TheSamba.com :: View topic - Just got my first Aircooled VW. A 72 Camper!

Fri Dec 14, 2012 5:38 pm

I recently bought (at a steal) a 72 campmobile.
My first aircooled VW.
I've just read John Muir's book.
I have the Bentley Manual. And the owners manual.

It's got a brand new rebuilt Engine and Transmission. Which haven't been broken in even, according to the previous owner.

It seems to run great. Though I have it stored now for winter(I'm in Newfoundland). Just an occaisional drive around the block now and then.

Any advice, tips or warnings are welcome and sought after.[/img]

Fri Dec 14, 2012 5:42 pm

Sounds cool, we want to see pictures of it and the area you are in plus any pics of local dogs in your area, I hear they are huge there.

Fri Dec 14, 2012 5:49 pm

Red Fau Veh wrote: Sounds cool, we want to see pictures of it and the area you are in plus any pics of local dogs in your area, I hear they are huge there.

I too am interested in the dogs. 8)

But cool find! You'll love your bus, and a second on the request for some pics!

Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:24 pm

check rubber brake lines and fuel lines ...learn how to date the tires(I looked at a 95 conversion van today ;the tires " looked good" but were actually 12 tears old) :shock: ...............search for thread "How to date a tire"

Fri Dec 14, 2012 8:52 pm

Haha, I can't seem to figure out how to post pics!

Newfoundland dogs are, indeed, huge. However, I don't personally know any.
I have a boxer... I'll put up a pic of her in the van when I figure it out.

Fri Dec 14, 2012 9:14 pm

Fri Dec 14, 2012 9:21 pm

ok. I got it now.
planning on spending the weekend with her.
I'm still trying to come up with a name too... I'm leaning towards Delores.

Fri Dec 14, 2012 9:59 pm

Congratulations on your new bus. Now you are on your journey of bus ownership. Enjoy!

yesbytd wrote: It's got a brand new rebuilt Engine and Transmission. Which haven't been broken in even, according to the previous owner.

Unless you have accurate receipts and documentation from the previous owner about the engine and transmission rebuild I would take that with a grain of salt. Was the work done by a reputable air cooled mechanic? Do you know how much an actual full rebuild costs for a type 4 engine? It is very hard to find a good rebuilt engine for a steal now a days. Maybe you hit the jack pot.

And your dog will love it.

Sat Dec 15, 2012 5:49 am

Congrats. Bus looks identical to mine when I bought it and I got it in Newfoundland as well. Sierra Yellow cleans up real nice. Interior looks to be all there. Great find especially for back on the Rock.

Craig

Sat Dec 15, 2012 5:52 am

yesbytd wrote:

I'm still trying to come up with a name too... I'm leaning towards Delores.

It's your bus, of course, but she looks more like a "Mango" to me :-)

Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:00 am

You should sign up to the local NL VW club - VOGN. My brother and his friends are into VWs big time back home.

I have an old build thread there of my bus.

Check it out.

http://forums.vogn.org/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=509

As for tips you should be going through all the fuel lines and replacing them if they haven't been done already.

Sat Dec 15, 2012 11:29 am

Nice! Looks like a runner. Welcome to the '72 L11H club! Best year & color ever! :wink:

Sat Dec 15, 2012 1:18 pm

Yes,welcome to the '72 club. The most hated/loved year of the Baywindow. :wink:

Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:53 pm

Thanks everyone!

Had fun working on it this weekend.
got to know the shifter, rear brakes, handbrake, etc.
spent a lot of time cleaning it up.

Seems like one of the Fuel cut off valves isn't working. I have dual Solex carbs....
I've been searching CIP for a replacement but not sure exactly what I'm looking for.

Next weekend I get with the bus I've got to replace the wheel cylinders, and handbrake cable and rear shoes.

My altenator belt is also loose, and the bolt that needs to be loosened in order to adjust it is seized and stripped. Any advice on how to get it off?

Also, my driverside window wont go up or down now. something has let go in the handle... Do I have to pull that whole assembly out or can I fix it while it's in place?

Forgive me if this is the wrong thread for these type of questions....
and thanks in advance!

Sun Dec 16, 2012 3:31 pm

Lookin' good! Hope there aren't too many newfie hacks lurking :wink:

Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:01 pm

Congrats, 72 Westy in Sierra Yellow is one of the finest VWs ever made!

Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:55 pm

Welcome to the world of volkswagens......nice wesley....there's a guy near you in a place called Carbonear who thinks he knows a lot about them. Check him out ...Keep pics comming so we can follow your progress...lol

Sun Dec 16, 2012 8:07 pm

BumbleBus wrote: Nice! Looks like a runner. Welcome to the '72 L11H club! Best year & color ever! :wink: Can it be a Sierra Yellow 72 non Westy to be in the club? :D

Tue Dec 18, 2012 2:55 pm

Paint cleans up real nice!

Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:01 pm

window won't roll? Pop the plastic cover off the window crank (lifts off the round part) and check the screw is in all the way. Might be that easy...