Buses Type 2 Features

Ok I found this guy and I'm very interested in it.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=666531

Can anyone educate me on Buses.....
Here is what I know. This is a bus!
Just kidding.
Deluxe have the trim on the sides and lower rocker panel. Only a Deluxe will have Rag Top, 15 window and up. The extra window above the engine bay as a minimum. The one I'm looking at is a 67 and that year from what I've read has many one year wonder items as well. I think this one is a walk thru, front seats are split, right? (walk thru). Do the early buses(67) have the overhead vent box or did that stop in earlier years?

What areas are pron to rust in Buses, are the rocker panels, floors and cargo floors easy to replace. Does anyone think that this is worth $1800 - $2000. I've emailed the owner for better pictures. I'm thinkin' $1800 if the rust is not too bad. Looks like a lower job, BRM's and updated brakes and I've got a hood ride Bus!!!!!!!
Honey....... I think I'll have to build a bigger Shop!!

Looks fair at 1800 if the motor runs. I sold a 67 that needed some frame work but was a running driving bus for $1500 (good deal i gave i think)

Areas prone to rust are all the lower section of the bus i.e. nose, rockers, doglegs, corners, outriggers, cross members, floor, battery trays

Looks easy to replace panels on the bus but I havent done it yet so....

67 is first year of 12volt system, dual circuit brakes

Deluxes are 13 window and up ie 13,15,21,23 They have the trim at the belt line and rockers

late 55 to 67 had the overhead vent. Before that no vent.

Ragtops were available in 11 - 23 windows i believe

Slit bench seat is a walk thru ie opening to walk thru

I hope to have my 66 at the sonic in Dec. fingers crossed.

My first thought is 'what a deal', but after looking at how many people have viewed the ad and how long it has been on the Samba, it looks fishy to me. I have a 67 Bus on the Samba that doesn't appear as nice for $1000 obo and it hasn't sold yet, despite lots of interest. If this one is really all that, it would be gone by now. Just my 2 cents.

Yeah I would love to have your 1000 dollar bus. Up for a trade now?

If I didn't have so many project now, I would trade. I need $$$ now. I bought a '64 camper (trailer) that I need $$ to redo.

Yeah I am in the same boat but there is something about that bus that I just like. Hope you sell it. I think it is the economy holding it up.

If I could pick it up for $1800-2000 (And didn't have a load of other projects..) I'd buy it.

Pick it up and I'll trade you for an '81 Caddy!

My bus is a '67 standard (non walk through) bus. The question you have to ask yourself about this bus is...

"What is my goal?"

At a minimum, you need to price what it'll cost to repair/rebuild the engine (which was most likely pulled for a reason) and the brakes need to be repaired/replaced before you do anything. On the Brake front, '67 has a one year only master cylinder. The master cylinder can be swapped with an early bay version with a little modification or the purchasse of a spacer kit so it's not that big of a deal. Also, the '67 has a one year only wiper motor and trany (12V). When you go to look at the bus, bring a battery (and a couple fuses) with you and test the wiper motor at least. They are $$$ and difficult to find because many of the ealier models swiped the motor for 12v conversions. The trany isn't a terribly big deal but you want to make sure it's at least a "big nut" transaxle which will give you a taller 4th gear and top cruise speeds in the 60mph range. Bring your 36mm socket for the rear drums on your bug and plug it on the nut on the bus rear wheels. If is DOESN"T fit (socket too small) the bus has the "big nut" trany which is what you want. Weather it's 12v or not is not critical because you can clearance the bell housing on the trany for a 12v flywheel anyway. All that being said, rust is the biggest enemy of any old car. You want to make sure you look at the underside of the vehicle to see what you're up against. Pay close attention to the structural parts and make sure they're solid. Just about every other piece is replaceable and available for purchase.

Two things to keep in mind...

1. Everything for split busses costs more than compareable beetle stuff. I bought my bus for $250.00 and have since dumped 9K+ into it and its FAR from being even remotely close to perfect.

2. Parts are difficult to source and, when stuff breaks, there's a good chance the replacements you'll need will not be available locally.

So, in my opinion, if your goal is to just roll a fun beater it might be worth it. But if you intend on building it up to a perfect example, you'll save money by purchasing a more solid vehicle to start.

Attorney Isaiah Loophole wrote:Yeah I am in the same boat but there is something about that bus that I just like. Hope you sell it. I think it is the economy holding it up.

I think it is the economy holding it also. I have been eyeballing Hobug's bus for some time myself, just can't seem to get any money, with Christmas coming up 3 kids, 2 of which are seniors which is costing me a fortune. But if it's still around after I file my taxes at the beginning of the year and I can talk the wife into it, I will be coming out and taking a closer look at it.

Thanks guys for your input. I really don't look at how long something is posted or the number of views something has. Alot of time the area has alot to do with how something sells. I havn't gotten a responce yet so maybe this guy really dosen't want to see it. I would of at least sent an "I'll get back with you."

Thanks again

I made a deal for my bus last night. It looks like it is moving to Knoxville.

Hobug wrote:I made a deal for my bus last night. It looks like it is moving to Knoxville.

Cool, now I don't have to beg my wife for the money.

Hobug wrote:I made a deal for my bus last night. It looks like it is moving to Knoxville.

Good deal!