Author |
Message |
NYCynthia Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2016 Posts: 65 Location: LA
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 1:08 pm Post subject: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Hey Guys!
This past year I've been really unhappy and I didn't know why. I had a great job, a wonderful apartment, and got accepted to grad school for physical therapy. This past summer, I quit my job to travel before school started and I picked up surfing in Bali along the way. I came back to NYC and I decided not to go back to work and I surfed all summer, I found the importance of prioritizing lifestyle. It was when I was on my surfboard looking out at the waves I realized growing up in NYC, I was always on the the grind and work came first then lifestyle. I'm on a journey to find that perfect balance.
I decided physical therapy school will always be there for me and I wanted to focus on a lifestyle that supplement my happiness so I deferred grad school. I've always wanted a vw bus but could never justify it being in NYC. I had an opportunity to move west and start my own business. I shopped around for a month and I bought a 1968 Volkswagen Bus. Its original, 1600 CC air-cooled. The engine is a dual port about 50 hp. The vehicle doesn't have any rust and has always been garage kept. I am the 3rd owner.
I fully understand the responsibility of owning a classic vw bus and I'm not your typical girl that bought this bae impulsively. I really want to take care of Sunny and that's why I'm reaching out to the vw bus community. A big goal of mine is to be able fix any issue potential issues Sunny may have. Quite frankly, I lacking in my mechanical skills but I'm determined to learn. If anyone in the LA area needs a helping hand with their bus I'd love to offer my help to learn and equip myself with valuable skills and knowledge for the future.
This Sunday, I am driving to Seattle from NYC to be reunited with Sunny. She is at my friend's garage. My friend and I are gonna split up and drive both vehicles down the coast to LA. I'll be in the road for the rest of this month. I'll also be in search of the perfect surf spot along the west coast.
This forum is great and I'm stoked to be part of the community. If anyone wants to meet up while I'm out west I'd be open to that. I'd love to hear your story.
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16926 Location: San Diego, California
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 1:19 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Nice looking bus. Have a fun trip.
This might help
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662613&highlight=road+trip+tools _________________ Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
|
Back to top |
|
|
NYCynthia Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2016 Posts: 65 Location: LA
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 1:20 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Thanks really appreciate it! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
chabanais Samba Member
Joined: July 27, 2002 Posts: 4866
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 1:22 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Good luck nice Bus. _________________ "I spud therefore I yam." |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Pinetops Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 2987
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Great looking bus, congratulations! Feel free to ask any questions you need to. Owning and driving a bus is very rewarding and it is also a character builder. Drive cautiously and get to know your bus and how it works. I hope you'll keep us updated.
In before Tcash posts the "I'm thinking of buying a vw van" video. _________________ "A rolling bus gathers no rust." |
|
Back to top |
|
|
hazetguy Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2001 Posts: 10773 Location: iT StiNgeD iTseLf tO dEAd
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
lhwood Samba Member
Joined: August 14, 2012 Posts: 70 Location: san diego, ca
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Get some tools, jack stands and a good jack. Get a Bentley manual for your bus. Everything you'll need will be in there. Anything you can't figure out will be right here on the Samba. There are so many VW savvy, very smart individuals who have so much experience. Tehy want to help and do not charge for their wisdom and knowledge.
Find like minded VW folks i.e. a club, friends, mechanic
I bought a Ghia a few years ago, and the Sambanistas helped me take the car to the ground, build it back up and make some cool modifications along the way. A great group of people, VW People.
Good luck
Cheers! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
chicagovw Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2007 Posts: 1416 Location: Chicago IL/CHandler AZ
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 2:12 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Congrats on the life change and the VW Bus. These are great, reliable vehicles when properly taken care of. Don't travel alone! Have fun and be safe. I am in Chicago if you are in the area and need anything. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
curtp07 Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2007 Posts: 874 Location: Mass
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 2:46 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
There's so much to learn on these buses. You say you have no mechanical skill but want to learn. That's great!
But before learning about the bus, learn how to SAFELY work in it. Working on cars has killed skilled mechanics. (Someone mentioned jack stands)
1. Gravity
2. Spark
3. Explosive fuel
4. Fixing something incorrectly.
You may put yourself and OTHERS in danger if, let's say, you incorrectly fix the brakes or put wrong tires on...before you do ANYTHING search here. Lots of people have done it incorrectly before you and you'll learn.
Also...maybe a good idea to take a night course at a voc school in Auto Repair or something? They may not cover the bus, but you'll learn valuable skills that will last a lifetime...
But they may allow you to bring the bus into the shop too?
