TheSamba.com :: View topic - Looking into an early split bus would like a barn door.

Mon Feb 15, 2010 1:38 am

scottsdale is near phoenix correct? join the arizona bus club. they can help you find a dry,non rotted out 65-67 bus to build up.

Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:30 am

I agree with most that 3K wont get you a barndoor worth restoring, and in my opinion it's still not enough for a decent post Barn Door era Bus unless you find that deal of a lifetime.

Most Buses in that price range probably have alot of issues and require tons of welding. It all depends on what you want and the time, effort and money your willing to spend on it. Also keep in mind the motivation factor. Often times people get into major projects only to find out that they have taken on much to large and costly of a project, and soon loose interest.

I don't however agree with the statement that (I Quote:) "Bardoors are Buses that you work your way up to, not "first Buses". In most cases, it would be foolish to have your first bus be a Barn Door" (End Quote). :? :roll:

My first two buses were Barndoors. Back in the 1980's I bought these buses when most did not want them because they were "to old". Times have changed though. Everyone wants them, but few can afford a decent one at the going rate. But if you can find one to restore, or you have the disposable income to buy a minty one, even if it's your first Bus, I say GO FOR IT! Just do it right, and respect the unique VW that it is.
8)

Keep in mind that we all got into this hobby to have fun. :wink:

Just my dos centavos.

Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:32 am

I say go for what drives you, bare naked ambition and desire for the right bus will see you through. Join a local club, get to know busses hands on, then go for whatever bus feels right. 8)

Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:40 pm

ok im 26 and owned about 10 bugs in my life never a bus but the bus bug hit me hard this week.
i emailed some one on here about wanting a BD pannel but i only told them i have around 2 grand to spend im a welder so rust dont bother me .
but now im thinking a bay might get me in the bus game ?
i could save up around 5 grand for a pannel what could i get for 5 g's ?

Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:58 pm

You should be able to find a Split Bus Panel for $5000. I wouldn't even say it would be too rusty at that price. Panels are usually one of the cheapest models.

Mon Feb 22, 2010 11:51 pm

do you think i could swing a BD pannel for that i really love pannels and i need a truck anyway to haul crap .
so i thought why not a pannel i can haul stuff and keep it dry also

Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:04 am

Be in the right place at the right time and have the cash ready, it will be a wreck, but its only tin and can be repaired, take a look at some of the monster projects being built up at the moment. The killer will be trying to find any replacement bits, but once you have the main shell, you can get extra bits as time/wages allow. Good luck! 8)

Tue Feb 23, 2010 5:22 am

alo,
why shouldn't a barndoor be your first bus , if you are planning to put alot of money in it to restore it then it's a better deal to take on a barndoor,
in the end it's more valuable.

grtz to all.

Wed Feb 24, 2010 5:38 pm

I'm only couple years older than you, my first bus was a '65 21 window solid bus I got from the local "santa claus" for 1k, got it driveable and lowered and cruised it for a while with less than 2,500 invested in it. Deals are out there. PLEASE stay away from the "fat chicks" (bays). they are safer and drive better but no where near as fun or cool. My daily driver right now is a '66 pop top camper bus I bought for 800 put a new carb on it and bled the brakes all for 200, and well I've probably driven 2k miles so far and 2 out of state trips. be careful on which ones you decide to restore if they are worth putting the money into. I drive cheap splitty buses I can find, and save my money to finish my '52 split bug(my former driver)

Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:29 am

streetwagens wrote: I say go for what drives you, bare naked ambition and desire for the right bus will see you through. Join a local club, get to know busses hands on, then go for whatever bus feels right. 8)

Good advice, that...

Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:58 pm

Graysvws wrote: PLEASE stay away from the "fat chicks" (bays). they are safer and drive better but no where near as fun or cool.

I've owned splits for 16 years, bought a 71 bay westy last year best bus I've owned...yes I can say that... I got a bd too :lol:

Fri Mar 26, 2010 4:53 pm

Lovefornewergeneration wrote: Well I am looking for a project that’s for sure, something that will take time, I personally know (through my family) a few people who have restored cars and they tell me a bus would be cake to restore compared to what they have done.

This statement bugs me,

The way i read it is, they will do a West coast customs pimp my ride resto with nothing correct or even using correct metal to restore it.

Learn the differences in buses and what it take to restore one right. then deciede what bus you wanna buy