1965 VW Kombi Rescue in Alabama woods

Rescue the junkyard 1965 VW Kombi bus that was parked in the Alabama woods before it was 10 years old. Serving duty as a little girl’s shiny blue playhouse before the rust found residence. Years later, it became a makeshift storage building, home for discarded lawn mower parts and bushels of aluminum cans. Planted in a low spot between two hills, the castoff, split window bus was a landmark. Now, 44 years later, the Dove Blue Volkswagen Transporter is on the road to a new life. A Junkyard Life. Follow along as we dig out this icon from the woods after 44 years of neglect. Like and subscribe for more Junkyard fun, it's free!
1965 VW bus dig team: Jody Potter, Kevin Thomas, Steve Thomas, Joe Potter, Ron Kidd, Keith Lively.
Narrated by Jody Potter.
Video by Jody Potter and Joe Potter
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JUNKYARD LIFE
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See more from our Junkyard Life Rusty Gold Rescue Team! We are always hunting old cars and stories from the cool people who keep the world from becoming boring. Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust.
Music:
Dangerous by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
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#vw #vwkombi #vwbusrescue #volkswagentransporter #volkswagen #splitwindow #junkyardlife #facebookmarketplace #selljunk #rustygold #crashlanding #dropthevw #dropthebus

[@gmartin8043]

MUSTIE 1 wouldn’t even attempt that one.

[@adamvx1531]

MUSTIE 1 has never seen car in bad condition...

[@wiktorblaszczynski7270]

Just remove parts from this one it seriously ain't worth it

[@CarswithNash]

I’m glad there is someone else as crazy as me out there lol! I have a Model A I found in similar condition & I’m in the process of piecing it back together.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

In my opinion respectively out of my experience this rescuing mission and especially the unloading couldn't be done more worse!

[@craigbutler6243]

Man had to stop watching this at the 5 minute mark, far to painful. Thought they were going to tear it apart 2 or 3 times at least. Literally like watching some one pull teeth

[@sirjamesfancy]

11:30 Golly this is hard to watch

[@Snw-vi6xd]

Dont listen to anyone hating, you have some good sheetmal, wheels, trim pieces, dash etc, itl take fabrication, but its a project worth doing, and a story worth remembering!

[@mattroberts4209]

I think the wheel base grew a ft.

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey Junkyard life! This is VW Life and we're subscribed! We can help you with your journey. Kombi is short for kombination. It was the base model of the bus that included a removable. The idea was that you could use it for commercial purposes during the week and recreational activities on the weekends. Hence combination...

[@Junkyardlife]

Thanks! I will be checking out VW Life, we can use your help ;)

[@VWLifeVW]

@@Junkyardlife sounds like a plan! You're going to need a lot of help!

[@herbhall3830]

Shouldve chained or strapped the front beam to the rear beam to stop the spreading

[@neeleshreddychintala]

Where is the complete restoration?

[@TKevinBlanc]

10 years old when it was parked/left to rust. I was 14. Man, that hurts.

[@miguelalves7333]

No chance for restoration .. it's long gone.

[@adamvx1531]

Believe me. It's not so bad condition. I have seen much worse...

[@breilly4900]

I don't hardly say this but.... She's gone.

[@adamvx1531]

You haven't seen car which is really gone.

[@ivorwm2291]

I hope you can save her. Best wishes

[@duckdivorce]

Doesn't look like this recue was helpful for the rotten car. You even destroyed it more than it was already in the woods. It should be handled more carefully.

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes, you are right.

[@iaagg]

I saw on KZbin a rescue of a 23 window bus. I believe it was the only existing vehicle of its type and age. It is even in worse shape then your bus. They have it stretched out on tables with labels, just pieces of old rusted metal. It's going to take hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore that bus but I guess it's worth it.

[@EmanDeluxeVLOGS]

This is me... Balled up on the couch with a blanket CRINGING! thanks for saving her though. And posting

[@colistusgustave8664]

He actually paid for this thing. I would pay him to get this eyesore of my property.

[@T1971-w4c]

Should have been rescued 40 yrs ago.

[@thomassutherland5188]

First job new frame. Make it out of stainless steel. That was a cringe moving job.

