| Author |
Message |
BriceTheNice
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2020
Posts: 2
Location: Montreal, Canada
|
 Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 9:42 am Post subject: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
 |
|
Hello, my name is Frederic and i would love to have your help to go through my project.
I am a mechanical engineering student.. but mechanical engineering does not necessarily mean car mechanic. Speaking for myself, all the basic car mechanic knowledge that i know, went from forum and YouTube..
Since I remember, I always wanted to build/restore my own 1967 or earlier VW Westfalia split-window.
Next year, I'll be finish with school and I will start setup myself to start my project.
I am aware I will probably spend more money by restoring an old Westfalia than buying an already restored one, but my dream project, and even if it take me several years, I will get it done.
I am currently looking to find/buy a bus. My only condition is it has to be for restoration (idc about the quantity of work has to be done). On the internet, I sometime find some to sell, but the price is always around 15 000$. I heard a lot of people saying they find and bought one that has been abandon for cheap price. I would prefer that situation..
My first questions are :
Do you know where I could look to find an old Westfalia asking for restoration for cheap price? (a west that is broken sleeping on a field)
From your knowledge, how much is the approximate price for an Westfalia up to be restored?
Thanks in advance for you answers.
In the hope to follow up with you on my project.
Fred |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Braukuche
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004
Posts: 10998
|
| Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 12:24 pm Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restauration? |
|
|
The classifieds here is the best place to look to get an idea of internet pricing, real deals requires looking in local publications, backyards and putting the word out.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Dustin B
Samba Member
Joined: March 29, 2007
Posts: 1017
Location: hesperia, Ca USA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BriceTheNice
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2020
Posts: 2
Location: Montreal, Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:10 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| Thanks, that helps a lot! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ToolBox
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2004
Posts: 3439
Location: Detroit, where they don't jack parts off my ride in the parking lot of the 7-11
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restauration? |
|
|
| Braukuche wrote: |
| The classifieds here is the best place to look to get an idea of internet pricing, real deals requires looking in local publications, backyards and putting the word out. |
And having a large readily available stack of cash. have cash with you if you go look at something. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ohio_Style
Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2007
Posts: 610
Location: You'll never leave Sparta alive, Ohio
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
oakman
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2014
Posts: 1715
Location: Edge of the Desert, Ca
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crofty
Judas of the North
Joined: August 09, 2000
Posts: 19672
Location: Land of Whine and Phonies
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 11:55 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2356250
“Original interior” not quite the case here.
I suggest doing your homework and what makes a westy a westy.camper parts can be difficult to find and the more you go in knowing the better.
buy the best bus you can afford.
_________________
Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.
| HamburgerBrad wrote: |
I slept on crofty's tent once. I passed out drunk from two bottles of Everett's brother's wine. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
velvetgreen
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2745
Location: Canada
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| "buy the best bus you can afford" <- sage advice indeed |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
SplitBusVanatic
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2005
Posts: 338
Location: Co. Mayo. Ireland
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| Wow. The prices are gone through the roof since I found my ‘project’. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
hitest
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008
Posts: 10296
Location: Prime Meridian, ID
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 9:02 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
If you haven't owned or regularly driven a split bus- I strongly recommend you buy a running, complete one first. Find a kombi you can fix the seats, do a brake job on first- it does not have to be pretty. The reason is simple. You might buy a project, work on it for 4 years, making some friends along the way, have a chance to drive one and find you don't like it! Now your bus is in pieces and rent's due. I've seen MANY new people to a particular hobby get discouraged when they start with a project of their dreams before experiencing a little actual life with one.
_________________
| EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
|
'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cam.goslin
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 33
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
Can anyone tell me what type of camper this last one is?^ The green 63 in VT. Sundial? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
langsmer
Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2004
Posts: 1127
Location: CO/NM border
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| Hard to say as the listing was deleted, but looks like a Riviera or Sundial. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crukab
Samba Chef
Joined: December 13, 2002
Posts: 6116
Location: Vermont
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 5:49 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| Cam.goslin wrote: |
Can anyone tell me what type of camper this last one is?^ The green 63 in VT. Sundial? |
I think it was a Sundial, it was not a Westy, it was for sale for a good bit of time, maybe like $30K ??
_________________
Tom
My Pops:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604100&highlight=
I know you will always be with me, rest in peace with no more pain. 8/13/14.....
In the yard right now:
'51 Dodge 5 window truck
'65 Bug
'66 Singlecab
'82 Rabbit Truck Diesel from CALI 
'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
'88 Dodge Ram pickup
'11 Jetta Wagon |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cam.goslin
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 33
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 9:59 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| crukab wrote: |
| Cam.goslin wrote: |
Can anyone tell me what type of camper this last one is?^ The green 63 in VT. Sundial? |
I think it was a Sundial, it was not a Westy, it was for sale for a good bit of time, maybe like $30K ?? |
Thanks for the replies! Yeah it looks like it was listed at 28. I’m looking into buying a split camper and have never owned a split so I’m just trying to figure out what I’ve got to pay for a decent camper. I'm in the same boat as the OP, ready to buy but unsure as to what is a decent deal out there.