Have fun, drive the bus like it's a giant Molotov cocktail...oh wait it is _________________ Subaru |
|
Back to top |
|
|
caseyr02 Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2016 Posts: 58 Location: Dallas
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 3:08 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Congrats! Welcome to the club. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Gwdghiaguy Samba Member
Joined: December 06, 2013 Posts: 340 Location: Greenwood, SC
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 3:39 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
You have done something most of us only wish we had had the guts to do when we were your age: living life before getting tied down with a career, mountains of debt, family, etc. Enjoy your bus and your new lifestyle; please keep us informed so we can live vicariously through you!
byron _________________ 1957 Oval Window
1963 Alabama Camper Bus
1971 Ghia
1971 Baywindow Bus
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
NYCynthia Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2016 Posts: 65 Location: LA
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
I'll defiantly keep everyone updated. I already ordered the bentley manual I plan to get tools and a jack once im in seattle.
chicagovw, Im traveling with a friend but once im in LA i will be traveling solo to find the perfect surf spot for me. I have a machete just incase ha!
I'll make sure ill be safe while I work on the bus |
|
Back to top |
|
|
aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16926 Location: San Diego, California
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
If you make it as far as San Diego please stop by _________________ Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
|
Back to top |
|
|
NYCynthia Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2016 Posts: 65 Location: LA
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 4:54 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
I heard san diego has great surf. I will most defiantly stop by |
|
Back to top |
|
|
awreed Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2010 Posts: 1268 Location: Kirkland, WA
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Stock 1600cc in a Westy Bus- other views may differ, but I'd keep the speed to no more than 60mph. Geared down trans. to push a heavy vehicle- many engines have been blown on long drives by pushing the motor too hard. Go easy on it until you reach LA.
Regarding hazetguy's post- very helpful for the newbie but one correction: your oil strainer bolt is also your drain plug. You have a type I engine, so over tightening that bolt will only possibly strip threads, and not destroy the case. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16926 Location: San Diego, California
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 5:05 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
NYCynthia wrote: |
I heard san diego has great surf. I will most defiantly stop by |
Cool. I live near the beach. I've helped many travelers. _________________ Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Hikelite Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2012 Posts: 557 Location: Colville, WA
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 5:21 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
That's a nice bus! Is that Arizona Yellow?
Congrats on the new home on wheels
Edit/addition: I just noticed the table behind the passenger seat. I've never seen this configuration. Its like they took the table and spice rack off the ice box unit and attached it to the back of the seat. Interesting. _________________ ~Kevin
My 1968 Campmobile |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bleyseng Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2005 Posts: 4752 Location: Seattle
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 5:35 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Well when you are in Seattle we should meet up. I live on Beacon Hill just off I5. Nice bus and it looks familiar so it was in Seattle? _________________ 70 Ghia Black convert-9/69 build date-stock w/133k 1600 SP-barn find now with a rebuilt tranny and engine
77 Westy 2.0L w/Ljet, Camper Special engine-95hp and with LSD!(sold)
76 Porsche 914 2.1L L20c, 120hp Djet (sold)
87 Syncro Westy Titan Red 2.1L 2 knob 100k miles |
|
Back to top |
|
|
richparker Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 6936 Location: Durango, CO
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 5:52 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
Hikelite wrote: |
That's a nice bus! Is that Arizona Yellow?
Congrats on the new home on wheels
Edit/addition: I just noticed the table behind the passenger seat. I've never seen this configuration. Its like they took the table and spice rack off the ice box unit and attached it to the back of the seat. Interesting. |
I hear ya hikelite...this bus is far from "all original," although it looks real purty in the photos. I beleve that is the spice rack that should be on the sink/ice box cabinet.
everyone is being so nice to this newby, a lot different then normal...
Best of luck on your adventure. I would suggest Hwy 1, it's a nice drive and very bus friendly. Make sure you take the Mendocino exit, you won't regret it.
Safe travels. _________________ __________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Wasted youth Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2012 Posts: 5134 Location: California's Hot and Smoggy Central Valley
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: Story of a girl and her new Volkswagen Bus, Sunny |
|
|
richparker wrote: |
I hear ya hikelite...this bus is far from "all original," although it looks real purty
everyone is being so nice to this newby, a lot different then normal...
Best of luck on your adventure. I would suggest Hwy 1, it's a nice drive and very bus friendly. Make sure you take the Mendocino exit, you won't regret it.
Safe travels. |
1) Yep. That's a good looking bus for a first time buy.
2) That is likely because she is super cute and not being an idiot about the bus.
3) In 1989 I lived in an abandoned house in Mendo. Totally worth it.
Last edited by Wasted youth on Thu Oct 13, 2016 7:13 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|