VW Camper Bus- restoration and roadtrip - Von Voyage

My wife and I purchased a 1974 VW camper bus and after making it roadworthy, we camped and traveled westward from Oklahoma to Yosemite seeing the sites along the way.
On Instagram @clark_underwood
Check out the supplies we took and what was indispensable here -
Stove - amzn.to/1PdyaXB
Headlamp - amzn.to/1PdyXb5
Hammock - amzn.to/1JrC56o
Sleeping Bag - amzn.to/28A4ReA
Cooler - amzn.to/1Q3Gg87
Lantern - amzn.to/1Nc2rUW

[@andrewbocho3896]

The 84 who gave this a thumbs down. What is there NOT to like. A young couple, in love, on an adventure. Pure magic.

[@Limaracing17]

I’m 14, my dad has owned a bus since before I was born- never running- and a few weeks ago decided to restore it myself. Videos like these inspire me to keep going and to learn to do this in my future. Greeting from Britain 🤙🤙

[@roddyrod583]

I'm impressed by how you fixed the van yourselves

[@richardkent2452]

I should be ready to travel in my van. Maybe summer 2017. Taking my time and replace just about everything with german parts. When I start, I want all to be new. Got a 2110 stocker.

[@matthewdavies2057]

Most people your age wouldn't have tried much less finished the job. Hope you have a big spare parts box for the trip. Clutch and throttle cables especially.

[@LeroyRifkin]

@@richardkent2452 theres ur first problem being german. it's pretty hard to recover from that

[@mattmcbecmc]

This was such an incredibly well done video! My wife and I sat with my son and watched this together and every few seconds we heard "Dad! Can we do that!" Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you guys. Awesome job all around.

[@clarkunderwood]

+Matt McCutchan Hey Matt! Thank you so much for sharing that I really appreciate it! Also, you should do it ;)

[@jexes23]

That's badass to start out knowing dick about restoring cars and to just jump in there and learn how to do it anyway. A lot of people who "already know how" have cars they will never restore. This just shows that when you're determined to accomplish your goals not much can stop you. Stellar job!

[@ianandkimmaness4465]

My wife and I are about 15 years ahead of you and we still look back at those VW traveling years with utter joy….even the breakdowns at 2000 miles from home. :) (which we also had). Good on you guys for going for it. Those memories you’ll find to be special. Cheers

[@briandiaz7484]

This is my dream! I know I wanna travel states in a VW bus and make amazing memories with my friends. Glad you guys enjoyed yourself.

[@clarkunderwood]

+Brian Diaz Thank you for your kind words! You should definitely do it!

[@campingcarjoa]

To say I admire the two of you would be an incredible understatement.

[@clarkunderwood]

Well thanks!!

[@malachigus9535]

Pro trick : watch series at flixzone. Been using it for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.

[@irastefan7774]

@Malachi Gus Yea, I have been watching on Flixzone} for since december myself :)

[@raymondkorbin3867]

@Malachi Gus Yup, I've been watching on Flixzone} for months myself :)

[@slimpickins3425]

Hey you two! I hope you guys are still around KZbin and still loving your Westy. I have had a love/hate affair with mine for over 38 yrs since buying her new in 1980. We raised our 3 kids camping in this van, and the two boys have both had times of ownership of the good old girl. Many breakdowns , and way more unforgettable memories and today I have rebuilt just about every system leaving the cosmetics for last. Like you, i taught myself how to weld and fabricate and still have some more panels to do, but everything else is brand new, and I drive it daily now after it sat in various garages for nearly 10 years. Last summer was our first camping trip in way to many yrs, my son and 8 yr old granddaughter ! I love this van, and the VW lifestyle, and little by little am expanding my comfort zone of places to travel to. Watching you guys live your dream was so much fun, and very uplifting! I hope you both have a life time of memories with your van, and hopefully pass that down to your own kids! Thanks for all the time and energy that i know goes into filming this video!!

[@KombiLife]

Add the hard work pays off- congratulations!

[@reinerabad3482]

please do a collab or something! 😁😁

[@KarinLynnBates]

I laughed. I cried. I cry-laughed. This was sheer magnificence! Thank you so much for sharing your journey! 👍🏼✌🏼

[@99scobey]

I have watched this several times as a mental mini-vacation from my quiet and solitary desk job. Well done, and thanks.

