Recommendation for Hawaii

[chardos]

Aloha!

My name is Rick and I'm moving to Hawaii in a few months and considering buying a vintage VW camper to help me explore the islands but don't know much about them. I may need a daily driver that would also serve me well for excursions to the beach and up and around the volcanic topography. After doing some research, I like the romanticism of the older models but am concerned about the lack of power they possess. I don't expect a rocket ship but don't want to feel like the Little Engine that Could while climbing volcanic switchbacks. There is a '73 high top for sale on Oahu but I'm not sure if the price is right or if it would meet my needs.https://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/6140836245.html

I would greatly appreciate any feedback or experiences anyone may have that would assist me with my selection.

Mahalo!

[OB Bus]

Welcome.
Which island are you moving to?
Have you ever had a bus before? Any air cooled VW? How are your mechanical skills?
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Larry in OB
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69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.
People deserve the Government they voted for.

[chardos]

I'm not sure which island I'll end up living on because I want to explore all the islands and find what works best for me. Plan A is to start out on Maui for a few months for some R&R and then do some island hopping. Plan B is to live in Oahu because I have a lead on a job there and see where things go from there. Either way, I plan to take the camper to all the major islands over the next year or so as I explore paradise.

I've never had a bus before or any air cooled VW so this is all new to me. I wouldn't consider myself an experienced mechanic by any means, but I have done general maintenance such as oil changes and brakes on my vehicles for over 35 years as well some minor repairs. Body work, welding, major engine work are beyond my skill set so a project vehicle would not be for me. I am about to attempt replacing my caliper piston seals on my modern day Audi if that gives you an idea as to my willingness to get my hands dirty.

[bay window dude]

I wont post the obligatory "I am thinking of buying a VW van" video, but I will say most classic cars are project vehicles, unless they have been totally restored. Be prepared to do maintenance often, or find a good mechanic. If you are going to be getting it in Hawaii, watch out for rust; take a magnet to 'feel' how deep the bondo goes and take a good look at the sub-frame.

The one you linked looks pretty solid. I do question though if that is a true 46k on the odometer. If you do end up getting it, be ready to (at least partially) rebuild, or buy a rebuilt engine; It could last 100,000, or it could last 20,000 before needing work. If you can check oil pressure it will give you a good indication of the condition of the bottom end.

Vanagons are a bit less maintenance, but also less nimble; you might also consider that option too.
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1970 Westfalia Weekender

[notchboy]

So I will interject and give my 2 cents as this dream drive in particular has been one that I've zoned out on time to time.

I've been to the islands plenty of times. The big four - Hawaii - Maui - Oahu - Kauai.

Taking out the VW dream - If you plan to work Oahu is the business island where most main land jobs transure to. If you want to make the same or more $ for what you do, chances are its there. Highest capita population of all the islands with the biggest city. Maui is mostly all tourist based. If you do hospitality work any island id good but Maui is where its primary. Kauai is the forgotten red headed step child. Most locals I've met from there left to better their families elsewhere. I'm not knocking Kauai at all as it was an amazing place, just not like the big three for $ and prosperity. Hawaii - the big island is very open with the big city on its East coast Hilo. Thats where the locals seem to live and thrive. The West side has lots of coastal resorts to stay and golf. Peppered with nice cities like Kona. This island is also mostly tourist based with lots of retirees owning and running the show with condo and house rentals.

On to the VW dream. First if you don't know somebody into VWs on each island you are screwed to a certain degree. ACVW assistance is very very limited. If you find someone they will most likely be a all Foreign shop that knows Subys or BMW. Most people I know with VWs there have to ship stuff in and do it themselves. Most VWs there in a decent price range are gone over piles of shit. Nice ones are kept and coveted. The bus dream is a very popular one there. So if you buy a bus there you will buy the sins of countless, clueless, poor, no experience having fools of folly that drove the VW into the ground getting by on bailing wire and used crap parts. To not inherit this will require you to open the wallet and spend more for a better bus. Then you will have to wonder if you are getting a good bus as there won't be anywhere to take it for the most part and you have no practical VW experience...... so what will you do? Get lucky? I've seen one or two decent looking buses while there. I have seen more beat to shit ones by far.

