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 331  It's almost showtime!  GETTING READY FOR VEGAS OCW updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
🚨 It's almost showtime! We're just 3 weeks away from One Crazy Weekend 2025 Volkswagen Car Show & Event in Las Vegas, happening October 2–4 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). On this episode, Bill and George break down the c…
Ep 330 Paul Bernardo Pilot of the Mini Mite Drag bug [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:27
On this episode, I sit down with my friend Paul Bernardo—an engineer, builder, and true mechanical savant who has left his mark on both Volkswagen and Porsche history. I first met Paul more than a decade ago, and ever si…
Ep 328 Craig Gonzalez Bay WIndow Mafia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:01
The Bay Window Volkswagen Bus — affectionately (and sometimes not so affectionately) known as the Fat Chick, Late Model, Round Window, or Big Boy — covers the iconic 1968–1979 VW Bus era. It was the successor to the lege…
EP 326 4 shows, 5 projects & electric AC with Bill  & George [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:07
On this episode, Bill and George discuss last several videos that George put out as well as the four shows that Bill went to little bit. Americna Cal-LOOK caravan, DKP reunion & EMPI History Tour with Dena Kirsten. Plus…
Ep 325  Discipline Child – A 1955 Oval Window Like No Other [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
In this episode, we dive into the story behind Discipline Child — a wildly custom 1955 Volkswagen Beetle owned by Cali Springer, originally from the Virgin Islands. What began as a simple inquiry about fuel injection tur…
EP 324 Built to Last – Rick Wright of The Wright Gearbox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:24
In this episode, we sit down with Rick Wright, owner of The Wright Gearbox, a name synonymous with precision-built transmissions in the off-road and high-performance VW world. Growing up wrenching in his family's VW shop…