Swooping Cockatoo Garage

05/09/2026

Birdie's bottom end rebuild is well underway. Line bore done. Crankshaft, camshaft and conrods all sorted. The case is back together.

01/09/2026

When the factory brackets don't match the new dual-chamber reservoir, you make your own. 🧰 Custom mounting modification and hand-made retaining strap to keep Birdie’s brake fluid secure.

29/08/2026

Redundancy is everything. 🛑 Early air-cooled VWs used a single-circuit master cylinder where one leak would dump all pressure and leave you with zero brakes. Here is why swapping to a dual-circuit setup is the best safety upgrade you can do.

26/08/2026

Custom brake lines from scratch. Cutting and flaring brand new hardlines to feed both circuits directly on the '62 Beetle. Measure twice, cut once!

25/08/2026

Note to self: always drain the tank first. 🤦‍♂️ Tried pulling the fuel tank on Birdie to get clear access to the master cylinder and ended up giving the garage floor a full petrol bath. Garage life isn't always smooth!

23/08/2026

22/08/2026

One cracked line on a stock early Beetle means zero brakes! Upgrading Birdie from the factory single-port setup to a modern dual-circuit master cylinder with fresh lines and a custom reservoir bracket. Full build breakdown is now live on the channel!

20/08/2026

How hard can it be to work on the brake system?!? Is it really that important, anyway?!? Master cylinder upgrade video drops Sunday 6am AEST, Saturday 4pm ET / 1pm PT

16/08/2026

Engine rebuild is very much underway and look how well the case has come up after a thorough clean and paint. It looks brand new! Swipe for the before photo ➡️

14/06/2026

It's been chilly here in the garage, but I'm back at it!