VW BUS buyers guide what to know before you buy one split window bus

[@type2ryder417]

Im in the rust belt. I found a December 23 58 in a scrap yard, it was picked but has 60% of its parts. Roof, frame, everything needs doing. I love it, completely. Her name is Alice. Every video you make helps Alice come back from the Mad Hater. Thanks 😊

[@autouniontypeA]

Totally agree with you Mike, these were a utility vehicle and mostly not looked after. The prices for parts and repairs are huge. They aren't a cheap vehicle to fix.

[@charleslawrence7194]

If I had seen this video before buying my bay, I would have bought another HD and stayed in the wind. It was the only one I could get. However, after new engine and floors, it is fun to drive. Did I mention rocker panels body panels and a tree fell across the roof. $$$$ I really enjoy all your videos Mike. Mine will never as pristine as yours.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Great to hang out in your garage Mike.... I'll never own a "Bus".... but it's fun to follow along on these videos....👍👍

[@mikelove9832]

Thanks Mike ! Ive been watching your 67 playlist ! Up to 30 . Great stuff ! Straight Ahead ✌😎

[@TheDasbull]

Another great video! 👍 First thing for people to realize is the last split window bus imported to the US was 55 years ago! There will have been many previous owners, lots of "hacks," rust, and collision damage on most buses available. I tell anyone interested in VW's to buy a welder and learn how to use it - you will need it! There isn't any power windows, power brakes, air conditioning, air bags, or in fact any real creature comforts. Safety? old buses are basically the most unsafe vehicle this side of motorcycles 😂 We drive them because we love them - sadly they are now expensive, and I liked them when you couldn't give them away 😉. Mike is telling it like it is - these are like any old vehicle a "money pit" but a darn fun one!

[@DanTheManIOM]

exactly why I drive mine...just because I like it.

[@ocavant]

I absolutely concur. These things are extremely dangerous if you are not a defensive driver. Even when you are things can happen. My wife was in my double cab and suffered life changing injuries because of a distracted driver. I blame him and not necessarily the bus. But make no mistake they are not safe. I would encourage everyone to install three point belts in these. it’s possible by welding a plate in the B pillar that’s about the best thing you can do. My wife had a lap belt on when she was hit, but it failed and she was ejected. Everyone please enjoy your buses but take all the precautions you can. You must drive like every other car on the road is trying to kill you, because maybe they are.

[@TheDasbull]

@@DanTheManIOM I hope your wife recovers fully 🙏. Absolutely install three point belts! I daily drove my old '67 bus for twenty plus years, but now I am older and like the modern conveniences and VW's are just for fun 🙂

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@TheDasbull exactly and I think you wanted that comment for Steve.... my wife is no longer with us....left us 6 years ago last January... for over 20 years she said, not going camping, then one year before her death, she went in the 78 for one night and said, hey, that's not too bad....right.... too late, live without regrets

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@ocavant got off the side track about tires, and there was a poor guy zipping along at 55 mph, had a blow out on a beautiful day, and barrel rolled it, - medivac and ICU.... no one would expact that....

[@kevinhamling1963]

G'day from Melbourne Australia. So very true. Here the prices are starting to top $200,000 for a bus around 1965. In top condition. ✌️ Peace

[@snowdogs59]

Mike these are great videos. I agree with your ethos about classic cars 100%. My four are drivers. The market value is almost completely irrelevant to me (except when insuring them).

[@timharter77]

Title suggestion: VW Type 2: I am never going to financially recover from this.

[@bobbytorres2649]

Thanks for info,looking to get one. your show is awesome stay safe

[@YugoMilan]

You are the man thanks for the content! I am learning a lot from you! Wish more people with experience would share their knowledge to make this community better all around. Again thank you for all the content and sharing your knowledge and expertise!!

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

Great insight from a long-time VW pro, thanks Mike 👍. These. Are strange economic times for sure: ex-hippie baby boomers with too much disposable income trying to relive previous lives are driving the market, good for the resto/preservation industry, and good for the old buses themselves, but this can't last- when the economy crashes inevitably, there'll be a lotta nice buses out there for sale for good prices. Hence, a lotta buses for sale at peak market. I'll just keep my old '58 driver and drive off into the sunset with a big smile on my face ✌🙃✌

[@robertvose7310]

those camper windows with the tilt glass look great.

[@mikecrawford5331]

Yes there are some rusty buses out there but there are still some pristine ones .

[@DanTheManIOM]

Hey Buddy ! I'm not selling my garbage at any price. It's got that emblem ! LOL

[@HERBYWALLACE3]

Great info, really nice 👍

[@chrisfolkharmonicaplayer6292]

That's a nice 67 . My dad bought a new 67 standard bus in Europe when we lived there for 3 years. It was a pretty blue and white. We spent our summers touring around there, hardly any problems. The only year with 12 volts for the split, so she always started up. You mentioned visibility problems . You could always add some stick on convex mirrors , unless you think it doesn't look original. Also gather your curtains at the top and tie them , maybe that would help.

[@DanTheManIOM]

Did you know 12v split was an OPTION for 1966 ? now you do...

