TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Nov 09, 2011 2:42 pm

Hello all,
I just wrote a big intro, previewed it, went back to fix typos, and it was all gone. Lucky you. Here is condensed version.
Like vws. Never had air-cooled. Did have TDI Beetle. Love the volksrods and slammed busses. Not practical for me. Found sweet 67' splitty behind a barn. One woman owned. Had new engine in 86. Parked on blocks in 88. Solid floors and crossmembers. Good glass. Most of trim is there. Can grab generator and move engine over a few degrees. Fan area still full of pack rat nest. How do I open it up to clean? Do I need to remove engine to get the fuel tank out?
Plan is to repair body panels. Repaint flat red/white. Remove rotted camper interior. Build my own bunk/camping area. Remove hubcaps. Install all-terrains. Go camping.
Anyway, I am excited. Here are some pics.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 2:51 pm

Nice find - looks pretty solid. Is that silver metalflake vinyl on the front seats?

Wed Nov 09, 2011 2:52 pm

Nice find, and welcome!. I'd give it a super deep cleaning in and out before deciding to tear/throw anything out. Patterns and such. 8)

Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:10 pm

Nice find. First off, it is probably best to pull the motor to get rid of all the critters that might have been hiding in there. Yes, you do need to pull the motor to get the gas tank out. Be careful when removing as the necks can sometimes be weak. I replaced my old gunked up tank with one from Wolfsburg West.

If you get to the point that you have a bad urine smell from the rodents.....Go to Petsmart and get Natures Miracle, Urine Destroyer. My bus had a bunch of mice nests and it was the only thing that got rid of the smell.

Keep the pictures coming.

Good Luck.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:39 pm

If that's OG paint, save it. Don't repaint it.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:04 pm

Nice find ! I spy a trailer hitch!!! Good luck and drive that sumunabitch!!!

Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:40 pm

poptop wrote: Nice find ! I spy a trailer hitch!!! Good luck and drive that sumunabitch!!!
X2
Pull the engine, take all the tin off, clean all the crap out of the cylinder tins, shroud and oil cooler. Might be a good time to toss some new oil cooler seals on there - it's easy.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:00 pm

It's not original, but the titan red underneath looks easily accessible under that respray. Check the forums for paint removal/og paint. Do a little searching, researching, and reading before deciding to toss that camper interior. Nice find. Good luck.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:36 pm

Nice find. I wouldn't be so fast to chuck that camper set up. Looks like an original period american camper conversion. Maybe a Riviera? Anyone?

Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:27 pm

Thanks for the kind replies.
I think I am going to pour some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders and let it sit until spring. Then pull engine, clean engine, fix/replace fuel tank, etc. That will give me time to fully decide on the direction I want to take it. Also, give me time to read more Samba. (btw. Kuddos to this site. I am an enthusiast of many things. I have never seen a more complete bunch of information on a subject.)
I forgot to list the tag numbers.
07D
425 025 043 114 139
UF 2212 434483 7068076
I figured them all out except the fourth digit (the last 2) of 2212.
Damn, new projects are alot of fun. :D

Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:34 pm

Forgot to add. Tag inside cargo door says "Alabama Camper." Has fridge and water pump. Suprised it doesn't have any type of stove. Must have been portable. Also, it has a bunch of tent/awning poles and some type of 60's looking material rolled up on a shelf. Dark now, so didn't unroll it. Could be a tent, awning, or hammock. Don't know. Will look later.
Thanks

Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:43 pm

every time i go hunting out there i pray that something like this would happen to me. congrats

Wed Nov 09, 2011 8:10 pm

durfeec wrote: If that's OG paint, save it. Don't repaint it.

Pretty sure it's not original paint. Cool find, though.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 8:38 pm

Don't be in a hurry to toss that camper interior (post more shots of that interior and the Alabama Camper tag), clean up everything first, get rid of rodents and any other occupants, buy brand new quality brand wheel cylinders (6) and master cylinder, new rubber hoses (4) and brake shoe set (front and rear set) from a reputable source like Wolfsburg West, etc. and read up and install those first! Make sure the Bus can STOP before it GOES! Order new braided German fuel line, a fuel pump rebuild gasket kit (read up on how to properly rebuilt this), clean up or replace your tank, pull the motor and clean out the rodent debris as mentioned earlier. Buy new correct points(for your particular model of distributor, condenser, new ignition/spark plug wire set, and probably a new battery.

Nice Bus, you're gonna have fun in that! Bring it to the BNNTA camping event next Sept for us all to see!

Bill

Wed Nov 09, 2011 10:21 pm

those wooden valances for the cargo door curtains totally kick ass
not a fan of the period paneling though
nice layout very unique just freshen it up
take your time, don't trash anything, read all the faq's
keep posting, thats a cool bus
agpatrol wrote:

Wed Nov 09, 2011 10:33 pm

When you have the engine torn down to a longblock for cleaning, make sure to retorque ALL the case fasteners, and then the head fasteners in same sequence as if you were building it up. Amazing how loose those get!

Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:22 am

Interior looks like mind did when I got it. I passed half of it on though.

Anyone know where to get repair parts for the awning windows? I've been looking for 20 years.

Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:41 am

rebapuck wrote:
Anyone know where to get repair parts for the awning windows? I've been looking for 20 years.

They are Hehr brand windows, which is still in business. Not sure if they have any parts, though. I just found used stuff at swap meets. Riviera, Sundial, EZ Camper and others used similar windows, as did several camp- trailer manufacturers of the era.

Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:45 am

cdennisg wrote: rebapuck wrote:
Anyone know where to get repair parts for the awning windows? I've been looking for 20 years.

They are Hehr brand windows, which is still in business. Not sure if they have any parts, though. I just found used stuff at swap meets. Riviera, Sundial, EZ Camper and others used similar windows, as did several camp- trailer manufacturers of the era.

vintagetrailersupply.com sells cranks and a few other parts.

Thu Nov 10, 2011 10:00 am

Awesome find! I would keep that camper setup! Looks complete.