Looking at buying my first car (VW Microbus)

[Beril]

I've always liked the old VW micro-buses. Now that I've got a driver's license I've been looking into buying one. I understand that, like many old cars, it will be a labor of love. I'm prepared for this. There are a few problems, though. How much does it take to maintain one of these beauties? I live in Texas, so A/C would nice. Could that be retrofitted in, and how much would that cost? What's the gas mileage like? Probably the most important: how much would I be looking to spend on one? I'm not looking for one with all original parts, just able to drive around the DFW area. If it's in crappy condition could I easily find parts for it, and how much would restoring one cost?
If there's anything else I should know about them any and all info would be appreciated.

[1low65vw]

Welcome to the air cooled world my friend. To answer some of you'r questions it depends on what style micro you want. A split window or a bay window. Split windows are 67 and older while bay windows are 68 and newer. Also really depends on the budget you are willing to work with.

[stealth67vw]

If its a pre 67 better be ready for some sticker shock. I've been into VWs for 22 years and don't see myself ever being able to afford a bus. I make decent money but I can't see myself paying more for a rusted out, non running, stripped bus than a loaded newer Honda. Check the Samba for the stupid prices people are asking for their buses.

[Beril]

I'm looking at these
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/2944398247.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/2922455773.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2932814291.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2941484478.html

Also, I looked at the prices, and I'm definitely going for the bay view window ones. I saw the prices on Samba for the split window buses. That physically hurt me. I can buy an old bay view for half or less.

[1low65vw]

If its a pre 67 better be ready for some sticker shock. I've been into VWs for 22 years and don't see myself ever being able to afford a bus. I make decent money but I can't see myself paying more for a rusted out, non running, stripped bus than a loaded newer Honda. Check the Samba for the stupid prices people are asking for their buses.

It truely is amazing how much people want for the pre 67's. Beril, we are not trying to steer you away from a pre 67 but they can be pricey.

[1low65vw]

all of those bays are nice. the prices are not bad either. me personaly would go for the 68.

[A1steaksauce]

all of those bays are nice. the prices are not bad either. me personaly would go for the 68.

the 68 or 71.

stay away from 72 and later. type IV motors are quickly becoming stupid expensive and are royal pita to work on. you can always swap a later bus with a type IV motor to a type I motor but you need a built up type I motor to deal with the additional weight and taller gear ratios that they put in the later busses. just don't post up in samba that you want to do that, the purists heads will roll

[rabbitnothopper]

I'm looking at these
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/2944398247.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/2922455773.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2932814291.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2941484478.html

Also, I looked at the prices, and I'm definitely going for the bay view window ones. I saw the prices on Samba for the split window buses. That physically hurt me. I can buy an old bay view for half or less.

i am going to guess you live in dallas area

welcome to vortex


.......there are lots of vehicles around
and if you need info for some shops on Jefferson blvd just PM me

[Sophie66]

Check out thesamba.com. You're in luck being in TX, there are a pretty good supply of them down there. I had a 67 splittie, her name was Sadie and I adored her! I would've done anything to have one for a first car and ended up getting her when I was 20. Good luck, they are a LOT of work and you have to have a good amount of patience...but totally worth it!