Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
anyone owned both a Bus Camper and a Vanagon Camper
Page: 1, 2  Next
Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
copescobra
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2011
Posts: 66
Location: Washington State
copescobra is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:53 pm    Post subject: anyone owned both a Bus Camper and a Vanagon Camper Reply with quote

If anyone has owned both these I would love to know which one you kept or would keep?
Also like to know going forward for the next 5+ years which one would be a better value and perhaps less "trouble" to keep up. I only drive a camper about 5,000 miles a year at most. Usually go up and down the coast from Vancouver to Santa Monica so only a few big hills to conquer.

I guess a question that all can answer is what to expect to spend on an annual basis for upkeep over time assuming everything is in good shape but still mostly original ?
_________________
1987 Westy Camper
1970 Boss 302
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
2000 Type R Integra
1967 Alfa Duetto
1972 BMW Tii


Last edited by copescobra on Thu Dec 22, 2011 7:31 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
busdaddy
Samba Member


Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 51003
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
busdaddy is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 2:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's a good thread on the subject Wink
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5608240
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
VW Addict Premium Member
Samba Salesman


Joined: January 09, 2003
Posts: 3920

VW Addict is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 2:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've owned both. Your going to get a bias opinion on either one. Personally, I find Vanagon's ugly. But there are those who find them the opposite. I prefer a pre '79 bus... but then again, I prefer a pre '67 bus in compared to that!

Drive what you want to and carry a Muir book at all times. Very Happy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
BUSBOSS
Samba Member


Joined: January 21, 2009
Posts: 2161
Location: Northern California
BUSBOSS is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 5:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

VW Addict wrote:

Drive what you want to and carry a Muir book at all times. Very Happy


And bring colored pencils with you so you can color in the illustrations while you wait for the tow truck.

Carry a Bentley or stay home. Wink
_________________
All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood
1976 Westfalia
1970 Karmann Ghia Convertible
(sold - but not forgotten)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
peaceful warrior
Samba Member


Joined: January 22, 2005
Posts: 5274
Location: Taoswest, USA
peaceful warrior is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I own both and will be keeping both! Reasons, I can afford it... Laughing
Actually like them for different reasons.
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Desertbusman
Samba Member


Joined: June 03, 2005
Posts: 14655
Location: Arizona
Desertbusman is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 7:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

busdaddy wrote:
Here's a good thread on the subject Wink
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5608240


And of course this one also. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=492536
Maybe there are more somewhere.
_________________
71 Superbug
71 Westy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
busdaddy
Samba Member


Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 51003
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
busdaddy is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Desertbusman wrote:
busdaddy wrote:
Here's a good thread on the subject Wink
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5608240


And of course this one also. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=492536
Maybe there are more somewhere.

Oh there are, seems we've got a bit of buyers remorse or just can't make up our minds. If you have to think about something this hard maybe it's something you shouldn't be doing it at all?
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
curtis4085
Samba Member


Joined: July 22, 2011
Posts: 4806
Location: Colorado
curtis4085 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You will have more fun in the pre 79 buses for sure and just my two cents Vangons are a bit ugly. Sorry. I like seeing them but would not own one.
_________________
Special Thanks to:
Headflow Masters - Vista, CA
www.headflowmasters.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Esher127
Samba Member


Joined: August 26, 2010
Posts: 607
Location: Staunton, VA
Esher127 is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd rather look at a Bay Window.
I'd rather camp in a Vanagon.

*shrug*
_________________
1970 Westfalia Pop-Top
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
bigbore
Samba Member


Joined: December 19, 2003
Posts: 3296
Location: Wasilla Alaska
bigbore is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

from what you wanted in your last thread you should of not sold the euro van and gone rid of all the others.
_________________
where its cold and snowy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Classifieds Feedback
Tom Powell
Samba Member


Joined: December 01, 2005
Posts: 4855
Location: Kaneohe
Tom Powell is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Esher127 wrote:
I'd rather look at a Bay Window.
I'd rather camp in a Vanagon.


