‘78 bus buying advice

[firerod]

Who are the best parts vendors for busses?

[SGKent]

the cars are 50 years old. Each part you will want to chase down one at a time to be sure you have the best choice part. I like as close to original parts as possible because in general they will give you the best results and least headaches. Used parts either the classifieds here, Ken at TheBusco, Chris at BustedBus, Averys Air Cooled, or many more.

The one issue I am having now is that someone may advertise something and show a photo so you pay them a premium for it, and when you get the part it is just another reproduction. This is true even sometimes if they swear to you on the phone or in an e-mail that it is not a reproduction or is the style that is NLA but is better. Good Luck.

Oh - this early in to owning a bus, maybe list the parts you think you need and get some comments on them first. Can save you lots of time.
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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

[aeromech]

I think it’s high time for the OP to tell us where he lives as well as post pics of his new bus. I’m tired of talking to some guy who won’t share those details.
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[Wildthings]

[dodger tom]

[KTPhil]

Good first answer:

Samba classifieds. Nothing beats original parts, new or used.

[Globespotter]

[alman72]

[cmonSTART]

[danfromsyr]

Essentially ALL OF THEM

and consequently sometimes
NONE OF THEM..


to some degree they are all best just for being in business to provide niche market items for our hobby.

and they are stuck between the customer and the market/suppliers

some carry known junk because a) it's all that's available for said part or b) it's all that cheap hobbiests will justify for a part..
some people won't pay more than $10 for a CV boot while buying a $1500 rim&tire combo set.
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[firerod]

Here’s a couple pictures. Seems like a good solid start to a project. The bus spent most of its life in Reno, the original owner was a teacher at a college there. He then dropped it off a shop out there and walked away from it leaving the title. The shop owner gave it to his daughter 15 years ago and she brought it here to Colorado.

[alman72]

nice.

[timvw7476]

omg omg omg intact middle seat!
that'll finance the whole restoration! /s.
But that is a very nice seven seater. Never see a white interior in one......

[Abscate]

Sweet and straight. That should roll nicely unless the other side is Hades



Keep stock FI , or buy the pieces over time here and ditch any carb setup. Look for the ubiquitous high altitude switch, doubtful because it’s a transplant, but who knows?
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.ssS!

[aeromech]

Nice. How about pics of the engine, underside, and floors?

If you give us a bit more detail on its condition, we can help prioritize your project and help you find parts
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[Kirk]