Tales from the V-Dub Man

This was a series called Vintage Adventures that was published in The Picayune, a small town newspaper in Marble Falls, Texas, that I wrote in 2002. It was one of the most fulfilling projects I have worked on and I hope to return to another form of it again.

“I would offer to take a woman’s photo and then show her samples of wigs that would alter her appearance,” he said. “I would open this box and showcase the wigs, falls, (hair pieces) and wiglets and then say. ‘Oh, this is you.’ It was one of my stranger occupations.”

Charles Beversdorff, “The V-Dub Man”, 64, also known as Charlie, has led an unconventional lifestyle. The self-proclaimed archeologist, detective, and wig salesman sports wildish hair and tales of women, intrigue, and even Steve McQueen - with one continuous theme—the Volkswagen. 

Charlie, originally from San Antonio, left home at 16 years old in search of adventure. His life became interesting when he met George F. Garner, the chief engineer for the radio station KONO and a former Army communications specialist. Garner mentored Charlie in the art of telephone tapping and later introduced Charlie to John Munger, who hired Charlie as a junior detective at his agency. 

“Most of our cases centered around marriages on the rocks or divorces,” Charlie said. “I was a 17-year-old kid in an old Ford eavesdropping on their rendezvous. No one ever suspected I was the mastermind behind the agency. “When I saw my first James Bond movie years later, I remember laughing at their spy techniques, thinking that I had pulled those tricks years before.” 

During his sleuthing days, Charlie delved into photography. “I set up a darkroom and experimented with the fine art of hand painted portraits when I wasn’t chasing down unfaithful husbands and wives,” he said. “Mostly this hobby would aid me later when I got mixed up in women problems.” 

Charlie’s tales are intermingled with several marriages. “I was married three times,” he explained. “And I discovered that I’m better off solo. Each of those women taught me something different, but mostly I learned that I’m better suited for solitude. So, now it’s just me, K-Dog and Kato.” (K-Dog is a mixed breed dog, and this is K-Dog number five. When asked the meaning of the “K” he alluded to a former girlfriend named Kay and we left it at that. Kato is a cat named after Bruce Lee’s character in the movie, “The Green Hornet.”) 

After his stint as a private investigator, Charlie explored work at Volkswagen (VW) of America. “I was already a Harley mechanic and their air-cool engines are similar to the VW,” he said. “I started out mopping the floor. VW was known for hiring people that weren’t necessarily mechanics. VW mechanics are trained in a meticulous method, with great attention to detail.” 

He explained how he became a VW expert. “A man drove up in a Rolls Royce Bentley and asked me if I could install an air conditioner into a square-back type three VW. Ten days and 997 dollars later that vehicle was air-conditioned and I had proven myself. The manager later sent me to advanced engine and transmission school and provided me with some valuable experience.” 

“I was living large in those days, with four porches and my own Cessna plane. But, times became complicated.” In the mid 60s, Charlie and his son, Jeff, left for South America. “It was a strange time,” he said. “We had basically left civilization and entered the jungle. Once we came around the corner and in front of us were a group of men with blowguns, ready for action. Needless to say, that was a short visit.” 

Charlie maintained his VW knowledge and used it for quick money while in South America. “I had developed an ear for the VW and I could tell when something just wasn’t right,” he said. “There was a language barrier that had to be overcome, but if I heard a noise and after a series of hand gestures and exaggerated expressions that would understand that I could fix their vehicle and they would invite me to their homes. This kept us afloat while on our journey.” 

After returning from the jungle, Charlie landed in Florida. His VW experience landed him work on Formula One racecars. “I was at the Daytona Formula V, when I met Steve McQueen,” he said. “He had just been in ‘The Great Escape’ and exuded the Captain Virgil Hilts 'The Cooler King' persona. He was a casual guy who drove a Ford Cobra and was an easy conversationalist.” By this time, Charlie had dabbled in Harleys and at one point, won the coveted title of Fastest Harley Dragster. 

“I got into fixing cars, because when I was a kid, if you wanted a car, you built it,” Charlie said. “I’ve always had a mechanical sense and the same goes with people. I know what someone is going to do before they do it.” 

Florida conjured up other memories for Charlie. “There were a lot of old people and kids driving Spitfires and jaguars. There weren’t a lot of people driving German cars, so I had to learn new skills.” He started diving. 

“I guess that’s where my treasure hunting skills took over,” he said. “Once I found a 1910 bronze prop from a steamship. I started to appreciate the world underwater.” Charlie also developed an interest for the French oceanographer, Jack Cousteau. 

Charlie left Florida for Alabama, then Mississippi, and temporarily settled in New Orleans. “New Orleans is where I regained my love for photography,” he said. “I wasn’t working as much as a mechanic and I used my creative juices. I even managed to be a wig salesman during the process.” 

“I would offer to take a woman’s photo and then show her samples of wigs that would alter her appearance,” he said. “I would open this box and showcase the wigs, falls (hair pieces) and wiglets and then say. ‘Oh, this is you.’ I’ll admit that was one of my stranger occupations.” 

Charlie enjoyed the historical aspects of New Orleans as well. “The cemeteries were great for capturing photographs,” he said. “I learned so much about the music, culture, and about the South in general.” 

Finally, Charlie decided to return to his Texas roots, this time to Marble Falls, Texas. “I’ve been in this town since the 70s and can remember when there was one blinking light,” he said. In December of 2001, he lost his home due to a fire. “I left my wood-burning stove burning for a minute and the rest is history. Now I call myself an archeologist, sorting through letters and photos, trying to salvage what remains.” Friends and neighbors have rallied around Charlie and aided him during this struggle. 

Charlie credits his life experiences to his resilience during hard times. “Some might call my life reckless or unstable,” he said. “At least at the end of the day I always have a story to tell.”