Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon (1976)
for sale
Price: US $200.00
Price: US $200.00
I'm selling my 1976 VW bus. This a right hand drive panel bus with dual sliding cargo doors. It was built in Johannesburg, South Africa. I've been into VW's for a long time and I've never seen another one quiet like it. I bought it in July, 2009 from the original owners son and I've done a lot of work to it. being an African built VW, it ha several unusual features not found on German built models. In addition to being right hand drive, it has a kilometers per hour speedometer, European style non sealed beam headlights, a non padded dashboard, Armour brand glass (instead of the usual Sekurit brand), and a type 1 engine with no access door in the package tray.
When I bought it, the transmission was bad so I had it rebuilt and while I was in there I replaced the shift rod bushings, CV boots and the clutch. I also added a Gene Berg shifter. For the suspension, I installed KYB shocks all around and new ball joints. It is lowered in the front with Wagenswest 2.5 inch drop spindles. It has CIP1 Porsche gasburner replica wheels and the tires only have a few thousand miles on them. I also replaced all the brake hoses, rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes and the front brake pads.
The engine that came in it was alright for a while but I eventually rebuilt it. I felt it was lacking in power, so I had it bored out to 1914cc's. I also had the entire rotating assembly balanced and added a high volume oil pump and a 3.5 quart oil sump. for the sake of reliability, I set the compression at a conservative 7.5 to 1. It has a stock carburetor, Bosch 009 distributor, and a header exhaust. It's no race car but it cruises well on the highway and pulls the hills great for a bus. I've taken it to a few car shows in the mountains with no problems. I haven't kept track of the miles on it but it can't have more than a thousand. It also passes the emission test in Denver with flying colors.
As far as the body and paint goes, I have not really done anything to it. There are a couple dents and dings here and there and four small hole in the nose from a spare tire carrier. The back right corner has been dented in a bit but I bought an NOS corner that will come with the bus. I had the exterior done up with a pretty sweet vinyl wrap to promote my business but it could be easily removed if you like. I also put yellow film on the headlights to protect them and because it looks cool. I've included some older pictures that show it before the warp went on so you you can see what it looks like. The battery tray has the typical rust holes under it and there is a small rust spot on the right rear wheel arch. Other than that, this thing is rust free. The previous owner told me that it has spent it's entire life in dry climates starting in Africa, the on to Texas and eventually Colorado.
Interior wise, there isn't much as it is a panel bus, intended for hauling cargo. I had the front seats reupholstered in the correct canyon brown leatherette. The original brown painted door panels are still there but aren't in great shape. I put the rear set out of a '77 bus in it so I could haul my friends around to car shows. There was some insulation glued to the inside of the roof when I got it which I took out but there is still some leftover glue and fuzz that I never got around to removing. I will include the original wheels and spindles with it if you like.
I've had a lot of fun with this bus but I only take it out a few times a year; mostly to car shows and cruises. Most of the time it sits in the garage getting dusty. It's a very unique vehicle that draws a crowd wherever I go. I'm sure I'll regret selling it but there are a few other cars I'd like to own in my lifetime, so it's got to go. I'll be happy to help with local transport. Thanks for looking.
update: 2016-01-15
Condition: | Certified pre-owned | Year: | 1976 |
Engine: | 1914 cc | Make: | Volkswagen |
Drive Type: | RWD | Model: | Bus/Vanagon |
Mileage: | 0 | Trim: | Panel |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |