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uRabbit
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Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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 Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: How does this bus look? |
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This thread shall serve as my dump site for Craigslist ads, emails, and other information I will be receiving on busses that my wife and I may be interested in.
Since this may take a couple of months to find the right bus, I thought it would be best to keep one thread, rather than polluting the board with multiple ones. 
Here we go!
We are looking to find - ideally - a '76 to '79 VW camper. Preferably a pop-top (Riviera, Westfalia, etc.), but are considering tin-tops. This is a vehicle we want our one year old daughter to remember for the rest of her life. This will most likely be our only vehicle, as we walk everywhere currently. This will serve its purpose as a camper and weekend cruiser. We do intend to camp in this thing! Not looking for a show car. Just a family camper.
My mechanical experience is limited to having only performed oil changes, filter replacements, general diagnostics, etc. I do not have a large tool set or skill set, so this will be a big task. However, where there is a will, there is a way! We know a couple of people with more experience.
Our bus will be driven on weekends only, under 200 miles per month.
Last edited by uRabbit on Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:24 pm; edited 4 times in total |
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uRabbit
Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:05 pm Post subject: |
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http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/cto/2892224329.html
| Quote: | We have a 1975 Volkswagon Westfalia camper bus that needs to go to a new home. This bus would be a perfect project car. The good parts about it: Like new tent, by PLF VW, the interior sports crushed velvet (how cool is that!), there's plenty of time to get it ready for the summer camping season, has hammock brackets/mounts (hammock not included - selling separately) and has a deadhead sticker on it. The bad: it has rust, especially on the slider door, wind shield has a couple of cracks, and needs new battery. It's been parked on the side of the house and hasn't been used recently. It's too cool of a car to continue to let that happen. 1025 OBO. CASH only.
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What do you think? I emailed and asked for pictures of the rust. |
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Micropassatman
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Joined: January 27, 2006
Posts: 473
Location: Chico, CA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:08 pm Post subject: |
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| I would also ask for pictures of the passenger side of the vehicle, and the engine compartment. From 20 feet she looks great! |
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rustbus
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Joined: June 18, 2009
Posts: 1764
Location: alberta
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:14 pm Post subject: |
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shame the interior isnt original - you should say a little about what your goals are in bus ownership - i.e., restoration, daily driver, just for fun, long term ownership, custom, etc etc, that sort of info is important in choosing a bus, in my opinion
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uRabbit
Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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| rustbus wrote: | | shame the interior isnt original - you should say a little about what your goals are in bus ownership - i.e., restoration, daily driver, just for fun, long term ownership, custom, etc etc, that sort of info is important in choosing a bus, in my opinion |
Added some more info to the original post.
What would you guys suggest? Buying a battery (not sure what size to get for these things) and trying it out? |
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Big Papi
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Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 150
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:53 pm Post subject: |
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From the grainy photos a grand for that is a great deal if it runs. Hard to tell but the tlrust may not be too bad. Gotta check under though. Dont want the frame n torsion bars to be rotted. One things for certain if ur looking in that price range any bus u get will need $ and sweat to keep roadworthy
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1978 ASI Riviera
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SGKent
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Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 17524
Location: State Capitol CA (Sacramento)
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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whomever placed the ad knows buses and mentioned two key words you should pay attention to. Project and Rust.
PASS unless a physical inspection shows that the rust is surface only.
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Steve aka Merlin the Wrench
formerly Steve's Racing and Engine Blueprinting. Wrenching since 1967.
bdamico on GF wrote | Quote: | | "When I was your age I'd plan out all sorts of stuff for the future and almost none of them came true. Just wonder if it's worth trying to be a crystal ball. " |
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uRabbit
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Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Our price range is more like $3,000 to $9,000.
~$3,000 starting when we sell our car.
~$9,000 by the end of the year.
@SGKent
I'm not sure that 'project' and 'rust' necessarily make it a rust project.  Maybe they just don't have the time or desire to get at it. Maybe it's surface rust? I am not sure.
Someone is looking at it tomorrow. She said she will get pictures to me if they don't take it. |
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SGKent
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Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 17524
Location: State Capitol CA (Sacramento)
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:08 pm Post subject: |
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| uRabbit wrote: | Our price range is more like $3,000 to $9,000.
~$3,000 starting when we sell our car.
~$9,000 by the end of the year.