[@clarkunderwood]

You are welcome!

[@jamie-r2034]

Awesome! I bought a bus (1979) awhile back & started doing everything myself...eventually, I just got burnt out and it now sits in my garage. I love my bus & this has given me a boost to continue my dream and to get it done.

[@dansuhrano4631]

I've rewatched this video at least 4 or 5 times, and i never cease to enjoy it. Definitely can relate to the vw problems, just picked up a 66 bug recently! Can't wait to buy a bus in the future!

[@skylarjosephzuniga2100]

Dear Clark and Hillary, I can not express enough to you both how inspirational this video was/is. I am currently at a coffee shop dreaming about where I will be in the next 5 years once I finish school. And it hit me an epic road trip with a VW Bus for better or for worse. What I really love is the time, dedication, and resilience you two had as individuals and as a couple. Because of the journey, the breakdowns, the unexpected plans, etc. All of it you did together and it's beautiful to see you two weather all the tribulations, and hopefully look back in another 2 years and just smirk to yourselves at what you accomplished. I fell in love with both of your stories, both of your personalities, and the love you two have for each other. So thank you from me and the 220k people who get a glimpse of the beautiful road trip you had. I wish I had the time to express, in every way, how your video has impacted me. But I also have to get my life moving. Best of wishes, A dreamer

[@jakeford1570]

awesome video, classic vw van road trip, complete with break downs and crying. It's something you'll never forget.

[@APRIL2862]

These old VW's are like old Harley's, always breaking down and you have to be young with a giant dream to accomplish as much as you did!

[@sdqsdq6274]

not really , you got to do up the engine properly ,dont hit and run

[@victorlee6036]

Is it an automatic transmission ? everything stock original ? thank you.

[@1967250s]

Wonderful video! You will never regret having done this. I also have a VW van, took it to the Grand Canyon, cold March, snow, starter failing, barely made it back to Tulsa. Unforgettable trip. Beautiful scenery.

[@danielpezzullo]

YOU AND YOUR WIFE ARE GOALS. Inspired to do a similar road trip in the future (fingers crossed).

[@CLou-zy3ut]

Daniel Pezzullo did it work ?

[@marchills4131]

Adorable video by an adorable couple. That trip was life in a microcosm; it can be heartbreaking and beautiful and everything in between all at the same time. And yes; AC really is a marvelous invention. And yes; the 14 people who TD'ed this video really do have hard, cold black cinders for souls..

[@moshier94]

DEFINITELY look into a subaru 2.5 4 cyl engine conversion, maybe even a 5 speed subaru transmission conversion as well. There are tons of videos everywhere showing step by step and part by part on how to do it. You'll get 170 horsepower over the original VW engine that only had 65 horsepower. And Subaru engines are some of the most reliable engines in the world and hardly ever break down. your gas mileage will increase, too. I'm doing a restoration at the end of the year or a Vanagon so this video was exciting! Figured I'd give you guys some food for thought :)

[@johndean4912]

Bought my first bug in 1963 and really wanted to buy a bus and tour the west. You two really did it. I believe you two can really do anything together. Congratulations.

[@clarkunderwood]

Thank you for your kind words John!

[@am6589]

I have a 71 westy named Betsey my family and I have traveled from Oklahoma to Canada, the west coast, grand canyon, well Im going to stop there because I have had her since I was 19 and now I am 47 and relize I cannot list or even remember half the places she has taken me. I have put over 300,000 miles on her since 19. Great story. If you own a vw bus for long you will know every wire every hose, and every piece on it. It will make you! Thank you for posting/making this video.

[@jamesrmelton367]

I love your bravery in the face of adversity, it does my heart good to see such a wonderful young couple taking on life's many challenges together. BTW I'm in love with the tune "Ends of the Earth" by Lord Huron, excellent choice.

[@clarkunderwood]

Thanks James! Really appreciate your kind words!

[@djcarlitosatl]

Wow! Super inspiring! Great video with great music to boot. I’m glad I watched this. Favorite line (paraphrasing): “it’s never time, so go anyway.” Thank you for sharing.

[@haz40]

Great video, so proud of both of you, so sweet and encouraging....Sincerely,A 1974 Westy owner...

[@rr7firefly]

It's great how this couple is at times adult and at other times very childlike. They obviously make the most of life. I can easily imagine them together for the long haul. Reminiscing on the front porch in their rockers 60 years from now. A lovely and resilient twosome with a really great attitude about everything. They deserve good things.

