Sometimes I do this; republish a past member article, especially for the benefit of newer members. This is a really old one, so I will update it as I go. I should probably just start over. J

Ron S. has been an active member of our club since 2001 and is the unappreciated leader of our Events Committee. It’s an important piece of keeping things interesting for all of us. In his “spare time” he is VP of Pathology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital… er SOME big thing like that. He has lived in Memphis for over 9-years; well, actually, Fayette County. He and his wife, Barbara, and puppy dog live in a “wooded meadow acreage” out yonder. If I have it right, Ron graduated from the University of Soooo-Pig, Arkansas, along with fellow member John Hiatt. His “grown” son hails from his hometown of Russellville, Arkansas; the acorn not falling far from the tree. Ron’s other hobbies include golf and keeping the 5 acres mowed.” His best half is Barbara, who is in administration with Baptist Hospitals. She is the proud owner of “mellow yellow” the New Beetle Convertible. Ron and Barbara had VWs while in school, so they both, naturally, love them. Barbara’s NuBee is only one of 4 VWs that graze at the Ranch. Ron owns a MG Kit, a Beetle Convertible, and Westy; but more about those in a minute. Lets talk about one of his previous Volkswagens.

Since it returned from Arkansas, Ron went all through it; new ball joints, shocks, and CV joints, running boards and all cosmetic chrome.  In an effort to delay a total rebuild of the engine, the front main seal was replaced and an electronic ignition installed. He totally gutted the interior and replaced everything, including the dash, steering wheel, carpets, and swapped out the 1972 beetle seats with (correct) ’68 seats.  And what would weekend cruising be without a new stereo system? A radio/CD was installed in a special glove box insert from Innovations in Fiberglass in California.  Ron went with two speaker kick panels in the front and a speaker shelf behind the rear seat.  The new interior also included a new headliner, along with all new window rubber.

His ’68 Beetle brought back memories of his first car, a 1966 VW that he had in college. Ron says, “The most vivid memory of the 66 is driving down the interstate in the middle of winter with no heater.” (Notice: Bugs do not have controlled environments. They are “environmentally controlled.”)

He had long been dreaming of a Bug Convertible, when a really good ’72 popped up for sale at the right price. After bargaining with the owner, he took home a white-on-white gem with a black interior. It was near perfect and ready to go. It is hard to find one much nicer at a decent price.

So, here comes the fourth VW, which is one of his upcoming “home projects”, a red ’52 MG Kit car on a ’75 Beetle chassis. He recently found some (correct) wire wheels for it. So it will likely be another that will make me envious. But the story has not ended (does it ever end?)

4 VWs grazing on his Ponderosa and then he found a sweet ’79 Westy Camper. This was around summer of ’06. But, alas, he had to, as he says, “thin the herd.” So his shiny ’68 was part of the deal and was traded towards the Bus. But it is a swell camper. I understand that Ron is almost finished installing a new pop-up canvas and will have it all ready to go for spring camping season.

We are sure glad to have Ron & Barb in our club. They always do what they can to help and are very supportive and faithful to our club. And they LOVE V’dubs!

Air Bill