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mechanicjay Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2014 Posts: 63 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 3:20 pm Post subject: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Hello,
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I almost don't want to post for fear of jinxing a not-yet-compltely-done-deal, but I'm too stoked to keep it in, so here goes.
I've been away from the aircooled scene for about 15 years, pining away for another aircooled VW. I've been looking around at bugs the last couple years but with 2 kids, it just didn't seem practice. I've also seriously considered a Type 3 Squareback for a bit more room, but my 5 year old keeps vetoing that idea. For some reason he just doesn't like them (bugs and busses are great however).
With the family (and dog) it became clear a few months ago that I should concentrate on Busses. My Wife was supportive and the kids were excited. I wanted the next project/classic to be something the whole family could enjoy and be a part of (which is the big drawback to my F100). So, with everyone on board with the idea, I started looking around. I also did a lot of thinking on if I wanted to go straight up passenger van or camper. For versatility, adventure and kitsch, I decided a camper was the way to go.
So I've been looking around casually at Bays and Vanagons. I've found a lot sub $2000 basket cases (more project than I want) and $12K+ stuff (less project than I want). Nothing really spoke to me.
This past Friday, I found myself in REI in Seattle and saw Ernie there:http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=657618 .
I sat in Ernie. I admired Ernie. I lusted after Ernie. I said, "WTF are we waiting for on this whole bus thing?" My wife said, "For you to make a decision". "Oh yeah."
As she did some more shopping, I sat in the camping display chair next to Ernie and did some bus shopping.
Again all, the listings showed stuff that was too rough, or too pricey or not appealing for one reason or another. All except one. I found one on Craigslist, listed only a few hours prior. Complete, no rot, running camper, $4500.
I emailed the guy and we setup a time for me to go check it out. 10 am Saturday morning, was looking at a Bus. We drove the bus. The kids bounced in the Bus. I crawled under the bus. I talked with the owner and admired his gorgeous '72 Westy, his Thing, his Show Winning Splitty...
We left. My wife and I has a serious talk on the way home, peppered with questions from my 3 and 5 year old about why we weren't taking the bus home. I had to do a little bit more research on some stuff, specifically the Riviera conversion, which is something I wasn't aware of as a thing that existed.
A few hours later, I called him back to make an offer. Later in the afternoon, I stopped by with a deposit and will be completing the transaction on Thursday after work...I'm counting the minutes!
So, it's a 1973 Riviera Camper. The interior is all original. The engine, recently tuned and whatnot, has about 5K miles on it. The Body is a bit rough in spots, but no rot anywhere. Though, the driver's step and the floor under the passengers feet are thin, with daylight showing through in places. For comparison, there far far less rust than our '06 Wrangler, if that means anything .
It seems to drives well, even power delivery through all the gears. We were on local county roads, so only had it up to about 45 mph. It stops, though it takes a bit more pedal pressure than I might have expected. Basically it feels about how I'd expect a 45 year old vehicle to feel. Nothing jumped out at me as being out of sorts (strange noises, vibrations, pulling etc)
I'm going on Thursday after work to complete the transaction and drive it home!
At that point, the fun begins.
There are a bunch of safety/reliability things to tend to first:
1) Seal around the engine tin.
2) Go through the brakes as they are of unknown provenance (You can go as fast as you want, but it's all worthless if you can't stop).
3) Seat Belt update.
4) Fix wipers, (seems like the wiper transmission is seized).
5) Fix the horn (it appears to be missing)
The engine bay is a little sloppy. There is the aforementioned missing seal. The throttle cable looks like a complete bodge job. The safety cage on the fan is missing. There are some loose wires and connections that I need to trace and try to figure out what they go to.
All-in-all it's a drivable project, which is just what I was looking for. The best part for me is that it's going to be a family project. My wife is ready to dig into and refurbish the interior.
In a former life I paid the bills as a mechanic, now as a software developer. I'm an intrepid DIY'er and have been looking for a new automotive project (this certainly won't be my first). So there you have it, after thinking about getting a bus for way too long, I became inspired, searched for and found one that met my criteria.
Here is a link to a bunch of other pics:
http://archives.smbfc.net/uploads/bus |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51153 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Welcome!, sounds like you already know just how deep a pile you've stepped in, you are doomed!
That's not too bad looking a bus there, some engine compartment issues and a 411/412 engine, but overall not too rusty or butchered up and far from beyond repair, with a few fixes for reliability it'll be ready for adventures that the kids will never forget, worry about the scratches and rips later. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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Tcash Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12844 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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Tcash Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12844 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 4:25 pm Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Tcash wrote: |
url=http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7488157#7488157]Type 4 oil strainer[/url]
Every Type IV engine owner should know this!!!
