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Tue Apr 12, 2016 12:29 pm

This is my firs post on here obviously. I figured i should start here.
I am going to look at 1965 13 window bus this weeekend. It is through a family friend so its not running off anywhere in a hurry.
I am wanting some advice on what to look at on these. I've been reading up on some stuff but extra help won't hurt. The run down on the bus is the guy has had it for years and years now. It was leaking fluid on the drive because it got old, he pulled the engine out to give it a good go through and all but life happened and he put it in a corner of his garage under a cover with the engine in a basket. And that was 25ish years ago.
I am just wanted some pointers on what to look at on this to make sure it isnt to far gone and all that. Thanks for the help!!! :D

Tue Apr 12, 2016 12:44 pm

These three topics ought to be read for a start...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71838
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/id.php
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/id.php

Do not tell us anymore about the location or buyer if you want this Bus. There are others out there who might want to "snake" it out from underneath you. If you decide to pass on it later, then you can tell the whole story and share the location and contact info for others.

Welcome to our wonderful world...

Bill Bowman

Tue Apr 12, 2016 2:18 pm

simple things to consider:

buses usually rust from the bottom up.
If you look at the available repair metal you will get an idea what is usually needed.

Rockers, frontfloors, cargo floors, doglegs under the front doors, the bottoms of all doors, the bottom of the nose, battery tray, rear corner bottoms.
The bottoms of all windows
under the bus, all the outriggers.

65 is an easy bus to get things for

things that are unexpectedly expensive: rear and middle seats

Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:01 pm

Holes in the roof suck too.... :(
Read as much as you can here on The Samba, read the "Stickeys" Read peoples Build threads. As Mandraks said, check out Klassic Fabs (Refered to as The Funky Greem Metal) Price list to give you a start on what that Floor/Rockers/nose ect. will cost. Body/Metal work is really pricey if you can't do it yourself.
READ !! :lol:

Wed Apr 13, 2016 4:21 am

I see you are in Indiana as well. Rust is the biggest problem you will find here obviously. As previously mentioned, look underneath it, the bottom of the bus should be your main focus. The main frame rails are especially what you want to be free of any rust through. The body panels/rockers/doglegs and all that can be repaired with replacement metal, so not a big concern unless you do not want to mess with welding in new metal. Also like Crukab pointed out, the roof is also a major problem area and a real nightmare if it has rust issues. Best thing I can suggest is either take someone who is experienced with VW's and/or buses and have them inspect it with you, or post some pics of the bus (focus on bottom side of it and roof/gutter rails). I am also in Indiana (North-west'ish) and I may be able to go look at it with you if you want, I have no interest in it as I already have a bus and no desire for another one so no worry about me trying to snag it from under you. PM me if you want my help. Either way good luck & post some pics!