1977 Volkswagen VW volkswagon Bus Camper pop top aluminum V8 215 cid van

  This is a 1977 Volkswagen pop top camper bus with an interesting twist. It has an all Aluminum Oldsmobile 3500cc (215 cid) water cooled V8 engine. The bus is completely running and driving and as you might imagine. is far more powerful than a stock bus.

  The body is in overall very good condition. Underneath is very solid and not rusty. The rocker panels and jacking points ( a common rust problem area) are excellent. The cab floors under the rubber mat have rusty colored spots but no holes. The only rusty area is the battery tray on both sides of the engine where there are some holes and bubbles you can see from the outside on the right side.   There are some small dents and dings on the outside but for an old bus it's amazingly straight and clean.   The paint is decent with some scratches. spots and touch ups but overall presents quite nicely. The paint on the pop top is a little rough and flaky in spots and there is a slight crack in the fiberglass but it doesn't leak.

  The windshield is original and has some fogging around the outer edge but no cracks or big chips. The rubber seal for the windshield is a bit rough and old looking. A little water leaks in at the bottom of the windshield in heavy rain. All the other glass is great. There is no major rust around the windshield or other windows that I can see.   It has a nice aftermarket aluminum step on the passenger side that fits into the jacking points.

  The V8 engine is in good condition and starts easy. runs smooth with great power and no smoke. whoever did the conversion did an excellent job. There is a nicely made heavy duty engine mount. The exhaust is very well done and looks and sounds fabulous. The radiator is housed in an extension at the rear that did not require cutting the outer body of the bus. cooling is achieved by two electric fans that come on automatically as needed. Engine access is very good. a large hatch from a Type 3 VW has been adapted into the area above the engine. The shroud and radiator can be quite easily removed to gain access to the front of the engine.   It has a new alternator and new battery. The tires are great with plenty of tread and it has a great spare plus the tools to change it.   I've noticed a few drops of oil where it is parked but it doesn't have any major leaks.

    The suspension rides nice and smooth. the steering is great. The brakes work great and the handbrake works too. The clutch works well but chatters a little sometimes usually when it's cold. The gearbox works perfect in all gears and shifts nicely. It has a Gene Berg T handle speed shifter.

  The Interior is decent. The front seats are nice and very comfortable but have a few holes especially on the passenger arm rest. The passenger seat can swivel around to face the rear of the bus and the drivers seat can turn sideways. The dash is nice. All the instruments work. The fuel gauge does work but reads just over half when it's all the way full. It has a working tachometer. oil pressure. water temperature and amp gauge.   It has two heaters that use hot water from the engine. The front one located on the passenger side can provide floor heat or defrost and  the rear heater is under the right bench seat. both have 2 speed fans controlled from the dash. The lights all work. the wipers work (both speeds and they park). It has a nice aftermarket Lecarra steering wheel.   The inner cardboard glove box is missing.

 The pop top is in decent condition with just one slight rip on the right side window flap. I do not have the mattress for the pop top bed area. The table in the back can be used to form another bed but I'm not totally sure how that works. There is a cabinet with a sink. refrigerator. stove and propane heater. I've never really tried to run any of these so I can't speak of their working condition. There is a potable water tank under the left bench seat. A fitting is broken going to the pump for the sink. I turned the stove on and heard a hiss so it likely is working. It also has a very securely mounted class 3 style ( 2" receptacle) tow hitch and a flat four connector for trailer lights.

  Overall this is quite a nice and unusual bus that you can jump in and drive right away. It does have a clear title.

I highly recommend and encourage a personal inspection if possible.
The bus can be viewed by appointment in Granite Falls WA (near Seattle)
Buyer is responsible for shipping costs and arrangements.
Must be picked up within 30 days of auction end.
I reserve the right to end the auction at any time.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

Please watch the video of this bus in action:

Also published at eBay.com

Want to buy this car?