Ep 346 Dino's Verts Down the baddest "Kat" in the Chevy Truck world is an OG VW guy!

Ep 346 Dino's Verts Down the baddest "Kat" in the Chevy Truck world is an OG VW guy!

Author: Bill Tsagrinos January 9, 2026 Duration: 1:34:52

The baddest "Kat" in the Chevy truck world might surprise you—because it all started with Volkswagens. In this episode, we sit down with  "Dino Battilana, the mastermind behind the world-famous Dino Git Down Chevy truck show in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest and most influential classic Chevy C10 events in the country.

For more than 10 years, Dino Git Down has drawn Chevy pickup trucks from all over the United States and international visitors, growing into an absolute monster of a show. With over 13,000 trucks attending last year, it has become a must-attend event for classic truck enthusiasts, custom builders, and C10 fans worldwide.

But before the C10 fame, Dino's automotive journey began in the Volkswagen world. In this episode, we dive deep into his VW roots, his passion for air-cooled Volkswagens, and how that foundation shaped his approach to building, design, and community. We also break down his latest personal build—a jaw-dropping 1960 Volkswagen that defies categories. While it looks like a convertible, the window channels have been permanently sealed, making it a true open-air cruiser with a unique custom twist.

This VW features air suspension by Levi at Pan Draggers, traditional styling mixed with modern creativity, and even subtle Chevy-inspired interior details—a perfect crossover of two iconic automotive worlds. We talk shop on custom fabrication, air-ride setups, vintage Volkswagen styling, and how his love for VW culture helped influence the growth of one of the biggest classic truck shows in the country.

If you're into classic Volkswagens, Chevy C10 trucks, custom car culture, air suspension builds, automotive event history, or the evolution of car shows, this episode is a must-listen. We cover Dino's  full journey—from air-cooled VW beginnings to building an automotive empire—and how Dino Git Down became the global phenomenon it is today. 

Enjoy


Bill Tsagrinos hosts Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast, a deep and personal dive into the world of vintage Volkswagens that feels more like a conversation in a well-stocked garage than a formal history lesson. This podcast is built on a genuine commitment to the hobby's rich past, focusing not just on the iconic vehicles themselves but on the passionate individuals and innovators who shaped the culture around them. Each episode uncovers stories from the early days of the aftermarket, tracing how a simple car evolved into a global phenomenon of customization and community. You'll hear firsthand accounts from the pioneers-the builders, designers, and small business owners-whose creativity and mechanical ingenuity defined entire eras of VW modification and restoration. It’s a blend of casual storytelling and detailed historical insight, perfect for anyone who appreciates how human passion drives automotive legacy. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration that connects the dots between yesterday's garage tinkerers and today's thriving classic VW scene, making this podcast an essential listen for both seasoned enthusiasts and those just discovering the depth of the air-cooled world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep 353 about time Inc. oil filler adapter inventor Kent Wallace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:23
He's not dead… and neither is true VW innovation. In the world of classic Volkswagens, creativity has always been part of the DNA. From backyard builders to full-blown innovators, the VW scene thrives on people who see a…
Ep 352 Rick Hunt VW Carb Rebuilding [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:03
Carburetors have long been one of the very first performance upgrades people make to their classic Volkswagens. But with so many choices out there—Weber DCNFs, IDAs, IDFs, and the various Dellorto options in 36, 40, and…
Ep 351 Roundtable Bill Buys a Sport Bug 2026 show talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:10
On this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, Bill breaks down his latest Volkswagen marketplace find — a 1973 VW Sport Bug, one of the coolest factory special editions Volkswagen produced in the early '70s. These cars were offere…
Ep 349 OCW 2026 Type 1 Restoration wins at the GNRS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
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Tech talk with Fred Simpson  the "Great Engine Debate" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:54
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Ep 345 Type 4 Master Jake Raby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52:22
Jake Raby is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts on the Volkswagen Type 4 engine, with more than 30 years of hands-on experience building, developing, and refining air-cooled Type 4 VW engines. Since th…
Ep 344 Sausage, Local VW hoard & Murder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:59
San Leandro, California—an industrial Bay Area city shaped by its Portuguese community and a deep-rooted Volkswagen culture—holds a story few outside the neighborhood ever knew. Tucked away behind an unassuming fence was…
Ep 343 Year end review 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:36
2025 was a huge year for documenting Volkswagen history—and in this episode, we take a full look back. We review the entire 2025 podcast episode list, breaking down highlights and key moments from nearly every show in ca…