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nreynolds Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2017 Posts: 3 Location: San Luis Obispo
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 5:56 pm Post subject: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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Hello all
I recently inherited a 68 Westy from a friend. It has been non-op sitting in a field in Paso Robles, CA for about 10 years. I am highly motivated to attempt a "daily driver" restoration and I am wondering what it might take to get there given that I am a novice however, detail oriented and a quick-learner. Haven done basic tasks like changed oil filters, headlights, antenna masts. I have plenty of time though budget is limited. I am willing to put in the time to learn to tools necessary <have access to a good welder etc>. I live here on the Central Coast of California where these buses are pretty popular.
Based on the following, would you pass or give it a go? Any thoughts from guys with experience greatly appreciated.
The good:
camper top in relatively good shape
body straight overall with some bumps and bruises, all doors close except rear hatch
The bad:
engine does not run and seems to be missing some parts
surface rust on rocker panels
hard rust bubbles between sliding door and rear wheel well
missing windshield
The ugly:
rust holes through -->
passenger side window sill, inner&outer lower valance
battery tray area
drivers side and passenger side front floor boards
Interior is rough <front seats are thrashed, rear bench is good shape>
I attached a pic below and could take more if needed
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Manfred58sc Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2009 Posts: 3382
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 6:17 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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Good start, I'm parting a rust free 69 Westy if you need steel, pm for details _________________ Fat chick owner/operator |
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notchboy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22463 Location: Escondido CA
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 7:12 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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I would pass because you don't know anything about it. Nothing. Motivation and time only go so far. Especially when frustration and more $ than anticipated sets in.
Pessimist? Yep at least today based on your question, find and limited, very limited knowledge of any ACVW product.
Sorry bud. Go find a nice Cabrio and enjoy the beach. _________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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KentABQ Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2016 Posts: 2406 Location: Albuquerque NM
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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I'm in agreement with Notchboy, nreynolds.
I bought a '76 last Sept off eBay, and had limited experience having not owned an ACVW in 25 years. It took me hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to get mine up and running as a daily driver. And it still needs thousands more for the little bit of rust it has. And comparing the looks of yours, mine was fairly pristine.
My suggestion: Post it for sale on The Samba, and let someone with more experience and money get it back into running condition. It will save you lots of time, money and heartache. _________________ -Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"
"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea
Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 16885 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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a free bus is the most expensive bus you'll own.
honestly, you'll need a 10K budget to make it go down the road.
pretty cool it has the proper 68 only pop top still on it.
it doesn't look too bad...post photos of the rust _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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richparker Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 6986 Location: Durango, CO
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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I paid $200 for my bus with a seized engine. A year and Around $4k later it was on the road. I bought a used turn key 1600cc DP and a used transaxle from a member on this site and bought the rest of the stuff I needed from BD. I did all the work myself. I didn do any body work besides a sweet rattle can paint job. _________________ __________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build |
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overrestored Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2005 Posts: 726
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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If it was just mechanical issues to sort... I'd say go for it. But the rust issues require someone with decent experience and really change the equation. If you have never welded... you're in for a lot of learning on this. Cheaper by far to buy a non rusty body. IF you have zero money... you can probably learn on this one... but it's not gonna be pretty at all... and you don't know the engine issues or the trans etc. so its a bit of a gamble. Good luck... I'm in SLO too btw... so if you decide to scrap it or part it out... I'm interested in the camper bed and rear closets! _________________ some cars
some bicycles
some old skateboards
One cool crazy cat
a yard full of fruit trees
26 chairs for some reason
a crapload of old shoes
a lot of books on history of the Mexican Ranchos
200+ kamax bolts... stacked in rows |
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Pinetops Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 2987
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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It depends on how bad you want it. If it were me and I couldn't afford a bus in good condition, I would get that one sorted one area at a time unless the rust is just horrendous. But that's me, how bad do you want a bus? Enough to make it a part time job for a while?
Do you enjoy working on things?
Can you post pics of rust problem areas? Any serious rust on the frame? _________________ "A rolling bus gathers no rust." |
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jtauxe Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004 Posts: 5780 Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
honestly, you'll need a 10K budget to make it go down the road. |
That's the same number that came into my head: $10,000
There was a rule of thumb around here a few years back, that it took about $8k to get a driveable bus, whether you started at $8k with a running bus or started with a free bus and put $8k into it. And, of course, that does not value your time investment, which will be considerable.
I think by now that rule of thumb is more like $10k. _________________ John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD
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nreynolds Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2017 Posts: 3 Location: San Luis Obispo
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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thanks to all who have replied thus far, both the pessimists and the optimists! What a great community.
I acknowledge that my skills are lacking but do see this as a long term learning project to tinker with over time. The joy for me in a project like this is the journey for sure and learning along the way. Ideally, I would like to find a mentor somewhere in my area to work on buses together on weekends. Any takers?? I've reached out to the local classic VW community here in SLO. We shall see!
