THE OLD DUB SHOP
We catch up with Spencer at the The Old Dub Shop - from a service to a full restoration they have you covered.
Three words to describe yourself? Spontaneous, fun and dedicated.
How long have you been involved in the VW scene? First show was in 2006 bugjam before I could drive then RTTS when I just passed my test then it was volksfest. Absolutely hooked then!
How did you get into it? My dad had mk1 golf, my cousin had a oval beetle. It was in fact my cousin Dean smart who introduced me to bugjam and RTTS! Funny story, bought my first beetle when I was 15, Dean drove it back for me not knowing the thing was pink..... colour blindness is a bitch hu.
Aircooled or Watercooled & Why? See, now I'm a Aircooled man thru and thru. Even have "aircooled and cider fuelled" on my chest. BUT I do in fact not mind a quirky watercooled car like the new shape beetles (building a racecar 1.8t and have a convertible we’re building) also a watercooled t25 ticks my boxes and have a 200hp tdi beast I use for work and towing.
What's your daily drive? Well.... now this changes depending on weather, mood and what I have at home. It does range tho from my t25 singlecab work truck, my 74 beetle, maybe in summer my 67 beetle, soon will have my tdi New beetle convertible finished.
You own the Old Dub Shop, how long has that been established? So the old dub shop was started by Clive in 2007 working only 3 days a week there and 2 days at his other job, at this point I was constantly there begging for a job. After 6 months of him opening the shop I quit my full time job at a chemical plant on good money and worked for Clive 3 days a week at the shop. Then 4 days and finally 5. Clive sadly passed away in December 2013 and I purchased the business.
Are you working on any interesting projects right now? We are indeed. So currently we have the following projects:* 1.8t beetle racecar 2003 fully forged motor, massive turbo, watermeth and racespec body rolling road at badger 5 on Thursday aiming for 400hp* mk2 scirocco that we have just put a 1.8t in from a audi tt. Will have fresh paint, spot on interior and rebuilt engine, new wheels and coilovers and full stainless pipework. (I think someone we all know and love wants this car tho ;) )* 1.9tdi beetle we have just had wrapped by SWD, we will bag it, big ass rotiforms, 6 speed conversion, engine and box raise, notched and tt arb* bay window singlecab we have partnered up with just kampers on, we are going to body drop this, full custom chassis and will be named the hobby hauler!! * 54 oval beetle I have been building for 7 plus years. Full nut and bolt restoration
If you could own any VW past or present what would it be and why? My life goal was always a oval beetle and now I have that it's definitely a split window bug! Just looking in that rear view mirror and seeing that back window/windows. Man what a feeling.
Ultimate road trip? In a Dub of course Once I finally have my 54 oval bug finished I would like to drive it over the Milau bridge in France. Have wanted that day to happen since the start!
What does the future of the VW scene look like to you? Looks to me more newer vehicles, which upsets me. Everything is becoming more commercialised and because of this I have stepped away from a lot of shows etc. I remember the days of grass roots camping and fields of aircooled. Times are changing and I will be very selective of where I spend my time with my interests.
Check out The Old Dub Shop here or call give them a call on 0777544 8757