TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:58 pm

Why would you say you bought a Bay Window, rather than a Splittie or Vanagon? Was it just personal choice, or were you unable to find your first choice? If you got a Bay because you couldn't find your first choice, what WAS your first choice?

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:05 pm

I just wanted a bus and to learn my way around engines, trannies, etc.
I think splitties are a little scarce around here, as I have rarely seen 'em around.

Though now, I would really like to have a westy set up as opposed to my non-camper.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:11 pm

So are you saying you'd rather have had a Splittie, or that you just wanted a bus in general?

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:17 pm

ConcreteBalloon wrote: So are you saying you'd rather have had a Splittie, or that you just wanted a bus in general?

In general.
I'm fond of either.
Though I agree with the people in the earlier closed topic that you shouldn't mix the two :lol:

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:24 pm

Personally having owned over 20 campers both splitty and bay I found that the later bays "suit me" the best. Here is a list of reasons why:

79 Westfalia

1.)2.0 type 4 engine (more powerful that any of the other models before)

3.)091 Trans (very strong and well geared for highway driving)

2.) Very well arranged and spacious interior with a double bed below and in the pop top.

3.) Swivel passenger seat!

4.) Front Disc Brakes (72-above)

5.) L jet fuel injection (some may not like it but when it is all installed and operating correctly and adjusted it is worry free for decades), car starts and idles like a kitten with one key turn, plus I am getting 24mpg hwy!!!

I guess for me I have found many things about the earlier busses that I always wanted to see improved whether it be interior or mechanical and volkswagon seemed to over the years add much needed upgrades and in the last year they seemed to sum it all up with a great well rounded, revised westfalia camper. The only bad thing that I would say about the 77-79 campers is the fact that they used hydraulic lifter. Ditch those when you rebuild the engine and you will have a worry free bus that can cruise with todays traffic on the highway and be an easily maintained family camper!

With all of this being said I will say however that I like the look of a split window bus better! I think they are more elegant, intricate and just really make me appreciate volkswagen for the beauty of there design. I own a double cab that I am currently restorign so that i can get my fix for the look of a splitty. Split's are primative in a lot of there mechanicals and I would never want to drive around Baltimore on the highway as it would just be too unsafe now a days for my family!

I like being able to do 70-75 easily with a bay and having all of the upgraded amenities!

Just my opinion!!

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:25 pm

I have to agree as well!

Although, that Brazilian bus that was half splittie half bay looked fairly decent, IMO.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:27 pm

It was 1986. I was 14. It had a seized engine.It looked so cool I was sold!!!!

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:30 pm

My dream bus will always be a Splitty, but i doubt i'll ever have the money to buy one and drive it too.

I didn't really think about the difference between buses until i bought one. Then i got in with the VW crowd with a huge part of that coming from The Samba and saw all the differences between the two. I'm glad i made the choice i did, though i want a camper to see how they are some day too.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:38 pm

I'd never get a Vanagon... I'd love a splitty but they're way too pricey... so I get Bays.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:42 pm

i to have a1973 bay and it does have more power to get around,

Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:42 pm

ccpalmer, you buy "Bays"?

instead of buying multiple bays, why not one Split, lol?

You could always buy a fixer-upper and go that direction. Going for restored quality is NOT the way to go, IMO. You can find a real gem for around 2 or 3k, although you will almost surely need to put some work into it.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:00 pm

I absolutely LOVE the Bays. Sure, the Splitties are cute but theres just something about the "face" of a Bay that brings a smile every time. I would say a Bay is my first choice. I like having the type 4 engine and its much easier finding parts in the junk yards for a Bay (although it is getting harder and harder as time goes by).

I know there will be plenty of naesayers that would disagree with me but personally I think I got the best year of all with my 72. I got the larger engine, improved brakes but get the classic bumper from the 68-72 model years. Sure, it doesnt have an access hatch in the rear but I think thats a benefit. It keeps the engine smells from coming in to the cab!

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:11 pm

the voices in my head told me to buy my bay, based on the pictures that were posted in the ad on the samba.
the voices were not wrong, i got a good bus, and the voices have not told me to buy any busses since then.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:21 pm

I own a vanagon, figured id chime in on this. Ive never driven a bay window but if i was given the choice, i would definitely go for a bay. I just think they are the neatest things and yet so simple. i used to want a splittie but after thinking about it for some time i decided i just like the look of the bay better. although a single cab splittie would definitely make me think long and hard about it. i definitely plan on getting a bay when i have the resources to put time and money into it. (That is, if the vanagon doesnt suck me dry first) Id never be able to get rid of the vanagon for a bay just because it has so many memories in it. Personally, i feel like the vanagon is to the bus as the eurovan is to the vanagon (the later model vanagons at least), and i am definitely not a big fan of the eurovans.

Just out of curiosity, but i have always wondered what the bus guys have thought about the vanagons. If you dont mind me asking why wouldnt you ever get a vanagon ccpalmer?

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:25 pm

Well i wanted a bug so i got a type 3. I still wanted a bug so got a type 3. I still wanted a bug so i got a bay then i just gave up. Im happy to own one i dont want a split there to rare for me to be puttin' around in. There are lots of bays for parts around me there quite sought after by the kids at my high school. Its nice when you tell people you have a vw bus and they know what it is unlike a type 3. I also got a killer deal on my bus thoes are the reasons i bought one.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:36 pm

I had always driven bugs and wasn't really looking for a bus but the 69 Westy I own just showed up one day about 2 blocks from my house.

It was in such good shape and rust free that I couldn't pass it up. 1 owner and came with a side tent.

After 5 yrs I think I'll finally sell it and move on.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:42 pm

I helped a friend restore a '77 westy when I was 16 and I've wanted one ever since.

I want a split about as much as I want a bug - which is to say not at all.

Some people like VWs and all forms of VWs. Me - I just like Bays. The only other model that comes close to piquing my interest would be a Squareback.

There are those who drive Bays because they're not as expensive as splits but be careful not to lump us all in that category.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:43 pm

ConcreteBalloon wrote: ccpalmer, you buy "Bays"?

instead of buying multiple bays, why not one Split, lol?

You could always buy a fixer-upper and go that direction. Going for restored quality is NOT the way to go, IMO. You can find a real gem for around 2 or 3k, although you will almost surely need to put some work into it.

Well... in 20 years I've driven four Bays.. first three rusted out after driving through the winters here. Plus a few parts vehicles. Down to a rusty '77 and cherry '71 now.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:45 pm

I've owned a 65 splitty, and early bay, and a late bay - and all three have their plusses.

The splitties have style. LOADS of it. It's that 60's nostalgia all wrapped up in a quirky little car.

The early bays have a touch of early 70's style with that rickety little type I engine - but the drivability of a bay.

The late bays are spacious and powerfull - and if you LOVE plaid - they are for you.

The downsides are....splittys have reduction boxes - and unless modified are slow.

The early bays have a lack of power - and are a tad cramped (westy campers).

The late bays are almost modern - and are like Rodney Dangerfield - they get no respect.

But overall - for my own uses - I have a late bay - but would NEVER say no to either of the other types.

Vanagons are not yet in my speech pattern.

Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:15 pm

When I started looking at buying a VW, I looked at the vangons and the eurovans. I wanted something to camp in basically. I came across the samba and started looking at bays and splitties..I loved the looks of the splitties but wanted the cot up top. The bays, for me were the best of all choices, classic VW nostalgia with all of the basic amenities I need for camping. So I came across a '71 and was sold. Don't regret it 8) !