I've been into the ACVW scene since I was 14. I just turned 46 Saturday. Yeah yeah.. Ill start a gofundme bourbon account later for you guys that want to contribute.

If I were to exercise my dream to tootle around the islands I would be hard pressed to take my fresh, running awsome 77 pop top camper. Why not you say? Its the best bus on here by far you say Well there is little to no support for it if something breaks outside of NAPA shelf parts. Even if I moved there and took it, I would be second guessing that decision.

What I think would work and be a great option is a Vanagon with a Suby swap and 15in wheels. You can buy a Vanagon camper cheaper on the mainland, swap the motor for a Suby and ship it there. If you run into motor issues then there are Suby dealers and shops readily available on all islands.

That's my 2 cents from experience there and in the scene. Ill laugh later if this is not given a second thought
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[timvw7476]

excellent choice for a bus....
but it will need valves checked every 3.5-4k miles, along with rear brake shoe
adjustments (non-auto adjusters on buses) & clutch cable check on occasion,
breaker point gap maintained too.
None of it is 'hours & hours' to get done, once you perform these a few times
you get faster & better at it, but it is time on your back, looking up, learning
& turning wrenches & using feeler gauges, strictly 20th century stuff.
Not a matter of can you do it, but will you do it.
The ad poster seems like the person who can tell you just what they do/did
to keep one running.

[notchboy]

Spend the extra $ to ship and you are set - even an Auto Maybe AC too.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2061629
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[Tcash]

45,169 Original Miles. Possible not probable. Unless they have documentation to verify this.

Insist on a Pre-purchase inspection by a licensed mechanic, preferably that specializes in VW's. The money spent on an inspection may save you thousands of dollars if it is a lemon.

As stated the parts availability and repair shops that specialize in VW bus's is limited on the islands.

What Do YOU Look For When Buying A Bus? FAQ
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=474878

Bay Window Bus Buyers / Spotters Guide FAQ
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149447

Tips for buying a car over the Internet
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=251242

USED BUS BUYER'S GUIDE
http://john-perry.com/images/buyers.txt

[aeromech]

That seems like a great price on that Subaru Vanagon. Funny though that they don't show the engine. I'd think that would be the big selling point.
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VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
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Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[Tom Powell]

I would recommend a Vanagon poptop. An air cooled hightop would be a liability on Oahu's freeways and the Pali, or Likelike. That hightop might be a good choice for the outer islands, but mechanics and parts will be hard to find. There are some good Vanagon and air cooled mechanics on Oahu. For the asking price, you could get a well sorted Vanagon in SoCal with power steering and pay for shipping. We don't salt the roads for snow in Hawaii, but we have tradewinds that bring the ocean spray with the rain. Old VW's rust fast unless cared for. There are VW rental companies here.

Aloha
tp

[chardos]

Thank you for all the responses so far. I've decide to take the advice from the VW van video and I'm getting a Honda instead

I didn't mention it but Plan B involves interacting with the VW dealerships on Oahu so there is a possibility I could run into an enthusiast or mechanic who knows something about vintage buses who could assist with my selection. I've also thought about picking one up on the mainland and shipping it over there as well. It's good to know that a Vanagon might be a better choice, this is just the type of feedback I was looking for! Anyone have any experience with driving areas such as the Road to Hana or Haleakala (or comparable elevations) in a VW bus? Would I have trouble getting up and down those areas in the older model due to lack of power?

[chardos]

[aeromech]

[Tom Powell]

In the 50's and 60's in Honolulu they occasionally restricted small cars from crossing the Pali during windy conditions. You had to drive from Honolulu around Makapuu side to get to Kailua if you drove a beetle.

Our freeway traffic is often bumper to bumper.

I never drove my 1967 MB 300SE coupe over 105mph.

Aloha
tp

[calvinater]

Just like i picture californias highways
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[telford dorr]

Keep in mind that living with bus in Hawaii is like living at the beach on the mainland - salt-inspired rust is waiting for you. If your bus lives outside, you likely will have issues...
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