TheSamba.com :: View topic - My Hubby's First Love--his 66 VW Bus. What to do?

Tue May 06, 2008 2:24 pm

Better than I was expecting.
Love the spiderwebs:

Unfortunately, unless you do the work yourselves, or find a trustworthy friend who knows vintage buses to help you, It will get expensive really quick. Best of luck finding the skills or the friend, that's your best bet.

Tue May 06, 2008 8:00 pm

pyrOman wrote: Once you get it road worthy, take it to some shows or just go yourselves. You will soon realize how good your bus is compared to a lot of others out there! 8)

You guys need to go the VW Classic show in Irvine Sunday June 10th. A great place to jump start the family hobby!

Tue May 06, 2008 8:19 pm

Hey, I can't thank everyone enough. I'm so glad I found this forum. You have really helped me see the possibility of bringing his van back to life! I'm probably most pleased to hear that you think it's not a "total basket case" hahaha.

Here's what I plan to do:

1. I'm going to listen to Cris about the doors (you've all echoed his sentiment) but I think I may need some more guidance on this one. I have no idea what a donor bus is or where I would get these.

2. Treat the existing rust. An aluminum tape was mentioned as well as a solution. Anyone out there give me more details and where I find this stuff???

3. Get a quote on getting the split windows resealed. I was digging around in the bus when I took the pictures and found what appears to be all new seals. Any recommendations on getting someone to do this? The body work stuff?

4. Hire a mechanic (I really like the idea of the mobile mechanic that was recommended. He could easily come to my mother-in-laws house, get it safe and running all without my husband knowing a thing...I love that!)

5. Take up Robz Kombi on the offer for the VW emblem...how incredibly nice. My husband's emblem was stolen and it still burns him up to this day. I REALLY appreciate this. This alone, if I'm not able to pull anything else off, might just bring him to tears...the fact that it's vintage/original...he'll be stoked. What a nice offer.

6. Lastly, if budget allows (which I doubt) I'd love to get some new upholstery and curtains. This may not happen, now, but just in case for down the road does anyone have a recommendation?

7. Check out the SV2 club. Is it ok just to show up, no van??? I wouldn't want my husband to come either as my "networking" there would spoil the surprise.

I really think I can pull this off (well, with your guidance)! I'm beyond happy.

Thank you, thank you
Korie

Tue May 06, 2008 8:27 pm

A few of you have asked about the engine...I am sorry I really don't know. I called my husband's brother...he said the engine was tuned by the Bug Shack just a few months before it died. We parked it after that. No more monies.

Do you think I should try and prod my husband for more engine info. before I call the mechanic?

Tue May 06, 2008 8:34 pm

KPriscilla wrote: A few of you have asked about the engine...I am sorry I really don't know. I called my husband's brother...he said the engine was tuned by the Bug Shack just a few months before it died. We parked it after that. No more monies.

Do you think I should try and prod my husband for more engine info. before I call the mechanic?

Mobile mechanics are iffy, I was overquoted ALOT when I tried that because not alot knew aircooled so i was just getting quoted off regular labor. I would see if you can get a SAMBA GUY to come check it out, Yoiu dont want to be paying a mobile mechanic hourly to figure out how an aircooled engine works

Tue May 06, 2008 9:06 pm

You should see if the local library has the Muir book, it is really easy to follow and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, take someone up on there offer to help look at the bus, and see if you can do it your self ( with some help). You would be amazed at how simple it is, and you should know something about how the bus works anyway. I work on mine all the time and you really get a sense of accomplishment when you say "I did that!" Even my little girls help out in the driveway.

Tue May 06, 2008 9:14 pm

KPriscilla wrote: Hey, I can't thank everyone enough. I'm so glad I found this forum. You have really helped me see the possibility of bringing his van back to life!

One request - in return for the help, you must never call it a "van" again. The proper terminolgy is "Bus", unless you happen to be some limey bastard from the UK. :wink:

I think your best bet would be to continue networking on this site to find someone local willing to help out. The chances of finding a mobile mechanic who is fluent in old VWs are slim.

Tue May 06, 2008 10:00 pm

sled wrote: WOW that bus is not bad at ALL.

you have a GREAT project to start with x2 :D

Tue May 06, 2008 10:55 pm

EL DUB wrote:
Mobile mechanics are iffy, I was overquoted ALOT when I tried that because not alot knew aircooled so i was just getting quoted off regular labor. I would see if you can get a SAMBA GUY to come check it out, Yoiu dont want to be paying a mobile mechanic hourly to figure out how an aircooled engine works

Sweet Rides wrote: Hey Korie, i think that Andy Hall is definitely going to be your man for getting the bus going.

