TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Aug 21, 2002 10:07 pm

I have a stock 72 westy and planning to do an engine and carb rebuilt in the winter to keep me busy. I bought it in cali and the body is solid no rust original paint (a little faded with a few dings here and there).

Anyway I have a chance to pick up a 78 westy for pratically nothing (if not the owner will send her to the yard). It has been sitting forever. Rusted. Not running currently but the engine (2.0 FI) is good. The interior is mint. I was thinking of taking the interior and engine out of the 78 and putting it into my 72. As I understand it, the bodys for 72-79 was same. If so, will the interiors swap easily? How about and engine swap? More power would be nice but I've heard stay away from FI. If I were to swap engines, do I just have to change the flywheel and clutch or do I have to change the bell housing as well? How hard would an engine swap be?

Sorry to be so longwinded, but the owner is going to junk the 78 here in the next week. So any or all input would be grately appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

Wed Aug 21, 2002 10:19 pm

I forgot by interiors I meant the cabinets, sink, etc. I know the popups are different and that conversion will be a little difficult.

Thanks again,
Mike

Thu Aug 22, 2002 5:39 pm

You might want to consider buying the transaxle as well for two reasons,first there would be no questions about parts interchange between the two, and the gear ratio would be better for freeway driving.

Sat Aug 31, 2002 2:59 pm

Hey.. if you want to get rid of any 78 bits I could do with some bits - and I'm in UK! You seem to be doing what i hope to do.... my 72 is a changeover model.... I should be getting a 78 r=r bed.. have already got teh seats.. unfortunately my 72 is rhd so i can't use cupboards (one reason why I aint bought any!)... BUT I am looking for:

1. green door panels and other panels from 78 westy (see http://www.iesugrist.co.uk) to see my 2 buses.... trying to make my 72 look a bit like the 78!!
2. getting desparate now for fronmt _ especially rear bumper in good condition (no folds!) and with rubber trim....
3. Basically if you are trying to flog anyhting could you let me know??

my email:

iesugrist@yahoo.com

Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:34 pm

The Westy door panels will require the Westy armrests! And Westy door panels do NOT have the air ducts on them. You would need to transfer them. Also, bus doors have 2 screw clips for the pull handle. Westy doors use 3 white nylon inserts for the armrest screws. I do not believe the 3rd hole is there....

I do not believe you can put 73+ bumpers on 72 and back buses....