Assuming I decide to go forward, should my focus be mainly on mechanical?
Some of you asked for pictures of the rust, see below:
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 16885 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 8:05 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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well, on the plus side, you have virgin rust...so do GOOD repairs and you'll be fine.
overall she's a bit rough.....but 100% worth it. here in New England we fix shit you guys throw away. _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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Pinetops Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 2987
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 8:16 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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Considering your post and from what I can tell from those pics I say go for it. You can get it running and then fix the rust over time if necessary. Not all that rust has to be repaired immediately to drive it safely.
Keep us updated! _________________ "A rolling bus gathers no rust." |
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overrestored Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2005 Posts: 726
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 11:59 pm Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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Look up a product called Ospho... use it correctly on the lesser rust. The nasty areas will need new metal welded though. _________________ some cars
some bicycles
some old skateboards
One cool crazy cat
a yard full of fruit trees
26 chairs for some reason
a crapload of old shoes
a lot of books on history of the Mexican Ranchos
200+ kamax bolts... stacked in rows |
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XXX/Rx/RnR Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2008 Posts: 405 Location: valley of the sun
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 1:14 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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I started a project on the side. 3k paint and body, 1k chromed parts, 2k tire and wheel package, 1.6k Bus Depot door & window rubber seals kits and other parts. All new breaks, front end, slider windows, and drive train work. Way over 10k. But this is a over the top build. Then how much is your time and hard work worth? Still got to do the inside.That will be another $$$$
The thrill is gone _________________ 78' westy, 2.4 195hp ecotec, audi turbo a/t, a\c, 2 1/2" lift spindles, index rear, 930 cv's & axles, 225x65x17 BFGs ## 77' hardtop 2.0 T-4 duel 44 weber's, 225x50x17s ## 74' baha bug |
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rustfree1967bug Samba Member
Joined: November 16, 2006 Posts: 3436 Location: minnesota
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 5:54 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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Wow! Where are you guys coming up with such numbers as 10k just to get that thing on the road? He did say daily driver condition. Only fix the rust that absolutely needs to be fixed, get that engine running or find another running engine, new tires and brakes and go over wiring to make sure all your lights work as they should. You can have that bus back on the road for 3k max. You west coast people have it too good _________________ '70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42
IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI |
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Pinetops Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 2987
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:15 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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^ I believe they are including (DIY or inexpensive shop) body and paint in that price. But you could spend that doing mechanical work alone of course depending on what you want.
To get it safely on the road with a basic engine rebuild, brakes, steering/suspension components, windshield, tires, whatever weather seals have to be replaced, front seats redone, unforseen expenses, etc., I think it could be put on the road for around $4k or so if the trans doesn't need to be rebuilt. That's if you do the work (other than engine rebuild) yourself.
Unless there is more structural rust than shown, that would be considered a good bus to start with in my area. _________________ "A rolling bus gathers no rust."
Last edited by Pinetops on Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:17 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22670 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:42 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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For daily driver 4K is possible it could be -twice that. If it's your first ACVW ypu won't have the skills to assess the budget so you need to plan for the 6-8k contingency
Suspension
Brakes
Engine
Clutch/transmission
Wheels shafts bearing
Each of these can eat up 500-1000 quickly _________________ .ssS! |
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Clara Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2003 Posts: 12401
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:55 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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Pinetops wrote: |
Considering your post and from what I can tell from those pics I say go for it. You can get it running and then fix the rust over time if necessary. Not all that rust has to be repaired immediately to drive it safely.
Keep us updated! |
x2
You got a bus from a dry area, so the rust is pretty minimal. I don't see *any* rust you need to worry about to make it a driver. Yay! Put a piece of ply wood under the battery as a temporary fix.
On the other hand, it will be time and money to get it going. Even mechanical stuff costs money
engine - fix or replace? why is the generator gone?
battery
brakes
tires (I'd wait till it actually drives to buy new)
steering - how sloppy is it?
etc
you don't *need* window seals cause it doesn't rain where you live.
The transmission might be good. might not.
Have fun! |
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Clara Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2003 Posts: 12401
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:58 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
pretty cool it has the proper 68 only pop top still on it.
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Does it have a smoot top? |
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BusLust Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2016 Posts: 185 Location: High Springs, Florida
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:14 am Post subject: Re: 68' Westy "field find" in San Luis Obispo |
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skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
well, on the plus side, you have virgin rust...so do GOOD repairs and you'll be fine.
overall she's a bit rough.....but 100% worth it. here in New England we fix shit you guys throw away. |
Yes! Fix all the buses! _________________ BUSLUST IS NOW IN HIGH SPRINGS FLORIDA!
Dynamic Duo - William & Jenn =)
1975 VW Westfalia "Willow"
1970 VW Single Cab Truck "Woodstock"
[email protected] |
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