Last edited by Cam.goslin on Mon Jul 06, 2020 10:15 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
EverettB 
Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 69809
Location: Phoenix Metro
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 10:15 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| Cam.goslin wrote: |
| crukab wrote: |
| Cam.goslin wrote: |
Can anyone tell me what type of camper this last one is?^ The green 63 in VT. Sundial? |
I think it was a Sundial, it was not a Westy, it was for sale for a good bit of time, maybe like $30K ?? |
Thanks for the replies! Yeah it looks like it was listed at 28. I’m looking into buying a split camper and have never owned a split so I’m just trying to figure out what I’ve got to pay for a decent camper. |
The last one listed above was listed at $28,000
This one
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2354225
In the ad text it says it was a Caravelle camper:
| The Ad wrote: |
| 1963 split seat camper van, converted by Caravelle when it was brand new |
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
oakman
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2014
Posts: 1715
Location: Edge of the Desert, Ca
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cam.goslin
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 33
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 11:51 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
Thanks to everyone for the replies, hopefully this will also help the OP if they are still in the market. I really love the Dove blue camper and it is in the price range that I am looking at. Below are a few others that I have been looking into. It would be nice to get some opinions on these if possible as I have never bought a split window and know the prices are high but unsure as to whether these are worth it.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2393408
Westflia is appealing to me as I love the bay window westfalias and have a couple in my garage right now. Has the tent, and I love the Turkis green but it is overseas.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2335377
This one is in the states and comes with tent. Mostly original paint.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2316470
This one is in Vermont which is local to me for 30. No tent that I know of but that is not a big deal. Does need interior work from the comments in the ad.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2332529
This one is in the states, but is not original paint.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2354225
This one is in Vermont, again local to me, and I have been in contact with the owner. Love the Turkis.
These are just a few that I am currently looking at, I would really love an original paint camper so the dove blue fits that. I am partial to the Westfalia but it is overseas and would take a few bucks to get it on the road. My range to spend is between 25-35k so the Dove blue is on the higher end. I would love a flip seat westy but don't currently see any decent ads out there for one. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated as I am new to the split game and would love some help before buying. I have looked at all the buyers threads and found this one. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
otahuhu
Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2007
Posts: 561
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
| Cam.goslin wrote: |
Thanks to everyone for the replies, hopefully this will also help the OP if they are still in the market. I really love the Dove blue camper and it is in the price range that I am looking at. Below are a few others that I have been looking into. It would be nice to get some opinions on these if possible as I have never bought a split window and know the prices are high but unsure as to whether these are worth it.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2393408
Westflia is appealing to me as I love the bay window westfalias and have a couple in my garage right now. Has the tent, and I love the Turkis green but it is overseas.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2335377
This one is in the states and comes with tent. Mostly original paint.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2316470
This one is in Vermont which is local to me for 30. No tent that I know of but that is not a big deal. Does need interior work from the comments in the ad.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2332529
This one is in the states, but is not original paint.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2354225
This one is in Vermont, again local to me, and I have been in contact with the owner. Love the Turkis.
These are just a few that I am currently looking at, I would really love an original paint camper so the dove blue fits that. I am partial to the Westfalia but it is overseas and would take a few bucks to get it on the road. My range to spend is between 25-35k so the Dove blue is on the higher end. I would love a flip seat westy but don't currently see any decent ads out there for one. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated as I am new to the split game and would love some help before buying. I have looked at all the buyers threads and found this one. |
TWO DOWN THREE TO GO... The moral of the story is... "snooze you loose", if its good it will sell fast!
Having bought a few VWs from pics via email, I would recommend any car you can see in person. If it looks good be ready to hit the road and see it right away. The golden rule... Do your home work and lower your expectations. This way you wont be as disappointed as there are always going to be some issues with old cars. This is especially important when buying from out of town. Be aware that some people will stare you right in the eye and lie and its really hard to tell via email. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LAGrunthaner
Samba Member
Joined: March 18, 2007
Posts: 5506
Location: 1st Coast
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 4:28 am Post subject: Re: Where can I find an old Westfalia for restoration? |
|
|
Those are super nice campers, personally I love the picture window Rivera. As for a Westy for 15K I understand they have a following but I don't understand why the late Westy's are so much more expensive. The early Westy I totally get they are desirable. I would prefer this OTW than my poptop Westy.
This guy in Florida has a Westy like mine and he can't sell it on eBay or here runs & drives and titled for under 10K. Now I understand it's probably got some rust under that paint but drive and repair could be a deal with the right offer?
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2382687
_________________
American Red Cross Safe And Well:
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/...bsite.html
Maui Roadsters 
www.mauiroadsters.com
http://www.oacdp.org
| Lind wrote: |
| Have you considered simply starting with a nicer bus? I don't know what your 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. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