@SGKent
I'm not sure that 'project' and 'rust' necessarily make it a rust project. Maybe they just don't have the time or desire to get at it. Maybe it's surface rust? I am not sure.
Someone is looking at it tomorrow. She said she will get pictures to me if they don't take it. |
you missed the point. There is a big difference between "my grandmom owed this bus and we need to get rid of it" and someone who knows one describing it in detail.
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Steve aka Merlin the Wrench
formerly Steve's Racing and Engine Blueprinting. Wrenching since 1967.
bdamico on GF wrote | Quote: | | "When I was your age I'd plan out all sorts of stuff for the future and almost none of them came true. Just wonder if it's worth trying to be a crystal ball. " |
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uRabbit
Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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| SGKent wrote: | | you missed the point. There is a big difference between "my grandmom owed this bus and we need to get rid of it" and someone who knows one describing it in detail. |
That's true. Whomever replied to my email, however, seemed like they didn't understand the value of good pictures of the engine bay and undercarriage.
| Quote: | | I don't have those pictures, and can't take them tonight. Some one is coming tomorrow afternoon to look at it, but if he's not interested I will send you the pictures. Not sure about the underbelly though... |
I didn't expect pictures tonight. I don't want night time flash pictures. So that was fine. But... "Not sure about the underbelly though..." All I asked for was pictures. Haha. So... You're not sure you can get the pictures?
Maybe they are recently disabled. That's a possible explanation. I read into things too much, I think! |
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notchboy
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Joined: April 27, 2002
Posts: 11314
Location: Seattle WA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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Most buses in our are are going to have lots of owner mods and hidden half ass fixes. Just be careful, very careful 
Have you ever driven a 76-79 camper?
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1963 Pearl White Sunroof Notch
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TGOT
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Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 281
Location: Ashland OR
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| Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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Most likely they are to lazy to do the work when they have someone who doesn't need the pictures so willing to come anyway. I have found with my bus hunting you need to tell the seller "I am ready to come ASAP with cash" then you can decide on the spot if the bus is right for you. When a deal comes along you can't hesitate when 5 other not so discerning people are chomping at the bit. I'm not saying buy first bus you see, but jump on seeing that bus. The seller shouldn't be too upset if you say you are going to pass after you've seen it. You need to secure your place in line or you will have sold from under you.
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71 Super Sold
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kamara
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Joined: January 27, 2008
Posts: 117
Location: Tallahasee, Fl.
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 7:24 am Post subject: |
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It has more to do with how handy and determined you are to fix what comes up than how nice the bus is.....at that price anyway. I bought a 73 for under $500 and have put about $4000 into it total (seals,new windshield,new tires, front seat covers, some engine work) over the last 4 yrs and it is now a reliable daily driver that I wont hesitate to drive on a trip.
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I am the driver - from dust to dust." J. Clegg |
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Mal evolent
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Joined: March 31, 2009
Posts: 1829
Location: Socorro, Nuevo Mexico
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 8:24 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | That's true. Whomever replied to my email, however, seemed like they didn't understand the value of good pictures of the engine bay and undercarriage. |
or they understand all too well
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Heliconman
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Joined: August 08, 2008
Posts: 244
Location: Saline, Michigan
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 9:54 am Post subject: |
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We bought a 78 from Dalton Gardens Idaho a few years back for $1000. Our bus was almost entirely rustfree but did not run. I Have around 4000 into it now and it runs and drives. We still have to fix a few things because $1500 of the 4000 was shipping costs back to Michigan. Since you have a bit more to play with in your budget I would look for a more solid one. Unless you like lots of bodywork. The mechanical issues will be there anyway and will have to be dealt with but it is much less expensive to eliminate the rust repair.
I personally would recommend looking in California for a late bay. I think there might be deals when people can't get them to pass smog and just want to get rid of them. Our 78 bus was originally from California. Also although don't quote me on this one but I believe 75 models had a one year only Fuel injection that might be more difficult to figure out and get parts for.
