The Pizza Bus

[j10nbom]

[j10nbom]

Well guys she's back from paint and I have to be honest, I'm a bit bummed out with how it looks. I knew there would be flaws and I never expected a show quality paint job but it's pretty bad IMO. A lot of wavy panels, dents, and just bad prep work. I guess that's what I get for trying my hand at body work and rushing it over to a cheapo place, I can only blame myself. At least she's 2 colors now and better than what I started with. Note to self: body work is an artform and best left to the patient/skilled.

[j10nbom]

This weekend I was able to get to work on the bus for the first time since it came back from paint. I was pretty unhappy with how it turned out but I have to remind myself it's a driver.

So that in mind I started to put the trim and lights back on to make myself feel better. And it worked!

...Next step, I'm masking off the interior so I can grind and paint. I've got to buy some insulation next, but I've got a lot of work to do in the meantime.

[alman72]

I paid some local guy to paint mine, and was not too happy with the job either. It was not a crazy amt of cash, but still felt like a lot. However, my wife pointed out that I would not have to park in the back of the parkinglot, obsess over every rock chip, and could not care if taking it down a two track to do some camping. She was totally correct. Its meant to be driven, not a showcar.

[j10nbom]

[j10nbom]

In preparation for the window installation I decided to begin painting the interior. I'm going to be installing the dash, putting in insulation, and doing the wiring soon, but this needed to be done first.

I should have it finished up this weekend...

I've got a few areas that I'm going to have to brush paint. It won't be perfect but it'll look decent methinks.

[j10nbom]

A few month's back I scored some window parts that I finally had the pleasure of installing this past weekend. I managed to find a solid rear window at a junkyard in NJ of all places and so I ditched the driver's side rear vent window for ease of install.

The key to installing windows I've found (besides patience) is dish soap.

[j10nbom]

Since getting the bus back from paint, I've slowly been putting it back together. I got some new tires (General Grabber AT2's) from Walmart of all places and hit them with a fresh coat of silver paint. They came out looking pretty good and it gives the bus a nice albeit slightly aggressive look.

I also took my seats over to a local upholstery guy after weighing whether to buy the TMI or Sewfine kit - it ended up being about the same to just take it to someone. Since I have a late westy interior going in I figured it was just easier to get someone local to make a custom interior. And because I hate vinyl with a passion I had them make the seats with Tweed inserts.

For now I've shifted my focus on getting the bumpers done - still a work in progress though, hopefully I will get them done this week. Goodbye Pedro's Tacos, I shall miss thee.

More to come...

[j10nbom]

Slowly making progress on the bus, my goal is to take it to camp at the all air cooled gather in September in Flanders, NJ!

http://www.allaircooledgathering.com/

Side steps all painted up:

Grinding down the ugly bumpers...

Fresh paint:

And mounted - the rear was/is pretty tweaked.

[richparker]

Damn (In your best ghetto girl voice)! Looks nice!
_________________
__________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build

[Manfred58sc]

Really like those seats, that turned the way VW should have done them. Bus's take a huge pile of money to get factory straight, that is why they command the prices they do in OG condition. As long the paint sticks you did OK.
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Fat chick owner/operator

[Vee Dub Nut]

Looks good.. Its really coming together nicely!
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Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2006

67 Beetle (TBD)

74 Transporter (EJ25 Swapped) - Build Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

See all my VW pics on Instagram @ vee_dub_nut

[j10nbom]

[j10nbom]

And so...I've got most of the exterior complete. I had the windshield installed by professionals (after giving up on an attempt to do it myself). It was the only glass I couldn't do. Plus I broke the old one removing it so I figured best not to mess around with the new one. $100 well spent.

I've shifted my attention getting the interior done. After talking to the cabinetmaker I decided rather than use the OG westy interior I had from a '76+ bus, I would just have new cabinets made and use the OG interior as templates. They're still being made but here's how they look so far:

I bought lightweight insulation off ebay - it had decent reviews so I figured I'd give it a whirl with some 3M adhesive. It does seem to provide a noticeable difference in insulating. I got some help from an assistant to scrape the old glue/insulation off the roof too...lucky me!

Almost ready to put in the cabinets!

[zoobum]

WOW!!!


_________________
-Zach
1979 CA Riviera 2.0L FI

[SamboSamba22]

J10,
Nice bus man, definitely not stock, and that bothers me.
Then again, I remember how some days I wished how my interior was cleaner, more comfortable, clean seats, door panels, etc...
Perhaps one day, I’ll have a clean, uniform paint job.
Looking good man, keep plugging away, and drive the shizzz outta it.
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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]

[j10nbom]

[j10nbom]

Finally got the cabinets back and I think they turned out awesome...

I put them in place to get a feel for the layout. As expected, they did not fit like a glove. Definitely going to do some trimming, but hey at least progress is being made.

I did manage to get both the vent window and side windows put back in. A monumental pain in the ass, but it's finally done. Really starting to look complete enough to drive. The dash is mostly put back together and pretty soon I'll be taking her out for a test run!

As everyone is aware, each bumper sticker is +5 horsepower:

[KentABQ]

Those cabinets are killer! I'm hijacking those pics so I can try to reproduce them next winter when I do mine.

Wish I could join you for the test drive. Those are the best!
_________________
-Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"

"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea

Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM

[j10nbom]