looking at getting my first vw !!!

[gMONEY]

I am thinking about buying a 71 VW camp mobile bus.:jim:

there asking 500$ for it it runs good witch is a plus body is ok but lot of rust and work that needs to be done,there is no bondo on the bus though which is good!

needs:
brakes
body work(a lot)
interior cleaning and some work(unless i gut it to redo)
new cloth for popup
window gaskets
paint.
tires.
bumpers front and back.

frame seems solid!!!

do you think it worth it?
I will post pic once i get some!

[Mr_Pat]

Sweet bro... Are you mechanically inclined and know how to work on cars/vans? Owning a VW is a full time job:lol: Topo has a 69 bug that I am always working on.

[gMONEY]

I have been known to turn a wrench now and again! and now some peps to help with the body. but I gonna drop a grand on air tools a welder and stuff an do as much as i can myself.

its a little ruff right now, but I can see what it will look like:wink:

[Mr_Pat]

Well I say go for it! I would also pick up a few differant VW repair books off ebay or amazon.com


We buy about 90% of our VW parts from www.cip1.com They have good prices and great customer service. Here is the book section; http://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1795

Also for your tools check out Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/ call them up and request a catalog.

[Jim]

A 71 is a good year to work with, but be forewarned, it will become an obession... shades of "Christine"

http://dalova.net/king/kingchristine2.jpg

[gMONEY]

thanks guy's!!! I'll check links when i got time pat.

jim as long as it does not chase me down and kill me.:smile: I'll be happy with a little obession:wink:

[teabag]

body work is a bitch and most replacement panels are not easy fits

word of advice don't jump at the first one no matter how good of a deal you think u are getting

I would tell u about a clean straight rust free bus on the east coast for under a grand but i am working on that deal as we speak

good thing about a 71 is the parts are cheaper and plentiful

ps get under that frame with a flat head screw driver and poke all around everywhere

[gMONEY]

thanks tea bag....but this is not the first one i have looked at,been looking for a while...for one this age or older. I poked around for a good hour already,but it was in the garage....so I told him I want it out in the drive way so i can get under it and really check it out before I do anything......else.

and i got lots of autobody friends who can give me a hand. If and when needed just cost me beer:smile:

[Pher]

Like Mr Pat says it will be worth it if you know what your doing I have an 89 and I'm not to mechanically inclined (but I'm learning) so I bring it to Marks VW and he's good but it seems like its always there :lol: Be prepared to be fixing something always :shades:

[gMONEY]

here are the pictures i took if you wanna see the before shots.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile008.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile009.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile007.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile006.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile005.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile004.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/71volkswagonbuscampmobile003.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile1.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile10.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile11.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile12.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile17.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile18.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile5.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile6.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile13.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile15.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x238/deadheadgb/bus71campmobile14.jpg

[teabag]

looks pretty complete but ruff man you got your work cut out for you. Look for a better body and take that complete interior and transplant it unless you are ready for some serious body work. Check the front beam for rot. That is a sad un happy bus and I hope that you make it a happy one. one question where is the mustache bar for that engine. It looks missing in the pics, I believe that is still there in the 71 I think after 71 you have to jack the as end up to get the engine to clear. You can get the front nose from busdepot for 200 i think don't know how well it will line up but all and all you have a pretty complete 71

[gMONEY]

It's defently ruff alot of body work!I'll have to check on the Mustache bar thanks for the heads up on that!!! from what I saw the front beam and frame look solid.

[mario]

I hope you're prepared to spend THOUSANDS of dollars to bring this back into shape.

What shape is the engine in? How many miles? Did you check the fuel lines (They probably need to be replaced.)

Not trying to discourage you. If you got the cash, the skills, and the time, restoring one of these can be a real labor of love. Keep in mind though that it will be VERY expensive, and there are always new surprises around the corner.

[gMONEY]

yep I know it's gonna cost a lot a $ to get her in the shape I want.The engine is in very good shape. Runs like a top when the battery is charged.
miles and fuel lines I did not check.
thanks Mario I'll keep it in mind bro.

[mario]

Right on... good luck! Lots of knowledgeable folks here to with experience on westy's Be sure to pick some brains. ;)

[mario]

Oh, btw, VERY useful link:

http://www.type2.com/rescue/

Met some great people over there when working on my 78.

[gMONEY]

thanks mario. I'll check when I got time!

[Jim]

thanks mario. I'll check when I got time!

You sure you don't want an 86 Syncro Westy to restore instead? :wink: :jim:

[MeOmYo]

you can probably find some parts etc. on www.vwvortex.com as well. A good place to ask questions too.

[gMONEY]

You sure you don't want an 86 Syncro Westy to restore instead? :wink: :jim:

not realy the year I want but maybe, fill me in jim.

[ricksvw]

Jim!!!!!! Your selling your westy?!!!!!!!
But.......

gMoney, good luck with your bus quest, keep us posted...busses aren't a matter of money but a matter of love and the excitement of the risk involved!

Peace

[Jim]

Big decisions, LisaMarie would like a Westy that she can drive also and my 4x4 VW ain't cutting it, stick shift Vanagons are not an easy animal to handle when you're not used to a manual tranny. We're also looking for something that can pull our 16' Scamp trailer... 2001-3 Eurovan Weekender seems to be the ticket, as it has all the room and a pop top for fests, but none of the extras that are already in the Scamp on those long camping trips.
I dearly love my ol'Dead Show "TERAPN" Westy, but the question is do I restore it and possibly put in a Subaru power plant, or just find is an excellent home and move on?
I'm really still on the fence.
jim
http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/39960/2069082090086963295S600x600Q85.jpg

[teabag]

Jim what are you looking to get for your rig

First off are you sure you want to go that route with the euro

I would think about that

If you are serious about selling your rig what are you looking to get for it

[zenLoki]

gMoney, lucky for you and every other bus fan, there are tons of resources on the web. check out the samba, ratwell, full moon bus club and type2 to start. there's a load of info there.

jim another powerplant option for your syncro is Ford's zetec if you're going that route.

best of luck to you both.

[Jim]

Jim what are you looking to get for your rig

First off are you sure you want to go that route with the euro

I would think about that

If you are serious about selling your rig what are you looking to get for it

We actually had a 93 Eurovan MV that until it burned up was a good backup vehicle to the Westy, so I know the benefits and issues of Eurovan ownership. We still on the fence about the whole thing, but be assured that it'll get posted here... and it will definitely have be to another VW fanatic if it does get sold.
I may have to come up with a VW Syncro Westy Blue Book exam :lol:

gMoney, lucky for you and every other bus fan, there are tons of resources on the web. check out the samba, ratwell, full moon bus club and type2 to start. there's a load of info there.

jim another powerplant option for your syncro is Ford's zetec if you're going that route.

best of luck to you both.

Your the 2nd person to mention that Bostig conversion to me, we'll just have to see what the warm weather ahead brings.

jim

[Lostsailr]

I've said it before, the syncro with upgraded power plant would rock, but do you replace the tranny with that? IF not, the driveability would still be an issue, so you should just give it to mee as a back up for my 77

[ricksvw]

Hey gMoney! DID you get one?!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe I will drive mine this year, we camped next to you last year and my buddy scott had his Purple bus. Hope you got one!
Peace

[gMONEY]

hey rick..how are my old camp neighbors doing? I did not get it..but still looking. Maybe next year, times are to tight right now.

[ricksvw]

Doing good! I hear you about the times! Good luck and keep looking, there are good deals to be found...In the strangest of places...Peace