she can keep up with you ha ha the bug is coming along
Man, I had a 59 on a semi auto pan, i did it all myself in my parents garage... it was Cal Look, it was pastel green slammed with imitation Weld wheels!! Was a real nice car. Super cool to see a beetle build!! Thanks Dennis and Debbie!!!
looking forward to this build Dennis! 2025 on!
been a vw guy for 35+years myself so been waiting for you to get going on this bug build. Watching you knock that front quarter and front end together was a joy to watch you make it look so easy.
Be nice if you have any pics of your old VWs to show them, 👍
Yes, bug progress! So much work in 3 days, congrats as it's not an easy task to have a well aligned front hood when you have to work with a one in bad condition and a front end damaged... As an Orange county guy I suspect a DKK/DKP Cal Look bug style with a powerful engine! Can't wait to see what happens next.
Pretty awesome bug, you may get a kick out of the frame off 62-69 custom I did, first ground up, new pans, and a lot of the same fab work you are doing, except I frenched in 39 Ford taillight’s
Been eagerly awaiting this.Built a 56 on a 70 pan myself. Added a 58 big sunroof.
A fake split is one thing, but the 52 crotch coolers would would be cool on your 56.
Unbelievable Artist!
Did you know that you get a split window to oval window 'upgrade' kit? Imagine getting your oval and pulling the glass for new rubber and finding it WAS a split!😮
about time you got around to the bug. looking forward to this, hell yeah.
Dennis you are an Amazing craftsman and fabricator . Can't buy it , you make it and you make short work of it. I love it !!
It might be time for Alex,nick,and yourself to get a video editor to free yourselves up some much deserved free, time y’all are amazing another great video. Thank you.
Looks like your hair survived the drone attack. Love the bug content.
😂😂
Luv an oval also…great project!
You make me want a bug and I don’t really like bugs haha
man i love the OVAL!!! ONE DAY i might have a nice oval or a splitty i hope???
Could watch fab for hours, keep pumping out the content!
Great progress. Love it. I had a 70 beetle as my first car. My dad was a VW parts dept mgr for 48 years. Grew up in the dealership.
I remember going to the first Beg in when I lived in G.G
Glad you clarified that, it sounded like "Cow look" to me. I was kinda confused.
Great video. Enjoy watching you do your magic to bring these rides back.
First car.. 58 Gia in 66 next 63 bug had a friend that worked at a sport car place so we got chrome Porsche with sp radio tires I won the inside edges on the back got so worn from being the Cambridge so much we parked the tires off the rims, flipped them around, went back on the road put a 1300 in it with the Rochester to bow and of course I had her an 09 distributor. Been there got a 61 out of a field, but a 2 L Porsche/bust motor in the back after dropping it on the IRS pan and took it through the drags Maple Grove had a bug in Cory Mac was there when he drove Volkswagen dragsters but the one piece 67 fiberglass front body, taped it over the car for the 40 mi drive home, made it a foot front end cut away all the sheet metal I could. Just webber’s header my no tens on that 2 L Porsche engine rest time out running at atco no 1/8 mi 8:90 and dodging beer cans at me for out running 5.0 stags now looking to trade my 63 comet for a bug.
I’m a VW guy and happy to see the progress on your bug. My daily driver is a VW Polo (not sold in the US market, they are slightly smaller than a VW Golf). It makes a little over 375hp, weighs about 2800lb and has a 6spd manual gearbox. It’s a little rocket and makes my 55 Chevy 2dr sedan look slow.
Love your channel! I see this car being lowered with a two tone green. Body medium to light green with darker green fenders with a bit of chrome.
Just my opinion. God bless you and your beautiful family. Happy new year!
I so enjoy watching, listening and learning as Dennis works. Dennis is a true Master. He is giving us a wonderful education, if we just take the time to attend his Master classes. Thank you Dennis and Debbie. May you and all of your family have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. You have the very best UA-cam Channel. I look forward to everything you post. Thank you.
Merci again.. to show us.