Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
1952 Split (formerly Mike Wolfe's from American Pickers)
Page: 1, 2, 3  Next
Forum Index -> Beetle - Split-Window/1938-53 VWs Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 5:47 am    Post subject: 1952 Split (formerly Mike Wolfe's from American Pickers) Reply with quote

A couple weeks ago I purchased the light green 52 split owned by Mike Wolfe. I believe the price was more than fair for a VERY original driver. Today I received the paperwork, and it completely blew me away. There's an original registration booklet that came with the car that shows every owner from the 70s back until the car was brand new and first bought in Jan. 1952!

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Piecing together the backstory of the split it lived nearly it's whole life in the Untergruppenbach/Heilbronn region of Germany. A US army sergeant ended up buying the car and bringing it back to the US with him in 1978. Mike told me he had tried buying the car for years and was finally successful. I'm told the car was owned by the president of a local VW club (MTVWC Nashville?) and that person bought the car off the sergeant who brought the car to the US originally. The paperwork is phenomenal on this car. I've got all the customs forms and even a warning ticket from the Ohio State Police when the car must've been sitting broken down on the side of the road on his drive from the port of NYC to his home in Illinois.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I took a chance buying this car. And while it is missing some big ticket items like the taillights/grooved semaphores, and 16's, this paperwork definitely makes up for some of that. Kudos to Mike for selling me a great car at a great price. Truly a survivor car very representative of the kinds of cars servicemen would buy and tool around in while on assignment in Der Fatherland. I'm just glad Ssgt Werner decided to bring this one back with him!

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Last edited by disneyherbie on Sat Feb 13, 2016 6:25 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
joel55bug
Samba Member


Joined: January 26, 2005
Posts: 297
Location: Texas
joel55bug is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:23 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Congrats on your new addition. On those high ticket items, I'd say just pace yourself and take them one step at a time. I know it's not an early split but for me the crotch cooler car is the one I'd like to own side by side with my '52 standard. I've checked out that car on the ad a bunch, truly a very nice car to own and work with.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:56 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Thanks Joel! Yeah that's definitely the plan! I'll keep my eyes peeled for good deals on parts as they come up, but my main objective is to just enjoy maintaining and driving the car. It will be a fun car to tinker with.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
joel55bug
Samba Member


Joined: January 26, 2005
Posts: 297
Location: Texas
joel55bug is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 10:41 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

disneyherbie wrote:
Thanks Joel! Yeah that's definitely the plan! I'll keep my eyes peeled for good deals on parts as they come up, but my main objective is to just enjoy maintaining and driving the car. It will be a fun car to tinker with.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Just remember, at the end of the day it's your car maintain it the way it pleases you and don't worry about negative feedback you receive on your decisions.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:02 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

I'm definitely of the preservationist school of thought. Originally the car was pastel green which is still evident in the door jambs and dash/interior. The exterior was painted a lighter green for whatever reason, but that doesn't really phase me at the moment. I also plan on having some clear vinyl seat covers made up to preserve the original seat material. I may consider doing a full resto one day, but for the time being I think this 52 tells a cool story as it sits and it should stay that way for awhile...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
DDub
Samba Member


Joined: January 06, 2005
Posts: 306
Location: central pa.
DDub is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:19 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

I could be happy with it the way it is. Or replace the tail lights and bumpers and be REAL happy. Enjoy it as you wish!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
pastellgreen
Samba Member


Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 1036
Location: Germany
pastellgreen is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Congrats to your new car!
I have the same problem, a pastelgreen car with wrong outside repaint and very much original paint inside, engine bay and front. I decided now to repaint it only outside in the right colour after doing slight bodyrepairs that have to be done. And of course repainting the rims in the original way, L16 "hellgrün". This would also be the right paint for yours.
If you are able to work with Glasurit, they have the absolute original paint formular for both colours.

Plastic seatcovers are a good idea!

