My Funky 78 "Parts" Bus - Champagne Edition II

gschoep · Last edited by gschoep on Thu Jul 28, 2011 9:00 pm; edited 2 times in total

I figured it was about time that I contributed... so here it is.

This is a bus I bought on Monday to be used as "parts" for my 73 Westy. It has a new rebuilt engine (with some unknown problem - possibly top end or pulled stud), new exhaust, new heater boxes, fair tires, and a pretty good interior for a parts bus.

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

I bought it since it has the complete fuel injection system and probably a bunch of new engine parts since it was done 1500 miles ago.

However... I left the bus home with my wife who today decided to clean it up to see what was under the oxidized paint (and Grateful Dead stickers) and grime on the interior.

Oops.

Unfortunately for the Westy, this bus is in pretty good shape. It has a pretty unusual interior which is in pretty good unrestored condition. One tear in the drivers seat plus some of the orange covering on the paneling that needs to be reglued. As far as I can tell the interior is complete except for the radio.

This is the first classic vehicle that I ever owned with a complete interior. I have found the hardest part about restoration is finding good used interior parts that match the color of your car. (Ask me about the complete "standard deluxe" interior that I sourced for my 69 mustang over about 10 years...)

I am pretty sure since the interior in this vehicle is all brown that it would be impossible to find replacement parts.

The body has a few rock chips that the previous owners didn't take care of which unfortunately now will require a complete repaint. But all of the rust except behind the back bumper is on the surface.

It also has a "sun roof" (not sure what it is called) which would be great for trips to Yellowstone which it about 90 miles away.

And also, the previous owner told me that the green knob on the dash is for a working gas heater. It is under a big plate attached to the frame in the middle of the vehicle. It has ducting that comes up through the floor to keep the passengers warm.

VDubTech · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 7:52 pm Post subject:

That's a Champagne Edition and it's in great shape....don't part that thing out.
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zaakystyles · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:27 pm Post subject:

jordantwilliams78 · Samba Member Joined: July 14, 2010 Posts: 83

that isn't a part bus it is a collector ! I wish mine was that nice !
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1978 champagne Edition II Bus

gschoep · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:56 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I had already figured that one out. This bus is nicer than my Westy. Plus, it almost runs.

Is the Champagne Edition desirable?

EZ Gruv · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:59 pm Post subject:

That bus is in great shape. No way in hell it should be parted out.
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zaakystyles · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 9:12 pm Post subject:

Collie · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:11 pm Post subject:

I think I am going to faint.....

That CE is in ecxellent original condition, if you part it out I will find someone to come and beat your ass (im not a big guy) Smile

Seriously, spend a couple hours and get it running, you will love the factory sunroof.....plus if you decide to sell, its got near everything it supposed to have....even a gas heater!

Collie · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:14 pm Post subject:

And its automatic!!!! I think I did just faint........

BusterBrown · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:19 pm Post subject:

If you part that bus out, EZ Gruv will have to come up there to Montana and kick you in the balls. (Sorry, inside joke. If you'd been around awhile, you'd understand)
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1977 Transporter

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musktchup · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 3:19 am Post subject:

whats the little red light under the radio?

EZ Gruv · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:35 am Post subject:

secretsubmariner · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 5:37 am Post subject:

^^^

Very nice find gschoep!
When I found my 'pagne it had complete interior as well! Brown parts ARE a b*tch to source..but I've heard that rabbit parts from a similar year match. From experience they're not really any easier to find though haha
My bus is all banged up out of shape on the outside, but those two tone seats are badass, aren't they?!

Anyway, welcome to the Champagne Club Wink

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1978 Champagne Edition Bus FI
1970 Auto Fastback FI

rustbus · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 6:36 am Post subject:

wow parts bus huh, gotta ask how much you paid?

Also, just how bad is this rust? I would suggest you dont repaint it... or at least keep it to the front panel if this is where the "bad" rust is.

Wow buddy, great score, that thing is near mint. Congrats! glad you changed your mind about parting it.
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phoneguy · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 7:06 am Post subject:

Dibs on the bumpers !
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gschoep · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 9:11 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the kudos... I AM NOT parting it out...

The red led is part of a security system that the PO disconnected but is still in place.

mikewire · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject:

Man, you scored there!!

Check out the link at the bottom of my signature and join up on our local forum. There's a few AC guys, plus a bunch that are into water cooled and other various projects.
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1972 VW Kombi 9 Passenger Deluxe w/ 2.0L F.I. VWAC swap
1965 VW Beetle Deluxe Bahama Blue

Randy in Maine · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 3:41 pm Post subject:

Sweet bus.

Never owned a CEII. I should. I would look really good driving one. Razz

chrisradioman · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:39 pm Post subject:

How much do you want for it, I'll buy it & restore it 100% original. please don't break it, I'll send you the money. Very Happy

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Hoody · Samba Member Joined: November 28, 2007 Posts: 1948

Some VW people go nuts for these buses. I would clean that up really well, buff the paint carefully as to not mess up the stripes. That beauty looks like it has been garage kept all of it's life. Get it running and flip it. If the underside is as clean as the rest of it appears, that thing is worth 7-10 grand to the right person. I have a late westy and the CE's never did much for me but as I said some consider this the "Holy Grail" of type 2's second only to the "Silverfish". Congratulations, you scored huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge!


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