[@southernfriedhippie]

Can't believe it didn't break in half! It was close. Might just be too far gone. :( *sniff*

[@GG-im1cb]

southernfriedhippie the back is clearly broke you could see the door gap opening up when it was sliding off the truck bed, the only thing holding it together is the roof skin.

[@southernfriedhippie]

G. G, I saw it. I meant totally broken in half.

[@randywalker9083]

Bet your wife’s gonna love that at the house!

[@frozencode5238]

*Do you want some organic fuel bro?*

[@alexandrupetrean5886]

Cars

[@drnn011]

Filmore

[@alextegg3838]

That’s a ton of work there. At least reproduction parts are easy to find. Hope you get it done! Good luck with the project.

[@ronsherrard7940]

Wishing Y'all the best with this old girl. I have a 67 15 window and 62 double cab and love them both.

[@robsoneli76]

Dizem que o brasileiro é apaixonado por carros kkkkkkl brasileiro só sabe remendar, americano sim ama carro 👍👍👍

[@JannisHornfeck]

I think its cheaper to buy all existing welding sheet metal and build your own vw form the ground up instead of restoring this rotten car.

[@aaron71]

rescue? that's grave robbin

[@Junkyardlife]

Could we fill a casket with this basket case? Maybe you’re on to something? A run of grave car puns on the horizon.

[@davidut55]

So when do you think the car restoration will happen? That is what rescuing means.

[@fuzzwack1]

Its toast,Put it back on the flat bed and send it to the wreckers..

[@josenilsonmeira7235]

Um salve do Brasil são Paulo quando restaurar mandar vídeo.

[@johnfisher747]

Poor bus, should have let it rot in peace, it looked very comfortable there in the woods, this was sacrilege, like disturbing a grave

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes, but a falling tree woulda killed that vibe pretty quick.

[@lawrencepowell5624]

That was hard to watch. Cringe moment after cringe moment. I am excited to see where it goes next

[@geeder9086]

Get some inflated tires on there -- it would go a lot easier (if the brakes aren't locked too)

[@davidmendoza2678]

Nice project for a rat rod or a hillbilly bus

[@tedwpx123]

You are a man of extreme vision. They say if have to ask why you don't get it, so I won't ask

[@thomassutherland5188]

Totally restorable. Let the fun begin.

[@Danny-204]

Any other car in that condition would be scraped, but not a split screen transporter, get that back on the road in no time

[@johnobrien8542]

No part 2 because this bus was toast long before part 1.

[@LAGuitarnetwork]

That one is a parts bus in 2019, if it was a barndoor it would be restored or even a 60s 21 or 23 window would be worth it. Im sure in that condition in another 20 years someone would restore it but right now it would be a money pit. Still worth the effort to get the parts.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

What a shame. The only thing that makes me feel better is that it will eiher be restored or become part of another restoration.

[@DanielRLucero]

Don't be one of those first and last rescue videos. We root for you, good luck guys! :)

[@VWLifeVW]

yep you can do it!

[@josephbeattie5525]

Aside from a few good parts this thing is gone. Good luck. Prove me wrong

[@ThirdDegreeWitchExplores]

im in agreement ...this van is fubar

[@mikestang679]

Cut it in half length-wise for an awesome man cave wall hanger, backlight it through the windows.....NICE ONE!!!

[@AngelHernandez-ls5wr]

This is a Piece of waste its not fixable🤔

[@markbarsh3107]

Something that rough I would cut out all the rot and have it acid dipped then you have clean metal for rust repair parts or parts you might have to fabricate I've restored worse it can be done

[@Mercmad]

Kombi is a common name across Europe for Station wagon. I even saw Volga station wagons in Russia years ago refered to as Kombis.

[@roverron7509]

Moved from one grave to another

[@robertbusin9983]

That's the way I did it big bucket and a broom and scote Brite and a vacuum cleaner and a big clean

[@AtomicReverend]

Big project, the plus side is they are only going up in value and every piece is available in the afternoon to.

[@11Umakant]

I like to see old vehicles restored but It's TOO old.....

[@Camopar87]

Not too old just too far gone

[@djrand62]

Jack up that steering wheel and put a new bus under it!

