TheSamba.com :: View topic - 238506 Type II - 1957 23-Window Deluxe

Fri Dec 17, 2010 1:22 pm

I've been out of the VW's for a long time, did wooden boats for a while, built quite a few nasty Mopars, but never got rid of my old bus. I have a guy trying to talk me out of it, not sure if I should sell it or not. Can't even remember what year it is- so maybe I should let it go. 23 window sunroof- mostly complete, was a california van, and still clean rust wise. What are these things worth these days? It's disassembled, paint mostly stripped, I have most everything except middle seat, rear bumper,and back seat. Not sure what to do with it- I'm sure my folks would love to see it gone- been sitting in their barn since 1989- Thoughts?

Fri Dec 17, 2010 1:36 pm

Is 238506 your VIN? If so you can look up the production month here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php

Fri Dec 17, 2010 1:49 pm

2Pack wrote: Is 238506 your VIN? If so you can look up the production month here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php

So early 57' then?
I hate that stupid "worthless without pics" They use a similar one on Moparts. The thing is so buried- I don't even think I could get decent pics- and I'm not a computer person, so I'm not even sure I could get them to post.
But gee- thanks for the "warm" welcome on my first post.

I guess I wasted too much time teaching myself, body work, paint, upholstery, and engine building, as well as wood working skills, steam bending wood etc. How stupid of me to not learn how to use a computer better-

Fri Dec 17, 2010 1:57 pm

Yes welcome!

You will find Jon is one of the warmest people on here. Pictures give the detail required to answer your question. If you have difficulty posting them you can email them to me and I'll post them here. Drag that sucker out and lets all take a peek

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:04 pm

kirbyland wrote: 2Pack wrote: Is 238506 your VIN? If so you can look up the production month here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php

So early 57' then?
I hate that stupid "worthless without pics" They use a similar one on Moparts. The thing is so buried- I don't even think I could get decent pics- and I'm not a computer person, so I'm not even sure I could get them to post.
But gee- thanks for the "warm" welcome on my first post.

I guess I wasted too much time teaching myself, body work, paint, upholstery, and engine building, as well as wood working skills, steam bending wood etc. How stupid of me to not learn how to use a computer better-

Lighten-up Francis.

There is no way anyone can come close to a guess without detailed pics and knowledge of the market in your area.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:06 pm

kirbyland wrote: 2Pack wrote: Is 238506 your VIN? If so you can look up the production month here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php

So early 57' then?

Yes, which is cool because it would have some early features like ribbed (AKA pressed) bumpers and "bubble" tailights with the brake light on the decklid. You were close to the cutoff with the lights.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:08 pm

Jakebob wrote: kirbyland wrote: 2Pack wrote: Is 238506 your VIN? If so you can look up the production month here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php

So early 57' then?
I hate that stupid "worthless without pics" They use a similar one on Moparts. The thing is so buried- I don't even think I could get decent pics- and I'm not a computer person, so I'm not even sure I could get them to post.
But gee- thanks for the "warm" welcome on my first post.

I guess I wasted too much time teaching myself, body work, paint, upholstery, and engine building, as well as wood working skills, steam bending wood etc. How stupid of me to not learn how to use a computer better-

Lighten-up Francis.

There is no way anyone can come close to a guess without detailed pics and knowledge of the market in your area.

Since when does market knowledge in a specific area determine the value???

We are dealing with a world wide media/ market here......capitalism at it's purist form.

Please pmail, email or see my wanted ads for my phone number, I'll be glad to help you with current market conditions for your bus.

Douglas

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:11 pm

Quote:
Since when does market knowledge in a specific area determine the value???

We are dealing with a world wide media/ market here......capitalism at it's purist form.

Please pmail or email, I'll be gald to help you with current market conditions for your bus.

Douglas

He has a local guy wanting to buy the bus. A less rusty bus in IL. is going to fetch a bit more locally than one in AZ no?

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:23 pm

Jakebob wrote: Quote:
Since when does market knowledge in a specific area determine the value???

We are dealing with a world wide media/ market here......capitalism at it's purist form.

Please pmail or email, I'll be gald to help you with current market conditions for your bus.

Douglas

He has a local guy wanting to buy the bus. A less rusty bus in IL. is going to fetch a bit more locally than one in AZ no?

It depends more on the type of bus and how sought after it is. Say I have a solid standard bus here in Arkansas, that would be worth more to someone here local than in cali, because of the time and shipping expense. But with a pressed bumper 23, the market value will be the same all across the US for like condition because it is worth the time and added expense of shipping.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:26 pm

EmpiGT wrote: Jakebob wrote: Quote:
Since when does market knowledge in a specific area determine the value???

We are dealing with a world wide media/ market here......capitalism at it's purist form.

Please pmail or email, I'll be gald to help you with current market conditions for your bus.

Douglas

He has a local guy wanting to buy the bus. A less rusty bus in IL. is going to fetch a bit more locally than one in AZ no?

