1969 VW Bus Restoration Overview

[@alanhall6909]

I rigged my rear interior lights to be controlled locally or from the dash too. It's nice to be able to turn the lights on while driving to see what the kids are doing. I did the same thing with upholstery too, the tan vinyl with muslin inserts, almost exactly like yours. Same circuit breakers like you did. Redid nearly all the wiring too. I added a second battery on the left side though. I recommend it. A simple smart isolator prevents the starter battery from running down while camping. Same LED lights in the engine bay too. Actually, I replaced all interior and exterior lighting, instrument lighting, and headlights with LEDs. The original lighting was always so dim. I started my restoration in 1995 on a 71 Westy I bought in 1985 and just finished it last week. I used GMC white for the top too. A lot happened in my life that kept me from working on it, family obligations but I never gave up. Great feeling to finally finish it.

[@jeffhoward5332]

Amazing work on the 69. My wife and I just acquired a '71 Kombi/Camper and are in the beginning stages of cleaning and restoration. Ours looks like it was close in condition to yours when started. Thanks for the video and ideas. Happy camping!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Best of luck with the new project, Jeff! Thanks for the kind words

[@jesusaponte6340]

The dream bus!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you!

[@taltonearp1771]

I found Hicks VW on the internet several months ago and saved them in my phone. I am really glad they did a great job on your engine. I have a 1975 VW bus and ready to get the engine rebuilt. I will be giving them a call and hopefully they can do mine too. I live in Clayton, NC. Once mine is running, hopefully we could meet up. Thanks for the video and your bus looks great. Talton

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you sir! They did an excellent job and we trust them 100%. Best of luck with your build. We would be happy to cruise with you any time! We are near Pittsboro

[@garnetpersinger900]

Don & Phyllis: What a great restoration--you've met quite a challenge! It's beautiful. Thinking how much George would have enjoyed working with you on this project. We had a VW camper many years ago and have great memories of it. With this beautiful work, I'm sure you'll make some great memories not just in building it but now in traveling in it. Thanks so much for sharing! And happy travels!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks Garnet, I will make sure they see this

[@jamescarter6346]

I just got a 69 with all the same look as your when bought. Can’t wait . My motor and tranny only have 1500 miles on rebuild. But body in and out needs to be beautified . Thank you for the overview yours is beautiful we will make ours Monterey blue to match our 72 Volkswagen with a white top

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you! We wish you the best with your build. Enjoy it!

[@TheBetterAlexa]

Love that color! My dad just found an old ‘73 Kombi camp mobile and it is my dream vehicle, can’t wait until he gets it running! Until then I am binging restoration vids, great job!

[@davehanson9156]

Wow! What an amazing transformation. Congrats and thanks for sharing. Everything is top shelf but that doesn't surprise me. You have a very high standard. Thanks, Dave

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you Dave!

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

Enjoyed your video, thanks. Doing the same to my '58 bus camper, and like yours, I put a built 1776 in it. I'm 3 years in, but I'm sure I'll be tinkering with her for another 10, lol

[@BtwilliasGarage]

We appreciate it! Enjoy finishing up your build!

[@davidsmith4992]

Outstanding Bus! I am in about 1.5 yrs into the same restoration build on my 70 bus, so the tips you gave in this video I am sure going to barrow like the interior lighting! Great video.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

We appreciate it! Best of luck finishing yours. Thanks for the compliment!

[@edwardskamarakas19]

I really enjoyed the walk through of your restoration! I have a 71 VW Camper van w/full length top conversion. Have not seen another like it? It’s my dream to restore it! Thank you for sharing you video!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you find the time to restore yours! Best of luck and thanks again

[@annberlin5811]

These vans are a work of art

[@puteramulia9641]

Excellent job...

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you

[@DanTheManIOM]

RV Trailer or obsolete trailer parts have cool looking lights...that's what I used in my 67, the replacement was larger so that was a plus...nice bus

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Good choice on the lights, that makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to comment. We appreciate it

[@michaelornelas6192]

Thanks for the info, in the research phase as far as the engine goes, going to try and find a local re-builder.

[@hunterluxton5976]

This was a very enjoyable film yo watch. Your a sincere man, who has but a lot of love I to this bus. These projects are very time consuming and expensive. You did a outstanding job in every respect, especially the body work which looked a challenge. I have a 71 bay, like you in nearly finished, but I really liked your headliner. The finish looks fantastic. Could you tell us how you achieved that please?

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you! The Headliner was replaced with Baltic Birch same as original stained with Cabot's fruitwood. Then 3 coats of polyurethane, sanding in between. Issue with plywood is it's wider than the standard 48"s. I can help if you need a source.

[@hunterluxton5976]

@@BtwilliasGarage Hi, thanks for the details on the birch. You've achieved a refined finish which addes the overall feel of quality. I'm in two minds to use a standard headliner or birch. Great video, lovely bus for both you and your wife. 👍

[@andrewwyatt4783]

Thanks for the video! It’s a beautiful bus!! I’m new to the VW van life. I just got a 71 westfalia and it needs a new motor. What made you decide on the 76? Does the heat work well? Did you hook up AC? Part of me wants to keep it original, but part of me wants to swap it with maybe a Subaru or something with more power/reliability.

