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secretsubmariner
Champagne Wrangler
Joined: January 08, 2011
Posts: 3104
Location: Tulsa, OK
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 Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2021 9:01 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| theguyryry wrote: |
1. don't let anyone drive but me.
2. don't go above 40 unless I have to. |
LOL my only two rules for passengers are:
1. Don't freak out
2. Only Tony operates the slider door
Good luck man, hope you find something out there!
_________________
-Tony
ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ
1978 Champagne Edition Bus FI
1970 Auto Fastback FI |
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theguyryry
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2021
Posts: 100
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2021 9:52 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| Tbob wrote: |
In Pensacola, there is an active club called Rare Air Emerald Coast Vw Club. They are a great bunch of guys and gals. This Saturday, Tomorrow, April 3, at 10:00 am they have their monthly Tech Session at Don Dorough's at 2515 Longleaf, on the northwest side of Pensacola, 32526. If you can make it, do. All kinds of club members meet and work on projects in Don's shop, which is the shop many of us would love to have, 30x40, with a lift and Don is both gracious and gregarious, and you will have a good time. And there are quite a few bus guys there, including Wild Bill Tucker, who lives up to his name.
After living years in a desert wasteland of VW enthusiasm, (Nowhere, Indiana), this is a great thing for enthusiasts. I cant be there on Saturday(have to go back to Nowhere for family issues), but if you go, introduce yourself to Don. You will have fun. |
I don't get in until tomorrow evening. Do they have a calendar online somewhere? Hoping to go to the next one. |
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Tbob
Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2007
Posts: 417
Location: Pensacola, Fl.
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| Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2021 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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They do. Their website, Rare Air VW club, has all the pertinent info. Tech session is once a month, usually on the first Saturday of the month. Club meeting is third Thursday of the month, at a Baptist church that lets the club use their multi purpose room. And there always seems to be a run or a show or a cars and coffee to go to, and the club usually has a contingent going.I won't be back until Middle of April, but these are some friendly people. So, just go to any event and you will be among friends!
_________________
1969 Deluxe, owned since 1973
1973 Westfalia, owned since 1983
1980 Westfalia, watercooled conversion
1985 Westfalia, stock!
1986 Westfakia, Audi I-4 conversion
A couple of trucks and a couple of Jeeps |
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orwell84
Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2007
Posts: 2536
Location: Plattsburgh, New York
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| Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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How many of us can spot a bus in a field or a in a pile of cars or jammed in a carport with a bunch of crap at 1000 yards? And tell what year it is from a glance driving by?
Pretty much all of us.
And many of us can’t see all that well anymore.
Knowing a group of people like that all on the lookout for a bus for you...
That’s how you will find your bus. |
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wagohn
Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2014
Posts: 740
Location: United States
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| Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2021 8:19 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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We bought our '76 with a few body/rust issues and a few mechanical issues (would not stay running). We got the bus running reliably and stopping safely for less than $300 and a few days of our own labor. We are into our bus for less than $8k and we drive it every weekend and multiple camping events. I'm sure others passed on our bus because it needed some welding and would not start - hence the cheapo price. We knew what we were getting into - all horrors were on show.
My point is; find an "honest bus" you can afford with cash and do your own work. If you aren't the best wrencher, learn how. Any classic vehicle is a money pit unless you do your own work. I would not take out a loan to purchase a 50 yr old vehicle. Again, pay the cash you can afford and when/if you hit mechanical issues, it wont sting as bad while the bus sits on the driveway waiting for repair.
_________________
1976 VW Transporter, 2.0 FI Engine |
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theguyryry
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2021
Posts: 100
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| There was an awesome looking bus on the Valparaiso craigslist (https://okaloosa.craigslist.org/cto/d/destin-1973-vw-campmobile/7300930368.html) but it sold in a day. I messaged the seller a day after they listed it and he was already holding it for someone. Oh well. I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to disregard all of the great advice so far on this thread and do something stupid, but until then I'm going to check classifieds 3-4 times a day and constantly have ebay in a browser tab. |
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theguyryry
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2021
Posts: 100
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:19 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| wagohn wrote: |
We bought our '76 with a few body/rust issues and a few mechanical issues (would not stay running). We got the bus running reliably and stopping safely for less than $300 and a few days of our own labor. We are into our bus for less than $8k and we drive it every weekend and multiple camping events. I'm sure others passed on our bus because it needed some welding and would not start - hence the cheapo price. We knew what we were getting into - all horrors were on show.
My point is; find an "honest bus" you can afford with cash and do your own work. If you aren't the best wrencher, learn how. Any classic vehicle is a money pit unless you do your own work. I would not take out a loan to purchase a 50 yr old vehicle. Again, pay the cash you can afford and when/if you hit mechanical issues, it wont sting as bad while the bus sits on the driveway waiting for repair.
