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1971 VW Kombi (Need advice)
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

yea i kinda feel like i will miss the power and reliability of the tacoma but i dont really have any way around it. I know it depends on the condition and the previous owner but is there any chance of making it a reliable vehicle without putting thousands into it? aslong as i maintain and do general service to it i could end up with a good daily driver?

Last edited by ccutter1 on Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:13 pm; edited 1 time in total
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i know i feel like everyone wants the westfalias but if you can convert the kombi to a camper, all the better right? if your not necessarily looking for a pop top, these are alittle more 'rare'? the type 1 engine is an easier engine to work on correct? and easier and cheeper to find parts?
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Brian
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My local engine builder makes 1600 long blocks for a little over $700. And as long as you maintain and maintain it, it will be bullet proof. I think reading the idiot book is a good idea for getting an idea about these motors. Do you know of any local vw groups?

The #1 thing you need to let go of with the Tacoma is speed. You are no longer going to cruise at 80 mph all day long.
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i dont know of any vw groups as of now but i will be doing some research and trying to get into forums as much as possible if this purchase goes through.

im okay without the speed...i need to slow it down a little anyway (born & raised a new jersey driver) :/ just worried more about reliability rather than speed, but i feel like these vans can run forever with the right maintenance and care
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

will definately get that book as well...looks like it will be helpful
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Brian
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can 100% guarantee you that you are going to have problems down the road, its just up to you if you can handle them. Everything can be fixed, and compared to any other car, VWs are cheap to fix.

And yes, take care of it and it will take care of you.

Look around for local clubs, you will get so much help from the community. True VW people are great people who are always willing to give a helping hand.
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

yea I here ya. I am definately ready to take on any problems that may occur. Also just makin sure im getting the right bus and model that im willing to put the restore and put the money and time into ya know. everyone seems to have the westfalia but cant seem to find one of those for the right price and i like the kombi anyway.

would you trade the power of the newer 70's engine for the simplicity of the 71's vertical engine?

greatly appreciate all your help, thanks man
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/4622817498.html

i was also looking at checking this one out (link above)

has the newer engine, i beleive the 1800cc? guy says it runs real strong and engine is perfect. im not worried about the interior, good with woodworking, and would actually be willing to fix up the inside. What ya think go with the 71?
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Brian
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That one looks nice, but me personally I like 67-71.
But I'm biased because I have a '68 and like the "vintage" feel more than having a modernized bus. And I've only smacked hammers on uprights.

I imagine that a '77 would be a nice driver. That one has a little butt sag, which is normal. But means reindexing the torsion bars, not easy work but is doable by yourself. One thing I've learned about sunroofs is that they leak and parts are still kinda available.

You have two good options there.
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

cool yea, think i'm more interested in the 71' but always good to have a backup.

do you have any pictures of ur bus or vw?
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Brian
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here is another guy looking for a bus, good advice here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604865

heres my bug
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


heres my truck when I rolled it home, doesn't look much different right now
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

wow that truck is pretty sick. are you planning a full restore on it? what yr?
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm planning on making it a dd and get it ready for some harsh camping. It's a '68, lots of one year only parts. Every year has their share of 'one year only' stuff, but '68 and '72 seem to have the most.
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'71 Bug
'68 Camper

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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 10:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


This is a pic from rhe side...do you think it looks like its saggin at all?
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 10:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

He also says the paint is white paint is oxodizing which is making it run down the side...could that be fixed with a new coat of paint and sealer
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 11:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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Brian
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 11:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's sagging at a normal point. That must be some cheap paint, but a layer of sealer would help it.
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'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter
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ccutter1
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

cool yea, hopefully if all checks out with the mechanics of it ill look into a new paint job all together.
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