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First Bus!
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MGBBob80
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Joined: April 05, 2009
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Location: Bremerton, WA
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:03 pm    Post subject: First Bus! Reply with quote

Hello all, Just purchased my first VW - a 1978 7 passenger bus! javascript:emoticon('Very Happy') He came with the name "Buddy" and that fits and so Buddy he shall remain.

Stock to the best I can tell right now, but I'm sure I'll find a surprise or two as I sort him out. Engine letter code starts with GE and that seems right for a '78. Fuel injected and 4-speed manual transmission.

Starting to look at parts vendors and wondering if there are any that you think highly of. I'm looking for quality over savings.

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Cheers,
Bob

1978 Type 2 Transporter. 2L engine (engine code GE), Fuel Injection, 4-speed manual transmission.His name is Buddy.

"I reserve the right to be better tomorrow than I am today."
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force3g
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I try to support the vendors who participate here on Thesamba. Very Happy
You will find them as you start doing searches for answers to your questions. Welcome new bus owner and best of luck with your bus.
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geopanoramic
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

YaY! I am a transporter fan, sans all the campy weight.

It looks pretty original and all; prime perhaps for your fav paint / paint combinations. Glad to see it has an engine gasket....

Fun stuff - good luck with figuring all the FI stuff out, and start maybe by replacing all the fuel line! Can't be trusted if you didn't turn the screws/ put new stuff in.
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MGBBob80
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Appreciate the replies and the advice!
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Cheers,
Bob

1978 Type 2 Transporter. 2L engine (engine code GE), Fuel Injection, 4-speed manual transmission.His name is Buddy.

"I reserve the right to be better tomorrow than I am today."
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Tcash
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 9:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here is a little information. Good Luck

Pronunciation (Samba) English

Cleaning+Rodents+Hantavirus
Up in smoke... Bus fires... don't let it happen to you!
Volkswagen Type 2 Bus M-Plate Decoder
Bus VIN / Chassis Numbers
Type 2/Bus Owner's Manuals
Bus repair manuals
Bus parts manuals
Early Baywindow Bus Parts Book
Late Baywindow Bus Parts Fiche
Type 2 Wiring Diagrams
Model and Year Variations
Type 4: Secrets Revealed
Distributor Parts & Specifications
PARTS INTERCHANGE MANUAL
Youtube Videos

There is a ton of information located at the top of the Forum section.
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wcfvw69 Premium Member
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice looking bus! x2 on changing ALL the fuel lines and pieces to insure you don't have an engine fire.

I love that you understand the quality is much preferred over cost on parts. You're already off to the right start! Buy the best quality you can afford.

Wolfsburg West is my first choice when ordering parts for my bug or bus. There are other vendors who primarily do bus parts though I haven't used them yet.

Bus Boys
Wagens West

As others mentioned, lurking around this site, you'll find many vendors and feedback for them.
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Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.

**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours**
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larryducas
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 11:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My bus has the same name, buddy! Had no name previously that I knew of.
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Wasted youth
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 4:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

No two vendors are alike...some have what you need, while others continually remain out of stock. Conversely, the other guy will always have what others can never get. I have a favorite vendor, but on the other coast. They usually have what I want, and can often work with me on pricing to some degree.

You will also taste the bitter flavor of not finding parts you need, regardless of vendor, some things just aren't available.

Good luck on your travels, and welcome! In the relative short time I've been visiting this site, I have learned a wealth of useful information.


Last edited by Wasted youth on Mon Aug 04, 2014 8:48 am; edited 1 time in total
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MGBBob80
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A good first day and I'll be wrapping this post up. Removed the rear shocks without problem. Breathed a little easier after the upper bolt was out. Bottoms were pretty much rusted in place and the lower fasteners were of different sizes (passenger and driver side).

Tires (Hankook RA08), suspension/steering parts and rubber brake lines on order, which will keep me busy for a couple of weekends. Did not source the rubber line between the fill and main brake reservoirs, so you'll probably see another post on that down the road again. Wonder why they went with two reservoirs. Inquiring minds want to know...

Appreciate the comments on replacing the fuel components. Haven't looked in to that yet, but it'll hit the hot topic list after the above items are wrapped up. Buddy will not be back on the road until he's safe to be there.

