After a meeting and submitting some paperwork to the Instituto Nacional de Migración so I wouldn’t be deported, I drove east to Colonia Emiliano Zapata Oriente, Mérida. My objective was to find out how to fit hubcaps on my 1994 volcho. I found out, through talking with the owner of Abel Hojalateria y Pintura Automotriz, Sr. Abelardo May Paredes, that my volcho was just too new to fit the set I bought. I was really REALLY disappointed. I asked a few more questions about volchos and imagined he was a kind of expert – he just had that look in his eye. I spoke with him about the possibility of obtaining a classic volkswagen beetle. Abel then told me he’s restored a few and started naming the last five – 1965, 1966, 1969…. and so on. I imagine he felt some pity for me and also took a liking to the huera from Florida (he lived in Miami for a while) that he walked me over to his house to see the volcho’s he restored for his son and daughter. They were indescribably beautiful, from the 1960s, with authentic and gorgeous parts. It was a dream come true. I didn’t even feel any envy, just bliss – these were such beautiful cars in every sense. Then, when I thought it couldn’t get any better. He asked me if I wanted to see the one he drove. How could I say “no”? We took a little drive and there it was, tucked away in a garage, all black and shiny with chrome accessories, a volcho from the 1950s from germany. The best best part about this was the most fun. When you put on the left turn signal, a little plastic piece pops out from the drivers side right behind the door at the top and lights up – indicating you’ll be making a left turn. It was too funny and just perfect. Sr. Abel is the President of the Mérida/Mayab Volcho Club. He said they’re having an exposition in early December here. I can’t wait. And in the meantime, if he can find me a classic I can afford, I’ll be his BFF. They are just exquisite.
Abel Hojalateria y Pintura Automotriz
Prop. Abelardo May Paredes
Calle 41 No. 369 x 34C
Colonia Emiliano Zapata Oriente
Mérida, Yucatán
Tel 986 37 14