TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Nov 10, 2002 9:16 pm

hey i asked this question in the 68+ forum, i wanted to know why you own a split bus over a bay window, is it just personal preference for looks? or is there some major differences? im thinking of getting a bus, and i dont know which one to get, i once owned the carcass of a split bus, but it wasnt enough for me to know. i know about the padded dash and the difference in seats blah blah, but if i want a bus to use, daily, and go on trips with...what would you suggest. do you use your bus daily?

Sun Nov 10, 2002 9:39 pm

I've owned two splitties ('60 panel and '66 deluxe) and two bays ('71 and '79 Westie) over the years. I currently own a '66 and chose it because I like the retro look and mainly because I wanted a 21 or 23 window, which eliminated the bays. My first new car was a '71 bay (graduation present...my parents alotted $3500 and tried to push me towards a 240Z, but I couldn't see myself in a then pretty flashy sportscar, being a VW kinda guy). Loved 'em all. Drive mine several times a week, but not daily, though I wouldn't hestitate to if I didn't have several other cars.

Sun Nov 10, 2002 9:57 pm

I can't stand the padded dash for some reason. That's why I don't own a post '67 Beetle either. That's my only problem with them. Splitties seem to have more style though.

Andrew
'58 Panel Bus
'60 European Beetle
'67 Deluxe Bus

Sun Nov 10, 2002 10:01 pm

LOOKS ONLY!!! PERFORMANCE WISE THE BAYS ARE BETTER......

Mon Nov 11, 2002 8:28 am

My first bus was a '72 and it was a really nice bus (until the accident) too. It was fast and performed very well. Now that I have owned a couple of splits, I would have to say that I like them a lot more then bays. Splits are smaller and lighter and you can feel it when you drive. Plus, like everyone else is saying, splits just have better "classic" look to them. But I think bays look good on the outside up to about '72. After that, they start to turn ugly. And like Andrew said, that plastic padded dash isn't that attractive. The whole cockpit turns me off.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 9:32 am

if you want a comfortable driver that keeps up with traffic and makes the long trips with ease, a bay is the way to go. get a 77-79 2 liter. they're certainly not as cool as a split, but do drive better.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 12:26 pm

Style-wise, there is absolutely NO comparison. The Split is 100 times better. If I were you, I'd buy the Split every day of the week. You can love the Split but a Bay would just be transportation. If you sink $$$ into it, which you inevitably will, you have a far greater chance of getting your cash out of a early Bus than a late model.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 1:22 pm

Mmmmm, I just love splitties period. I've had a baywindow also and for some reason the splitties are so much more "classic" and define "vintage Volkswagen" to the "VW". Can't explain it I guess. Good Luck with your decision, go split if all else fails, the splits will always be "worth" more in the end though I think.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 1:54 pm

I honestly believe that in time, bays will become more excepted as they get older. Probably will always be 2nd compared to the split, but I bet they won't have the same stigma as they do today.

I would own a 68-71 camper or panel for the right price. At least they still have an upright engine that you easily pull out.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 4:01 pm

CLASS, and i think a split without reduction boxes drives just as nice if not nicer than a bay.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 7:37 pm

I had a 66 pop-top westy and I think it was actually beautiful.

Things I liked were the overhead vent system, ground clearance, gas heater, dual leading shoe brakes, jalisy (?) windows, visability in inclement weather.

Things I could have lived without were the 6 volt electrics, king pin suspension (both upgraded in 67), non-walk thru configuration.

I think VW put an extra motor mount on the bay window busses.

Mon Nov 11, 2002 8:49 pm

no offense to bay owners, but i think my non-running 21 window split is cooler than any bay window in my area. i still see bays around here but i have seen maybe 2 splits over the last few years(outside of vw shows, that is)

Thu Nov 14, 2002 8:59 pm

I bought mine (57 SC) for looks, sort of practical, but mostly looks. I could have spent less for a later model but...it's gotta have the right look.

Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:51 pm

I prefer splits by far. 55-57 are my favorites. They make me feel all warm and fuzzy. for a driver I would go with a 64-67 or an earlier bus with later mechaical components. bigger brakes, heavier suspension . I am fond of bay window special models and comercials though. Still saving a 68-71 trip speedo for when I find that wide loader or dump bed sc. or maybe a dd 71 panel in dove blue.