Best Year?

scarroll · Samba Member Joined: August 24, 2003 Posts: 157

I've seen a couple of references to the '71 as the best year of the bay window. Any opinions about that? Are there any dogs among the years?

VW Addict · Samba Salesman Joined: January 09, 2003 Posts: 3920

1953

My $.02 - There was no Best year, just small changes.
I would much rather have a aircooled Bus (until 1979) then a vangon, or eurovan, but VW is VW.

busrocker71 · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 4:41 pm Post subject:

YOU'RE DAMN SKIPPY 71 is the best year!!!
shiet...represent...jk
no but seriously...it was the last year that the type 2 had type 1 upright engines...a major plus...and the first year for disc brakes....still have the earlier type 2 rear lights...kind of like the transition between the splitty and the bay...just my $.02 Wink

omar
_________________
1971 BayWindow Deluxe+SoCal=Good Times
_______________________________

NeverHadaBeetle · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 5:58 pm Post subject:

Early bay winner will be the 1971 hands down. Best type IV or late bay is 1978 because of the hydraulic lifters, 091 tranny, 2.0 liter, and improved fuel injection. My vote for worse year is 1972 because it has dual carbs on a type IV, but no freaking engine access hatch.

dvrdwn · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 6:01 pm Post subject:

both these guys are right. while all AIRCOOLED PRE 80 are great its more of personal thing. splits have alot of style but bay windows have a special place in my heart .other things to think about ,reduction boxs,disc or drum brakes,upright vs pancake engine ect. whatever you decide you will be totaly happy.

TimGud · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 6:03 pm Post subject:

71 unless your talking Westfalias. The 68-69 Westy's had the natural birch finish and the 70-71 went to the white paint over the birch. I like the look of the earlier interior better.

TimGud · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 6:03 pm Post subject:

71 unless your talking Westfalias. The 68-69 Westy's had the natural birch finish and the 70-71 went to the white paint over the birch. I like the look of the earlier interior better.

jeremyrockjock · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 7:00 pm Post subject:

71 is the best bay. I just don't like the small 5 lug pattern.
_________________
Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

Amskeptic · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 7:14 pm Post subject:

Au dang contraire to all-o-youse. 1973 was the best year, for the following splendid reasons:
The very finest braking performance of any year Bus.
( look at that front end again and tell me this isn't important)
The last year of quality craftsmanship before the accounting department de-contented the Bus, like no more fuel filler door and cheaper seats.
The only year it had those way-cool illuminated red heater controls.
A beautiful access door in the back AND perforated vinyl headliner.
The first year of the upgraded collision re-inforcement front-end.
The last year for the nice gauges.
And Many More. . . .splendid reasons like those solid 1700 heads.
Colin
( but all Buses deserve the finest care you can provide them)

chabanais · Samba Member Joined: July 27, 2002 Posts: 4866

...and your Bus is a 73??
_________________
"I spud therefore I yam."

VW Addict · Samba Salesman Joined: January 09, 2003 Posts: 3920

OK. I am a owner of a 69 now, and I like it! SIXTY NINE'S RULE! lol - All Buses are good. Lets go campin'

Paulie · Samba Member Joined: September 20, 2003 Posts: 164

A.J. Adams · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2003 6:30 pm Post subject:

Asking which is the best year is kind of like asking who's your favorite team, or porn star. Everyone is partial to one year or the other.

As long as you like it and enjoy it, it's the right year for you.
_________________
Sold 1978 Westy
Looking for a type 182 thing or a Herbie replica

"Are these morons getting dumber, or just louder?" Mayor Quimby

crofty · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:54 am Post subject:

For a bay, '71 is more than likely the best. Doghouse, DP heads, small(er) rear lights, disc brakes, ect. The only thing I don't like about the '71 is the new rims thay had to use. I prefer the look of the big caps and non vented rims.
_________________
Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.

busrocker71 · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 1:30 am Post subject:

i agree crofty...the wheels are crap. the small 5 pattern is a pain in the arse when trying to find nice aftermarket wheels without an adapter. the only positive is that they are the same pattern, 112mmx5, as a Benz. another fault...the damn benz wheels are way too expensive!
_________________
1971 BayWindow Deluxe+SoCal=Good Times
_______________________________

ratwell · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 11:18 am Post subject:

These are the US import figures. Popularity peaked in 70/71. MSRP figures for the basic transporter as listed.

1968 - 57,862 $2,269
1969 - 54,985 $2,414
1970 - 72,515 $2,495
1971 - 68,561 $2,720
1972 - 48,178 $2,989
1973 - 43,533 $3,500
1974 - 30,166 $4,000
1975 - 17,679 $4,750
1976 - 20,825 $5,235
1977 - 26,209 $5,249
1978 - 26,017 $6,185
1979 - 11,762 $7,285
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

llamas1 · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 11:56 am Post subject:

1971 - 68,561 $2,720

Isn't it ironic. That's about what I paid for mine back in July.

crofty · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 12:25 pm Post subject:

Damn, a little over twice the price for a Bus in 11 years! $5k increase from 68 to 79. I wonder why sales dropped! They got a little uglier every year too.....
_________________
Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.

ratwell · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 5:09 pm Post subject:

Over 3x actually. That's what inflation did to bus prices in the 70s. The numbers for teh Westfalias were even higher. I wonder what caused sales to put up steam in 77/78?
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

bajorek · Samba Member Joined: May 25, 2003 Posts: 726

I'm partial to my 76 Westy. I like the 76-79s because they have an open floorplan. I like opening the sliding door and having space, instead of a cabinet. They also have stronger engines.
On the down side, I like the older ones for their wood, head liners (wood), steps built into bumpers, and split tail lights.
All in all- I think the later model green scheme rocks!!!


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: 1, 2, 3 Next
Page 1 of 3

Best Year?
Page: 1, 2, 3 Next