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bikedk88 Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Port Orange, FL
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:23 am Post subject: Off road modifications for your bus FAQ |
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[url=https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=270489&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=]Off road modifications for your bus FAQ[/url] |
I have a 71' bus and was wondering if anyone had done any mods to their buses for off roading. and i have 14s on my bus.. does any one know any good dirt tires that fit on a 14?
Happy off roading!!!! _________________ I get by with a little help form my friends.
I get high with a little help from my friends.
I know i cant spell.
71 Sunroof Deluxe |
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Traveling Writer Samba Scribe
Joined: May 07, 2006 Posts: 1112 Location: Florence, Italy
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:43 am Post subject: |
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I think the bus is amazing as is for offroading! Although that said, I've put knobby tires on the 14 rims, just because I do take the old boy onto fire trails and two-tracks in the mountains around Colorado quite a bit. But the stock ground clearance, the stock torque (especially with SMALLER tires), and the rear-engine/rear-drive setup give the bus the chops to keep up with most of your friends' jeeps or other SUVs. And they won't be able to pop the top and cook dinner after they get where they're going, either. But you know that already!
As for tires, I think the perfect bus tire that won't rub, or reduce torque too much, and fit on 14s is NLA, the BFG All Terrains. There might be a couple out there somewhere in a warehouse, but as for all of the online discount tire places, don't bother--I've been through them all, and even when they say they have some online, you'll get an email saying oops later.
Finally, check the tire sticky, because someone will say that sooner or later.... _________________ Cheers,
Davi
1977 2.0 FI Westy
2011 1200cc Yamaha Super Tenere
1976 Feet (they work surprisingly well) |
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jrbo Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2007 Posts: 176
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:57 am Post subject: |
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I (Just my two cents) would try to keep it as close to stock as possible....with that said...some tire mods can be done without rubbing...read tire sticky(I said it first after you????)... |
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Traveling Writer Samba Scribe
Joined: May 07, 2006 Posts: 1112 Location: Florence, Italy
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:25 am Post subject: |
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Richard Atwell's site is also a great resource, not just for tires, but for everything bus.
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Tires.html _________________ Cheers,
Davi
1977 2.0 FI Westy
2011 1200cc Yamaha Super Tenere
1976 Feet (they work surprisingly well) |
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visibleink Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2002 Posts: 1668 Location: Austin, Texas
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:37 am Post subject: |
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I'm going to put on 195R14 the Hankooks and hoping the slightly larger helps the bus in off road conditions. But I just want to find some off the charts camping spots. _________________ Been on the samba so long I remember petting that dog to see VWs, WYHI, and green bug girl.
<-- Helga, she slammed her dub in '53 and adjusted valves with her teeth |
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jmstu76 Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 1227 Location: Edmond Oklahoma
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:43 pm Post subject: |
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For offroad mods, I would start with tires as well. I have a set of the BF Goodriches. Since they are no longer available, I will probably try the Cooper SRM II's. 195/r14. They are a true D rated tire and are almost as tall as my BF's. I think wyomingriviera is running a set and they look good. Good Luck. _________________ James
'76 Deluxe Sage Green Westy
2258 cc GD case 78mm CW crank, 2.0 H-beam rods 5,325” 22mm pin, JE forged pistons with 15cc dish, JE rings, type 11 clearanced oil pump, CB Eagle 2205 Type-2 “Torque Special” hydraulic cam with matched lifters fed by CB Dual Weber 40 IDF MX with 6” foam air filters, currently 55 idle, 130 main, 200 air correction, 32 mm venturis. 27in General Grabber AT2 All Terrains, Berg Shifter, stock '76 exhaust HPC Ceramic Coated. 11/18/2020
Last edited by jmstu76 on Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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atvaz333 Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2005 Posts: 173
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:44 pm Post subject: |
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I'm going to be using my bus in less the perfect conditions once its completed. Dirt roads, snow, sand, etc. I asked the off road tire question also.... heres the link to the thread.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2683195&highlight=#2683195
The widest tires you can get on your rims the better. The whole greater surface area deal I guess... |
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JMazier Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2006 Posts: 900 Location: In my garage, Georgetown, Ontario, Canada...
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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Hey,
I also have a set of the BFG All Terrains and they have been excellent. Otherwise make sure that everything in your suspension is in top condition. Strong shocks are a must including the steering stabilizer… Finally if you do have a case of rear bus sag now is the time to fix it. _________________ Cheers!
Jérôme
’79 Cali Westy 2.0 F.I.
