Teody Alvis is one of the newest members of the BatVolks. He is from the town of Mataas na Kahoy. If your familiar with the Fernando Airbase in Lipa City, Mataas na Kahoy is the town when you drive down the road on one of the base’s corner. Teody remembers his fascination with the vintage veedubs as early as his post college days. He wished to own one after graduation (if I’m not mistaken he said it was 1974!), but that wish only came true after 35 years!
It was June of this year when he got his first VW, it’s a 1974 standard beetle. And after a month of owning the bug he then joined the BatVolks. His first experience with the club is to be part of one of the committees of the Car Show that held last July 25 at SM City Lipa. It was there where he met Ka Bernie from the VWCP Laguna Chapter. Ka Bernie owns a VW shop in San Pablo, Laguna. He was also a mechanic from DMG, the local distributor of VW during the 70s here in the Philippines.
After a week, Teody went to Ka Bernie and ask him to install new disc brakes and running boards for his ’74 bug. It was then when Teody noticed this red 1972 Econo Bug. Ka Bernie jokingly dared Teody if he wants to buy the red bug and Teody asked how much the bug is being sold. Ka Bernie told Teody that he can also consider a swap with Teody’s 74 bug and some cash added. After some consideration and after a test drive, Teody made up his mind and asked Ka Bernie for the nearest ATM. It was to Ka Bernie’s surprise that this gentleman from Batangas took his dare seriously! So Ka Bernie being the one who dared to trade his bug didn’t had the guts to decline Teody’s offer. Teody wanted to close the deal and wanted to take the bug home. Lesson learned: don’t dare an old man with lots of money on his pocket.
So drove his new bug home. This ’72 is painted with shiny 888 Red. It’s old 1200 engine was replaced with mighty 1600 engine to support the air-conditioning system. The air-con system has a ducting that flows with the under dash (clean looking!). Newly upholstered seats, side panels and head liner, and new carpet makes the interior look good. A cassette player with a six-CD changer under the front seat drives the groove for long trips. The chrome parts are good. This econo bug sports 15 inch 5x112 wheels wrapped with 195x60R15 rubber on all corners. The front suspension is fitted with Sway Bars.
The long wait is over for Teody... who now is contemplating in owning a VW Bus.