[@danielstackhouse8254]

if you even still checking the comments, i just wanted to say that this video was inspirering to me! you both seem like fantastic people and it was wonderful to watch your journey. from one adventurer to another...cheer

[@clarkunderwood]

Thanks Daniel! I am so glad that you found it inspiring! Cheers!

[@gumball1328]

Ok. I just took a cross country trip myself and saw many of the things you guys sew. Memories were made. Emotions were everywhere. But we only broke down once... In the middle of the Nevada desert 😂

[@clarkunderwood]

Amazing! 1 break down! I call that a huge success - congrats!

[@saknut]

So relatable. I drove an orange 1975 VW camper with an automatic transmission from SoCal to Vancouver Ca and back. It was an adventure to say the least. Really enjoyed your adventure.

[@edgeofgravity4144]

Respect for fix this bus without any experience 🙈 we both plan the same project to the winter 2017. we are realy exited and can't wait to start 🎉🤘🏻keep rolling buddy's! All the best wish Marlena and Michael.😊

[@hendrikspics]

Awesome video! I love old VW camper vans and it's good to see them on the road - original not tuned! Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Germany! xx

[@caryk2779]

Hah! You two make a great couple. Congrats on your grand adventure. There's nothing quite like bringing an old vehicle back to life, using it as intended, and having the stories to tell afterwards.

[@tombrooks8565]

You guys rock! What resilience! I don't know you, but I am so proud of you! I also loved hearing Lord Huron during the vlog.

[@HonestMike]

The Body work alone was impressive... Taking it on a cross country Journey is awesome, having one another support thru the craziness... Priceless • Honest™

[@clarkunderwood]

Thanks Mike! You are 100% right! It was quite a journey and most of it was before we left the house ;)

[@socksumi]

Looks just like the 74 VW camper I used for ten years. Rust and rot got to the chassis so it was off to VW heaven with her.

[@premathomeeSPG]

Wow.. Me and my wife did same thing but we did it in Tesla without the satisfaction of fixing my own van. I have always dreamed of owning my own VW minibus and travel the country coast to coast. I must say, this video made me more motivated towards my goal. Thanks again for sharing your lovely journey.

[@rpm750]

First off kudos on the metal work and paint those were massive undertakings!!! I've done all that and I know how hard they can be. First Win. I drive a VW Bus, BUS not van okay, everyday. We camp in ours several times a year. Panama City, Cherokee NC, Chattanooga TN, Tampa Fl and other places in Ga. Each outing we learn more about who we are and how to stream line our packing, cooking and camp site setup. All of those things help maximize our camping experiences. Do it again, the more you break down the less things will brake the next time out. I've been to Tampa Florida and back with no issues and other countless trips with no issues. The Aircooled life is the best life, keep on moving with it. You will not regret it!

[@clarkunderwood]

+rpm750 Right on! Good to hear! Both of our breakdowns were due to old rubber pieces disintegrating & after all the work I had done I still didn't know they existed until they failed ;) so I believe in a reliable trip. We have done many successful weekender trips. Maybe we will try another long one. Thanks for the encouragement maybe we will cross paths on the road!

[@CJ3B1]

This is simply beautiful.. VW buses make memories! Maybe that is the reason we're doomed to get them back to life in the first place. Thank you for sharing these sweet memories & wishing you lots more - Cheers.

[@edschneider1780]

Thanks for taking us!

[@owenfarmer4197]

Full of admiration. Travelling in T2s is like swimming with a friendly shark. You just never know when it’s going to bite you...

[@clarkunderwood]

You got that right! Building another one now and still getting stranded 🤪

[@lostindiancamp]

Sounds like Texas weather. It gets the coolest, no matter how hot that still is, right before sun up when you don't need the cool weather in order to go to sleep.

[@SuperHurdman]

Great job you two! I am a welder for years and I take my hat off to you! Now you will appreciate your little buss and it will have deeper meaning for both of you...

[@corndog984]

you.guys.are.freaking adorable!! you guys have the relationship that i dream of. amazing story of persistence, tribulations and love. the movie was put together perfectly!! i honestly enjoyed watching this video and i hope that your relationship flourishes to no end!

[@bodhisativaa]

I've been watching a lot of van conversions and bus conversions lately. It's inspiring me. I really want to do this one day.

