Swimming…

There are things I just don’t understand sometimes. I was picking my daughter up from summer camp and had to take a picture of this because I just don’t get it. I understand “Volkswagen for life” and “Farfegnugen” but the swimming?

Is there some social relevance I am missing?

Does this mean that Michael Phelps might be a Volkswagen owner?

I could see Dara Torres driving a beetle with a daisy in the bud vase.

What about the rest of the Olympic swimmers?

62% more likely to go swimming as apposed to?
Just a thought…

Elf Oil / Total Oil

What’s up with elf oil?

It’s been rebranded… Total petroleum is Elf’s parent company so they decided to create some confusion by consolidating and renaming their products.

WARNING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY BE CONCIDERED TECHNICAL IN NATURE MAKING IT DRY AND BORING BUT STILL VERY RELEVANT.

In Total Petroleum’s words:

For future global development and to expand market share in North America, the ELF automotive brand will be transitioning to the TOTAL brand. You’ll still have the same high quality synthetic formulations you’ve been accustomed to, but now with a new name. Our brand focus remains on quality, environmentally-friendly lubricants and better fuel economy for your customers.

A quick conversion chart of elf to total:

Solaris LLX 5W30 Is Now Quartz INEO 504-507 5W30
ACEA A3/B4
Approved for: VW 504.00/507.00 • Porsche • Bentley (503.01)
• Low SAPS lubricant formulated for Volkswagen vehicles
• Fully meets the new environmental standards and optimizes the DPF (diesel particulate filter)

Solaris LSX 5W30 Is Now Quartz INEO MC3 5W30
ACEA C3, A3/B4 • API SM/CF
Approved for: BMW Long Life 04
• MB-Approval 229.31/229.51
• VW 502.00/505.00/505.01
• Low SAPS lubricant specially formulated for BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles
• fully meets the new environmental Standards and optimizes the DPF (diesel particulate filter)

Excellium Full Tech 0W30 Is Now Quartz Energy 9000
ACEA A3/B4 • API SL/CF
Approved for: BMW Long Life 01
• MB-Approval 229.5
• VW 502.00/505.00 • GM LL-A025/B025
• 100% synthetic oil
• Approved by major European car manufacturers
• Easier starting in extreme cold weather
• Reduces polluting emissions and fuel consumption

Excellium NF 5W40 Is Now Quartz Energy 9000 5W40
ACEA A3/B4 • API SM/CF
Approved for: MB-Approval 229.3 (FSS or FSS Plus)
• VW 502.00/505.00 • BMW Long Life 98 • Porsche • GM-LL-B025
Recommended for: Nissan/Infiniti vehicles with timing chains
• Honda/Acura • Toyota/Lexus • Mazda • Subaru
• For extended drain intervals • Optimum engine performance
• Exceptional protection of engine parts

Excellium DID 5W40 Is Now Quartz INEO MC3 5W30
ACEA C3, A3/B4 • API SM/CF
Approved for: BMW Long Life 04 • MB-Approval 229.31/229.51
• VW 502.00/505.00/505.01
• Low SAPS lubricant specially formulated for BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles
• Fully meets the new environmental standards and optimizes the DPF (diesel particulate filter)

Excellium 10W50 Is Now Quartz Racing 10W50
ACEA A3/B4 • API SM/SF
Approved for: Subaru (level)
Recommended for: BMW “M” Series Class Engines
• Excellent resistance to very high temperatures
• Great protection against engine wear

Evolution CRV 0W30 Is Now Quartz INEO 504-507 5W30
ACEA A3/B4
Approved for: VW 504.00/507.00 • Porsche • Bentley (503.01)


Evolution SXR 5W30 Is Now Quartz Future 9000 5W30
ACEA A5/B5 • API SL/CF
Recommended for: Nissan • Chrysler • Honda/Acura
• Toyota/Lexus • Subaru • Ford/Jaguar • Volvo
• For greater fuel economy • High-performance formula
• For turbo-charged, multi-valve and direct injection engines

Competition ST 10W40 Is Now Quartz 7000 10W40
ACEA A3/B3 • API SL/CF
Approved for: VW 500.00 (level)/505.00 • MB-Approval 229.1
Recommended for: Ford/Jaguar/Volvo
• Semi-synthetic oil
• Designed to maintain the engine’s original performance

A Change for the Better!
• Consolidated product line
• Complete OEM and ACEA approvals for low SAPS technology

I do realize this is technical and boring but I do get a ton of questions on this I can email the actual memo to you if you email me at mike@truechoice.com or sales@pap-parts.com

Coolest bug

Every year the Hartford Fair (the biggest little fair in the world) has a car show the opening weekend on Sunday afternoon. This weekend’s show was very good as always with about 100 cars in attendance. I always enjoy small local shows because I always meet people who live near me that are “car people”.

I have developed an appreciation for VW’s through dealing with them everyday at PAP-Parts so I spend a few extra minutes checking them out. There was a nice Karmann-Ghia at the show but the true stand out was Gary Stone’s 62 beetle convertible. Personally, I could not see myself owning a bug even though I do have fond memories of a friends bug back in high school. The restoration on this car was incredible. Most people would miss Gary’s subtle changes because they are done so well.

2 tone rims w/o beauty rings & Tan running boards


Originally had a gray interior, a white vinyl top and black running boards

Check out the motor… it’s not the 1200 cc 40Hp version. That is a 1635 cc duel port with a mild cam and a Weber carburetor. (Note the full flow oil filter/cooler)

No radio, Package tray option, and gauges (Gary added oil temperature, oil pressure, and head temperature)

That’s an original Hazet tool kit (rare)

A collection of research materials

I can’t wait to see his next project… a 78 VW convertible with a V6 chevy

I was looking forward to going to Volksfest 18 in Pataskala, Ohio put on August by the Central Ohio Vintage Volkswagen Club but unfortunately I will be in New Jersey at the Thunderbolt race course with the Truechoice support trailer.

Life is good…