'74 Honda CB 350 Four
'78 Honda CB 750 K
'12 Golf GTI
'11 Ural Patrol |
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atvaz333 Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2005 Posts: 173
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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Good advice. Right now my bus is stripped on the inside except for the front seats/dash. Would it be smart to watch the weight of the bus if its going to be seeing a lot of off road driving? |
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JMazier Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2006 Posts: 900 Location: In my garage, Georgetown, Ontario, Canada...
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:59 pm Post subject: |
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atvaz333 wrote: |
Good advice. Right now my bus is stripped on the inside except for the front seats/dash. Would it be smart to watch the weight of the bus if its going to be seeing a lot of off road driving? |
Sure, the more weight the harder it is on your bus however really you still want to have all the gear in the bus that you need in order to enjoy it (camping gear, etc...) so find the balance between offroad and overall fun factor. _________________ Cheers!
Jérôme
’79 Cali Westy 2.0 F.I.
'74 Honda CB 350 Four
'78 Honda CB 750 K
'12 Golf GTI
'11 Ural Patrol |
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fukengruvenoval Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2004 Posts: 774 Location: OSHAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: Off road modifications for your bus |
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bikedk88 wrote: |
I have a 71' bus and was wondering if anyone had done any mods to their buses for off roading. |
You may have a hard time making sharp turns off-road with a seventy-one foot long bus... _________________ Check out my video series at www.youtube.com/midnightoilgarage |
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DubKru Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2007 Posts: 298
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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Length joke number 2. _________________ 2L, Raby cam, HAM Heads, Mallory, Dual Dell 40's, Porsche discs, Fuchs (Colored matched not to my bus),tunin' the crap out of it, slammed on Wagenswest suspension.
Polish Rifle wrote: |
I like to take care of my engine and find a nice speed to cruise in on my bus, but sometimes.....you just get in the mood to run the piece of crap into the ground. |
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atvaz333 Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2005 Posts: 173
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject: |
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haha seen that one before... |
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Bursch Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2006 Posts: 448 Location: Netherlands
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 6:11 pm Post subject: |
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I'm going with slightly larger tires, Vredestein Comtrac 205/82R14.
Raises the bus about an inch and has a nice wide footprint. _________________ 1978 T2b ASI Riviera Plan I // Camper Special with MegaSquirt & EDIS // 091 with 5.14 R/P and Peloquins LSD
Powered by Just Kampers, German Supply, Busted Bus & Aircooled Technology
2008: Amsterdam - Beijing - Olympics -- 17.500km
2010: Amsterdam - Cape Town - FIFA World Cup -- 26.000km
2014: New York - Rio de Janeiro - FIFA World Cup -- 28.000km
***********************
Camper Special Club Member |
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4Doora Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2006 Posts: 1153 Location: Hudson, NH
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 6:28 pm Post subject: |
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I love the look of off road buses
Get some meaty tires, a nice roof rack, and some auxiliary lights and you'll be looking fine....
I just wish my garage were big enough to fit such modifications
edit:
Found a cool picture:
_________________ '69 Bug,'71 Bus,'61 Bug ,'56 Bug, '66 Panel |
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atvaz333 Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2005 Posts: 173
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 6:42 pm Post subject: |
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I just fell in love again..... with that bus. |
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bikedk88 Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Port Orange, FL
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 7:42 pm Post subject: |
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Thats what i want mine to look like! but thanks to everyone for your ideas. thats pretty much what ive been thinking about doing to mine, the tires and lights, roof rack will come when i get the funds. im just glad to see other off road bus people cuz everyone thinks im crazy when i tell people i go on trails with it. haha they have no faith till they see me, it may go a little slower but slow and stedy wins the race. _________________ I get by with a little help form my friends.
I get high with a little help from my friends.
I know i cant spell.
71 Sunroof Deluxe |
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barrysmith Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2006 Posts: 258 Location: wilburton oklahoma
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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4Doora wrote: |
I love the look of off road buses
Get some meaty tires, a nice roof rack, and some auxiliary lights and you'll be looking fine....
I just wish my garage were big enough to fit such modifications
edit:
Found a cool picture:
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that bus rules....there is an Aussie website with massive offroad bus pics but I forgot what it is |
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nebe Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2007 Posts: 450 Location: Rhode Island
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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I think this is the same bus-
what tires are those??
Also, does anyone know where to get the gravel guards that are on the headlights of that bus?? |
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Bay74 Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2006 Posts: 414
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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nebe wrote: |
I think this is the same bus-
what tires are those??
Also, does anyone know where to get the gravel guards that are on the headlights of that bus?? |
I have been looking for those too.
I can't find em either _________________ Don't call it a van. |
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