RV oddities: Ruben’s Armadillo, a ’56 VW bus/Airstream hybrid

By Cheri Sicard
Tucked away in Menon, California, Ruben Martin brought to life a project few would dare attempt: a unique blend of a classic 1956 VW bus and an Airstream trailer. Inspired by a diecast model and driven by a stubborn vision, Ruben poured two years of work, sweat, and creativity into this rolling piece of automotive art. The result? A fully functional, vintage RV that turns heads and sparks curiosity everywhere it goes.

In the video at the end of this post, VW expert Eddy Collins joins Ruben for a tour and takes us along.

The project kicked off after Ruben spotted a miniature bus-trailer fusion by Diecast Mike on Instagram. Right then, he knew he wanted his own life-sized version. The 1956 VW bus he found in Humboldt County, though, was far from ready for adventure. It had been a rough workhorse, hauling firewood and missing most of its rear floor—a rescue mission more than a build.

Turning a panel van into a rolling home meant starting with big, bold steps. Ruben inherited a bus that was already cut down, but he didn’t stop there. The Airstream trailer donor arrived six feet too long, so he cut it in half, shortened it, and rejoined it to match the vision.

Major transformations:

• Trailer shortening: Removed six feet from the Airstream, then stitched everything back together.

• Frame modifications: Shortened and widened the VW chassis, extended for RV life, thanks to skilled help from Rooster Garage.

• Accessories upgraded: Fitted giant truck mirrors, sourced a single-cab roof rack, and added bold personal touches.

Ruben tackled his first project with little prior metalworking experience. The learning curve was steep—replacing the front floor, crafting new lower dog legs, and rivet work on aluminum. The precise cut to fit the trailer shell over the VW cab proved especially tricky, involving days of careful trimming and lining things up.

“I didn’t know how to do this until I started. Every part—cut, check, trim, try again. It took four days just to get that fit right.”

Staying true to an era, Ruben worked hard to keep the bus’s ‘50s and ‘60s soul. Windows, panels, and hardware all keep that period-correct look. Under the surface, though, it runs on modern systems: all-new wiring, updated mechanics, fresh water tanks, and a heater for comfort on the road. Ingeniously, leftover Airstream aluminum became cab panels and even the engine lid.

Traveling in style

Step inside, and the place feels lived-in and cozy, yet undeniably unique. The roof, doors, and dash all feature real Airstream aluminum, cut and shaped by Ruben. The seat covers and original kick panels add warmth. There’s still room for improvement, like better locks for cabinets, but the vibe is strong, retro, and inviting.

Under the rear hatch sits a robust 1915cc engine with dual Kadron carbs and a AAA performance exhaust. The bus manages highways at 65-75 mph.

Ruben describes the driving as an adventure in itself. Between the massive side mirrors, low ride height, and a GPS phone app replacing the dead speedometer, he’s learned every quirk. Scraping used to be a problem until he fitted new coilovers (short for coil over stock absorber). Now the ride is steady, even with three adults on board. It feels more like a fire truck than a minibus when turning, but he says that’s half the fun.

“I get stopped and questioned every trip. This isn’t your ordinary bus—people always want a closer look.”

Ruben’s love for classic Volkswagens shows in his collection—ten buses split across Spain and the U.S. Rooster Garage in Humboldt County played a big role in bringing this dream to life, helping with the key framework. Friends and the project community added energy and advice when things got tough.

Scenic drives through California’s orange groves, nights parked under the stars, and constant waves from strangers have made the journey even more special. Ruben’s rolling creation doesn’t just honor the past; it’s living proof that stubborn ideas, hard work, and teamwork can turn dreams into reality. Like Ruben says, “Just keep going till the end—never give up.”

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