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This was something that Ethan Watson wrote up on me. A huge thanks goes out to everyone involved in this build, especially Joey and Ethan. Ethan did all of the documentation and photography.
A few months ago, Chris Bosgraaf (Owner of Watercooled Industries) gave me a call with the question "What's your view on bags?"
Late in November of this past year, Chris ordered his bags from Dorbritz Design and started his search for who wanted to help out with the build. Joey Ruffolo decided he would be up to the task with a few of his friends to supervise and help here and there the first weekend of December. With that, Chris called me up with excitement and asked if I wanted to take a few pictures of the set-up before it went in and perhaps to join in for the fun of the build. Down to take some pictures, we set up his bags and messed with some light painting.
During the shoot, we talked about his idea for the bag set-up and how he wanted it to go simple and quick. The idea was to get up early, make it down to Chicago fast and easy, and be back home later that night. Satisfied with the plan, I decided it would be worth tagging along to cover the build. When my alarm went off the next morning however, I had my hesitation, but I finally got up, packed up the camera gear and met up with Chris.
Nature was not on our side. Both of us were concerned about getting down to Chicago and back in the first place with Chris's back tires showing cords, so the new snowfall really was not what we wanted to put up with. After downing a breakfast burrito and discussing it more, we figured, might as well give it a go. Our projected idea of the trip taking 2 hours was doubled and then some with our max speed of 40mph. There's nothing like a powerful car with zero tread on slick ice. After a great deal of time, we made it to Joey's house, a little later than expected, and started unloading.
Joey Ruffolo was not a name I was familiar with before the build began, but his mk5 speaks for itself for what he could accomplish. The plans yet to come with his mk5 over this winter will make it a car to keep an eye on for the 2012 season. Simple, clean, and quick was exactly what Joey had in mind when it came to Chris's bag setup and right away started on Chris's false floor.
I've learned from experience, when it comes to cars and building them, there's always something that will put a stop to the project. The "Plug and Play" bags in this case would be the antagonist. Luckily, with a drill, hammer and some love from Joey, the bags would fit to perfection.
Wiring is not for everyone, but luckily Joey had a plan up his sleeve. He called up a good buddy of his, Drew Rasmussen, whose name I did recognize. Drew's mk2 is not the prettiest Volkswagen I've seen, nor the fastest. However for some reason, it caught my eye at Dubs on the Dunes earlier that year. The turbo'd 8v had swagger written all over it. When he arrived to the build location, straight from work, he was ready to go. The work-a-holic Drew and Joey for the next few hours were able to accomplish the complete wire setup, gauges, controller, front bags, and air line runs.
With just a few other adjustments, Chris's R32 was ready to roll out of the garage and "lower it." Success was found along with a delicious deep dish Chicago pizza. After talking about upcoming shows to meet up at this next year and our love for dubs, we said goodbye and headed back up north.
Overall it was quite the success.
Words From Chris-
Without the people involved in this timely build it simply wouldn't have been possible. I want to thank the following people for being so supportive and helpful throughout this long process. I got my whole kit from Drew at Dorbritz Designs and I highly highly recommend him. I would either contact Dorbritz Designs or Open Road Tuning for any air ride needs.
I would also like to thank the following people,
Drew Dorbritz- Was very informative on what to get and why to get it, everything shipped the same day I ordered it. There is a reason he is one of our authorized dealers.
Joey Ruffolo- Helped with the air suspension build, wouldn't have been possible w/o him
Drew Rasmussen- Wiring genius! Enough said.
Marc and all of Joey's friends who stopped by- Were very supportive
Ethan Watson- Documenting this progress and amazing photography
Harrison Fry- Help with photography
Evan Lonergan- Helped with the build of our wheels
Mitchel Palamo- Help with detailing the R32
Patrick Shaughnessy- Was very helpful on what to order and why
Aaron Ok- Put up with all of my stupid questions about air!
