1970 VW Bay window LHD rust free

1970 VW Bay Window Original Micro-bus Deluxe spec LHD - converted to camper.   

Very reliable and solid - I'm selling so I can persue other car interests.

 I've been the only owner of it since it was imported from California 4/5 years ago.

The bus is a genuine rust free example. the only metal replacement has been the battery tray and to correct where previous owners have had a minor bash or two.

The sides are very straight. doors hang properly. roof rails are straight and rust free and the same goes for all the wheel arch lips. sills and cab steps.

Once I bought it off the importer (he kept it in a dry barn) I sprayed the sun scorched areas with clear lacquer to avoid rain soaking through and rusting from the inside out.

Then I put it on axle stands and stripped it all out to clean and protect it before it went on our roads – it is still very clean underneath as my MOT guy keeps telling me.

I did the camper conversion after looking at Westfalia's. Devons etc and taking the best bits and updating as I saw fit – it works.   I've done weeks away in this bus with no complaints. Three baskets in the back. left most has a hinged cover over it so can take large bulky things (eg footwear) and above the other two is a coverd area for smaller items.   The baskets can be accessed through lift out panels.

 New bits (other than general service stuff like CV joints and tie-rod bushes etc) since I've had it:

Front axle ball joints – old ones had split boots from the US so I took no chances.

Front beam adjusters from Bluebird campers.

Gaz adjustable shocks at the front – it floats down the road. but is controlled in corners.

Heavy duty anti-toll bars front and rear.

Rear suspension lowered to match the front. but lots of movement left.

Front brakes converted to late bay discs (non-servo variety but give a massive improvement over drums).   Used adapter plates to fit wide 5 wheels all around.

Piston rings and cylinders heads ~4000 miles ago.

Exhaust is a single quiet pack with 4 into 1 header. no heat exchangers.

Tyres have ~1000 miles on them. Continental 185/65/15

All four wheel/tyres have been dynamically balanced – ie balanced on the vehicle for the smoothest running.

Third brake light has been wired in.

1000W Inverter and solar panel

Colour co-ordinated seat belts.

Still have the original trim panels for front doors. sliding door. panel opposite sliding door and panels on rear of front seats – in amazing condition considering their age.

The paint is faded due to the sun in various areas so the green looks a little patchy – the bus has a lot of original character to it.

All areas of worn paint have been sprayed with clear lacquer to seal them and prevent the UK climate wreaking its usual havoc.

Seagrass floor mats in the cab and walk-through from Mad Matz

The ‘curtains' are cloth backed pvc panels that attach with magnets. so no holes for screws to poke through and cause rust traps.

Roof rack I bought off EBay last year – steel lower. aluminium luggage rails and wood slats – not a cheap and nasty version.   It benefits from being nicely weathered and so looks right on the bus rather than a new and shiny add-on.

Bad bits. if being totally honest:

Headliner only on the rear posts - grip strip still fitted in places so you can fit your own.

I couldn't completely straighten the rear right corner where it meets the engine lid.   There is some diff whine. but that doesn't mean it is about to give up on you. just had some wear.

 I've kept nearly every receipt for parts I've bought and have a lot of paperwork from it's time in California.

 I've twice been to the European Bug-In in Belgium and I'd happily take it back given how reliable it is

 This is a genuine survivor with many stories to tell and loads of life left in it to be a part of many more stories. There's a lot of ‘patina' (rusty) buses out there this is one of the few that is just patina.

If you need more info just ask

Andy

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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