Jim Thompson - BioJim Thompson’s experience with VW’s started way back in 1960 when he helped his father rebuild a 36HP VW engine for a friend theirs. The family also purchased new 61 and 62 beetles right off the showroom floor. In June of 1967, a another new VW, this time a Microbus Deluxe 21 Window with Sunroof was added. Jim owned this bus until 1997, putting over 300,000 miles on the odometer.
Projects cars include a 1950 "Split Window" Beetle in October 1966. A "pan-off" which included complete rebuild of the engine, split-case transmission, pan, body and a new wiring harness, It was his father’s daily driver for the next 5 years.
Jim’s first new car was a Ravenna Green 1973 Karmann Ghia Coupe with the optional "Formula Vee" Mag Wheels. Since then Jim has owned, repaired and/or restored numerous VWs. Notables being a 1959 European Single Cab Pickup, 1956 Oval Window Beetle, 1964 Notchback, 1961 Panel Transporter, 1967 Beetle Sedan, 1969 Hardtop Campmobile, 1973 Panel Transporter, 1981 Rabbit Pickup Diesel, VW Fox Wagon and a 1980 Vanagon.
Jim has worked in the VW parts business since 1976. In 1982, he purchased his own place; Sherwood Auto Parts in Van Nuys, CA. Then in 1884, The Old Volks Home, known throughout the industry as the "Original Manufacturer of the California-Look Window Weatherstrip". For the next 17 years Jim and his companies were known for providing a very complete and quality-oriented supply of parts and accessories to the VW restoration enthusiast.
In the early 90s Jim spent several years at Bus Boys in Redding, CA. before joining Scott Dempster at Karmann Ghia Parts and Restoration to further the business growth of KGPR by adding Beetle & Bus parts to the inventory. Eventually giving birth to Airhead Parts, dedicated first and foremost to the Air Cooled VW Enthusiast (with Wasserboxer Vanagons and Eurovans thrown into the mix).
While his official position is "Product Manager" Jim is also our resident Electrical and Bus guru.
But Jim’s "true calling" (as he likes to say), is the accumulation of reference material and knowledge of most (if not all) things Volkswagen. The "library" has grown considerably over the past 30+ years and include VW Parts Counter Books, Microfiche, ETKA, Parts Bulletins, Workshop Manuals, etc., (and it’s still growing!).
In Jim’s own words, "Working with the expertise of Bob Ellis, (a new addition to the crew here at Airhead Parts), it’s hoped that the technical help regarding your VW’s needs is expanded to a greater knowledge base, resulting in better service and quality in parts and accessories for the VW enthusiast. Feel free to contact me at Jim@airheadparts.com or on the Airhead Parts Forum at airheadparts.com at anytime"
Jim Thompson
Airhead Parts
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