Check this out, his feedback is AMAZING 8)

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=253701

He`s really come through for me and many, many others :wink:

Andy's feedback is certainly impressive for a mobile guy! I'd give him a call and see what he wants to check it out. Then at least you will know where you're at on the engine and mechanicals. If it happens to need a brake master cylinder, I've got an extra new one for 66 that's yours if you need it. (as soon as I can find it!)

Wed May 07, 2008 5:41 am

Korie, I'll PM you about the aluminum tape, where to get it, and how to do it. I did my buses all by myself. It's easier for a girl to tell a girl how to do it. This is just a temporary stopgap for your rust though.

Wed May 07, 2008 6:23 am

suebug is a member of sv2s. ask her if it saves money. :D too bad you live so far or i could check it out and possibly get it running. there are some smart bus/beetle people that are members up in ventura chapter of sv2s....

Wed May 07, 2008 6:42 am

KPriscilla wrote: 7. Check out the SV2 club. Is it ok just to show up, no van??? I wouldn't want my husband to come either as my "networking" there would spoil the surprise.

Thank you, thank you
Korie

Yes, of course! I tell the regular active members that though nice to have a good turn out of buses at the meetings, the main purpose of them is to help each other with their upkeep and restoration as well as plan for outings and such. So even if our buses aren't running at the time we all should attend to share our company, ideas, and input! After all, our club motto is "For the Members, By the Members"! 8)

I even frequent the meetings in my Benzo or the wife's Jeep. :oops:

Oh, and x2 on the "van" issue. They originally called them microbus. It was the wannabe chrysler that called them minivans. :roll:

Wed May 07, 2008 6:57 am

Great story. He is a very lucky man. Good for you.

I can see it now.
The next TLC phenom...

"On the Road Again"
Wife congers up local car enthusiasts to resurrect her husbands first love, a 66 VW microbus, without him knowing and a $500 budget. Donated parts pour in from all over and a few VW club members smile for the camera as they get the beast back on the road again. VW people are some real characters for a heartfelt and funny reality show.

Wed May 07, 2008 7:00 am

bushaus wrote: You guys need to go the VW Classic show in Irvine Sunday June 10th.

June 10th is a tue. by my calendar.

Wed May 07, 2008 7:16 am

rjonas wrote: Great story. He is a very lucky man. Good for you.

I can see it now.
The next TLC phenom...

"On the Road Again"
Wife congers up local car enthusiasts to resurrect her husbands first love, a 66 VW microbus, without him knowing and a $500 budget. Donated parts pour in from all over and a few VW club members smile for the camera as they get the beast back on the road again. VW people are some real characters for a heartfelt and funny reality show.

VW people are great and I think Korie is finding out what makes this hobby tick. If you're honest and genuine you can count on the VW crowd to help you out. When it comes time I'll donate parts if I have them, just get a list going. I'm just sorry I don't live in Ventura. I'd be there TODAY to give the bus a once over. I don't want to speak for any of the local ventura bus guys, but be patient and I'm sure somebody will look at that bus within a week to see what's wrong. I think the over/under for getting the bus running as it sits is 43 minutes :wink:

Wed May 07, 2008 8:21 am

///Mink wrote:

One request - in return for the help, you must never call it a "van" again. The proper terminolgy is "Bus", unless you happen to be some limey bastard from the UK. :wink:

I think your best bet would be to continue networking on this site to find someone local willing to help out. The chances of finding a mobile mechanic who is fluent in old VWs are slim.

I was driving my Bus the other day when the RTD pulled up next to me and he looked over and smiled cause I was in a Bus, I looked at his steering wheel and pointed to mine, and we both laughed.

A Bus has a flat horizontal steering wheel, a Van has a steering wheel setup like a car, vertically.

Wed May 07, 2008 8:48 am

KPriscilla wrote:

2. Treat the existing rust. An aluminum tape was mentioned as well as a solution. Anyone out there give me more details and where I find this stuff???

Suebug probably already filled you in on the aluminum tape. Any good hardware store should have it, even Home Depot. It's used to tape up aluminum and metal duct work in houses, etc.. It sticks pretty well to metal with primer on it, and sticks very well to itself. It also will form into odd shapes with some relief cuts. Great stuff, but again just temporary.

I use it over the rusty metal (red) Rustoleum primer.

Wed May 07, 2008 9:03 am

vwagman wrote: bushaus wrote: You guys need to go the VW Classic show in Irvine Sunday June 10th.

June 10th is a tue. by my calendar.

Ummmm, yeah. I meant Sunday June 8th. Gotta stop drinking while posting! Thanks for the correction.

Wed May 07, 2008 10:32 am

Tell ya what. If you can get the bus to blackstar, over the course of the three days it's there I'm pretty sure you'll be driving it home...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279645

And there's also a Bus-only Show on June 7th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=294117

Wed May 07, 2008 11:34 am

Ok Korie all boxed up and ready to ship, should be out no later than tomorrow. Got your PM's