I'm sure I left some people out and I am sorry about that, however thank you for making this possible!
A few months ago, Chris Bosgraaf (Owner of Watercooled Industries) gave me a call with the question "What's your view on bags?"
Late in November of this past year, Chris ordered his bags from Dorbritz Design and started his search for who wanted to help out with the build. Joey Ruffolo decided he would be up to the task with a few of his friends to supervise and help here and there the first weekend of December. With that, Chris called me up with excitement and asked if I wanted to take a few pictures of the set-up before it went in and perhaps to join in for the fun of the build. Down to take some pictures, we set up his bags and messed with some light painting.
During the shoot, we talked about his idea for the bag set-up and how he wanted it to go simple and quick. The idea was to get up early, make it down to Chicago fast and easy, and be back home later that night. Satisfied with the plan, I decided it would be worth tagging along to cover the build. When my alarm went off the next morning however, I had my hesitation, but I finally got up, packed up the camera gear and met up with Chris.
Nature was not on our side. Both of us were concerned about getting down to Chicago and back in the first place with Chris's back tires showing cords, so the new snowfall really was not what we wanted to put up with. After downing a breakfast burrito and discussing it more, we figured, might as well give it a go. Our projected idea of the trip taking 2 hours was doubled and then some with our max speed of 40mph. There's nothing like a powerful car with zero tread on slick ice. After a great deal of time, we made it to Joey's house, a little later than expected, and started unloading.
Joey Ruffolo was not a name I was familiar with before the build began, but his mk5 speaks for itself for what he could accomplish. The plans yet to come with his mk5 over this winter will make it a car to keep an eye on for the 2012 season. Simple, clean, and quick was exactly what Joey had in mind when it came to Chris's bag setup and right away started on Chris's false floor.
I've learned from experience, when it comes to cars and building them, there's always something that will put a stop to the project. The "Plug and Play" bags in this case would be the antagonist. Luckily, with a drill, hammer and some love from Joey, the bags would fit to perfection.
Wiring is not for everyone, but luckily Joey had a plan up his sleeve. He called up a good buddy of his, Drew Rasmussen, whose name I did recognize. Drew's mk2 is not the prettiest Volkswagen I've seen, nor the fastest. However for some reason, it caught my eye at Dubs on the Dunes earlier that year. The turbo'd 8v had swagger written all over it. When he arrived to the build location, straight from work, he was ready to go. The work-a-holic Drew and Joey for the next few hours were able to accomplish the complete wire setup, gauges, controller, front bags, and air line runs.
With just a few other adjustments, Chris's R32 was ready to roll out of the garage and "lower it." Success was found along with a delicious deep dish Chicago pizza. After talking about upcoming shows to meet up at this next year and our love for dubs, we said goodbye and headed back up north.
Overall it was quite the success.
Words From Chris-
Without the people involved in this timely build it simply wouldn't have been possible. I want to thank the following people for being so supportive and helpful throughout this long process. I got my whole kit from Drew at Dorbritz Designs and I highly highly recommend him. I would either contact Dorbritz Designs or Open Road Tuning for any air ride needs.
I would also like to thank the following people,
Drew Dorbritz- Was very informative on what to get and why to get it, everything shipped the same day I ordered it. There is a reason he is one of our authorized dealers.
Joey Ruffolo- Helped with the air suspension build, wouldn't have been possible w/o him
Drew Rasmussen- Wiring genius! Enough said.
Marc and all of Joey's friends who stopped by- Were very supportive
Ethan Watson- Documenting this progress and amazing photography
Harrison Fry- Help with photography
Evan Lonergan- Helped with the build of our wheels
Mitchel Palamo- Help with detailing the R32
Patrick Shaughnessy- Was very helpful on what to order and why
Aaron Ok- Put up with all of my stupid questions about air!
I'm sure I left some people out and I am sorry about that, however thank you for making this possible!
" - Stretchd8
" - FittedDownLow
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