It depends more on the type of bus and how sought after it is. Say I have a solid standard bus here in Arkansas, that would be worth more to someone here local than in cali, because of the time and shipping expense. But with a pressed bumper 23, the market value will be the same all across the US for like condition because it is worth the time and added expense of shipping.

Good point and an another reason pics would help!!

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:34 pm

EmpiGT wrote: Jakebob wrote: Quote:
Since when does market knowledge in a specific area determine the value???

We are dealing with a world wide media/ market here......capitalism at it's purist form.

Please pmail or email, I'll be gald to help you with current market conditions for your bus.

Douglas

He has a local guy wanting to buy the bus. A less rusty bus in IL. is going to fetch a bit more locally than one in AZ no?

It depends more on the type of bus and how sought after it is. Say I have a solid standard bus here in Arkansas, that would be worth more to someone here local than in cali, because of the time and shipping expense. But with a pressed bumper 23, the market value will be the same all across the US for like condition because it is worth the time and added expense of shipping.

I wasn't aware it was old enough to have the bubble tail lights, good thing they're cheap I'm sure. :roll: It has the front pressed bumper with deluxe trim still, no back bumper at all, all glass, roof parts, except mid/rear seats. I have the 36hp that came with it- but not sure if it's the correct # motor. Should the VIN# be on the block- or is it even possible to tell if it's the exact original one? I have the rear apron with crank hole- I think I have the crank, and nut. The lid has the 3rd brake light hole, and I have a mint light for it. I can't remember much more- There is a hole under the passenger feet area, and one in either one or both rocker panels. It has been stripped but just surface rust from sitting- not too nasty- and no major rust otherwise. Any other options I should be looking for? Thanks guys- I'll get some pics and forward them to someone able to post for me.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:40 pm

Is the 238506 number stamped on the passenger side of the front
bulkhead or is it in the right hand side of the engine compartment
and the aluminum tag?

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:44 pm

kirbyland wrote:

I wasn't aware it was old enough to have the bubble tail lights, good thing they're cheap I'm sure. :roll: It has the front pressed bumper with deluxe trim still, no back bumper at all, all glass, roof parts, except mid/rear seats. I have the 36hp that came with it- but not sure if it's the correct # motor. Should the VIN# be on the block- or is it even possible to tell if it's the exact original one? I have the rear apron with crank hole- I think I have the crank, and nut. The lid has the 3rd brake light hole, and I have a mint light for it. I can't remember much more- There is a hole under the passenger feet area, and one in either one or both rocker panels. It has been stripped but just surface rust from sitting- not too nasty- and no major rust otherwise. Any other options I should be looking for? Thanks guys- I'll get some pics and forward them to someone able to post for me.

Rust is only part of what buyers are looking for.....has the bus been hit, nose, corners, sides? Are the parts with the bus correct original or aftermarket junk? Has the glass been replaced? If the bus has been stripped is everything labled in bags or just thrown in a box? How many bolts or screw broke in the process? Are all the seats with the bus, if so are they correct? Kick panels for the back and middle.....? It goes on and on.......sometimes it's just easier to sell to the local for whatever he's willing to give vs dealing with the world wide market.
However, dealing with the world wide market if your willing to do a bunch of work (good accurate pictures and descriptions) will certainly pay off, or educate you enough that maybe just maybe you want to keep the bus.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:51 pm

Jakebob wrote:

There is no way anyone can come close to a guess without detailed pics . I can. Somewhere between the 1 and the 5 digit range. :D . Seriously... pic.s are necessary, or it's anyones guess (literally). The effort in getting pics could save you from an undersell.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 5:15 pm

I emailed you directly in case I can help with posting photos.

In response to a question above, here's the location of the VIN/Chassis # on a '57 Bus:

Mon Dec 20, 2010 9:39 am

EverettB wrote: I emailed you directly in case I can help with posting photos.

In response to a question above, here's the location of the VIN/Chassis # on a '57 Bus:

Ok- now I know where to look- but are they supposed to be the same # Thanks,KTA

Mon Dec 20, 2010 9:46 am

kirbyland wrote: EverettB wrote: I emailed you directly in case I can help with posting photos.

In response to a question above, here's the location of the VIN/Chassis # on a '57 Bus:

Ok- now I know where to look- but are they supposed to be the same # Thanks,KTA

The engine number, VIN number, and body number are all different.

Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:11 pm

Emeritusx wrote: hazetguy wrote: the cliche answers are:
-search the classifieds for vehicles in similar condition

-

- i'll give you $100 for it

Hell I'll double that... ;) :twisted:

The number in the engine compartment is the same as on the tag. The number on the motor is 3885908or6.isn't there supposed to be a number stamped up by the fresh air vent in the cab?

Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:29 pm

not on a 57 that feature came later on.

acccording to the engine number you gave us it appears to be a 40 horse. Is the generator stand a bolt on or part of the right case half?

Tue Dec 21, 2010 1:58 pm

tasb wrote: not on a 57 that feature came later on.

acccording to the engine number you gave us it appears to be a 40 horse. Is the generator stand a bolt on or part of the right case half?

It's part of the right side of the case.