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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:29 am Post subject: STOLEN: 1966 VW Bus. Help! |
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My friend had his bus for 43 years and it was stolen a week ago (Aug 31 2014) from Glendale CA (just N of LA)
I'm going into maximum search mode to help find his bus. He's depressed and misses his bus like a family member has been kidnapped. We need help.
ANY leads or ideas on how to locate his bus will help.
License #: 5XHT560
VIN #: 246134276
Anyone else experience this? What did you do? I am determined to find his bus for him.
Thanks
John
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69813 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:06 am Post subject: |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69813 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:20 am Post subject: |
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To clarify some stuff:
Comments from that photo you posted:
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Stolen 1966 VW Bus. Looks exactly like this one
Except he had a tire mounted on the front. |
That Bus is a 15-Window. 15 Windows ended in 1963.
1966s also have bigger front turn signals.
I'm guessing it was a primer/white '66 13-Window with a tire up front.
Ok, people can keep an eye out. _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:26 am Post subject: |
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He just told me the official specs:
VW Transporter Type 2 Microbus
Kombi Deluxe 500
13 window
VIN: 246134276
Lic #: 5XHT560
Do you think this car would be parted out or restored and sold?
Any idea? Seems like it's more valuable to resell it after it's restored.
Should I scour for a place selling possible parts from it?
Thanks
John |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69813 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:37 am Post subject: |
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I don't know what the typical thing to do is but probably either parted out or the VIN #s are changed and it is resold.
Or sent to another country. (Mexico?)
Restored... No. Repainted with a quickie paint job... maybe.
If it has some specific parts that identify it you could watch for those being sold in your area. _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
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hitest Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10296 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:40 am Post subject: |
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John, time is the essence. What color is it- and what distinguishing features about it will make it easier for people to spot. I mean, supply the following:
Any distinguishing rust areas (my quarter panel rusty spot is shaped like an elk hoof print- no shit)
Any repaired and patched with primer areas
Anything extra bolted to the body or cut from the body (side scoops, antenna holes, etc.)
Any special features inside- especially if the seat bulkhead was cut out for bucket seats
Whether it has popout windows all around or just a couple toward the back.
Sorry if I sound condescending at all- but I get the feeling you're not really a bus guy- but a good friend. The bus community is huge as you know- so be specific about any features that make it stand out. _________________
EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:31 am Post subject: |
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You are correct, I'm a friend and I'm convinced we can find his bus.
I spoke to Mickey and here are some additional identifiable specs:
-Spare tire mounted on front
-two-tone white top gray bottom
-bug muffler – tailpipe out rear bumper
-trailer hitch
-I bolts in rear bumper
-Air scoops
-Driver side front, Dent
-lower quarter panels both sides – pop riveted on
-Air bumpers no rails
-custom converted to camper, bed over wooden cabinets
-locking engine compartment
-locking gas cap
-rust on roof
-missing one hubcap
-short rubber radio antenna
-No upholstery on driver's seat
-Gray carpet, wood paneling
-various plates on body pop riveted on
-back up lights retrofit
-switch for backup lights mounted on the dash
-gauges mounted on dash: oil, amps, engine temperature
-speakers and radio mounted under dash tray
-padded rear panels
-6 V
-boss 009 distributor
-Pick 2 carburetor
Thanks for your help.
We are trying to find a photo to post. Hopefully I'll have it today.
Thanks again.
John |
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marksch Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:38 am Post subject: |
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Im heading out to Burbank today and tomorrow from the southbay, I'll keep my bus radar on! ...he's had that bus as long as I've been alive. Thats awesome and a huge bummer all at once. Hope we can find her! _________________ http://66split.com - My 21 window Seebau / Cumulusweiß bus restoration project and the crazy drive across the country that followed. |
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:49 am Post subject: |
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Thanks man!!
Yea, he really misses that bus.
He bought it around 1971!!
Crossed the US many times, rebuilt her many times and I'm sure, countless stories in it.
