68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo

[OB Bus]

I'll throw in my thoughts.
We got our '69 bus when I was 52. Both of us working full time and 3 kids at home. Limited place to work on the bus. No welding skills. It was barely running and lots of the parts were in boxes. I had 4 bugs and a bus in the past but the last one of those was sold in 1976.
Ours had similar rust to yours -- X2 that the rust that I have seen on yours does not look critical.
All that said, if you want to head out on the journey just go ahead and do so!
Suggestions:
a. If you have no air cooled experience get Muir's book and read it cover to cover.
b. Try to do something on the bus every day - or at least every week.
c. Get it on the road before getting it pretty. Priorities should be (1) brakes, (2)steering/suspension, (3) engine/transmission.

You have to assume that engine is nothing more than parts. It might be much cheaper and easier to find used engine than to resuscitate what is left in your bus.

Note that the '68 buses had a lot of one-year-only parts. There is a long thread here on that topic. Might be good to read before diving in.

Good luck and keep posting here.
_________________
Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.
People deserve the Government they voted for.

[Tcash]

Welcome to TheSamba, Bay Window Bus Forum!

What parts are '68 only?

[TrollFromDownBelow]

Living in the rust belt, I see some pretty rusted out late model Westies where they are asking $2k+ non running...some without an engine or trans.

If you are going to learn on a bay, the earlier engines (68-71) are like Beetle engines ... a little simpler, and cheaper and more plentiful, so it is good platform to learn.

It will cost money, so start setting some aside. To get it rolling down the road safely, I'd swag $3k - $4k...maybe a little less, potentially more, and this before aesthetic stuff. I'm figuring a reman engine, all new tires and brake system, some suspension reconditioning, and a new windshield. Plus many other nick an nanny's that will sure to add up.
_________________
1976 Westy (aka Tripod)
2.0 liter FI solid lifters
212k miles

[67ctbug]

[camit34]

I say go for it!

You have to start somewhere and if it's really something you want to learn about, this is surely one you'll learn a lot from.

Here's a couple threads for some inspiration -
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=646780
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=591434

- Aaron
_________________
In search of a Vanagon
1971 Westy (SOLD)
1971 Deluxe (SOLD)
1967 Freedom Camper (SOLD)
1965 Bug (SOLD)

[Pinetops]

[camit34]

[nreynolds]

Clara --> The steering felt ok when we unloaded it off the towtruck but not sure. I have more engine parts inside the cab, perhaps you could help me identify them? I'll post pics. Not sure what you mean by smooth top.

Thanks again to all for your feedback, I am more inspired than ever to breath new life into "the coyote"!

Per advice, I will start with breaks and engine and will pick up both the Muir and Wilson books. Lots of DIY rebuild jobs on Youtube I saw. I might have another complete engine lined up as well curtesy of father in law.

I will keep you all posted on progress... I think i can get the wife to sign off on $4-6 for the time being. When the time is right, I know a place where i can take some welding classes.

[OB Bus]