Is it possible to retrofit a firewall to a 1968?

[busdaddy]

[sodbuster]

[Abscate]

The people who do answer know their sh*, and will state their opinions too.


The debate over opinion vs facts is easy to sort out and may or may not be relevant to your situation.

Most people should not be throwing disc brakes on these cars to get ‘ better braking’ , they should be fixing their drum brakes first. If you don’t know why not, you definitely shouldn’t be doing it.
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[Thoragaverung]

[Angus II]

Hello, ^^^
Ditto, on what he said about the 71 Baywindows.
A very classic year. Hence: the one year only parts/options and upgrades. The last of the Mohicans as to say, for the type I engine for the U.S. market export in the VW bus.
Three is a good start...harder to find these days in decent condition though, let alone stock configuration .

But. I'm a cheap old bastard, that doesn't like to do rusted panel repairs anymore and correcting previous owners bright ideas... Yet, 71s were easier to find unmolested and less weathered 20-25 years ago...
I'm glad I found Gus, my latest 71 full westy bus... from the original family/owners, pretty much unmolested five years ago. A very rare survivor at an unbelievable low price...

Oh, and Fez. We don't always argue here....but, good point and observation.

[aeromech]

1971 is my favorite model and I’ve owned 3.
_________________
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

[fez68]

I currently have a 68 bus . I used to have a 71 camper and a 73 tintop yrs ago. I prefer the look of the early bays. I don't have a firewall in mine. But when I bought it someone had screwed a 71 firewall in there with sheet metal screws. I took it out ( and allot of mouse shit and nesting!)

The 71 is a great yr . Pretty much the same look but you get disk brakes and a firewall.

Sometimes its better to search threads for an answer rather than ask it. Its seems like the same people always answer and then they all get into an argument and your sitting there still without an answer. I just built my first engine , i didnt ask a single question on here about it. I definetly had allot. I just kept searching other threads and weeded through people arguing and made my own decisions. best of luck on the bus hunt!

[Thoragaverung]

[aeromech]

If you want info on why I don’t think installing disc brakes is a good idea then send me an email or pm
_________________
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

[consvws]

Talk to vw about every other change they made then. Buy a 73 & up if you are worried. They are reinforced in the front & rear quite a bit. A 68 is like a tin can still. The firewall would be the least of my concern if I was thinking about safety. Too each his/her own, please show pictures of how you do it. I'm curious to see how you get it done.

Conrad

[richparker]

[Thoragaverung]

I saw the bus yesterday. It's remarkably rust-free, especially for Minnesota, but needs a lot. I am toting up the parts costs now.

Why do rubber seal kits costs so darn much? LOL.
_________________
Happy to help, but my advice comes with no guarantees. Use at own risk.

[Thoragaverung]

[Thoragaverung]

[Angus II]

[aeromech]

The owner of the 1968 DC pictured is planning on using the truck as a family car. He has a wife and 3 year old son. The idea of installing a firewall and modern seat belts appeals to him. Going crazy though with air bags and all the other modern crap is not in his game plan
_________________
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

[consvws]

I wonder how many split bus owners install firewalls. Are you concerned the gas tank will overheat being close to the engine? Maybe consider some airbags & power steering while your at it.

[aeromech]

Angus,
First.. kiss my ass. No that was when the bus arrived. If you want finished pics let me know.

To the OP,
Front disc brakes are tough. I recommend you install a brake booster.
_________________
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

[Thoragaverung]

[babysnakes]