1969 bus as a daily driver?

[1969VWbus]

Hello all I am sure this question has been asked a million times but I didn't find anything right away. I Have a '69 Bus that I am restoring but would also like to use it as a daily driver.

I drive about 65 miles a day. What is my best option for a nice powerful daily driver? I don't want to have to cruise at 55 on the freeway or 45 when i am goin up a big hill! Obviously I want to keep it as inexpensive as possible!

So what do you say? Is 1776 enough? Is a 1914 not reliable enough? Please any opinion is welcome.

[VDubTech]

[chabanais]

Yes you can! I put about 80 miles per day on my Bus commuting on the highway. During the 6 months I did this I didn't suffer a mechanical breakdown but you have to totally be 150% on top of things mechanically and you have to be very aware when your engine is getting hot, etc.

To have someone good build you a 1776 engine from all new parts you're looking at 4k minimum.

I'm sure somebody will dispute that number.

When these cars were new they were used as workhorses and people movers with no problems but that was new.

Once you are done restoring your Bus, depending upon the level, you might not want to commute in it.

Getting a cheap Honda Civic might be the easiest thing and drive the Bus the rest of the time.

At the time I had no choice but to use my Bus but it wasn't my first choice.

You will also use a crap load of gas.

But "inexpensive" is not going to be a word used in this scenario.
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"I spud therefore I yam."

[remainsthesame]

I just sold my honda civic and bought the bus to run as a daily driver. I don't drive more than 3 miles or so each way, so worst case scenario I can run.

But here's the big issue. Are you going to neglect seemingly small issues because you really need it tomorrow to get to work? These small issues tend to turn into bigger ones. Will you rush work that should be done correctly?

Even if you don't, the mental fatigue from this may age you significantly.

I say drive it at 75 on the freeway if you want to, but have a backup when it pops.
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Lunchbox - 72 bus

[1969VWbus]

Yeah this is pretty much what I have been thinking... Getting a motorcycle for a daily driver and have the bus just for weekends! Question is still there tho... what is gonna be the best strong engine that isn't gonna give me a lot of problems? I have had some people tell me to go with a 1914 and others say the walls are way to thin on a 1914...

[chabanais]

I have a 1776 with dual carbs plenty of power and reliable too if built/maintained right.

With a motorcycle you might save on gas but not on doctor's bills or, perhaps, funeral costs.

In that case all of your worries will be over.
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"I spud therefore I yam."