Thanks for your help in finding her!
Best
John. |
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Schwing Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2009 Posts: 2506 Location: Centreville, MD
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Red Fau Veh Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2012 Posts: 3037 Location: Prescott Az.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:22 pm Post subject: |
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I think you should consider the local towing yards. I would try looking there and the closest hoods. I think it would be hard to go very far with it. _________________ 1971 Deluxe Sunroof Bay 1905 stroker, dual idf40's, 74mm Scat forged crank, engle 110 cam. CB 044 heads, AutoCraft rockers, chromoly push rods
1973 Orange transporter stock type 4 with dual 40 Dellortos and Empi single quiet pack
1969 Adventurewagen blue whale Gene Berg 1776 built by Dave Kawell dual 36 DRLA's, Vintage Speed exhaust, Bosch 019 screamer
1961 Swivel Seat camper, L345 grey
Touch Nicks Thing wrote: |
Swivel Seat panels are for people with no friends |
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Schwing and Red
I'll have pictures up soon.
Gas gauge is also broken, so whoever took it would have thought they needed gas right away. Put flyers up at the nearby gas stations but no luck so far.
Thanks again,
Best
John |
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hitest Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10296 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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Excellent follow up John! I wish I were down below and could help look out. Some of us have Splittie vision that exceeds our ability to spot our own wives, children, danger, etc! The most noted thing that jumps out from your list is the pop-riveted panels and the hitch- you have a lot of allies here sir. _________________
EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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xcoldgrimjimx Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2011 Posts: 254 Location: CA
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:28 pm Post subject: |
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I think I seen this bus!!! I asked the owner a bunch of questions he was strange he did now shit about it!!!! and did not want to talk it was at the flying j by mantica CA !!!!! NO LICENCE PLATE give me your number so I can call you!!!!! the bus was spray can yellow from belt line down top was the same _________________ ya it's rusty...but it's MINE!!!!! |
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srfndoc Samba Member
Joined: August 21, 2010 Posts: 3275 Location: SoCal
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:38 pm Post subject: |
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If your sure it was the same bus I would call the cops to have them query the owner. _________________ RPM=(MPH*336* (R&P*4th*1.26))/Tire Diameter in inches |
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xcoldgrimjimx Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2011 Posts: 254 Location: CA
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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this bus was on a trailer by the out limits of the gas station!! it was 2 day ago!!! it was dark and did not see pop riv like you said!!? it was yellow and on the bumper it had a hot VW sticker on it and on drivers side had a BIG dent!!! by the wheel well and blinds on the windows so if it does not sound like the one in question I sorry I guess the guy just did not know about VW'S and was very rude I hope you find it!!! I will be one the look out!! _________________ ya it's rusty...but it's MINE!!!!! |
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rebapuck Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2007 Posts: 1023 Location: Chapel Hill NC
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:57 pm Post subject: |
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I hate reading about these thefts. Last thing I do at night is look out at my buses. In the morning I run to open the blinds to make sure they are still there. Whew!! _________________ Judy
1966 Camper "Hannah"
1967 SingleCab "Khady" |
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks xcoldgrimm,
Any lead helps. I appreciate it.
How long has the car been there? Was it just passing thru? If you're still in the area snap a photo and send to me. I assume it will have a cheesy paint job on it.
Also, give me the exact location you saw it and I'll have it checked out.
Thanks man I really appreciate it.
Keeping the faith!!
Best
John |
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Gilly3000 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2014 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:59 am Post subject: |
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I'm going to post on Flying J's blog as well as somehow try to get the word out to truckers who have eyes all over the roads.
If the Manteca sighting really is Mickey's bus, sounds like she's heading North.
That was 2 days ago so I need to calculate the distance to plot her possible location.
Thanks again everyone, and let's get the word out up North.
On the lookout for crudely painted yellow 66 bus on a flatbed.
Possibly heading N on the Interstate 5 near Barstow.
John |
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