Post by Volktales on Jun 1, 2015 21:16:08 GMT -8
Just when you think you know your wife well... Some of you may remember that I previously wrote about VWs that I actually sold in the past. I have only ever regretted the loss of one of them and it is returning, but in an unusual way...
My friend Steve ended up with this bus and realized the odds of him actually finishing it were about zero. Life got in the way so he offered it back to me. I immediately began to scheme of ways of how I could afford to own it again and how to rationalize this to Rebecca, when I already own more VWs then makes sense for most. Steve dangled the hook that I don't even need to deal with paperwork, because I still legally owned it anyways! Soooo, I told Rebecca the situation, expecting a big "what do you need another of those for, don't you have enough already!!!" Instead she stated that she will pay for it, and it will be her bus! There is a catch however... I am well known to buy VWs, restore them, and then never want to part with them. She knows this well, and states this VW will be restored, but then MUST be sold, and the profits will be split between us. This is foreign territory for me, but I wasn't going to turn down any way to get this bus back, was I??? Anyway onto what "she" has purchased...
The interior is one of the best features. Other then some laminate damage to the spare tire "door", the original interior is very nice. The driver's seat is torn, but otherwise the cushions are nice. And nothing seems to be missing either. Bus comes with all of its original features including the between the seats box, both tables, the fridge, and the uncommon stove. This was the top Westfalia model available in 1977 and included the original tent. Amazing this was still with the bus after all these years!
I had given Steve a bunch of extra parts to restore the bus, and they all returned. I intend to fully rebuild the 2 liter engine and transmission.
Other then the usual peeling coating on the headliner, and the finish on the side panels, the interior needs very little work.
Also has rarely seen control panel for battery charger. Someone on The Samba can restore these to mint shape.
Goldberg approves!
Bit of a tight squeeze... Overall I am happy with the bus, it seems to be in better shape then I remember it. Steve did most of the required metal work, which was at the very back. The rest of the body is entirely original paint, and the only bondo is in the nose were a minor incident was filled. This should be a straight forward restoration, and it happens to be in my all time favourite late bay bus colour of Taiga Green. You know I am already scheming about how to keep it!!!
The bus itself has an interesting history... Was sold new at Walshak & Dillon VW, Toms River, New Jersey. The date was August 9th, 1977, so likely would have been on sale to make room for the new '78s. Percy P Renouf was the original owner, and thanks to the magic of the internet, I know he died in 2011 at the age of 91. Wonder how much camping he did? The dealership no longer exists, having been burnt down by arsonists! Apparently a new Nissan dealer is at that location now. Given the documentation that came with the bus, I am confident the 80,000 miles are actually 180,000. Probably not really that much for an old bus nowadays. There are several vintage window stickers including emissions stickers for Pennsylvania state. Bus was last registered in Ontario, but due to the lack of serious rust, it probably was not winter driven. Came to BC in 2007 and failed its out of province safety inspection. The then owner elected not to fix it and sold it to the next owner who did nothing with it at all. It was abandoned at the shop several years ago and then I acquired it and fixed it enough to pass safety and register it. Then reluctantly let it go to a "friend" (long story) who then traded it to Steve for his Oval window project. Anyway I am glad to have it back and will start on it once the GHIA is up and running again!!! At the start of this year I told everyone I will NOT buy anymore cars and fix what I have... Between this bus and the Fastback, I am not doing too well, am I...
Sorry can't find the reference 
