How to Build a Patina Volkswagen
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€38.99
The explosion of Patina Volkswagens on social media has inspired those car fanatics, who realise that you don’t have to restore a car to end up with a good-looking ride. At last, you can stand out from the crowd, even on a tight budget. The look of the cars that result from patina builds is honest, unspoiled, and characterful; it has also inspired the media, movie stars and celebrities.
Interest in patination has undoubtedly resulted in increased car values, and turned a brand of cars that had always been a cheap, honest mode of transportation into something cool with a high price tag. The people the look initially inspired have grown with the hobby, finding ways to achieve a great look on a tight budget, and producing a micro-industry that still manages to embrace the 'Built not bought' ethos.
This book takes a look at the differing styles of patina VW build, and imparts tips on finding and buying a project car, carrying out a sympathetic patina style renovation, and includes a chapter on recreating a patina finish on repaired areas or missing parts.
Mark Walker bought his first 1964 VW Beetle at age 16 before he could legally drive. Over 25 years of VW ownership and over 100 air-cooled Volkswagens have now passed by since that point. Mark was the owner and operator of The Bus Station (2002-2013) and Vintage Werks (2006-2007) – both companies heavily immersed in the VW scene that were known for importing classic Volkswagens from around the world, and carrying out sympathetic restoration work. These companies also gained an international reputation for out of the box thinking, high-quality suspension modifications and turning out magazine feature worthy cars. The success and popularity of his business earned Mark the nickname ‘Slam King’. Mark has written for Volksworld and Camper & Bus magazines since 2012.