I'd rather go uphill in a Vanagon.
I'd rather winter sleep in my insulated Bay Window.

Aloha
tp
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
notchboy
Samba Member


Joined: April 27, 2002
Posts: 22403
Location: Escondido CA
notchboy is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been on the hunt for a Vanagon as of late. Not as a replacement to my 77 westy but more as a commuter.

I like the Syncro and the ability to put in a 2.5 Subby conversion. I've always thought modern accouterments in a bay window look out of place. But in a Vanagon-game on!
_________________
t3kg wrote:

OK, this thread is over. You win.

Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bigbore
Samba Member


Joined: December 19, 2003
Posts: 3296
Location: Wasilla Alaska
bigbore is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The syncro sounds cool till you start finding out what it takes to keep one going. the tranys are a nightmare I know I rebuild them they cost a fortune and alot of the part are no longer available. I just don't know why anyone would want one but if you got the money go for it.
_________________
where its cold and snowy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Classifieds Feedback
Esher127
Samba Member


Joined: August 26, 2010
Posts: 607
Location: Staunton, VA
Esher127 is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, I love the IDEA of owning a Syncro. However you have to be Bruce Wayne money to deal with the reality of owning a Syncro.
_________________
1970 Westfalia Pop-Top
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
innocenti
Samba Member


Joined: June 30, 2004
Posts: 136
Location: bristol uk
innocenti is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 9:14 am    Post subject: type 2 versus type 3 Reply with quote

hi as mentioned above each have merits of its own . i own splitty ,bay and a vanagon love them all Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
can't have enough of a good thing as long as its a vw badge up front .
cheers steve
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Japhy
Samba Member


Joined: September 10, 2006
Posts: 73
Location: Denver. Colorado
Japhy is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 10:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a 79 camper and an 85 Vgon. I love them both! If I HAD to sell one it would be the Vgon. I would miss it very much though.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
copescobra
Samba Member


Joined: February 14, 2011
Posts: 66
Location: Washington State
copescobra is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 6:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks all for the input. I is alot to think about and reality set in about only being able to keep one of them so I can support the upkeep on the other.
_________________
1987 Westy Camper
1970 Boss 302
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
2000 Type R Integra
1967 Alfa Duetto
1972 BMW Tii
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
LouisR
Samba Member


Joined: May 29, 2008
Posts: 70
Location: TEXAS
LouisR is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 3:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I know just sell both and start all over again. Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
donemoto
Samba Member


Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 501

donemoto is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 4:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've owned them all through the years.

Having kids and traveling, the Vanagon Camper ( both my 80 and 83) was the best for space and moving kids down the road.

My bay windows always got us where we going in style, albeit, a bit cramped with a dog and 5 kids on the road.

If I could still have only one; I would keep my 58 tin-flap-pop-up camper with wood and Screaming red interior and 40 horse motor. Used to drive cross country at 50 miles per hour all day. Miss the small rear window and side doors.

You will find your own in time. Smile
_________________
1975 Campmobile
1962 Bug Convertible
Homebuilt VW Trike
1966 HD Sprint H
1940 HD ULH Flathead
1985 Electra-glide Classic with Tour-Pac
1968 Harley Rapido

1968 Honda CL Scrambler 175cc
1962 Honda Cub 50 Step-thru
1980 Honda Cub 70
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
TopBud
Samba Member


Joined: February 28, 2004
Posts: 1104
Location: Flagstaff AZ
TopBud is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a 65 panel, 86 syncro and a 74 westy. I have had the westy for 12+ years. I am currently travelling in the westy because I know I can fix it with parts on hand. I drive the syncro in the winter. It's actually not to expensive to fix if you keep on it. I bought it for $500 and only big fix was the upgrade to OME shocks and springs. I also won't drive it outside of AAA plus free tow zone Embarassed
_________________
86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.