GGZOBZ Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 My pops and several of his buddies had these wheelie poppers running blown alcohol burning VW 2180 motor when I was a kid. Our group was really the Vegas connection with this style chassis. Now my brothers and I are all back into duning at Dumont and I refuse to beleive that there are no more of these around anymore or that they arent made anymore. The short wheelbase wheelie poppers I see out there now, just dont look right, in comparison. I am mostly curious to see if any of these guys are around and if so, what they are building or running them selves. Ive searched the net and couldnt find anything. Thanks all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune_rat Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GGZOBZ Posted February 10, 2008 Author Share Posted February 10, 2008 If I had them, I would have posted them Remember, I was a kid and it was the early to mid 80's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big D Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 There were a few people I knew that had these cars. Most of them were probably in your dad's group. If I can remember correctly, these were called Keene Cars and came from Keene Sports or something like that in or around Bakersfield, Ca, probably Keen, Ca. I think the frames were made for them by San Fernando Buggy and looked like a rear engine version of a sand sprite 4. I never saw a blown Keene car but I also never saw one that didn't run on methanol. They didn't have a cooling system, the VW was cooled by the methanol from the inside. I believe most of them were 2442 cc and if they weighed more than 600 lbs it would not be by much. The Bakersfield Boys really put on a show when they showed up a Dumont. They were like a sand rail drill team. The Vegas group could put on a good show too, one guy who I can't remember his name but at the time had a gas station on Sahara and Teddy Dr. was one to watch. Wheelie down comp hill, grab the steering brake just before the bottom and wheelie back up with the front wheels in the air the entire time. As far as pictures go, the only one I ever took was of Chuck Bartolo and I gave it to him. Randy Black the casino owner and condo king (Rock Springs Vista) Was on the front cover of Dunebuggy and Hot VW mag doing a no-hands wheelie up a hill at Coral Pink dunes in a Keene Car. This was probably around 1982 or 1983. Ahh, yes the good old days at Dumont. Big D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GGZOBZ Posted February 11, 2008 Author Share Posted February 11, 2008 There were a few people I knew that had these cars. Most of them were probably in your dad's group. If I can remember correctly, these were called Keene Cars and came from Keene Sports or something like that in or around Bakersfield, Ca, probably Keen, Ca. I think the frames were made for them by San Fernando Buggy and looked like a rear engine version of a sand sprite 4. I never saw a blown Keene car but I also never saw one that didn't run on methanol. They didn't have a cooling system, the VW was cooled by the methanol from the inside. I believe most of them were 2442 cc and if they weighed more than 600 lbs it would not be by much. The Bakersfield Boys really put on a show when they showed up a Dumont. They were like a sand rail drill team. The Vegas group could put on a good show too, one guy who I can't remember his name but at the time had a gas station on Sahara and Teddy Dr. was one to watch. Wheelie down comp hill, grab the steering brake just before the bottom and wheelie back up with the front wheels in the air the entire time. As far as pictures go, the only one I ever took was of Chuck Bartolo and I gave it to him. Randy Black the casino owner and condo king (Rock Springs Vista) Was on the front cover of Dunebuggy and Hot VW mag doing a no-hands wheelie up a hill at Coral Pink dunes in a Keene Car. This was probably around 1982 or 1983. Ahh, yes the good old days at Dumont. Big D I knew someone would remember ! ! ! That Vegas group was definitely us. Chuck Bartolo was in our group as was Alex "the Rat" I forget his last name who owned the gas station on Sahara. My Dad and I were talking about him and the good old days just the other day (prompting this thread). Randy Black was also acqauinted, though not directly involved in our camp. I am still good friends with Chuck Bartolo's three daughters. You may or maynot remember when Chuck wadded up his buggy on a three wheeler track on the flats. I also remember being about 11 or 12 and wheeling up Comp (the face) at midnight and seeing nothing but black sky. Truly the good old days. I cant wait to show this to my Dad. I am looking for pics at his house tomorrow. Thanks a ton for replying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunefreak Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 very cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foolofsand Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 (edited) Below Edited February 11, 2008 by foolofsand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foolofsand Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 (edited) Bakersfield buggies--hmmmm. Ask you dad. First 6 were ordered by the original boys from Vegas from Mike in Bakersfield. He had San Fernando Buggy build them for him for us. None were blown but all on alcohol with engines from 2010 to 2442 with Weber IDA 48's. They ran the entire comp hill in 2nd gear since R&P were either 4.32 or 4.12-very hard to beat up the hill. There were a few cars faster that were drag cars that were mid engine. None were more fun to drive. Never threw sand unlike a mid engine that covered you in sand. the last one I saw was a guy on this site trying to sell one last year. Here's a pic of one. PS-Gerry, you shouldn't use names of the past without authorization. :kart: Edited February 11, 2008 by foolofsand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune_rat Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 If I had them, I would have posted them Remember, I was a kid and it was the early to mid 80's. Sorry, I kinda figured that but I was jus dyin to use that smiley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAlaskan Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 I love reading about oldschool rides like this, whether its cars or buggies... It seems like any story that begins with "back in the day" always brings a smile to my face... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GGZOBZ Posted February 11, 2008 Author Share Posted February 11, 2008 you shouldn't use names of the past without authorization. :kart: Sorry about the using of names. Figured the cat was out of the bag with the prior post. I am pretty sure I recognize that buggy. Mabe you should PM or email me so I know who is psuedo-anonomously chastising me (still, after well over 25 years). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOINSND Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I think you are talking about Mike Keene of Bakersfield Aka "Motor Doctor". He currently own's Bakersfield Muffler on 19 St. Very nice guy and really intelligent in the 3 wheeler and VW's days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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