[@steveroy6334]

Very cool adventure! Thanks to finding Simon for recommending your channel!!

[@sandyhagen9155]

Thanks for sharing guys. Watching from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Hope you’re both staying safe and well. 😊👍🏻

[@FunStylist3]

Totally randomly stumbled upon your video, this is 100% truly emotionally inspiring and freaking awesome!! once in a lifetime for sure!! thanks for sharing!!

[@clarkunderwood]

You are so welcome! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@CharlesMuccia]

Great video! As someone that is now on my second bus (and is going through the same problems you did), I can tell you from experience that you are always guaranteed an adventure when you own a bus. Might be a good adventure or might be a bad one, but you will definitely have an adventure. There's NEVER a dull moment in a VW Bus!

[@clarkunderwood]

+Charles Muccia You got that right Charles! Hope it is going well.

[@wildmongoose7037]

So cool,great job on the resto and I love the part where your wife laughs til she cried.

[@Flo-uu8fd]

Yosemite is absolutly beatiful and your trip was absolutly beautiful to!!!

[@chalex_life6848]

Wow! You're both so inspirering! 😍🇺🇸 we're a German Couple and have been there for The First Time! we Need to Do this someday in The Future! GREAT WORK!

[@Wholesomeday]

Thanks for sharing your trip. Sounds just like our holidays in our VW bus. Glad were not the only ones!

[@jabba149]

Great video! Put a real smile on my face, thanks guys.

[@skyparks6236]

this is soo cool every since my girl friend and I were like 11 we've always wanted to travel the country in a 1969 vw bus, awesome to see people with the same dream as mine and actually make it a reality

[@busaturbo1615]

Awesome video and awesome life goals, it's so easy to dream but doing so is a all different ball game! You guys aced it.

[@TheHUNTERTIGER]

Great video and whatever the year/era this is a piece of nostalgia 😉👍🏻

[@irinaback9687]

Love that you guys shared all the aspects of the trip, highs and lows! Made it more realistic, educational, and interesting :)

[@charliecheeze1]

that was really fun to watch. you are living the dream!

[@0HARE]

Amazing! I really enjoyed this. Thanks for all the work you put into it. I had a ‘72 VW van for several years. I lived in it for a good portion of 1985. It was my favorite vehicle ever. You’re so right about the low power and the no A/C, but what fun to drive! Good Vibrations

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

This is amazing! Good job learning how to weld and fixing a fixer. Beautiful video!

[@clarkunderwood]

Thank you so much!

[@angelamole8732]

THIS IS UNREAL. What an inspiring adventure, this video has warmed my heart.

[@oOcitizenOo]

Thank you so much for showing you dream came true, for showing picturesque views and spirit of journey! I hope one day i'll mamanage to do the similar trip across the USA with a GF and in a tuny house slash van.

[@vanderhoof741]

I also had a 74 Bus, also orange that sadly I pulled apart and never rebuilt, due to a move to the city for school. It was eventually sold that way when my parents got tired of looking at it. Happy to know that a family back home is enjoying it, though. I really admire the work you did on yours! The rust on mine wasn't quite as bad, but in parts of this video, it was like looking at my own vehicle because it was in all the same places. I was going to ask if your $7 part was a clutch cable, as I cringed a little when you said that, but read the comments. Loved the video!

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Simply awesome . Prep prep prep for those VW trips !

[@jordanherrmann9584]

Dude mad props for fixing it up!

[@SiddhantNagpal]

This is the best thing I watched today. Thanks for uploading this!

[@fredo0075]

Great trip, great video! Congrats. Thanks for having taken the time to share your experience!

[@philh3178]

I had an almost identical orange 75 VW Westphalia. I drove it about 1000 on a road trip and when I got back a valve had burned and it cost about $1800 to have the engine rebuilt. So that was an expensive camping trip and I didn't feel confident in going long distances after that, so I sold it. Now we go camping in a 1977 Trillium 4500 trailer (google it if you aren't sure what it is) and we tow it with a modern compact SUV. I think it gives the best of both worlds. We have a vintage trailer I can tinker with and it has a strong following online and we tow it with a reliable, modern, air-conditioned vehicle. I still love the idea of a VW van but I think our current set up is more realistic for us.

[@thehighervibration6914]

"Perfection never arrives" You guys are amazing, wonderful video! Would love to see more from you both!