Until next time...
_________________
Cheers,
Bob

1978 Type 2 Transporter. 2L engine (engine code GE), Fuel Injection, 4-speed manual transmission.His name is Buddy.

"I reserve the right to be better tomorrow than I am today."
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Brian
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would say keep your progress in this thread, we can keep tabs on you Wink

How are the brake lines? does your Bowden tube feel very stiff?
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MGBBob80
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lustig69, Rubber brake lines are in poor shape at best - help on the way. Rigid lines look fine, and bus brakes well, but more to follow as I get into changing the fluid.

Bowden tube - making the assumption you're referring to the clutch as I've not heard that term regarding brakes. Haven't gone there yet, but didn't experience trouble shifting the few times we've been out. Something to look at though

Good night all... #Sleep
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Cheers,
Bob

1978 Type 2 Transporter. 2L engine (engine code GE), Fuel Injection, 4-speed manual transmission.His name is Buddy.

"I reserve the right to be better tomorrow than I am today."
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curtis4085
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Two brake resivors are better than one. Back up fluid just in case.
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pb24ss
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 8:44 am    Post subject: Re: First Bus! Reply with quote

MGBBob80 wrote:

Starting to look at parts vendors and wondering if there are any that you think highly of


I would suggest Ken Madson / http://www.thebusco.com/ for sourcing used parts. There is another used part dealer, but I try and stay clear based on past dealings.

If you're looking for a specific part, search or ask which vendor supplies the best quality. It can vary depending on the part.

Good luck and welcome to the club.
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curtis4085
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quality reliable vendors:

New parts:

www.Busdepot.com
Bus-boys.com
Wolfsburgwest.com
Wolfganginternational.com
Justkampers.com
Bus-ok.de
VWheritage.com

Used parts:
Bustedbus.com
Thebusco.com
Avery's

Vendors to avoid: please read the feedback thread:(although they can get good parts and the owner has a extensive knowledge of VW's his attention to his online business is highly lacking. If you have 6 months to wait for fuel line then he is the man)

Germansupply.com
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jtauxe Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

in addition to Curtis' list, I would recommend

aircooled.net
autohausaz.com
germansupply.com
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"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus
, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD
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Cody1
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Congrats! #1 have fun with it. #2 Empty wallet into it or get a second job to support your new hobby.

The first ting you usually do with a new VW is spend the next year working out all the hack jobs previous owners did to your poor bus
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wcfvw69 Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cody1 wrote:


The first ting you usually do with a new VW is spend the next year working out all the hack jobs previous owners did to your poor bus


So true...
_________________
Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc

Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.

**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours**
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MGBBob80
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 7:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great info all - many thanks! 2nd job, huh? Hmmm... Shocked
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Cheers,
Bob

1978 Type 2 Transporter. 2L engine (engine code GE), Fuel Injection, 4-speed manual transmission.His name is Buddy.

"I reserve the right to be better tomorrow than I am today."
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Cody1
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 4:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

MGBBob80 wrote:
Great info all - many thanks! 2nd job, huh? Hmmm... Shocked


You'll see what I mean muahahahaha!
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1963 Ragtop Beetle & 1970 Deluxe Bus with Westy interior
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MGBBob80
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:25 pm    Post subject: Brake hoses and fluid Reply with quote

First maintenance action is in the done pile - brake hoses and fluid. Inspected brakes and they looked good. Adjusted the rear brakes. Replaced the four brake hoses. New hoses are Brazilian - that's new territory for me. Inspected the line between the fill reservoir and main reservoir and it looked fine. Elected not to replace the rubber grommets between the two reservoirs. Used my oh-so-handy Gunston Eezibleed at 25psi to flush out the old fluid and then bleed the system. I used Napa Dot 4 as the replacement fluid. Thankful that someone on this site told me to pick up the Bentley Service Manual.

1978 Type 2 Transporter. Engine Code GE, 4-speed manual transmission.
_________________
Cheers,
Bob

1978 Type 2 Transporter. 2L engine (engine code GE), Fuel Injection, 4-speed manual transmission.His name is Buddy.

"I reserve the right to be better tomorrow than I am today."
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