'71 Bus Project in NH

4Doora · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:05 pm Post subject: '71 Bus Project in NH

Well, I've been wanting to start a thread where i can post the progress of my bus, so here it goes...
I found the bus in the classifieds here on the samba last fall, looked to be in excellent condition

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I was originally searching for a bug, but after seeing this, i had to go check it out. So my father and I bought it, he agreed to pay half as long as i bought all the parts. The documentation shows it was originally from Michigan, brought to California, then to Connecticut, finally to Maine where we picked it up. It didn't run, but that was the least of my worries, and the body is quite clean.

We spent a few days scrubbing and buffing the scum encrusted on it, and the paint came back to life
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'69 Bug,'71 Bus,'61 Bug ,'56 Bug, '66 Panel

4Doora · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject:

There was the usual sum of rust beneath the front windshield, so we got a repair panel form bus depot to fix it
(before)

(after)

The interior was pretty much useless, a homemade back seat that wasn't even secured to the floor, and a saggin home made headliner, so we just ripped it out

My father got it running, but he doesn't trust the engine case's line bore, so rather than putting any more money into the engine, I'm saving up for a brand new turnkey. Not going very fast, cause i only make 3 hours a night washing dishes at a nursing home Sad

.

I ordered some rock & roll bed hinges and building a bed.

My interior is gonna be all red vinyl with a black & white checkered floor Cool

This is the current state of the bus:

I'll be updating my progress as it is gained, thanks for looking, and i appreciate any comments you may have Very Happy

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'69 Bug,'71 Bus,'61 Bug ,'56 Bug, '66 Panel

UncleDannie · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:06 pm Post subject:

What started out as a wreak, turned into a beautiful swan. Man, I'm impressed with your progress, even more so based upon your income from your job. Your old man must be one in a thousand to help out.

A full restoration may not be your game plan, but as a daily driver, it's going to be fantastic. Great job, keep sending in pics as your work progresses.
_________________
Uncle Dannie
'71 Westy Project Bus
Stock 1600 engine, 15" wheels, stock interior

Anyone who says something is foolproof hasn't met a determined fool

68nofussbus · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:08 pm Post subject:

hows the heat in that bus ? I know if I took my bus to N.H. form Florida I would want heat. Born in N.H. but live in sunny FL. good luck

4Doora · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:16 pm Post subject:

Randy in Maine · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:46 am Post subject:

Great project.

This will be a sweet ride.

4Doora · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:54 am Post subject:

Went to home depot yesterday, picked up a panel of this fiberboard stuff for $10 and made some door panels. Don't have them covered yet, cause i'm still waiting on the vinyl from the upholstery shop. They came out pretty sweet, if i do say so myself.

Gonna be covered in red vinyl to match the seats that are currently being upholstered
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'69 Bug,'71 Bus,'61 Bug ,'56 Bug, '66 Panel

Randy in Maine · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:59 am Post subject:

Looking good.

See if you can come to Kittery Point on May 5th. Come over and say hi. http://www.mainevwclub.org/

4Doora · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:09 pm Post subject:

Looks like a good time Very Happy

, not too far either
I'll see if i can make it, my dad would probably be into it, he's been wanting to see some vw shows.
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'69 Bug,'71 Bus,'61 Bug ,'56 Bug, '66 Panel

Randy in Maine · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:24 pm Post subject:

Look for my license plate and come over and say hi.

4Doora · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:22 pm Post subject:

Well, it's been a long time since I've posted any progress, simply because i haven't made much Sad

But tonight i just got done making a divider curtain for the bus (i swear i didn't steal this idea from theguitarguy)
I found room divider's at building 19 (your 1 stop shop for useless crap) for $3 each, so i bought three, and made my own.

^me working on it

And here's a current picture of the bus

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'69 Bug,'71 Bus,'61 Bug ,'56 Bug, '66 Panel

norcalmike · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:30 pm Post subject:

hey,
nice job on the window rust repair. how did you match the paint up.
did you repaint the whole front. it looks great

4Doora · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:35 pm Post subject:

TrickyThom · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:38 pm Post subject:

Hey, I live in Nashua..
I wouldn't mind stopping by to check it out.... Hint.
_________________
1977 Riviera

oreoucky · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:02 pm Post subject:

how what the replacement of the metal under the windshield? Alot of wielding?

4Doora · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:54 pm Post subject:

oreoucky · Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 6:48 am Post subject:

wow looks great for just using body filler...i am sure the welder would of been better but this definetly did the job...looks good

TexasAirCooler · Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:16 am Post subject:

Bus is looking good. Going to be a fine driver if not already.
Are you going to stay with a stock motor or get one with a little extra punch?
_________________
Terry

Common Sense Is A Flower That Doesn't Grow In Everyone's Garden.

renobdarb · Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:56 am Post subject:

4Doora · Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 8:26 am Post subject:


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