What increases the value of a bus

[mojogoat]

I'm restoring a 78 Westy CEII to sell to finance the work I'm going to do on a 77 Riviera. I've started from the engine compartment which looks new now and the chassis is almost done. I'm installing an alarm, power door locks, back up sensors, inverter, led lighting, and a nice sound system. Anything desirable that I can install when I have the interior out?
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77 Riviera
78 CEII Westfalia

[Desertbusman]

[mojogoat]

I don't consider a bay window such a rare classic not to be updated, maybe in another 10-20 years it will reach that status.
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77 Riviera
78 CEII Westfalia

[notchboy]

[busdaddy]

I agree, you have to consider the target market carefully and where thier bank accounts are at, not everyone shares your personal tastes in "modifications" or "upgrades" so unless you cater to a specific market you'll be wasting bucks and time and even then you won't please all the people all the time, most buyers prefer tp personalize to thier taste anyways if that's the way they roll, if they have to undo your personal idea of upgrades it detracts from the selling price or potential offer.
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[germansupplyscott]

value = original anything and everything. some updates can add value but most don't increase resale at all. paint does not increase resale unless it's top level work. original paint almost always worth more. professionally rebuilt original engine (with receipts) increases value. properly done mechanical repairs are good for resale - new OE quality brake components, driveline service (CV's, boots), suspension components. clean undercarriage. original interior materials and trim in good condition.

electronics, aftermarket anything, features not originally equipped (the power door locks, back up sensors, LED lights) these will only cost you money for no benefit to resale. much better to put time and effort into basic mechanical service.
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SL

[Wildthings]

The more non stock stuff added to a rig, particularly electrical stuff, the more things to go wrong and to possibly catch on fire. The first thing I do when I buy an old rig is to remove all the PO's electrical hacks. If there is something I want I can always but it back with the correct size wiring, fuses, etc. all neatly laid out.

One fact about people is that they like the modifications they make even if the modifications don't work all that well, while the potential buyer sees the same modifications and just thinks, WTF would anyone do this.

[mojogoat]

Only upgrades I plan so far that will not look stock will be the seat belts and backup sensors, everything else will be hidden or incorporated into existing fixtures. I'm still deciding on removing the solar panel/system or leaving it installed.
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77 Riviera
78 CEII Westfalia

[Desertbusman]

If someone desires to have electrically aimed outside rear view mirrors they are better off getting a new car that was built with them and all the other related bling and trinkets. A modded classic quits being a classic at some point.

But with the new trend in popularity of Bays being centered around appearance attraction only versus the entire vehicle we may be getting closer to the final solution. A fibreglass replica shell to glue over some current model new car body.
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71 Superbug
71 Westy

[GeorgeO.]

While not the most stunning Bay in the neighborhood, I do get looks, I do get offers (Low ball offers at that), and it does bring me closer to people who love VW buses and VWs in general. It may not be worth much to collectors, but it's precious to me.

1973 Westfalia with Eurostyle power train.

[notchboy]

[Mal evolent]

original condition X rarity increases the value of a bus

an original Westy is a prime example of the most common model

a hacked ambulance or Kemperink is an abomination.

thou shall not drill. thou shall not weld. thou shall not twist bare wires together and wrap vinyl tape around the abortion you have made.
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73 Beetle Baja, Ghia front brakes, Type 3 rear brakes, 2220 ( 94 X 80 ), Weber Progressive, Bosch SVDA, '97 Mustang seats

Baja Bugs for Volkswagen Virgins: Index

[mojogoat]

I guess I'm not a purest, but this bus will be safer and a little more versatile than stock when finished. Now where to put the rear spoiler?
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77 Riviera
78 CEII Westfalia

[tiedyevw]

The only thing that truly increases the value is your desire not to sell it.
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[my59]

Mods/no mods aside-

If you make additions to the electrical system, document the wiring diagram and add it in sketch form following the basic VW diagram. Noet the wire colors used and all connections.
Nothing worse than PO hacks where trying to figure out wiring takes hours of wasted effort.

Personally I lean to KISS which the bus is to begin with. More added items just mean more items that will break at some point, and as manufactures change their gear quite rapidly, means whole sale replacement of what ever it was that broke.

Only VW addition I'd make is a locking engine latch
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[poptop tom]

Sound deadening material is a nice thing to do when the interior is out. Running any extra wires to key locations for future use.

A solid dual battery setup.

Third brake light is more important and desirable than backup sensors imho.
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'76 Deluxe Campmobile

[mojogoat]

I ran a separate bundle of wires in a conduit connected to terminal blocks on each end for the non stock stuff so its separated form the original wiring. I can't stand loose or exposed wires. Pex works great for conduit.
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77 Riviera
78 CEII Westfalia

[ned]

" Ask enough people the same question and you will eventually get the answer you want".

[mojogoat]

Kinda like conservative or progressive ideologies, fanatics in both, with regard to vehicles, I'll be a libertarian.
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77 Riviera
78 CEII Westfalia

[SGKent]