[@SpiroAbdalnor]

WOW ..AMAZING🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@NEWWEST76]

Very nice restoration!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you!

[@russellmancillas4464]

Nicejob

[@lucianosilveira3945]

Muito linda seu bus , parabens , tenho uma duas janelas estou restaurando no padrão original, saudaçoes do Brasil.....

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Gracias!!

[@jlsmi11]

Look forward to seeing the trailer resto and custom. Good thing you went with a 1776 if you’re going to pull anything other than a tooth! BTW, any chance you could walk us through the motor? Did you use the original core? Are those dual Webers? Etc.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Really appreciate that! Yes sir we can cover the engine in detail. I'll try to line that up and release a video in the next few weeks. Hopefully sooner. The trailer will take quite a bit longer to cover, but we plan to release that asap after it is complete. Thanks for the feedback and suggestions! Talk soon

[@larrysellars8399]

Beautiful VW! Is the rear seat stock from the 1969?

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks Larry! Yes the frame etc is original. JNG put new foam and new upholstery.

[@andruska4]

Thanks for sharing….I have a 68 bus I want get my jealousy windows looking better, I tried steel wool, takes off some of corrosion, any ideas to help remove corrosion to then polish, someone told me lime away….

[@jamesbundy7961]

Awesome job on a unique vehicle that I've always been fond of! Does Billy Eubanks still do welding on cars?

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you sir! Yes he does, but not professionally I believe. Just to help out friends and fix his collection. I appreciate the comment!

[@jamesbundy7961]

I'm working on a 1962 Oldsmobile and I can't find any fabricators or welders in my area that want to do that type of work. My bumpers and fenders have some holes in them and would like to get them welded up.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I don't mind asking him. Are you in NC?

[@jamesbundy7961]

@@BtwilliasGarage Yes I'm in Goldsboro and I don't mind taking it to him if he's interested? Thanks

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Ok I'll check for you. He is very busy, but there may be a chance

[@skipspan]

I know someone also asked a period of time ago but could you provide a sketch of electrical wiring upgrades you used. I am re-working the wiring loom on my 73 vw bus

[@jetajeta7464]

Love the colour. Can you put up the codes.

[@specialfriends.1749]

nice bus....

[@verlyndouglas]

Could you tell me if you used LED lighting for the headlights, taillights, etc? If not, why? Thanks

[@joelleswift4093]

I am restoring a 1973 VW bus. May I have the number of your blue paint? I like the chevy universal white too. Thanks for sharing your restoration journey!

[@bartbeauregard1412]

Where did you get those benches that gold out into futon? Thanks

[@BtwilliasGarage]

The benches/couch that turn into a bed came from the factory. We replaced the foam and vinyl

[@michaelornelas6192]

I am just starting on my 69 bus, I am curious about the exhaust and the engine. I am thinking about ordering a turn-key engine, what size would fit, and the dual carbs do you have to do anything to the linkage? I have the same wood headliner I, its in good shape, thinking about just sanding it and varnishing it. What did yours cost? What sort of wood is it?

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I have heard that turn key engines off the SAMBA etc or often troublesome. Ours is a 1776 built by Hicks VW in Durham, NC. The dual carbs are EMPI and the linkage came with them. Hook directly to the original accelerator cable. I purchased these from Hicks. They are less than Webbers and Hicks and so far I have had success with them. The Headliner was replaced with Baltic Birch same as original stained with Cabot's fruitwood. Then 3 coats of polyurethane, sanding in between. Issue with plywood is it's wider than the standard 48"s. I can help if you need a source.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

We also replaced the heat exhaust manifolds / heat exchangers as to have a little heat in the winter. I believe Hicks sourced them from West Coast Metric which is one of his favorite parts stores.

[@joshuavallano202]

Would you be willing to share your upgraded wiring plan/diagram? Looking at doing this as well. Thanks

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I am not sure if my dad mapped it out on paper. Let me find out and I'll circle back

[@joshuavallano202]

@@BtwilliasGarage Thanks I'd appreciate any help in that area!

[@solisgomezalejandro6281]

Excuse me, how can you lock the door so that it cannot be opened from the outside

[@VwRosstorations]

👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you!

[@thatoneidiotnamedme6990]

If you want to answer... you dont have to..... How much do you estimate it costs?

[@BtwilliasGarage]

That's a tough one. Parts only I assume, it's impossible to track the labor and beer money (lol) over 6 years. I'll ask my dad if he's comfortable sharing

[@jeffwells4430]

Beautiful build! Wife and I are starting new interior in our 68 bay. I’d love to know more about your design.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you! Just let us know what questions you have and we will do our best to answer 😁

[@jeffwells4430]

@@BtwilliasGarage where did you get the layout plan? Is that just a std rock n roll bed?

[@robertestes196]

My parents bought a brand new 1969 Volkswagen bus not the camper model just the plain one and it only cost $1,632