Brent's 77 French Bus

[Brenticon]

Yup. Its time to post some pics.


I've always secretly liked this bus. Maybe not a fan of some of its past, but still, I found it intriquing.

From the flat head lights, to the upright motor, there's so many things that make it a lil bit different.

Its was missing the cool amber fog light and spare tire, but I think I'll survive. I did find a spare tire that compliments the low pro 15's. This bus spare tire holder is actually under the passenger seat. Ive rigged it up under there to carry a small Canadian tire 1 1/2 ton floor jack too.

Heres some of its unique things that caught my eye.

The headlights are flat!. When you turn on your park light, aka running lights, the signal lights don't illuminate, but the headlights come on similar to newer vehicles day time running head lights.




The dash is metal. Late bays are padded. Yes it has a padded lip, but the bottom part is metal. I also like how the top of the dash has been painted white to match the bus


Its a non-walk thru, which means I have seating for three up front. You know, just incase me and Goldberg pick up a hitch hiker.
It was shabbly cut up and kinda welded back together in an effort to clear the tubs that have been installed for the lowering kit.
I was out seeing HTR and we played around and got her all fixed up yesterday.

[Brenticon]

Currently I am tearing it apart and installing a Westfalia bed.
I couldn't get use to using the aftermarket Cip! one that was installed.
Thinking of a newer funky yet functional interior, but def keeping the upper cabinets

Dammit, I went looking for interior pics and seems I may not have taken any … Ooops

but this is where I am today.







Im also digginhg the 1600 cc upright motor

[Brenticon]

Currently mocking up some floor brackets to hold the Westy bed.
Once they are in and bed base is installed, I'll try and keep ya posted ..

[Brenticon]

Some of you might not know its history ….

So, from what I remember, this bus was shipped from France to Cananda's east coast. It made its way to Nanaimo, and was sold to Russ.
It originally had a bug motor in it, but Russ stumbled across a scraped bus on one of the gulf islands which had the correct motor. As we all know Russ and his OG attitude, he rebuilt the motor using good german parts, as they were more available back then.
He then sold it to a guy who decided it needed to be lowered. This is when I first became aware of it.
A Wagenswest Slam Bay kit was installed, which includes an adjustable shortened beam, drop spindles, horse show plates, and front wheel tubs. He also fitted with I believe lower profile tires that I seem to believe they were once on stock but painted wheels. I think he is also the one who put the BRM's on. It had a cool Mexican looking interior. Then it was sanded down in area's to produce a patina look to it. lets just say, it was different. I guess he lost interest and sold it to Jon.
Jon wanted to make it look pretty again, and he wanted to strip it down, so he could paint it. Upon tearing it down he found quite a bit of rust in it. He spent the next while cutting out and welding in new metal. He got it all dolled up and painted, then installed his awesome looking wood interior. I luvd sleeping in it. It felt like I was in a small boat. It felt real cozy. He was talking about selling it a few years back and I was all over it. We came to an agreement, and I was going to the bank the next day. Well, before the bank could open, Jon called saying he couldn't sell. I totally understood.
Last May I popped in to see him at his business and he mentioned he was thinking about selling again.
I wasn't letting it slip away this time ……
So Ive spent the summer tickity booing certain things, making it mine, and getting out and enjoying some camping.
this winter it will have the interior reno'd and pulling the motor for a once over.
Next year is gonna be a blast!

[68IIIbuggy]

Looking good! As you may know, I have a '77 Euro spec bus too. Mine was originally built for the Swiss military. I've been working on it extremely slowly for the past 8 years or so. Also in my possesion is an '82 Mexi bus, which is basically the same as the Euro late bay busses. Unfortunately, it is rusted beyond repair.

[1hotvw]

make sure you park the mexi bus under a tree and wait 40 years. it will be repairable then.

[68IIIbuggy]

Somebody already did that.

[Volktales]

I wish I knew how to put you in touch with Ronan, the previous owner who brought this bus to Canada. He told me he had a lot of good times in the bus traveling throughout Europe, and I believe spent some time in Scotland as well. He did love the bus, but realized it needed too much work to continue driving it, so that is why he sold it to me. To give you an idea of how things have changed since then, this bus which did run and drive at the time cost me a whopping $500. In fact in was one of three buses that I paid $500 for back in those long ago days of around 2007...

[Volktales]

Oh, and French spec buses all came with foglights.  Although long gone, Brent's bus still has the original switch and relay present to make them work again someday...  When I bought this bus, I liked it for the same reasons Brent did, which was the 1600 engine and European features.  I intended to do something to it, but then my red '72 arrived (for another $500), and it was an easier restoration proposition.  Then the green Westfalia arrived (for $500).  Did you see a trend here???  All this meant that the poor French bus was going to sit around forever, so when an acquaintance expressed an interest, it was time to let it go...  When it left me, it had a fully rebuilt stock bus spec engine, and was roadworthy.  Then the next owner made a few (ahem) "modifications"...  At least John rescued it and gave it the restoration it deserved, and now Brent is going to enjoy it to the fullest...

[Brenticon]

ok ….. update time

got my bed mostly installed.
Since this isn't a westy, I had to mock up some installation plates




since I don't have a welder available, I decided to use jb weld
fingers crossed, it works

since the bed Im putting in isn't as wide, I'll need to build a wider storage box



Install bed, install box and see how she looks …



The dry fit looks good.
The plan is to create a full width bed, with a padded storage area.

[PICTUP]

Looking good! If you need a router for any sharp corners, lemme know. Good to see that bed going to good use. Sorry about the bolts/screws....but it looks like you got it cased

[Volktales]

Goldberg told me you need to make it nice and warm in there...

[Brenticon]

I played with the cabinet today and have it pretty much to where I want it.
Removable shelves, hinged top and a lower door access.
Still needs to be lightly sanded and varnished.



Now I'm working on the main cabinet, with a false wall to store my Costco kitchen table.
It's a plastic folding leg thing that's 4 feet long, so Im gonna try and hide it like a pocket door.
I know I have a roof rack, I just think this would be easier to access.
So first off, I draw a plan

[Brenticon]

ps: yes Don, I pulled one of the nuts out and found them at Lowes. Bolts, not the screw type.

ps: yes Russ, I think I might be going blue rigid foam for insulation. This is a summer cruiser, so I wont need any overkill

ps: 68IIIbuggy, please feel free to post up some pics of yer swiss military bus. I'd like to see it.

[CrazyBrit]

Looking great Brent. Maybe if I ever make it back from Vancouver, I might get to see it again one day!