Your pre-purchase opinion - 78 Westy - lots of pics

Temmett

Greetings all,

I'm looking at buying a 78 Westfalia and would appreciate some opinions from the community. My hands-on experience with aircooled VWs is limited to my previous project (69 Squareback - see signature). The Samba community was a huge help in that project. Ya'll are the shiznizzle!

Some facts. Current owner is the second owner (since 1986). Meticulous maintenance records, always professionally serviced. 193k miles. I approached the owner. We attend the same church and I've been eyeballing his Westy for the last nine months. It has been in two minor accidents based on his records - parking lot rubs.

Engine: On 3rd engine. 1st engine was replaced at 130k. A rebuilt Gex was put in and it turned out to be a lemon (after about 5000 miles). Being under warranty it was replaced with another Gex that is up to 55k miles. Everything checked out the last time it was in the shop for routine maintenance (last week). Mechanic said it would be fine to drive from here (the Bay area) to Indiana as we are moving shortly.

Transmission: 4 speed manual. Rebuilt Gex.

The owner is letting me try it out for the next week and a half. We drove it across town and noticed that there was a noticeable knocking in the left rear well (?). When the heater is on exhaust comes out of the vent directly below the rear seat. The owner did tell me that the heating system in need of some attention.

Here are some pics.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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1978 Westfalia - pre-purchase walk around
1969 Squareback http://squarebackresto.wordpress.com/

Kirk · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject:

Looks like a solid survivor, but I sure would rather ship it home and go through it before I drove all that way. When was the last time the fuel lines were replaced? GEX is pretty much known for garbage, glad (suprised) to hear its lasted that long.

Can we ask ballpark what they are asking for it? We can tell you if its worth it easier. Wink

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Coble
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Oppenheim

Temmett · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:04 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I cringed when I came across the GEX information.

I've gotten him down to $4000 and we'll have the next 3 months to drive it and work out any kinks before our trip to Indiana.

I don't know about the fuel lines.
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1978 Westfalia - pre-purchase walk around
1969 Squareback http://squarebackresto.wordpress.com/

Kirk · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:06 pm Post subject:

At $4000 I would already own it. Its not rusty, it runs and drives and has a history. Buy it. And start saving for a rebuild.
_________________
MAKE FORUMS GREAT AGAIN

Bear
Coble
Super
Oppenheim

Collie · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:15 pm Post subject:

CoastalAirCooledVW · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:21 pm Post subject:

For that price it is a good deal but just be prepared for a rebuild. You might get lucky and it will last or it might die quickly. Those cracks do look like bondo but it does not look rusty which is a huge plus. What kind of emissions requirements are there in Indiana? I would drive it and ship it if it breaks down because it would be a fun adventure.
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1966 Velvet Green Standard

Stuartzickefoose · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:37 pm Post subject:

original canvas, nice aux heater, carpet and seats in okay shape, minimal rust, FI intact, and pinstripes to boot!

4k is a Good price, but be ready to find a new engine and transmission SOON to set aside rebuilt and ready for the day those BOTH will go out of you. GEX sucks. but at 4k, your saving enough for it to be worth it. good chance to build a custom motor for your needs.
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Stuart Zickefoose

2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual

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old DKP driver · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:57 pm Post subject: 1978 westy

Hi, did the owner leave the service records with you? since that's where you
need to start looking as to what needs to be done prior to purchase.

There are NO 78 westy's in the bay area EVER for $4k.which you probably
already know.
Quite a few good shops in your area to have a pre-purchase check done also.
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V.W.owner since 1967

notchboy · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 10:03 pm Post subject:

Its got some jenky stuff on it due to wear and poor decisions, but its all there and a deluxe.

Price is good. Get it and make it nice again!
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Temmett · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 11:08 pm Post subject:

CoastalAirCooledVW · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 4:28 am Post subject:

Also this thread should be used as an example for future "shud i by dis bus" questions. Very good description and pictures so that everyone can actually get an idea of the value.
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1966 Velvet Green Standard

poptop tom · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 6:39 am Post subject:

Looks like a fair price for an overall solid westy. The GEX all the way Indiana may be risky. Whereabouts in Indiana will you reside?

Mal evolent · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 6:48 am Post subject:

new fuel linew kit from German Supply before you fire it tp, or it may fire up in an unexpected way.

new vacuum hose kit from German Supply. these are just do it items for a used VW.
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krautwaggen · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 7:09 am Post subject:

Are those Bondo Cracks???

I'd be curious to see the other side of that panel.

That being said...you'll definitely want to buy a bus BEFORE you get to Indiana. In rust we trust!

Where are you moving? I'm just outside of Bloomington (40 miles south of Indy)

You might consider shipping the vehicle or towing depending on how much you're hauling. Great thing about buses is they make great moving containers. Fill it up, drive it up on the truck and go!

I'd go through it further and get to know it a little better if you do plan on driving it the entire distance.
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Half Bus, Half Truck, What the _______?

busdaddy · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 7:20 am Post subject:

Temmett · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:14 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the thoughts! I'm moving to Fort Wayne. I was only out in CA for a year doing an internship (it's almost up). Just enough time to sell my Squareback and potentially buy this Westy. Very Happy

I'll see if I can get a pic of the other side of the (bondo) panel in question.

I wish I could afford to ship it. Bank of Me is a little low on funds. Going to have to drive it if I buy it. Life's an adventure, right?

Again, thanks!
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1978 Westfalia - pre-purchase walk around
1969 Squareback http://squarebackresto.wordpress.com/

poptop tom · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:24 am Post subject:

Temmett · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:20 am Post subject:

CoastalAirCooledVW · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:39 am Post subject:

Those are clean floors! I would bet that the bondo is just hiding dents which is much better than hidden rust. As far as the engine there is a possibility that you got lucky and got a decent gex engine
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1966 Velvet Green Standard

poptop tom · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 10:16 am Post subject:

Yep, floors look nice! Those step pads should be able to be lifted up and looked at if you lift them from the inner portion of the step.
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'76 Deluxe Campmobile


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