Should I convert my crusty MANGO w/t into a MOTORHOME???

[dred]

So I have this '60 mango severely rusted bus sitting in my shop collecting dust and rather than spend years trying to cut and weld it back into shape ( custom left hand cargo with a barndoor lid ) I could just splice on an old trailer and make it a motorhome... thoughts???

[dred]

Here is the candidate. When I brought it home and now.

[Lind]

Have you considered simply starting with a nicer bus? I don't know what you skills are, but the race is easier if you can see the finish line. If you are not a runner, don't start off doing a marathon.
_________________
.
Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
.

[VWTortuga336]

I think you should sell it to me and buy a bus that is already a camper.

I wouldn't attempt a motorhome conversion on that!
_________________
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[iamdonquixote]

mango motorhome.

[dred]

I've got the skills and see the motorhome option to be alot less work than "fixing" the bus. The whole rear of the bus has sprayfaom all over it and is rotted from the inside out. The cab is really the best part.

[dred]

"MANGOHOME" !

[consvws]

do it!

[dred]

I'm getting this trailer to splice onto the mango

[edgood1]

Cool project! I say go for it and please give us regular updates. I for one would love to see the progress and final product.

Too bad you don't live closer, I'd be interested in the culled rear section.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia powered by Subaru
1963 Panel to Deluxe Bus project :::: (photo album)
'65 Westfalia

[Abscate]

[dred]

Finally got the trailer to my shop yesterday, in the pouring rain! Spending today cleaning it out.

[Enkiel]

that should be interesting.

always loved the few that already exist.
_________________
1964 Turkis Flipseat

[cdennisg]

DO IT!
_________________
nothing

[earlybayjim]

Yes. Do it. But you'll mainly be using the skin, windows, and hardware of that trailer, not just slapping it on the bus... It's crazy how flimsy the old campers are. I'm hoping to do this to a crappy 64 that I have.
_________________
1971 Chianti Red Westfalia x2
1985 Westfalia
1984 tintop

[j.pickens]

So what's the plan? Putting in a new rear frame with a stock engine / transaxle and attaching the frame to the trailer shell?

If I were going to the trouble to recreate a new rear frame, I'd restore the bus.
Same work, bigger reward.
_________________
Founder and Chairman Emeritus, ECMSAS
BBX BBXII and BBXXI Long Distance Award Winner

[dred]

The plan is to just use the cab of the bus. Trailer has a pretty stout frame under it already. For rear suspension I have a bay window section. I figured this will require more power so subie 6cyl is on standby.

[dred]

The back half of this bus is total trash. My original plan was to make a fake barndoor. But I think it's still too crusty for that. Every panel would need to be replaced.

Spray foam killed it.

[flemcadiddlehopper]

I say do it.

However, as mentioned, using that trailer will pose some problems.
It may be easier to make your own structure and skin it as they did here.:

https://youtu.be/oHQSQGBylk8


Good luck, I'll be watching.
Gordo.
_________________
Everybody Dies....Some Never Live.

Retrograde Garage. Vintage Aircooled, and others.

[dred]

Project on hold... gonna focus on my 67hibus for a bit.