Adding deluxe trim to a non deluxe bus?

Bay Window Steve

I searched but didn't find this. Just wondering if anyone has ever attempted this, or if its just too stupid. I really like deluxe buses, but like my 70 pretty well, so I was just thinking about it.

Any thoughts besides to call me stupid?

Clembus · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject:

I trimmed my Westy

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Bay Window Steve · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject:

How hard was it to keep straight?

Blaubus · Samba Member Joined: October 25, 2003 Posts: 5153

best way is to take measurements off an originally deluxe bus. i have had to do this when replacing deluxe doors with camper doors. helps to have a 4 ft straight edge too

oldskool7_11 · Samba Member Joined: February 17, 2006 Posts: 213

i say do it. i have a full kits for sale if your not looking for perfect(minor dings and sratches). use a caulk line to keep your lines straight. you could do the whole side at once which means less measuring and lining up.

bradgsanford · Heathen Joined: January 22, 2008 Posts: 92 Location: okc

A PO deluxe'd mine. The M-plate doesn't say it's deluxe but it certainly has all the trim. I never woulda known it had I not researched the M-plate.

I say go for it.

visibleink · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:39 am Post subject:

I did mine last year. I used all original trim pieces from parts buses I collected over the years. Took some hunting and ebaying to get enough for a good complete set plus clips. Install was pretty easy but the key is drilling the holes straight.

I really prefer the trim on top of a solid color. It pops much louder than over a two tone bus.

bradgsanford - was the paint on yours originally a single tone or two? You sure on that m code - yours sure looks like an original deluxe from that one pic.
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bradgsanford · Heathen Joined: January 22, 2008 Posts: 92 Location: okc

visibleink, no I'm not 100%. I'm just going by the codes on type2.com. A deluxe would be 241X XX and mine is 2211 21. There exists a great possibility that I don't know what the hell I'm talking about Wink

Clembus · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 3:43 pm Post subject:

busdaddy · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

bradgsanford · Heathen Joined: January 22, 2008 Posts: 92 Location: okc

I stand corrected. Thanks very much for the info. I learn something every day on this forum.

ScreaminJimmy · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

I've been considering the same thing for my '79 Westy. I already have the chrome bumpers, so I think adding the trim would really make it sizzle.

As Clembus mentioned, use 1" masking tape to keep the holes straight. Start at the front and stick down a few inches of tape, then unroll a section the entire length of the bus [u]without sticking it down[/u]. Then, while keeping slight tension on it, very carefully lay the tape down. It may take a couple of tries to get it just right, but doing the entire length with one continuous piece of tape will give you an instant visual on whether it's straight or not. When you get it like you want it, mark the holes and drill them right through the tape. The tape will help keep the bit from walking but I would add a extra strip above and below each hole location just in case. When finished, pull off the remaining tape, paint inside the holes with a Q-tip to prevent rust, and you're ready to pop on the trim!

Good luck!
_________________
James
56 bug
79 Westy

ScreaminJimmy · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

I've been considering the same thing for my '79 Westy. I already have the chrome bumpers, so I think adding the trim would really make it sizzle.

As Clembus mentioned, use 1" masking tape to keep the holes straight. Start at the front and stick down a few inches of tape, then unroll a section the entire length of the bus [u]without sticking it down[/u]. Then, while keeping slight tension on it, very carefully lay the tape down. It may take a couple of tries to get it just right, but doing the entire length with one continuous piece of tape will give you an instant visual on whether it's straight or not. When you get it like you want it, mark the holes and drill them right through the tape. The tape will help keep the bit from walking but I would add a extra strip above and below each hole location just in case. When finished, pull off the remaining tape, paint inside the holes with a Q-tip to prevent rust, and you're ready to pop on the trim!

Good luck!
_________________
James
56 bug
79 Westy

visibleink · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

kitcarson · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:55 pm Post subject: Deluxe vs Standard

I recently got this one. havent ran the VIN yet, but thinking its a deluxe, but now not too sure..... maybe european. even the radio antenna is unique.....the door plate says 1970.

busdaddy · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:45 pm Post subject:

Antenna is in the factory M code location but a wise dealer or PO could have done that, if it didn't have side reflectors and a pop top I'd say Euro deluxe but from what I see it's a Euro delivered US spec bus that had some PO upgrades at wrecking yards during it's Euro vacation. Looks like it's got opening front vent windows too.

Why not just start your own thread on this find?
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