We just got home a little while ago (around 50 miles from me).  I thought I would update all of you who weren't able to attend:  the weather turned out great.  There were around 150 buggies at the show today.  I have no idea how many other vw's were there, but it was definitely larger than last years event.

The build seemed to be moving along at a pretty good pace and everything looked top-notch in person.  I didn't want to get in the way so I didn't introduce myself to too many people but I got a good look at all those buggies close up.  There were several people running around taking pictures from all angles to add to the Dune Buggy Archives. 

When they lined up for the cruise I put a few faces with the buggies and:

In case you are wondering - yellermanx doesn't look a thing like "Smiling Bob"

All in all we had a terrific time!!

Crud! You should have introduced yourself. I was in the tent most of the day until I ordered some parts and snapped some pictures for the site. I did have a few people come up and introduce themselves, which was great.

Eric from MAM mentioned to us that MAM tracks numbers by vehicle type, so he should be able to give actual numbers of buggies in attendance there. I did see some unique buggies that will need to be uploaded to the site.

We had several issues today with part/manufacturer compatibility with respect to dropped front spindles and disc brakes. The folks from MAM have been great in trying to resolve these issues. Eric is taking some technical data away from this build, so MAM is benefiting from the gained knowledge of how their parts work together.

The folks at Rancho who built the transmission shipped us a 6V swing and we were putting in a 12V flywheel. Well, we all know that means a little grinding, which the folks from MAM asked us to do late tonight after everyone was gone from the build tent, because it is a little dangerous to be producing magnesium dust when you are grinding out a bell housing.

The Poker Run was cool, and the BBQ was a good spread... and really a bargain price too.

There's a lot more to do tomorrow too.

Oh, and I got to see Bruce Meyers several times. I also shot a little video of Bruce driving with Chris in Chris's monocoque manx!

Good times.
Jay 

"In case you are wondering - yellermanx doesn't look a thing like "Smiling Bob""

You must have been looking at someone else.

Why didn't you say hi?  Or did you?  I have met so many people this weekend my head is spinning.

I introduced myself to Eric later in the afternoon, which is how I got the rough estimate. 
 
I found myself amazed with all of the little tidbits I knew about the different buggy styles.  Most of that knowledge came from right here.  This is a great site and I heard it mentioned a lot today!!

I thought MAM once again did a terrific job organizing this event!  I am already looking forward to Funfest 09.

"Why didn't you say hi?  Or did you?  I have met so many people this weekend my head is spinning."

I didn't - I actually saw you when you were lined up for the "cruise".   What was funny was when we would look at a buggy and I would say "That belongs to... They are from ...."  and then we would walk around to see the license plates.  Does this qualify as some form of stalking?  That is one of the greatest things about this hobby - each one is absolutely original. 

Glad to see it's coming alone good. PICTURES PLEASE thanks

" Does this qualify as some form of stalking?"  Yep, that's what I would call it since you didn't say hi.

Sorry Greenmanx,  My wife has taken some pictures, however it seems she forgot the cord to put them on the computer.  It will have to wait until we get home and I'm sure that by then there will be plenty posted.

no promblem can't wait to see some

"" Does this qualify as some form of stalking?"  Yep, that's what I would call it since you didn't say hi. "

Sorry about that, I learned a long time ago that you do not mess with men when they are in the middle of something in the garage (or tent).  

DAM that interior looks great. Looks like it all worked out and it looks nice great job to all.

Ron

"PICTURES PLEASE"

Have you checked these out?
http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw-1-187.html#Pics

I found more pics at:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275062&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20

We took the long way home from IL through MO where at one time the GPS looked like this.  No it wasn't planned and almost missed the chance to take the pic.

Oh, the irony! LOL

Jay

That's great!