How difficult is it to find a '78 bus transaxle?

[Kcin04]

Hey guys, I'm going to look at a '78 transporter tomorrow. The seller is asking $750; the interior/glass seems to be in very good shape but it does have a decent amount of rust on the body. I attached a picture that the seller sent me. The motor is also currently pulled from the bus and it is missing the transaxle. Assuming that I buy it, this will be my first VW, but I have a lot of experience working on motorcycles and cars so I'm not too worried about the mechanical challenges involved with getting the bus running.

I am worried however, about finding a transaxle. It's my understanding that only a '78 will work on this bus, is that assumption correct? Also, looking around I see people asking about $500-1000 on eBay for them, is this what I should expect to pay for one?

And finally, is $750 a good deal for a rusty transporter with a title? Thanks in advance!

[Chris-a]

I'm not certain about that strict model year requirement for the transaxle(pretty sure any 73-79, but I'd get someone to verify), but I would be abit concerned about the motor not being in the van. I really like the type iv engine and the Bosch fuel injection that comes with these, but the parts are, generally, more $$ than other air-cooled vw's. If the fuel injection is missing any major parts, good luck on the hunt.

Rusted out van with no transaxle and questionable engine running condition, I wouldn't go too far out of my way to give someone money.

Good luck
Chris
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I gotta have nice tools, just look at the cars I drive.

[KentABQ]

That pic isn't the sharpest, but it sure looks like the bottom few inches has rust all the way around. And that's just the structure you can see. So assume there's 3-4 times more rust under there.

$750 sounds like a good price to me, but only if I wanted it for the parts.
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-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

[rusty busty]

[Wildthings]

You bus would have come with an 091 tranny, which was used from '76-'79. Earlier trannies could work as well, but the gearing would be shorter and you would have problem with clearance for the 228mm clutch cover, you would also have to make minor modification to the shift rod.

[aerosurfer]

Get a picture of the motor... make sure it wasnt converted to an earlier motor. That changes what transmission you would need or you will need to source the proper engine
_________________
Rebuild your own FI Harness..My Harness

77 Westy 2.0L Rockin and Rolling Resto!

72 Sportsmobile (sold)
79 Tran$porter... Parts car money machine (gone)

[Kcin04]

Thanks for all the replies. Here's a picture of the motor, it's hard to tell if it's the correct motor from the picture. I was going to check the engine number to make sure it was the correct year. The rust is what will either make or break the deal for me; I want to gain experience with bodywork but obviously I don't want something that's more rust than van. If the floor/frame is solid I think I'm going to go for it.

[Vee Dub Nut]

Jeebus .... walk away from that one. That's a parts bus. You'll be WAY ahead paying more for a bus in better condition if your intending to make a driver.
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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

[richparker]

[Mal evolent]

091 transaxles are very easy to find. you find them in baja bugs and rail buggies.

my baja has type 3 brake hydraulics, type 3 rear brakes, Ghia calipers, Thing spindles, and I'm looking at an 091 trans. an all VW Frankenstein.
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73 Beetle Baja, Ghia front brakes, Type 3 rear brakes, 2220 ( 94 X 80 ), Weber Progressive, Bosch SVDA, '97 Mustang seats

Baja Bugs for Volkswagen Virgins: Index

[TDCTDI]

[Kcin04]

[KentABQ]

There is one thread on The Samba where the bus started off with that much rust.
Unfortunately, the pics were all posted from PhotoPhucket, so they are lost...
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=673081&highlight=rhd

This man in the UK did an amazing transformation of the body of a rusted out heap.
But he had numerous years of experience, and evidently lots of money to throw into it.

Best of luck to you, kcin04, whatever you decide to do!
_________________
-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

[SGKent]

if you are a welder and body shop guy, painter, mechanic, etc. you could get that bus running for around $10K - $12K +/-. That motor is out for a reason. If it needs a rebuild that is $4500, no way to even know yet if it is a 2L motor or if the core is rebuildable. Then the trans - they sell for about $750 - $1000 today. Then the body work etc. If it needs tires, brakes, any suspension work etc, body panels etc - easily you will be in it $10K. If the rear torsion tube is rotted then it gets really messy really fast. Front beam is easier to replace. Just don't expect to be driving that bus around for another $1500. It isn't going to happen.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Spike0180]

[aerosurfer]

[Kcin04]

Looking through the rest of the pictures he sent me; I believe you guys are right. It is just too rusty for me to save. I was thinking that the rust could be better in person, but there are some glaring issues that are obviously not just because of the picture quality. I'm disappointingly going to save myself the 3 hour round trip and not go take a look at this bus.

Thank you guys for the valuable input, hopefully I can find one to fix up over this summer. I'll keep searching Craigslist and the classifieds on here for now.

[aerosurfer]

Post the rest of the pictures.... at least we can guide you on what else to look for. Or what parts are good if you decide you want a parts bus.
_________________
Rebuild your own FI Harness..My Harness

77 Westy 2.0L Rockin and Rolling Resto!

72 Sportsmobile (sold)
79 Tran$porter... Parts car money machine (gone)

[SGKent]

If you have a place to put it, you could offer the guy $250 - $300 if it has a title, and stash it for spare parts. Worst case you could part it and get your money back out.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[danfromsyr]

I can see all the photobomb images, using the plug in for chrome
Samba sites advice to see photobuckets pics https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=677288