[@paulholland5270]

if this 1965 vw kombi beach boy bus... was outside in the wilds in britain.it would of rusted away 20 or 30 years ago due to our cold wet damp climate .with only the tyres and engine remaining .amazed its still in one peace after 45 years

[@abdulwahid-us2fe]

Nearly impossible to restore that

[@davidtosh7200]

Let's make it to a "Flintstones" mobile. They can run through the rusty floor board on this antique 1965 VW Bus. Also there are 4 flat tires.

[@pontiacgrandprix733]

Steam clean it, throw a motor in it, good to go, I want the Grand Am in your driveway

[@johncedrickmungcal5411]

This guy's is a Legend He likes old cars and classical cars wow salute for you Mr!!👏👏👌👌

[@nathankim7664]

Kinda surprised that it wasn't riddled with shotgun bullets like everything else in Alabama. You should've collected a few of those cans! Those are 70s 80s vintage!!!

[@Junkyardlife]

Got a couple that survived the banzai wrecker ride.

[@richardcline1337]

There's hardly anything left to restore but I've seen worse brought back to life. I would think Mustie1 could have it back on the road in a couple of weeks.

[@chrismarshall7220]

Hell of a lot of work to do

[@roystoys3099]

My Wife Would Kill Me, But I Woulda Dragged That Beauty Home Too!! Some V-Dub Yard Art!!

[@ronsteltz7538]

I was a VW parts manager in the early 70s, first job out of the Army. Also, my first car was a 1957 VW bug. still, love them. Best of luck. Also, my last duty station was Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

[@johnwhite2471]

Good for you Im glad you got it out anything you do to it will be a improvement,can't wait to the restore,good luck Freind

[@lewislewis4917]

Not trying to be a jerk but do you thing it is worth all the time, effort and money. With all the rot and not much left. I enjoy old vehicle rescues and restoration. I have a 68 f250 that I am going to fix up.

[@Junkyardlife]

Monetarily no, but sometimes you do things just to prove you can. I see value in this old bus in what it can give me not what it takes.

[@ohiowrencher8650]

He now has a few simple choices... 1. Spend thousands of $$$ and hundreds of hours trying to restore it. 2. Sell windows and any other desired parts and make a little money and scrap the rest. 3. Sell it to another VW enthusiast. 4. Let it sit in the yard and continue to rust in peace...

[@Junkyardlife]

I like your way of thinking. You laid out options from hardest (and most expensive) to easiest. In the dictionary there should be a photo of this basket case VW project under the word "Procrastination" - I'm not proud of all that I haven't done yet. Anybody want some expensive glass?

[@adamvx1531]

It's definitely worth restoration. Even if it look like total junk it can become a gem.

[@cancerfour69er]

Restore this,You mean build new one,How when this will be 80% new build can it be called a restored VW. Ffs

[@gustavopadilla9176]

Nice story sir from aircoler for life from 64vw of nj

[@microbusss]

I think these old VW Vans out west will be rusty but usually not as bad as this one is

[@ivanildapereira8967]

54 anos nossa

[@johnflitcroft9418]

Fark, dont do that. You will ruin the van..Bring 4 spares in. Are you guys idiots ? Fark!!!!!!!!

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes!

[@johnbelwell2461]

I'm all with you! I feel a little sad when it comes to restoration in such extend, as the end product is not the same one entity as it was before, like saying restoring a hammer by changing its handle and then the head. Would be nice to see you do something with this, and in fact i'm waiting for it!

[@ajaykumar571]

Well this is impractical project.

[@Junkyardlife]

Ain't they all? why fix something with all the fat chewed out? just because we want to.

[@herosuper6041]

we waiting the restoration video of this car... 🤣

[@dipesh5063]

Ye pubg ki hai kya

[@Junkyardlife]

मज़ा करना।

[@dipesh5063]

@@Junkyardlife kya mjja kru

[@mohamadsyamilsazali4833]

Rescue is not restore?