[@clarkunderwood]

Thank you so much!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gezginkafalar]

the feeling that when you see your diy van in the middle of the road is amazing.

[@Herbert_Bert]

That video was so nice to watch... great work on the bus and nice shots of your trip...thats one of my live goals... greets from germany ❤

[@ManitMonsur]

*really wanna go on a roadtrip now*

[@LoveMtDulcimerMusic]

Love, caring, hard work - beautiful life, wonderful people.

[@celebrityseating3680]

Loved loved loved your video! Great job! Great editing, great music, great storytelling, great video! Thank you for sharing :-)

[@SciStrike]

Beautiful Bus! I am just at the beginning of the adventure, having recently acquired a fine 1977 Westie!

[@clarkunderwood]

Amazing! Enjoy it!

[@El1teGunslinger]

This video and journey is amazing. You both are so inspiring for vw bus fanatics & definitely deserve more views on this video!

[@clarkunderwood]

+Justin McGuire Thanks Justin!

[@cnuzman8883]

Very good, I'm envious that you had the guts and good foresight to it. Too soon the time is past and can only just dream that you wished you had.

[@cheapcargarage]

Awesome Video! This has been a dream of mine but in my old Porsche which has the same engine as your bus by the way. Just one tip for you.....no matter if it's a month long trip or a weekender, NEVER take only one key! take two keys and find a obscure place on the van and screw a 3rd key down to a body panel.

[@nitrosavy]

Fantastic! Thanks for posting your great adventure.

[@unbreakablerogue]

you guys kick ass!!! love your journey!!!!! me and my dad traveled from mexico city to belize on a pick up truck!! kits all about the journey!!!

[@devastados]

toatlly awesome- there's just something so romantic about a VW

[@Volkswear]

Awesome video guys. Loved it. JC.

[@359Joey]

I almost went the VW bus route for my travels across the US but thankfully changed my mind. I worked as a VW mechanic for couple years and learned through there that aircooled VWs are just not dependable, even if most parts are new! Not to mention they are very slow(Even with bigger engines) and get horrible MPG. They also have no AC which makes summer trips miserable. I ended up buying a 1993 Toyota mini RV and saw the country multiple times since 2020, with not ONE single issue! Anyways i digress, great video. No joke ive seen it atleast 20 times in the last 5 years!

[@ThisMountainGal]

This story and experience is incredible. Thank you for sharing!

[@Andy-ck5iu]

Great inspirational video. Love your attitudes towards obstacles.

[@mtnride4930]

Way to go you guys! That was one of the best VW stories I have heard and what an adventure. I hope you hold on to the Bus and just make her even better, I have been enjoying my 87 Westy and the biggest challenge is the AC and I live in a desert but I have gotten use to it. Maybe c u on the road.

[@clarkunderwood]

+mtn ride Right on! Hope to cross paths!

[@ja553]

God bless you , Both of you. I enjoyed your candid, well put together content.

[@AmandaWoolsey]

Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!

[@stevem9721]

Really cool story. Well done guys, you really did it!

[@Baldskul]

Great video! Glad you kept the VW.

[@abigailmassar6320]

This story is beautifully real and amazing.

[@alejandrocaballero7197]

That's what I call relationship goals! what an adventure, I'm happy for you guys!

[@judithvdschaar2340]

Waaauw you guys live my dreams! I literally cried and laughed while watching, I'm so in love with all the vw buses haha. It was an amazig video!

[@new2gold]

I cant wait to get my kombi finished! Good Luck on all your adventures!

[@clarkunderwood]

+Mike Daniel Thanks! Good luck to you and your kombi!

[@CLou-zy3ut]

Mike Daniel did everything went well ?

[@fangzhengguo8089]

Nice video! Cute VW van and great memories!

[@denahom]

Congrats! Your hard work paid off! I'm very impressed and inspired!

[@carsonbarnes3283]

#goals on SO many levels! Haha You guys are awesome, I now have a 65 bug that one day will be an epic candidate for a road trip. Keep living the Volks Life

[@brandonkopp6621]

This is amazing!! You guys did such a good job on this video. I feel like this could become a Hollywood movie haha

[@clarkunderwood]

+Brandon Kopp Thanks Brandon!

[@kaiyros1]

hello from EU Croatia, i must say briliant video !!!!!!!!