[@ocavant]

Sorry to be “that guy”, but your comment about ALL walk-throughs having belly pans is not correct. For those that don’t know, both Walk-throughs and bench seats that had sun roofs or were double doors(and maybe sales flap busses) would come from the factory with belly pans to stiffen up the body. Ironically SO-42 Westfalia camper with pop tops (that were WTs and had a hole cut in the roof) did not get them. I assume the Westfalia Werks did not specify kombis with belly pans. Maybe too expensive??? Anyway just an FYI. I’m sure you knew and just misspoke. Also, there are no 200k busses that are selling. People are asking for the moon, but guaranteed they are not getting those prices.

[@DanTheManIOM]

my67 tin top sundial walk through does not have belly pans, but my 70 westies did...FYI

[@ocavant]

@@DanTheManIOM Correct. It should not. Being a Sundial, it was most likely based on a panel(some were based on Kombis) because those were the cheapest bus you could buy. You can tell it is a panel due to the cut in windows and the high vent louvers on the rear side panels near the roof line. The only panel bus that would have pans would be a double door(cargo doors on both sides). Standard Microbuses could be ordered with a sunroof and that model would have belly pans. I have never seen a Double door Sundial, though they easily could have been ordered and built. With all that said you could special order almost any combo. Never seen one, but potentially you could buy a walkthrough Standard Microbus with a sunroof and double cargo doors. Lol that would be a unicorn.

[@ocavant]

One more nit-picky thing for those not in the know. Standard busses are more correctly termed “microbus” or “standard microbus” that’s what VW called them. The Microbus.

[@tetra4411]

For lane changes and backing up I installed one of these back up cameras on my back bumper. $63 Amazon. Works greats. 5" Monitor with 1080P Backup Camera for Truck, License Plate 149° Back up Rear View Kits for Reversing/ Driving Car Pickup SUV Camper Sedan, IP69 Waterproof & Clear Night Vision, Wired Xroose S3

[@jimmywilkinson9190]

Hey Mike ! You keep saying the tail lights . I got mine from CIP 1 for 19.99 about 5 years ago and they aint faded yet . I got some lenses that after 2 years they weren't red no-mo . I paid for my 71 bay 200$ It waxed and the only thing wrong the 3-4 bank side of the case was on Texas 181 on the side of the road and the trans would come to a stop but it was Rambus . When people ask about it and I tell them it has over 830,000 miles on some of the parts I tell them I rebuilt the motor 10-11 times . 3 new cases , 9 sets of ball joints But the main reason is how many boob flashes I have gotten ? Make it worth it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimmcdon]

@mike these videos are so good! What color is the 67? Pastel White? Looking to paint my 69 bay window. Also have a 65 ez camper… did the curtains come from OC westy as well as the camper interior?

[@ocavant]

L87 Pearl White

[@fishaussie9112]

Can you please get back to finishing your projects eg ghia and the bug

[@vayabroder729]

He doesn’t do enough work for you? Go tell that to some people in other channels….

[@ernestopiceno1507]

years ago when i was living in Hemet ca i met and old man that had a complete 67 camper. last year i decided to stop by to see him. i asked him about the camper and he told me he sold it so i ask for how much 10k my jaw dropped

[@ZionsLegs]

Hi Mike, I am a big fan of your content. I would love to hear your quick opinion on a 1972 camper I am seriously considering. Hit me back if it is something you would be willing to do. Otherwise, I look forward to your future content. Have a great day all the way from Prince Edward Island, Canada.

[@TheDasbull]

I'm not Mike, but I can tell you to look really carefully for rust if it's original to your island province. Also, the '72 model year had the larger type 4 motor, but without the inside access hatch - more problematic for maintenance.. Good luck on your bus search 👍

[@ZionsLegs]

@@TheDasbull thank you very much for that information. That does help me make the decision. The bus looks good with rust but the camper doesn’t quite have the features I’m looking for. Engine access could make it a pain. It’s pretty hard to keep up with all the differences between the different model years. I really appreciate the help. I am not super fussy about the year but when the price tag is 35K I have to be a little discerning.

[@SeaSurfnBird]

Ever seen anyone use a vehicle dehumidifier to reduce moisture inside when it’s parked?

[@hunterluxton5976]

I've spent £50 k plus over 12 years. Still not finished. 😂

[@VideovigilanteUSA]

I am about to sell a 1976 with a 3 foot sunroof can i send picture or talk to you about price estimate

[@DanTheManIOM]

I have a 65 standard fairly solid, and a 67 deluxe, but it's RUSTY.... should I convert my 65 to 13 windows and sell the rusted deluxe ? should I keep them both ? IDK, I found the 65 first and it from vermont, then I found the rusty deluxe missing seats ! clock, and did I say Rust ?

[@Mikefngarage]

I would fix them both. but if I were buying 1 I would buy the less rusty one. since you have them already fix them.

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@Mikefngarage thanks MIke and since I found your channel years ago, I have the inspiration and knowledge on how to do that, wisely, quickly, efficiently....thank you !

[@robertvose7310]

clean bus-

[@tomsummers1137]

What’s happening with your Baltic birch headliner, mate? I’m gonna send you a picture of how to do it. You don’t know everything, Einstein.

[@robertvose7310]

looks like yorba linda..

[@dflf]

forget about buying a splitty