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Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:33 am

hello i am brand new to this fourm. I have always liked the bus but dont know to much about them. can someone explain to me what a barndoor is??
also what is a "walk thru" bus?

thanks

Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:38 am

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/dic/

Barndoor Any Bus produced through February, 1955. The term Barndoor is credited to Jeff Walters and is in reference to the large decklid found on those vehicles. Barndoor Type 2's can also be recognized by the lack of an overhead fresh air vent over the windshield, 16 inch rims, the lack of full dash on non-deluxe models, non-opening rear window hatch (a few exceptions); not to mention miscellaneous switches, latches, seats and body panels that are unique to the Barndoor bus and no other. The term is often mistakenly used to refer to the 2 cargo doors on the side of a Bus.

Walk-through A walk-through model bus is equipped with two individual front seats, rather than a bench style seat. This allows you to "walk-through" to the passenger/cargo area. This model is often equipped with a shorter 2/3 length middle seat that allows you to access the rear seat as well. The shorter middle seat is a different Bus model (as opposed to another option) so not all walk-thru front seat Buses are guaranteed to have a short middle seat. The walk-through option was a standard option from 1958-onward, although there are a few earlier examples. Most '58-'59 walk-through Buses that have survived are Panelvans. Walk-thru Buses have the spare tire mounted on the rear deck in a recessed compartment. 1967 and earlier walk-throughs use a unique lugnut to hold the spare tire in place.