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Wow! that's a great looking bus! I'm trying to keep my eyes peeled for the a good deal like that. Feel free to send more pictures. Curious what the work was that you had to do to it... |
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wagohn
Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2014
Posts: 740
Location: United States
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| Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| theguyryry wrote: |
Wow! that's a great looking bus! I'm trying to keep my eyes peeled for the a good deal like that. Feel free to send more pictures. Curious what the work was that you had to do to it... |
Thanks! We fixed vacuum leaks to remedy the not starting issue (just loose hoses). The only money we had to spend was for new shoes and cylinders (rears), new master cylinder, and a rebuilt distributor. Other than the distributor, we bought the parts we needed from O'Reillys. We figured new Chinese parts had to be better than 50 yr old leaking master/wheel cylinders, even if VW brand. All been fine for a year of usage.
The distributor was sourced on the forum here for $225 - best money we ever spent, the bus starts easily and every time since the swap.
Probably in the bus for just less than $350 to get the bus running reliably and stopping safely. We've "wasted" money on other stuff, of course, such as cup-holders, curtains, a "bra", solar, etc. Paint isn't great but that's OK with us - none of us are getting any younger. 
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1976 VW Transporter, 2.0 FI Engine |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22641
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 2:34 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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Did you notice your smiley faces vanished when you put the bra on?
( Sorry Kam, just sayin’)
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.ssS! |
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HoboBus
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2016
Posts: 347
Location: Massachusetts
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| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 11:08 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| theguyryry wrote: |
I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to disregard all of the great advice so far on this thread and do something stupid, but until then I'm going to check classifieds 3-4 times a day and constantly have ebay in a browser tab.
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Ha! I know how that feels! I actually managed to resist that when I was looking at busses.
I was looking for a project bus, and had a local bus come up for $2500. I was totally excited, went to look at it, and man it was rough. Really rough.
I tried to rationalize it from every direction that it wasn't that bad, but eventually was able to tell myself that it was that bad  , and too far gone for me.
And I was right, because the right bus for me came along months later.
You'll find the right one man. Keep at it!
.
_________________
Salt air it ain't thin, it'll stick right to your skin,
it'll make you feel fine. Makes you feel fine.
And I wanna be there. -- Jimmy Buffett
Just a beach-oriented camping Hobo with a bus. |
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alman72
Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2014
Posts: 2573
Location: MICHIGAN
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| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 2:01 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| for every guy that buys a non runner that just has to put some hoses back on, there is a guy with a dropped seat and only compression on 2 cylinders that requires a rebuild. |
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wagohn
Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2014
Posts: 740
Location: United States
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| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 2:13 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| alman72 wrote: |
| for every guy that buys a non runner that just has to put some hoses back on, there is a guy with a dropped seat and only compression on 2 cylinders that requires a rebuild. |
Tell me about it. We looked at three buses before the one we bought and they would start the motor and you could hear the "knocking" a mile away - even though we were assured his good friend said the engine was "strong".
We definitely took a chance on our bus and mainly chanced it because the PO tried to run it, it ran for one second and quit - it would not keep running. So at least we knew it had the potential to run again - and from the one second high RPM run there was no knock. When we got it home we found (with the forums help) that a major vacuum hose had come adrift. Pressed it into place and the bus immediately fired up and help a steady idle. Been awesome ever since.
Wish we knew this at the time though. We had to hire a trailer and almost got a hernia pushing the non-running bus up the ramps (with help). Who knew a literal 5 second fix would have it moving under its own steam.
_________________
1976 VW Transporter, 2.0 FI Engine |
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alman72
Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2014
Posts: 2573
Location: MICHIGAN
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| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 2:48 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| wagohn wrote: |
| alman72 wrote: |
| for every guy that buys a non runner that just has to put some hoses back on, there is a guy with a dropped seat and only compression on 2 cylinders that requires a rebuild. |
Tell me about it. We looked at three buses before the one we bought and they would start the motor and you could hear the "knocking" a mile away - even though we were assured his good friend said the engine was "strong".
We definitely took a chance on our bus and mainly chanced it because the PO tried to run it, it ran for one second and quit - it would not keep running. So at least we knew it had the potential to run again - and from the one second high RPM run there was no knock. When we got it home we found (with the forums help) that a major vacuum hose had come adrift. Pressed it into place and the bus immediately fired up and help a steady idle. Been awesome ever since.
Wish we knew this at the time though. We had to hire a trailer and almost got a hernia pushing the non-running bus up the ramps (with help). Who knew a literal 5 second fix would have it moving under its own steam. |
read a story on here about someone buying a non runner for cheap, getting signed paperwork from PO, and attatching a vac hose and driving off. PO was prob stunned.or some other feeling.. |
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Brian
Samba Moderator
Joined: May 28, 2012
Posts: 8340
Location: Oceanside
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| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 3:12 pm Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| theguyryry wrote: |
| I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to disregard all of the great advice so far on this thread and do something stupid |
Just remember, what's your money if you're not spending it?