If you over tighten the Oil Strainer bolt, you will brake the engine case!
There is a Oil strainer in there.
TORQUE THE STRAINER BOLT TO NO MORE THAN 9 FT. LBS. |
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RONIN10 Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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mechanicjay,
Welcome to the Bus community and more specifically welcome to the Seattle bus community. There's a lot of good people around here that you'll get to know and can be relied on for help. Just off the top of my head: both Bleyseng and I are in Seattle proper, Stuartzickenfooze (if I spelled that right) is in Everett, notchboy is Kent/Covington, Zelten is in Bellevue, and there are many others community you'll get to know over time. Take a moment to add the Greater Seattle Bus Gathering thread to your watch list. We get together once a month or two for beers and to talk VWs. With summer up, the activity will pick up.
The other thing - especially being new bus ownership - is to get on Amskeptic's itinerary (google Itinerant Air Cooled for more details). It's too late for this year itinerary (sign up is in late winter/early spring), but he will be at my house on 16 July and I'm trying to arrange a meetup/beers/barbecue/whatever for the locals to chat with him and each other while he's in town. Watch the GSBG thread for details in the next day or two.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you hit a sticking point, theSamba or one of us in the area - probably Stuart - will do our best to help you make your bus better.
EDIT: a couple items that just came to me...first, I'll be buying a new bus on Thursday too! Selling my old one on Saturday I hope. Second, if you think you want to go back to the stock dual carb setup, I have some cores floating in my garage from a salvage operation a couple years ago. Their yours if you want them and will put them to use. Consider it a welcome to the bus life gift.
Cheers! _________________ Andrew
Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle |
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mechanicjay Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2014 Posts: 63 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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RONIN10 wrote: |
mechanicjay,
Welcome to the Bus community and more specifically welcome to the Seattle bus community. There's a lot of good people around here that you'll get to know and can be relied on for help. Just off the top of my head: both Bleyseng and I are in Seattle proper, Stuartzickenfooze (if I spelled that right) is in Everett, notchboy is Kent/Covington, Zelten is in Bellevue, and there are many others community you'll get to know over time. Take a moment to add the Greater Seattle Bus Gathering thread to your watch list. We get together once a month or two for beers and to talk VWs. With summer up, the activity will pick up.
The other thing - especially being new bus ownership - is to get on Amskeptic's itinerary (google Itinerant Air Cooled for more details). It's too late for this year itinerary (sign up is in late winter/early spring), but he will be at my house on 16 July and I'm trying to arrange a meetup/beers/barbecue/whatever for the locals to chat with him and each other while he's in town. Watch the GSBG thread for details in the next day or two.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you hit a sticking point, theSamba or one of us in the area - probably Stuart - will do our best to help you make your bus better.
Cheers! |
Thanks for the heads-up about the GSBG thread, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that!
I was planning on heading over to the swap meet in Shoreline on July 16th, hopefully to pick-up some of the bits and bobs I'll be needing without breaking the bank.
--Jason |
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RONIN10 Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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mechanicjay wrote: |
Thanks for the heads-up about the GSBG thread, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that!
I was planning on heading over to the swap meet in Shoreline on July 16th, hopefully to pick-up some of the bits and bobs I'll be needing without breaking the bank.
--Jason |
Good idea. Get there early. It's a pretty good one and you'll see a few buses there that will inspire you. I was hoping to go as well, but then Colin (Amskeptic) dropped his appointment coincidentally on the 16th.
Another worthwhile swap is the Portland Bug In on 7 August. Lots of fantastic parts there. Good luck! _________________ Andrew
Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle |
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notchboy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22462 Location: Escondido CA
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Yeah welcome aboard. We are here to do as little or as much needed in most cases. Im glad Ernie spoke to you
Looks like you are off to a great start. _________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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Ernie Punkin Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2014 Posts: 84 Location: Hawaii/B.C. Canada/Seattle
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 3:13 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Good boy Ernie! *pet* *pet*
Good luck with your project. So special to create life-long memories with your family and to inspire your kids too. Maybe go with orange paint to carry on the Ernie inspiration? _________________ 1977 Westfalia "Happy"
Bye Bye 1979 Westfalia ERNIE the REI Bus
-----
Ion Pod Trailer |
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alman72 Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2014 Posts: 2573 Location: MICHIGAN
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 4:19 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Nice Riv! but I think It may need another fuel filter
If you get the bus, you need to do something about the plastic multiple fuel filters in the engine bay |
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Stuartzickefoose Samba Post Whore
Joined: February 07, 2008 Posts: 10350 Location: SoCal for now...
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 6:46 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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That's my buddies rivi. I've worked on it for him. Call or text me sometime.
