Howdy from Houston ! A bay window story and questions PICS

[Coolaired4evr]

I have always been a bus fan and always wanted a split window but can't afford them. I saw a post about one that was going up for auction due to engine fire . Vin: 2372150239. Looks like it was sold on eBay earlier this year and description of old ad talks about restoration that was performed. Unfortunately it had a small engine fire and the went to auction shortly after new owner purchased it. I bought this to fix and to feed my craving to go on short family outings. If you guys can give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated . Attached are pics when it was sold on eBay a year ago to see if someone recognizes it . I have a Phoenix red 914 2.0 that I wanted to sell a few years ago when I was buying a home but decided to keep it. Just can't put both kiddos in it. Thank you app for the response.

[KentABQ]

Howdy Houston... Welcome to the Bay World.

I'm a bit confused on what you're asking help with. Are you asking if someone recognizes it, or are you asking for input on what to do with it?

No, I don't recognize it. But I'll tell you what I would do...
First of all, if the same bus has had two engine fires, install a Blaze Cut in that engine compartment before you drive it anywhere. www.blazecut.com

Second, check that all the fuel and brake lines are in good order and have been replaced in the past couple years.

Third, after a good, thorough and successful test drive... get out there and have fun! It's made for families like yours to get out, explore, and create great memories for your kids.

And after that, you'll learn how to fix things by the side of the road...
_________________
-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

[EverettB]

I did some quick searching and I recognize it as being from this eBay auction and seller:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/222461494454

This seller is banned from the site for misrepresenting vehicles and abusing other members.
Feedback thread:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=617178

It probably caught fire because of the person above who "restored" it.
I would assume everything on it needs immediate attention, including anything that you think is in good shape.
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[notchboy]

[TDCTDI]

Wasn't this same bus mentioned here, in the same condition a year or so ago?
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


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Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[honestcharlie56]

man that guy is trouble. I'm in houston too. I'd love to see the bus some time.

[heimlich]

Does the Bus run?

There are a few places around the Houston area that do good work. One of them all I have ever seen at is places is Beetles. He works on engines.

Another shop out by IAH works on everything.

I have parts. Shoot me an email and let me know what you need. What side of Houston are you on?
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[Coolaired4evr]

Man you guys are awesome . Thanks for posting all the info on that eBay seller . I just tracked him down and asked a few questions and got some heated uneducated responses. I guess when people show you who they are best thing to do is listen . Well now I'm in a predicament. Either I pay for the bid I made to the auction or I pay to get out of it. 1k is what I would have to pay to jump out. Bus looks awesome but if it had a shady restoration or quick paint on engine to give it a new look for pics I may be in trouble . Dang it. Now I don't know what to do. I love the color but if I get it down here and it's a rust bucket I don't know what I'll do. It says California van on his old listing. Anyway I can verify this. I wish I knew who bought it and had the fire. I could get a few pointers from him:her. Thanks for all that replied and gave me advice. You guys are awesome !

[KentABQ]

Yikes! I completely recant my previous posting.

RUN! And be glad you're only out a thousand dollars.
And if you can screw him out of that, even better!
_________________
-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

[heimlich]

Get out of it. Email ebay and say the item is misrepresented based on what was found on this site.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[Coolaired4evr]

No it's not an eBay deal . The eBay seller sold it to someone in Illinois. It then caught on fire from engine bay and went salvage auction. I bought it at salvage auction and now have the option of backing out for 1k . That's where I am. Sorry if I wasn't clear . Thanks again folks .

[busdaddy]

Unless shipping and the full purchase price including fees and taxes is also $1K you are likely wise to eat the $1K and lick your wounds. A running shiny bus from that clown sounds like a whole heap of trouble, one that has the added pain of a fire will put you off VW's for life.
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[igotta40]

Wow sorry to hear that how unfortunate. I'm also in Houston area.

[aerosurfer]

We had a thread about this bus before. Someone was asking about opinions
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Rebuild your own FI Harness..My Harness

77 Westy 2.0L Rockin and Rolling Resto!

72 Sportsmobile (sold)
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[Coolaired4evr]

Areosurfer , any way of how to find old thread?

[Spike0180]

How big of a hack is the guy that redid this bus? He got banned from thesamba? He must be pretty bad. I'd run, sucks you are probably out $1,000. But better be out $1,000 than be out $15,000 and two years of your life restoring his restoration.
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[Coolaired4evr]

I think you may be right spike,
Worst case scenario how much would a running and driving hack job with a half ass restoration be worth for the sake of driving ?

[aerosurfer]

[Spike0180]

[notchboy]