_________________
Wash your hands
'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper
Only losers litter |
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Shonandb
Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019
Posts: 1178
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2021 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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As others have said, be patient but be relentless in checking your regular sources as the day you don't check your local Craigslist, social media, (etc), one will come up and by the time you see the ad, 45 people will have already contacted the seller.
I looked for about 3 years before I found my 76 (Westy) at a reasonable price (CAN$4000). I checked out a few over the years but either the seller wanted too much or the bus was in very poor shape (rotten frame sections, previous accidents, etc). It had no interior and I had to redo the metal in the floor, new jack points, new sliding door rail, update the wiring, new tail lights, add seats, new cabinetry, etc but it turned out great.
I was looking for a manual transaxle Westy but the one I bought ended up being an automatic. It turned out to be a bonus as I did a Subaru swap after finding out the PO had replaced the original 2000cc with a 1700cc and it needed a complete rebuild as the crank bearings were shot. The automatic transaxle can handle the extra HP of the Subaru without any upgrades that the manual would have required.
I had a 73 Panel Bus back in the 90s so it was so nice to get the Westy, especially with the Subaru swap. Love driving it!
Stay focused and you'll find one at a reasonable price.
DB
76 Westy
2.5L Subaru SOHC
Vanagon Automatic Transaxle
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theguyryry
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2021
Posts: 100
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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Ok, so checking my nearby craigslist last night and this one pops up:
https://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/d/lynn-haven-1971-volkswagen-van-westfalia/7303285551.html
I spoke to the owner on the phone, he's said he's gotten a lot of interest on it but no buyers yet... I'm going to go check it out tonight, but over the phone he mentioned the fan shroud isn't installed on the motor, so he doesn't recommend driving it long distances until that's installed. I figured I'd ask the hive mind for recommendations.
Without even looking at it in person, I can see that it needs the front turn signal housing replaced. That potentially means electrical isn't hooked up. The paint looks good / new, but that could be hiding rust. 15k doesn't seem to bad, does it? |
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cmonSTART
Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2014
Posts: 1915
Location: NH
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:23 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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Looks good from the few pictures he put up, but a lot more looking underneath and at the engine would be good.
Is he able to at least start or crank the engine to listen for or test compression?
The paint sure is nice, but you know how that goes...
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'78 Bus 2.0FI
de K1IGS |
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wagohn
Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2014
Posts: 740
Location: United States
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| theguyryry wrote: |
Ok, so checking my nearby craigslist last night and this one pops up:
https://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/d/lynn-haven-1971-volkswagen-van-westfalia/7303285551.html
I spoke to the owner on the phone, he's said he's gotten a lot of interest on it but no buyers yet... I'm going to go check it out tonight, but over the phone he mentioned the fan shroud isn't installed on the motor, so he doesn't recommend driving it long distances until that's installed. I figured I'd ask the hive mind for recommendations.
Without even looking at it in person, I can see that it needs the front turn signal housing replaced. That potentially means electrical isn't hooked up. The paint looks good / new, but that could be hiding rust. 15k doesn't seem to bad, does it? |
Rear lights look newer than on a 1971. Also, the pop roof looks weird - should be all one level. If he has the seals etc to fix the roof, why wouldnt he? Paint is nice but why no re-install wipers etc post paint job?
Be wary of the "dont drive it far until...." scenarios. Fine at $6k, but at $15k the bus should be good to go. Let us know how it looks in person
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1976 VW Transporter, 2.0 FI Engine |
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theguyryry
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2021
Posts: 100
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:44 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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| wagohn wrote: |
Rear lights look newer than on a 1971. Also, the pop roof looks weird - should be all one level. If he has the seals etc to fix the roof, why wouldnt he? Paint is nice but why no re-install wipers etc post paint job?
Let us know how it looks in person |
According to him, the original roof broke, so he bought a parts bus in AL and stole it off that... Not sure why it was broken, or why it's different heights. Definitely some weird stuff going on.
If there's rust bubbling up anywhere under that paint, or if it doesn't start, i'm planning on walking away. The top I can fix, the interior is ugly but I can live with it until I'm motivated to replace it...
Anyone replaced the fan shroud before? Is that going to require dropping the motor? |
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HoboBus
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2016
Posts: 347
Location: Massachusetts
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:09 am Post subject: Re: Buying a Bay Window |
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Rear air intakes are also later than 71, like the taillights...
But it suposedly has a 1600.. which is an earlier circa 71 motor...
Fresh paint, wipers not installed....
Plenty of questions for 15k. Be careful.
_________________
Salt air it ain't thin, it'll stick right to your skin,
it'll make you feel fine. Makes you feel fine.
And I wanna be there. -- Jimmy Buffett
Just a beach-oriented camping Hobo with a bus. |
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