TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Sep 01, 2021 12:13 pm

Just rescued a 1970 Bay window sunroof bus that was stored in a shed for the last 25 years. I paid $1200 not knowing what I was getting into. Got the wheels rolling and into my garage. Installed a new battery, engine turned over , lights work, wipers work, blinkers work. Almost no rust except pinholes around front window and spots in front floor. Cargo floor almost rust free. Engine compartment looked clean after I removed a mound of critter furnishings. Question is; engine number is H5 647493, when I researched it looks like it could be 1969 bug or thing engine. My chassis is 2202096567 which I believe is a late(dec) 1969 manufacture date. Is this possibly an original engine or replacement?

New to the forum not sure how everything works.

Wed Sep 01, 2021 4:11 pm

Not sure about the engine number, but the crankshaft pulley is 100% not original nor is the alternator (it would originally have had a generator) so someone has certainly been in there before.

Wed Sep 01, 2021 4:17 pm

The chances are very high that the case isn't original to your bus. Unless you are building a show car having matching number doesn't do you much good.

Wed Sep 01, 2021 6:31 pm

You got a very good deal.

So, do you have $5000 on hand to get this baby rolling?

Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:52 pm

Looks like you have a termite problem in your garage rafters that needs to be addressed. :cry:

Thu Sep 02, 2021 11:03 am

aeromech wrote: You got a very good deal.

So, do you have $5000 on hand to get this baby rolling?

After new wheels, tires and a new sliding roof (couldn't let it get away) I'm almost halfway there without touching the brakes or engine. Probably should cash in my Enron stock.

Thu Sep 02, 2021 5:10 pm

Take your wheels down to your local powder coating place. They will sand blast them and powder coat them for you for roughly $50 each.

Order some Hankook RA18 “vantra” tires online. Prices vary but Amazon even has them at times.

You’ll never be able to find a new sunroof. If you try to restore it you’ll go both broke and crazy at the same time. There are some replacement parts available but there are so many that aren’t reproduced that it makes other options for filling the void attractive.

So, start by getting it rolling and weather tight. Then work you’re way up from there.

Fri Sep 03, 2021 2:01 am

karlhungus wrote: aeromech wrote: You got a very good deal.

So, do you have $5000 on hand to get this baby rolling?

After new wheels, tires and a new sliding roof (couldn't let it get away) I'm almost halfway there without touching the brakes or engine. Probably should cash in my Enron stock.

It’s coming back , just hold on for a few more years.