TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu May 19, 2022 10:55 am

I going to shop for a 1968 to 1971 Bus.
If I find one in Southern California, do you know of any person I can pay with great VW mechanic experience, that will go check it out with me to see if it's a good buy -before- choose to I buy it?

Thu May 19, 2022 10:59 am

Gary in San Diego. I don't know if Robbie still does that stuff.

Fri May 20, 2022 1:58 pm

I second the suggestion for Gary, whose Samba handle is Aeromech and he is based in San Diego.

Fri May 20, 2022 6:29 pm

If this guy contacts me I would point him towards a bus that’s for sale in Gilbert Arizona. I know the owner and he is very honest.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2548010

Wed May 25, 2022 11:52 am

This is all great information, thank you fellas. Robbie was the guy I had in mind that I couldn’t figure out what his name was or his link, but I found it.
Who is Gary, he seems well liked and what’s his site or link if you know it? And thank you for the offer of the bus in Arizona, it looks beautiful and if it’s still around when I’m ready to pull the trigger I’ll get back with you!👍🏽

Wed May 25, 2022 12:02 pm

Yeshua63 wrote: This is all great information, thank you fellas. Robbie was the guy I had in mind that I couldn’t figure out what his name was or his link, but I found it.
Who is Gary, he seems well liked and what’s his site or link if you know it? And thank you for the offer of the bus in Arizona, it looks beautiful and if it’s still around when I’m ready to pull the trigger I’ll get back with you!👍🏽
I don't know how much of that Robbie still does. Someone told me he was working on Porsche EV swaps. It used to be more likely you'd see Robbie hanging around Gary's place. Robbie is a great resource and knows Bays inside and out. Gary is an AP by profession and took up buses as a hobby many years ago. Has helped lots of folks with their buses. He goes by "Aeromech". Telford hangs around there sometimes too. And, Telford is a genius in electronics and electrical. He helped me figure out an ignition system vibrator for a 1916 Pierce Arrow a friend was restoring for Pebble Beach. Robbie goes by "Airschooled"

Thu May 26, 2022 4:55 am

I think that’s a good strategy. I also highly recommend the Haynes restoration manual. In particular, it gives great examples of the places where buses typically rust and what is involved in repairing it. They deal with at least really crusty example. Metal work is probably the most extensive part of any restoration. Compared to the repair of mechanicals, it can be a longer, windier path with many detours. Freshly painted buses are the most suspect. A bus can be made beautiful with enough filler and paint for a few months.

Wed May 14, 2025 4:39 am

I am considering purchase of a Bay window in Seattle (Beria). Anyone know of an inspector guy I could hire to give it a lookover?

Wed May 14, 2025 10:05 am

I am considering purchase of a Bay window in Seattle (Beria). Anyone know of an inspector guy I could hire to give it a lookover?

Wed May 14, 2025 10:48 am

[email protected] wrote: I am considering purchase of a Bay window in Seattle (Beria). Anyone know of an inspector guy I could hire to give it a lookover?

Reach out to PeaceVans in Seattle. They don't do a ton of aircooled work anymore, but I bet they could do this, or recommend someone who can.

There's also the WetWesties, a PNW camper/bus group that is well-connected and contains some knowledgeable folks. Try them on facebook or their website:

https://wetwesties.org/

Good luck!
Robbie