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/6614840.jpg

If you find someone who is making them, please let me know, I also want a set!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 9:55 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Thanks Nico! I sure will!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
johnshenry Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: September 21, 2001
Posts: 9359
Location: Northwood, NH USA
johnshenry is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:34 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Very cool. Having all of that documentation is icing on the cake for sure!!
_________________
John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
79SuperVert
Samba Member


Joined: May 31, 2002
Posts: 9758
Location: Elizabeth, NJ & La Isla Del Encanto
79SuperVert is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:46 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Very nice. Good luck with it.
_________________
Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
mandraks
Samba Member


Joined: November 28, 2004
Posts: 7045
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
mandraks is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 1:49 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

you have the address of one of the previous owners, call them up and learn even more about the car.
_________________
regards

Uli

----------------------------------------
'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
FRK Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: December 09, 2002
Posts: 2652
Location: Orange county, CA
FRK is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 7:21 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

All that history makes this split even better. Congrats on your split Tory!!
_________________
64 Ghia
55 Kab
50 11G
50 11A
49 11
48 11
RVA Car Club
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Facebook Twitter Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:41 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Was fortunate enough to stumble upon a good 25hp core to put back in the split one day. Price was right and it's a Jan '53 engine (car is Jan '52) so I'm getting a little closer to "correct". The split made the trek from Nashville to my house in one piece. A surprisingly tight little car to drive. It's snowing currently, so a nice drive will have to wait until the roads aren't covered in salt and slush...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Last edited by disneyherbie on Fri Feb 12, 2016 12:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Mr. OGPaint
Samba Member


Joined: September 24, 2010
Posts: 821
Location: Oregon
Mr. OGPaint is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 10:33 am    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

disneyherbie wrote:
Was fortunate enough to stumble upon a good 25hp core to put back in the split one day. Price was right and it's a Jan '53 engine (car is Dec '52)


Great find on the engine, but you may want to check the production date on your car, December 52 would make it a zwitter.
_________________
https://instagram.com/mr.ogpaint
-
Patrick Hall
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 12:16 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

Thanks for the catching that. I meant to type Jan '52 production date! I edited my post...

The engine actually appears to be fairly complete. I've since sourced the proper 26 VFIS carb my car would've originally come with. As a side project, I'll tear it down and see what I'm working with inside the crankcase. For $500 I think I did ok on the 25hp core though... Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
usariemen
Samba Member


Joined: August 28, 2004
Posts: 1745
Location: Germany
usariemen is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:10 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

disneyherbie wrote:
Was fortunate enough to stumble upon a good 25hp core to put back in the split one day.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.




It still has the rare Zwitter intake!
Even with these rust holes I´m sure John Henry would like to rescue it.
_________________
Master of my domain!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:34 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

I will for sure be enlisting his services when I get to that point!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
splitjunkie
Samba Member


Joined: April 04, 2006
Posts: 4081

splitjunkie is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 3:22 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

usariemen wrote:
disneyherbie wrote:
Was fortunate enough to stumble upon a good 25hp core to put back in the split one day.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.




It still has the rare Zwitter intake!
Even with these rust holes I´m sure John Henry would like to rescue it.


That engine might not be usable. It looks like it has been sitting outside for quite a while. With the air cleaner and oil filler missing it has probably had a lot of water inside it. I bought a 36 hp like that once. It looked about like your engine and pretty much nothing inside that engine was usable including the case which was Swiss cheese due to corrosion.
_________________
Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
disneyherbie
Samba Member


Joined: September 02, 2006
Posts: 363
Location: Mercer, PA
disneyherbie is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 3:24 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

The engine is already in my garage. The owner had pulled it a few months back so it didn't sit outside long. Bottom sump is perfect. No corrosion at all. Drained oil and no water came out so fingers crossed...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
splitjunkie
Samba Member


Joined: April 04, 2006
Posts: 4081

splitjunkie is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 3:32 pm    Post subject: Re: Recent 1952 Split purchase Reply with quote

disneyherbie wrote:
The engine is already in my garage. The owner had pulled it a few months back so it didn't sit outside long. Bottom sump is perfect. No corrosion at all. Drained oil and no water came out so fingers crossed...


Hope so.
_________________
Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Beetle - Split-Window/1938-53 VWs All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.