Look into the different interior layouts as well if you have not already. Many people like the 76-79 westfalia interior as there is more room for cargo. |
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uRabbit
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Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:03 am Post subject: |
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| notchboy wrote: | Most buses in our are are going to have lots of owner mods and hidden half ass fixes. Just be careful, very careful
Have you ever driven a 76-79 camper? |
I have not. 
| kamara wrote: | | It has more to do with how handy and determined you are to fix what comes up than how nice the bus is.....at that price anyway. I bought a 73 for under $500 and have put about $4000 into it total (seals,new windshield,new tires, front seat covers, some engine work) over the last 4 yrs and it is now a reliable daily driver that I wont hesitate to drive on a trip. |
I am willing to learn, that's for sure! As long as what we get runs fine, we are willing to do work on it. But I know the engine is usually what needs the most work up-front.
So do you think our range of $3,000 to $9,000 is good for finding a reliable bus? Remember, we don't want a show car. We are going to use this thing, after all. |
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airkooledchris
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Joined: January 25, 2005
Posts: 1703
Location: Eureka, CA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:41 am Post subject: |
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| uRabbit wrote: |
I am willing to learn, that's for sure! As long as what we get runs fine, we are willing to do work on it. But I know the engine is usually what needs the most work up-front.
So do you think our range of $3,000 to $9,000 is good for finding a reliable bus? Remember, we don't want a show car. We are going to use this thing, after all. |
generally speaking, you'll get more for your money buying a hard top passenger model than you will for a Westfalia or other camper. The earlier bays with the T1 motor seem to sell for more money, but the engine is *slightly* cheaper to work on.
If I were you, id pick up a 73-79 passenger model and add some camping stuff if that's what you want to use it for most of the time. You'll get more for your money, and in the beginning when you don't yet know how to work on them - you want as good of a starting point as you can afford.
Something like http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1259397 this would be a great first bus IMO.
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uRabbit
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Joined: July 26, 2009
Posts: 70
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:54 am Post subject: |
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| airkooledchris wrote: | | uRabbit wrote: |
I am willing to learn, that's for sure! As long as what we get runs fine, we are willing to do work on it. But I know the engine is usually what needs the most work up-front.
So do you think our range of $3,000 to $9,000 is good for finding a reliable bus? Remember, we don't want a show car. We are going to use this thing, after all. |
generally speaking, you'll get more for your money buying a hard top passenger model than you will for a Westfalia or other camper. The earlier bays with the T1 motor seem to sell for more money, but the engine is *slightly* cheaper to work on.
If I were you, id pick up a 73-79 passenger model and add some camping stuff if that's what you want to use it for most of the time. You'll get more for your money, and in the beginning when you don't yet know how to work on them - you want as good of a starting point as you can afford.
Something like http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1259397 this would be a great first bus IMO. |
Oh, man, that sounds like a LOT of work! I know what you're saying, though. And you're right about it being a better deal, I know that. That one is in such good shape, though, that I wouldn't be able to get it to look as nice after adding camping stuff. Haha.
We would really like to find one with a pop-top and kitchenette. Adding a bed, kitchenette, and storage to the one you linked would so much work and money that I'm not sure it would even get done. Ha.
Sure wish I had THAT kind of time. |
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Heliconman
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Joined: August 08, 2008
Posts: 244
Location: Saline, Michigan
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="uRabbit"][quote="airkooledchris"] | uRabbit wrote: |
]
Oh, man, that sounds like a LOT of work! I know what you're saying, though. And you're right about it being a better deal, I know that. That one is in such good shape, though, that I wouldn't be able to get it to look as nice after adding camping stuff. Haha.
We would really like to find one with a pop-top and kitchenette. Adding a bed, kitchenette, and storage to the one you linked would so much work and money that I'm not sure it would even get done. Ha.
Sure wish I had THAT kind of time. |
Just be patient and keep looking. You will find the bus you want. I made the mistake of jumping on one thinking I would not find one and only ended up selling it because it was a lot bigger project than I thought it would be. A year later I found a really solid one.
You can learn a lot by reading posts on here of what other people have and the problems they have and the solutions. There are a lot of VW's on that side of the country. Keep looking and you will find a nice one. |
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Big Papi
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Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:37 pm Post subject: |
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In that price range you'll definately be able to find a westy or riviera in nice shape. There will be the inevitable mechanical issues but for 4-6k you could find a nice daily driver. For 9k it should be a sweet ride. Not a show stopper but a functional beaut in pristine shape.
Stick with your plan of getting a true camper. Don't waste time swapping out interiors. You'll find you have plenty to do fixing up this and that.
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