[@Lucas-666]

Yg Nonton orang indo komen:v

[@alyaleila6375]

Ya

[@zar2536]

Kok kayak crepy ya mobil nya :v Yang merasa like

[@ryodejenairo2645]

Gimana cara restorenya, mending di kilo 😂😂

[@falahadube4049]

Rek naon atuh

[@dianrendra06]

restorasinya niat

[@yandaicomic]

the quality of the antirust that volkswagen has used since the manufacture of the kombi and the fusca was the worst. There are much older kombi vehicles that, thanks to the quality of the antirust that they used today, are in a better rust condition than the volkswagen.

[@jamesmacdonald3090]

Doesn't even have any salvageable parts? Probably easier to wait a few more months and collect it from the woods in a bucket. " I own a VW Kombi" just the same way I own a Ferrari cos I've got a hubcap in the barn! The best you can hope for is a "Ratrod" on a homemade frame with Ford running gear and a v8. $100k later... I got me a $40k VW?

[@dannovic]

Damn a ferrari hubcap? Cheap ol ferrari

[@jamesmacdonald3090]

Very very very rare... only surviving hubcap in the World, they only made three!

[@bakerboy5569]

Subscribed to see how this goes. I'll be amazed if you managed to get this on the road!

[@dedymhz9897]

di poles lagi, jadi barang bagus..

[@boseronkel6611]

Schmeiss weg, beim abladen habt ihr ihm den Rest gegeben...

[@Junkyardlife]

Sie glauben, wir haben es ruiniert? (so, you think we ruined it?)

[@saarcful]

It's too late, majority of it's body got rusted. It's as old as Bond movie Thunder ball.

[@tukamote6185]

I Know is hard to admit but she was better of in her resting place there's nothing to do she past the point of no return let go dude be strong life goes on

[@Junkyardlife]

;)

[@chromewontgetyouhome]

This bus looks like a group of hippies were California bound then ended up meeting their demise deliverance style in the middle of Alabama. After the hippies were raped and killed the bus was parked deep in the woods.

[@Junkyardlife]

That sounds like a heckuva horror movie. We go lots of places that resemble the "Wrong Turn" movie. Check it out if you haven't seen it.

[@rarerides]

Holy shit. This is one of the worst I've seen. What a shame

[@lewismartin9980]

That baby can be built just need to find a frame....Look at the frame..then axle.then sheetmetal.Keep the whole bus out of your mind it can be built in section..gd luck.

[@brandonar868]

Let this one die man, Its too gone. Can't you see she's tired......

[@JimNichols]

2 10 ft 2x8s nailed to plywood making a sled jacking the thing up and sliding the sled under it... would have made that pull easy and would have taken one day.

[@Junkyardlife]

Sure coulda and woulda used that advice ;)

[@colevarela7320]

Anything can be fixed and put back on the road

[@1977jed]

Cool! Even though she is rough, it could still be saved! I have saved worse.....One nice thing, TONS of parts available for these, as well as the prices are through the roof!

[@microbusss]

yeah you could prolly make a new old 1960s van hehe

[@antperson96]

Can't wait to see the progress!

[@XSB-en5bg]

Looks like a job!!wish you lot's of luck!! You said the undercarriage was beetle with bigger motor so underneath not too bad that can be replaced the body would be the problem.. you can get panels fixed or replaced. Would be nice to see back together. Wish you luck an hope to see update soon..

[@shameerkamran397]

Where is part 2?? Link plz!

[@Seamus322]

Just checked autotrader for VW bus prices- 1960-67 VW buses are anywhere from $50K-$125K - a good resto might be worth it....body parts are available

[@VWLifeVW]

yep they are desirable

[@codyallankennedy1236]

tow truck driver had no idea what he was doing sorry u had to see that being a tow truck helper fgor like 6 months but no better than that to do that

[@TheDoekle]

almost snapped in half.......

[@Vwrescue]

Love that original dove blue colour. We have multiple vw buses but sadly I don think this is worth fixing. I’ve seen many rusty buses but that one is extra crusty :)

[@clonSanG]

Would u not back in a small trail pull it up on to it?

[@Junkyardlife]

Good idea! It was stuck and we get our problem solving skills discombobulated when we pull out the chains and chainsaws. #failarmy

[@palmerswei1572]

This VW was used and abused... good job restoring it.

[@muppets56]

Wow good luck restoring her look forward to updates