I talked to a gentleman the other day that absolutely, positively loves what he does. Ed Economy is one of our long time vendors at the Pomona Swap Meet. Ed sells vintage Volkswagen parts. He not only sells VW parts, he gives you the history of each part he sells. He can tell you where it came from, where it goes and why it’s there. Located on Road 34, Spaces 1, and 3, Ed is a fixture at the swap meet. He has been located in the same spot since 1982 and has missed only two shows in all that time; reason being, he was surfing in Hawaii. Surfing is another passion he shares with friends and buddies from his high school days. In fact, surfing was the main reason he is in the VW business. He and his surfing buddies needed economical, reliable transportation to the many beaches in southern California. There was nothing better on the market than the rear engine, air-cooled, low cost VW. In fact, it became the iconic auto of the SoCal surfing community. It was through driving and maintaining the bug and bus that Ed learned to love this little rugged auto.
Ed worked in a VW wrecking yard for 12 years learning everything there was to know about the bits and pieces of the little German “Folks Car”. The transition to sales of vintage parts was a natural for Ed. He has built and helped build off road race cars that ran in the Barstow to Vegas and Baja races. He put together a Karman Ghia show car that won first place in twelve shows. Additionally, he was president of the Orange County Chapter of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America. You want anything associated with vintage VW’s he either has it or can get it for you. Ed sells headlights, tail lights, mirrors, switches gauges, engine parts; including historic rocker arms with the swastika cast in them, rare hard to find parts and more. In addition, he has brought his interest in surfing and skateboarding (Ed was also a professional skateboarder) with him to the swap meet; occasionally bringing vintage surfboards and skateboards. He also sells specialty items, historic metal signs, Volkswagen collectibles and even peddle cars.
The Volkswagen was designed by Ferdinand Porsche as a low cost car for the people of Germany. Little did he know during the original design that he would be asked to design a military version of his little “people’s car” to support Hitler’s war in Europe, Russia and North Africa. For the military he designed the Kubelwagen (short for Kubelsitzwagen meaning “bucket seat car”). The vehicle was very successful and those captured by the U.S. Military were found to be simpler, easier to maintain, faster and more comfortable for four passengers than the jeeps. Improvements made were included in the postwar beetles and those that our servicemen brought back after their tour of duty in Europe.
-Citizen Wayne |
When you go to the Pomona Swap Meet, make sure to stop by Ed Economy’s spaces and talk to him. His historical knowledge and his array of items for sale will keep you hanging around. More than likely, you will get a little history of VW. Ed Economy is one of our outstanding vendors and we are glad that he has chosen the Pomona Swap Meet as a venue for sales of his items.