Gonna need engine seal before you go driving it to far now.... _________________ Stuart Zickefoose
2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual
206-841-7324
[email protected] |
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mechanicjay Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2014 Posts: 63 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:15 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Stuartzickefoose wrote: |
That's my buddies rivi. I've worked on it for him. Call or text me sometime.
Gonna need engine seal before you go driving it to far now.... |
Neat, I was wondering if someone would recognize it. I'll definitely reach out at some point.
It has a 23 mile journey to come home, mostly freeway. I was thinking of trying to get a seal and doing it in the guys driveway before leaving, but that may just be extra paranoid? |
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Stuartzickefoose Samba Post Whore
Joined: February 07, 2008 Posts: 10350 Location: SoCal for now...
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:37 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Spencer will happily let you do whatever you want in the driveway once he has cash in his hands hahaha
Do the seal there and have fun with the clutch pedal on the way home. I still can't drive that thing smoothly because it kicks back so suddenly....haha
But no doubt it should be fine for a 23 mile drive. valves are good to go, runs like a top and new starter. Fuel lines were good last I checked but you'll need new ones once you get her home. Plus your already rocking hankook ra08 tires so it'll be a sweet smooth drive home
And the interior is partially original but spencer did the floor and I think some light wood work repair to it. He did a good job! But not original particle board now since that was water damaged, he replaced it with plywood and such. Still well worth what he's asking though, don't get me wrong.
Talk with you soon! _________________ Stuart Zickefoose
2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual
206-841-7324
[email protected] |
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SamboSamba22 Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2015 Posts: 2772 Location: Benton, Arkansas
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 8:17 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Welcome aboard, Jason!
Stop being a “lurker”. Not cool dude. Not cool...
Wish I had a giant, knowledgable network of true-blooded bus guys, along with the awesome scenery of the PNW. Have fun man, look forward to photos, it’ll help me the sell the idea of another bus or two to the lady since they are indeed “family friendly”
Sam _________________ The Bus Barn Ltd. Co.
Oct. ’67 Double Cab (’68 Crew Cab)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44412.png]Click to view image[/URL]
March '69 Delivery (Panel Bus)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44414.png]Click to view image[/URL] |
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mechanicjay Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2014 Posts: 63 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 8:23 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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SamboSamba22 wrote: |
Welcome aboard, Jason!
Stop being a “lurker”. Not cool dude. Not cool...
Wish I had a giant, knowledgable network of true-blooded bus guys, along with the awesome scenery of the PNW. Have fun man, look forward to photos, it’ll help me the sell the idea of another bus or two to the lady since they are indeed “family friendly”
Sam |
After 30+ years mid-Atlantic scenery, the PNW is just magical at every turn
The only detriment to being Family Friendly is figuring out how to get good 3 point harnesses in the back to secure the kids car seats.
Been doing a ton of reading on that point for months, lots of ideas, but no clear solutions. I'll have a better ideas once I see what mount points are there. |
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Xevin Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 7635
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:30 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Indeed a great network of bus folks up here in the PNW. Look forward to meeting you some day. I split time between PDX and Olympia so I'm sure it will happen. Just look at all the fine folks in the area that have reached out. That's just the beginning _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin... |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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jefflewis Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2015 Posts: 91 Location: Spokane wa.
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:42 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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Nice looking Bus. Not trying to jack your thread, but busdaddy
Quote: |
That's not too bad looking a bus there, some engine compartment issues and a 411/412 engine, |
Is there something wrong with a posche motor in a bus? |
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RONIN10 Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:57 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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mechanicjay wrote: |
The only detriment to being Family Friendly is figuring out how to get good 3 point harnesses in the back to secure the kids car seats.
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GoWesty has these, but I'd be hesitant to drill into my bus. Although page 3 of this thread has some good, stock looking options. _________________ Andrew
Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51153 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:49 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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jefflewis wrote: |
Nice looking Bus. Not trying to jack your thread, but busdaddy
Quote: |
That's not too bad looking a bus there, some engine compartment issues and a 411/412 engine, |
Is there something wrong with a posche motor in a bus? |
It depends, if it's a wrecking yard find that's still fully set up for a car it'll likely have too high a compression ratio for a bus, it'll require premium gas and careful driving. If it's just the case and the pistons have been changed then no worries.
A peek inside with a borescope to see if the pistons are dished or domed might clear that up. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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Stuartzickefoose Samba Post Whore
Joined: February 07, 2008 Posts: 10350 Location: SoCal for now...
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:36 am Post subject: Re: Almost have a Bus -- My Story |
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I would guess it's likely swapped in not rebuilt. But I didn't have the heads off can't say _________________ Stuart Zickefoose
2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual
206-841-7324
[email protected] |
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