Westfalia upper bed question

[nessus]

Hi everyone. I am brand new to this site. This is my first post here ever

I have always loved VW buses, and decided to own a bay window bus (one day). To be particular, I am looking for a westfalia with upper bed.

As I am still learning everything about these lovely buses, I came across something that puzzles me quite a bit, Google or any other searches didn't help much.

I noticed that there are two common pop tops with different pop up orientations and locations

and

So far my local craigslist search only shows a few ones with the first type. I am not sure if they have upper bed? What are the differences between the two styles?

For reference, I live in Vancouver, Canada. Here is a really nice one that just showed up today:
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/6039873570.html

[pioneer1]

1968 to 73 have the poptop as in your CL ad. 74 to 79 lift from the back. The early westfalia's had a fold out cot in the bunk that fits up to 160lbs. The later have a proper 2 person bed. Buy a 79- best engine,transmission and camping equipment. Oh and then there are VW conversions by other co.'s as well.
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"Always waiting for tomorrow ruined everything"

'85 Porsche 911 Targa

'76 Westfalia project

[rusty busty]

The first (earlier) style just has a child's cot upstairs. The later rear-hinged style has a full bed in the penthouse and started in 74.

I'd be looking very closely at the undercarriage of that bus you posted before dropping 23k. Why did it need a new front beam unless it was rusted out? Looks like the heater tube was replaced with some insulated flexible duct, probably after it too rusted out. And what up with the fuel filler door, or lack thereof? VW didn't delete that until 74. And where's the jacking points?? Maybe the pics aren't clear enough but looks like they're missing as well.
It also needs tires. Those are passenger car tires not rated for the weight of a heavy camper van.
The power inlet location is wrong for a 73 as well. And those are later style hinges on the deck lid. Something not right..
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1978 CEII Get-away hightop

[Malokin Martin]

The ones with the luggage rack in the back are more desirable

[notchboy]

[notchboy]

Here is a luxury appointed 1977 Westfalia. Its like one if the best ones on the planet

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[aerosurfer]

[busdaddy]

[Sprink1es]

1974+ has a much larger opening (front to back) for standing room when the top is popped. Basically I can stand up fully (with plenty of extra room) on the entire floor on the bus, so I like them a lot more than pre-74.

I've never slept up on my top bunk, but when it's folded/stowed, it makes a very nice and large cargo shelf while at the campsite!

[vwwestyman]

[alman72]

go sportsmobile!! not as spendy.

[Busstom]

Look in the stickys up top, in the Bay Window Faaahhh-Quuues...down in there, is a group of threads under "Buying / Selling." You can read the Bay Window Buyers / Spotters Guide...pretty handy.
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My name's Steve and it's pronounced "Bust 'em" (cuz people think I'm Tom) 😏

[John Revolver]

You deff want to go for any model 76 and above.

Best interior. Best Top bunk.

I've seen that 23k bus posted many times on Vancouver Cragislist over the years. Proceed with caution.
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-1977 westfalia
-1967 21 window
-1991 mk2 gti

[CarlosZ]

If looks don't matter, go with a 74-79.

[nessus]

Thank you for all the feedbacks. Now I know exactly what I want: later model, be able to sleep up top.
I will continue the hunt. I figured if I am going to spend all this money, time, efforts and possibly emotions, it must be the right one to begin with.

[Xevin]