Well, we did a thing (Lord help us!)

[Martinjmpr]

I've been mostly off ExPo for a while, spending time (way too much time, really) on Reddit.

BUT, I figured I had to share with my ExPo Brothers and Sisters our latest horrible mistake amazing project:






It's a 1977 Westfalia camper van, Type 2 VW wagon (or Kombi I guess it's called in some parts of the world.)

Wife has been in love with these for years. Me, I've never been much of a VW person but I know these are iconic and have a big cult following.

The good: Runs fine (actually, runs GREAT for a bone-stock 1977. I assume the engine was rebuilt at some point in the vehicle's past but I don't actually know.) It has the factory 1970cc EFI engine and 4 speed transmission (I don't think these were ever available with an automatic and I would imagine that putting a slushbox on this would make it barely move.) Minor surface rust on parts of the body but it has been a desert dweller most of its life (NM and Southern CO) so there's not a lot of rust. Steering and brakes are good. Glass is all intact, no signs of any leaks anywhere, electrical all seems to work except for the aftermarket radio (that I don't really care for anyway.) Canvas has been replaced within the last 5 years or so. The fiberglass top has surface weathering but no cracks or holes. No sign of leaks there either.

The not-so-good: The interior is a mish-mash of original and non-original camper parts, and it's unclear whether any of the camper components (stove, fridge, water pump) actually work. The seats are out of a Vanagon and sit way too far forward, making it pretty uncomfortable. We do have the original seats but they are in terrible condition. I don't even know if the seat frames are salvageable.
It's definitely going to need some minor restoration and upgrade (which I think is spelled "$$$$$$") but the wife really wanted it so now I guess I get to learn the ins and outs of air-cooled VWs.

And before anyone recommends it, don't worry: I already registered an account on TheSamba.com.

Anybody else in Southern Colorado into VWs? I might try to pick your brain.

Will for sure post more pictures as our project unfolds.

 

[Kingsize24]

Looks great!!! 😍

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

We had a ’72 that was given the sobriquet “Lurch”, as it would do so with a gust of wind, or any passing semi truck. I took the dual carburetors off, replacing them with a single 2 barrel, plus added a mechanical advance distributor, and had new barrels and pistons installed by a very good VW mechanic.

I was the second owner, and after a year of ownership found the original owner, who told me it had been totaled after hitting a big Hereford. I also learned it had over 200,000 miles on it when that happened.

 

[rruff]

It's definitely going to need some minor restoration and upgrade (which I think is spelled "$$$$$$") but the wife really wanted it

So sorry...

Is she actually going to drive it?

 

[Todd780]

Subaru swap!

 

[Christian P.]

looks awesome. I have been tempting to buy another Syncro lately...

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Wow what an amazing find. Congratulations on your biggest mistake new project.

 

[Fenderfour]

Subaru swap!

Having owned more than a few subarus, I always thought i funny that an old 2.2 was considered "more reliable" than the original motors. They had issues with leaky cam shaft seals and the dreaded head gasket. I think most of that has been sorted out by switching to multi-layer metal gaskets, but I really wasn't impressed when I had them. I was dumbfounded when I switched from an outback sport to a Honda Element - there was just no issue. The motor ran without leaks or smoke.

I also understand that VW's need the opposed 4 cylinder for fitment and the subaru engine was the best of the bunch.

 

[luthj]

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Having owned more than a few subarus, I always thought i funny that an old 2.2 was considered "more reliable" than the original motors. They had issues with leaky cam shaft seals and the dreaded head gasket. I think most of that has been sorted out by switching to multi-layer metal gaskets, but I really wasn't impressed when I had them. I was dumbfounded when I switched from an outback sport to a Honda Element - there was just no issue. The motor ran without leaks or smoke.

I also understand that VW's need the opposed 4 cylinder for fitment and the subaru engine was the best of the bunch.

I saw one for sale locally (Westy however) that had a Ford Ztech motor installed on the VM trans. It was a super clean setup... and was a 2.3L I think? WAY more power than OE, and it fit pretty nicely in there. Not sure if there are any options like that for an older Bus?