Author |
Message |
copescobra Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2011 Posts: 66 Location: Washington State
|
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:53 pm Post subject: anyone owned both a Bus Camper and a Vanagon Camper |
|
|
If anyone has owned both these I would love to know which one you kept or would keep?
Also like to know going forward for the next 5+ years which one would be a better value and perhaps less "trouble" to keep up. I only drive a camper about 5,000 miles a year at most. Usually go up and down the coast from Vancouver to Santa Monica so only a few big hills to conquer.
I guess a question that all can answer is what to expect to spend on an annual basis for upkeep over time assuming everything is in good shape but still mostly original ? _________________ 1987 Westy Camper
1970 Boss 302
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
2000 Type R Integra
1967 Alfa Duetto
1972 BMW Tii
Last edited by copescobra on Thu Dec 22, 2011 7:31 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51003 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
VW Addict Samba Salesman
Joined: January 09, 2003 Posts: 3920
|
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 2:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've owned both. Your going to get a bias opinion on either one. Personally, I find Vanagon's ugly. But there are those who find them the opposite. I prefer a pre '79 bus... but then again, I prefer a pre '67 bus in compared to that!
Drive what you want to and carry a Muir book at all times. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BUSBOSS Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2009 Posts: 2161 Location: Northern California
|
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 5:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
VW Addict wrote: |
Drive what you want to and carry a Muir book at all times. |
And bring colored pencils with you so you can color in the illustrations while you wait for the tow truck.
Carry a Bentley or stay home. _________________ All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood
1976 Westfalia
1970 Karmann Ghia Convertible (sold - but not forgotten) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
peaceful warrior Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2005 Posts: 5274 Location: Taoswest, USA
|
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I own both and will be keeping both! Reasons, I can afford it...
Actually like them for different reasons. _________________ "Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Desertbusman Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2005 Posts: 14655 Location: Arizona
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51003 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
|
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Oh there are, seems we've got a bit of buyers remorse or just can't make up our minds. If you have to think about something this hard maybe it's something you shouldn't be doing it at all? _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
curtis4085 Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2011 Posts: 4806 Location: Colorado
|
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You will have more fun in the pre 79 buses for sure and just my two cents Vangons are a bit ugly. Sorry. I like seeing them but would not own one. _________________ Special Thanks to:
Headflow Masters - Vista, CA
www.headflowmasters.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Esher127 Samba Member
Joined: August 26, 2010 Posts: 607 Location: Staunton, VA
|
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'd rather look at a Bay Window.
I'd rather camp in a Vanagon.
*shrug* _________________ 1970 Westfalia Pop-Top |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bigbore Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2003 Posts: 3296 Location: Wasilla Alaska
|
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
from what you wanted in your last thread you should of not sold the euro van and gone rid of all the others. _________________ where its cold and snowy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Tom Powell Samba Member
Joined: December 01, 2005 Posts: 4855 Location: Kaneohe
|
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Esher127 wrote: |
I'd rather look at a Bay Window.
I'd rather camp in a Vanagon. |
I'd rather go uphill in a Vanagon.
I'd rather winter sleep in my insulated Bay Window.
Aloha
tp |
|
Back to top |
|
|
notchboy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22403 Location: Escondido CA
|
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've been on the hunt for a Vanagon as of late. Not as a replacement to my 77 westy but more as a commuter.
I like the Syncro and the ability to put in a 2.5 Subby conversion. I've always thought modern accouterments in a bay window look out of place. But in a Vanagon-game on! _________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bigbore Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2003 Posts: 3296 Location: Wasilla Alaska
|
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The syncro sounds cool till you start finding out what it takes to keep one going. the tranys are a nightmare I know I rebuild them they cost a fortune and alot of the part are no longer available. I just don't know why anyone would want one but if you got the money go for it. _________________ where its cold and snowy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Esher127 Samba Member
Joined: August 26, 2010 Posts: 607 Location: Staunton, VA
|
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yeah, I love the IDEA of owning a Syncro. However you have to be Bruce Wayne money to deal with the reality of owning a Syncro. _________________ 1970 Westfalia Pop-Top |
|
Back to top |
|
|
innocenti Samba Member
Joined: June 30, 2004 Posts: 136 Location: bristol uk
|
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 9:14 am Post subject: type 2 versus type 3 |
|
|
hi as mentioned above each have merits of its own . i own splitty ,bay and a vanagon love them all
can't have enough of a good thing as long as its a vw badge up front .
cheers steve |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Japhy Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2006 Posts: 73 Location: Denver. Colorado
|
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 10:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have a 79 camper and an 85 Vgon. I love them both! If I HAD to sell one it would be the Vgon. I would miss it very much though. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
copescobra Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2011 Posts: 66 Location: Washington State
|
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 6:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
thanks all for the input. I is alot to think about and reality set in about only being able to keep one of them so I can support the upkeep on the other. _________________ 1987 Westy Camper
1970 Boss 302
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
2000 Type R Integra
1967 Alfa Duetto
1972 BMW Tii |
|
Back to top |
|
|
LouisR Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2008 Posts: 70 Location: TEXAS
|
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 3:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I know just sell both and start all over again. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
donemoto Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 501
|
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 4:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've owned them all through the years.
Having kids and traveling, the Vanagon Camper ( both my 80 and 83) was the best for space and moving kids down the road.
My bay windows always got us where we going in style, albeit, a bit cramped with a dog and 5 kids on the road.
If I could still have only one; I would keep my 58 tin-flap-pop-up camper with wood and Screaming red interior and 40 horse motor. Used to drive cross country at 50 miles per hour all day. Miss the small rear window and side doors.
You will find your own in time. _________________ 1975 Campmobile
1962 Bug Convertible
Homebuilt VW Trike
1966 HD Sprint H
1940 HD ULH Flathead
1985 Electra-glide Classic with Tour-Pac
1968 Harley Rapido
1968 Honda CL Scrambler 175cc
1962 Honda Cub 50 Step-thru
1980 Honda Cub 70 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
TopBud Samba Member
Joined: February 28, 2004 Posts: 1104 Location: Flagstaff AZ
|
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have a 65 panel, 86 syncro and a 74 westy. I have had the westy for 12+ years. I am currently travelling in the westy because I know I can fix it with parts on hand. I drive the syncro in the winter. It's actually not to expensive to fix if you keep on it. I bought it for $500 and only big fix was the upgrade to OME shocks and springs. I also won't drive it outside of AAA plus free tow zone _________________ 86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|