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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:09 pm Post subject: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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First a warning to Baywindow bus purists, please shield your eyes from the shocking photos that follow!
I've previously posted about a '62 dune buggy restoration. Today I purchased this '72 bus that was converted into a Tijuana taxi some time in the '90's. It was reportedly built in San Diego then spent time in San Felipe. The guy I bought it from got a CA title and the BAJA BUS black plates that sealed the deal. He did some nice things to it, now it is my turn to take it to the next level of cool and mechanical reliability. The plan is to make this a beach cruiser that can haul a couple of prone paddle boards.
As you can see, lots of glass and sheetmetal was removed in the build, but what remains is in really nice, rust free condition. Power is from 2.3L Ford that appears to have a few performance internals. A power plant swap is not out of the picture, maybe back to VW power?
A tight fit in a 1936 vintage garage, Porsche power would be nice, air or H2O cooled.
Not really liking the huge radiator blocking the rear view.
About a 1958 Ford truck wheel on a quick release hub, the bus' security system. No speedo, gauge panels need work.
Power steering added, works well, no idea what this came from. Kick panels will hopefully fit.
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KentABQ Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2016 Posts: 2406 Location: Albuquerque NM
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:36 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Here's what's going on in the engine compartment. An old ad in the file that came with the bus says 2.3L Pinto with Eslinger head and cam, Eslinger adapters. "Bullet proof" Type 4 bus motor, "built to the max". "This thing runs like a bomb." Looks like a V6 or V8 would be an easy swap here.
The built to the max, bullet proof trans might need a synchro. Any suggestions on a good replacement trans, like a Rancho? Dust boots are trashed.
The engine is not Fuel Injected or a Turbo as the valve cover indicates, it has a Holley carb (prob. a 500 CFM 2 barrel) and a header.
This partial engine cover doesn't do that much to keep the noise down.
Need to possibly rethink and reengineer the cooling system, but it appears to be doing its job.
The build quality appears to be pretty good.
Wiring will need to be tended to. Shifter rebuild or replacement will be one of the first jobs. This area will get detailed and cleaned up.
Underside appears to be solid.
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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:52 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Seats were just redone, I want to come up with a cool but tasteful interior theme for beach camping.
It seats eight with belts. Are these VW bus seats or are they from something else? I think they fold up once I remove some straps holding them in place.
Yes, those are pieces of pipe welded to the floor as beer holders.
The fuzzy dice were the first thing to go.
14' and 12' prone paddle boards to haul. I also have a Yakima roof top tent. Tight fit in this garage.
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Xevin Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 7632
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:58 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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I totally want drive that around _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin... |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:11 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Definitely not something you see everyday, a real head turner.
I'll probably be selling the buggy soon, garage space isn't cheap or easy to find here in BH. I could possbily use the blinged out engine I created for the bus but it is just a 1600 SP with a single carb and bad headers.
Wow, I have not looked at my dune buggy thread in a long time. I can't believe what I started with. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=40 |
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Xevin Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 7632
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 11:04 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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It’s a 72. You got a lot of one year parts. You might find this helpful
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=467858&highlight=1972
If you yank that Ford out of there for air cooled. Then your zip code demands
Something proper
Link
Would be cool if you put late bay tail lights and side markers on. Instead of those trailer lights _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin... |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:59 am Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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that looks like an absolute bundle of fun..love it! _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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TDCTDI Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013 Posts: 12856 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 7:40 am Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Xevin wrote: |
It’s a 72. You got a lot of one year parts. |
I'm not seeing a lot of year specific Bus to attach those parts to. _________________ Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.
GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!
An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.
Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
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Busstom Samba Member
Joined: November 23, 2014 Posts: 3853 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 11:54 am Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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It does look like fun.
My two cents:
If it were mine, first up would be to get the tire/wheel situation balanced out, cuz right now it looks like a real-life-sized Hot Wheels toy, and;
Second: yes, if changing the power plant will permit losing that radiator and those fans, then that's a big plus! |
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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Busstom wrote: |
It does look like fun.
My two cents:
If it were mine, first up would be to get the tire/wheel situation balanced out, cuz right now it looks like a real-life-sized Hot Wheels toy, and;
Second: yes, if changing the power plant will permit losing that radiator and those fans, then that's a big plus! |
It does have a bit of a 60's gasser stance. But I kind of like that. I'll probably lower it some, it barely fits in a garage.
"Would be cool if you put late bay tail lights and side markers on. Instead of those trailer lights" Yes, that is part of the plan. |
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timvw7476 Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2013 Posts: 2205 Location: seattle
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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with the current rear tire diameter, an air-cooled VW won't be pushing it
too far in the sand, or anywhere else.
At least the customizer went all the way.
No going back now. |
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Bulli Klinik Samba Member
Joined: January 16, 2005 Posts: 2079 Location: Bulli Klinik, Colorado Springs
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:47 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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I wouldn't change a thing. It looks like the prior owner got it dialed in for you. _________________ I've never met a Bus I didn't like.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs |
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Manfred58sc Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2009 Posts: 3382
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:56 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Ditto _________________ Fat chick owner/operator |
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Xevin Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 7632
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 6:49 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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^^^ I’m with these guys. Rock the power plant. Bus up the exterior. _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin... |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2018 11:35 am Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Xevin wrote: |
^^^ I’m with these guys. Rock the power plant. Bus up the exterior. |
Phase I will be to clean up and tune up the 2.3L Ford and see what it can do.
Yes, more bus parts will be added back. I would like to lose the tread plate panels and put some bus tin back in place. |
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oprn Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2016 Posts: 12730 Location: Western Canada
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Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2018 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Man that is one ugly Bus! And it's the highest quality, best thought out ugly Bus I have ever seen too!
No I don't want to own it but can I borrow it to host a gopher shooting weekend with some buddies? That thing would be killer sweet (pun intended) in the back 40 for that! |
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CarlosZ Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2016 Posts: 319 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2018 6:08 am Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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I think I recently saw your bus on Craigslist, I was wondering who would buy that one. Looks cool, but not much bus left. Hope you’re planning to use in Mexico because you can’t drive it on most SoCal beaches. |
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22manybugs Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2006 Posts: 373 Location: Yorba Linda, Calif
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2018 10:01 am Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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That is cool!
I’d keep the fuzzy dice, it fits the rest of the bus.
I agree the worst part is the radiators. My thought would be remove the big red thing (is it a jack? I can’t tell) and mount the radiators lower, maybe tilt them back a bit to draw air from higher. Could then mount the big red thing higher, that won’t block the rear view. And maybe more of an engine cover around the back for less noise and deflect the engine/exhaust heat away from the radiators.
Cool no matter what, though! _________________ Lon
1969 Karmann Ghia convertible
1971 Westfalia camper |
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truckdude Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014 Posts: 148 Location: Beverly Hills baybee
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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2018 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Beverly Hills BAJA BUS |
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Photo after the first night in my garage, hat trick of leaks: oil, coolant and gas.
Trans area is pretty grungy, I'm a newly trained Porsche concours judge so I'll clean this all up.
Geeze, I hope the filter and oil isn't 4 years old!!!
Can anyone ID this trans?
Ordered a ton of Pinto engine parts to get the 2.3L in top shape and reliable. My first car had a 2.0L Ford so this brings back high school memories. I found a racing valve cover and breather system. I'll do a compression test and then pull the head and pan.
On the bus side, I ordered new axles, kick panels, sun visors, tail lights, rear side marker lights and some other bits. I usually buy from Cip1 but I'm trying The Bus Depot. Looking forward to getting to work on this thing. |
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