Author Topic: I want to buy a VW bus. Any suggestions? (Read 3838 times)

mtnbob · « **on:** June 25, 2007, 11:06:04 am »

Girlfriend wants something bigger than her scion to take her art to shows and to be able to sleep in while we are there. I love my 86 diesel golf that I am fixing up and have some questions.1) I was wondering if there are any diesel vans out there? 2) Do they have a/c units that work with the vehicle parked?( it's hot here in S.C. in the summer) 3) Are there certain years to look for or avoid?(i was told square headlights 1986 up have a bigger gas motor if I can't find diesel) 4) Are the subaru swap vans a good idea? I also have subaru knowledge and own an outback right now. Thanks for any help.

Darth Garry · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2007, 12:23:49 pm »

When I was growing up, my family had a Vanagon. With a N/A diesel the things are slugs. If you can put in a TD, much better but it's still hurting for power in my book unless you do a lot of mods for more power. I think the vans weigh over 4000 pounds.

Personally, I think a bus with a 2200CC gas motor is the way to go.

*ducks*

Garry

mtnbob · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2007, 02:39:56 pm »

ty thats why i'm asking

Kudagra · « **Reply #3 on:** June 25, 2007, 03:45:41 pm »

56 microbus with a 911 twin turbo

jtanguay · « **Reply #4 on:** June 25, 2007, 06:32:43 pm »

or just ram in a 1.9TDI?

mtnbob · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2007, 07:55:53 pm »

ok i would like to keep it in the $5000-6000 range and i don't need the stove and cabinets. paint condition is not important as she wants to paint it herself. No or very minimal rust and dependable or fixable. Any suggestions as to what might be available in that price range?

Darth Garry · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2007, 05:23:05 am »

If you're looking for a vehicle you can cherrish and love, I would definately consider the body before all else. If it runs but the body doesen't have too much life left in it, then you'll be dumping in tons of money restoring it.

If the body's good and it needs mechanical work, it's easier to bite off a bit at a time.

Well, that's my opinion anyways.

Definately check out underneath the car, particularly where the suspension components connect to the frame. Also look for evidence of bondo work. If there's a lot of bondo, it could be hiding a lot of rot.

Anyways, good luck, busses are real cool, I hope to own one someday as well.

Garry