To find a project hiding in your backyard – where you’ve “forgotten” about it for the last few years – just isn’t the same as stumbling upon it for the first time. But we’ll cut the seller some sack, who at least took some good pictures of this early split-window VW Bus emerging from its shelter of the last five years where it’s at least been protected. Find this rusty-but-restorable Bus here on eBay with a $6,100 Buy-It-Now.
The seller says he rescued the Bus a few years ago and then stuck it into his “bus hut” before realizing he’s just not going to get around to restoring it. But it doesn’t necessarily need a full restore, either, as the frame is good – he says it’s sound structurally – and the bodywork doesn’t appear to require the complete replacement of individual panels. There’s rot in the leading edges of the panels and the paint isn’t original, so there’s justification both ways depending on how far you want to take the restoration.
As you can see, the doors have rotted out on the bottom and the seller notes there’s evidence they were repaired once, so I could be being too optimistic that the panels themselves can be saved. Of course, given this isn’t a 23-window Bus, concern over preserving original panels could be a silly one to have. The seller says the transaxle is there but the engine isn’t; however, he has a few to offer as replacements should you want to buy a motor from him.
There are areas requiring more extensive rust repair, seen here. The pricing seems fair to me, as we’ve passed the point of no return on the early split-window models seemingly commanding at least $5K if the body is still attached to the frame. This example seems too complete to me to make it a part-out, but I also question whether the amount of work needed will make it a project that can later be sold for the amount invested to stop the rust from spreading. How far would you take the restoration?
Another overpriced VW.
Drove one of these across country and back in the 70’s. It takes a loooong time to get across Texas at 57 mph.
lol!
I hear ya. Drove to California from Ohio by way of Florida and back in a ’68 back in ’72. Drafted semis on the flat parts. Could almost totally take foot off gas pedal when you tucked in just right.
I just don’t see any value in these VW buses but some do. To each their own.
I just returned from the future,( the Mercury posting). I’d much rather acquire the Merc, over this, and it’s presently 1/3 the cost.
As much as I love air-cooled VWs, I’m with Glen on preferring the Merc pick up.
This last-season split-window is going to require a major restoration/rebuild.
With that damage and no engine? No. Although the lack of an engine would allow for something with a lot more guts than this left the factory with, but you’d need an IRS transaxle with no reduction boxes to hit 70 even on flat ground. I bought a ’66 in 1987, WITH an engine, for $700. I know it’s not 1987 anymore but still, no. BTW, I wouldn’t call this an “early” split windshield; this was the last year they made them.
The rust picture makes it a parts car. The area holding the torsion bars in the rear can’t be any different.
Perfect for making a custom dune buggy out of. Did one a few years ago and even beat some competition at SIR in Kent WA. Of course I did a mod with the power plant a bit. Complete custom.
If anyone has worked on the old VW’s, they know that you will have 3, 4 or 5 panels all meeting in the same spot, spot welded together. I’ve done a lot of older Bugs, and in some places, it is a real job getting it all apart. Goes back together a bit easier.
Scary rust!
“…have 3, 4 or 5 panels all meeting in the same spot…”
Didn’t know that. Did a Wolwo yrs ago like that. Adds
strength AND difficulty –
Parts car only. Body well beyond restoration IMO. What’s left? Not $6K. Not 3K. Nose punched. Come on seller’s. Let’s be reasonable!