I'm new to the vw world

Posts : 10 Join date : 2012-02-01

I just bought a 71 bus and should have it on the road by next week, still needs much work and I have a ton on questions because I have never owned one, but always wanted one,,, Very Happy

I live out in Joshua tree now but used to live in Alta Loma for years. I race vintage motocross and plan on using the bus to go to the races up and down the coast. This looks like the place to be and close to home, if I ask really dumb questions be easy on an old gezzer,,,,,
thanks for having this club and web site !! cheers

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Thu 02 Feb 2012, 01:29

As one geezer to another... WELCOME ! I have a beetle so I ain't gonna be much help to ya.Mr.Garritson has a 70 or 71 bus... HE is the guy you need to talk to.

Hey Rob.. the new guy wants to talk to ya !

Lets hope ole Rob drops by real soon !

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Fri 03 Feb 2012, 09:14

Rob.... ROB ? Hey Rob !!! Talk to the new guy !

I guess Rob's Sleep

Posts : 10 Join date : 2012-02-01

it's ok, he will get around to it and I do not have the bus in hand yet, maybe next week, it's a long story I will tell at a later date.
I looked at the photos of his bus, mine is white and yellow, but not in as good of shape.
It was a one owner 71 bus from Lancaster in the high desert, the lady drove it around Lancaster after her hubby died,,,in 3rd gear, all the time, she did not like to shift Rolling Eyes

it had been sitting for a number of years, looks like the speed freaks got at it a few times, the radio is gone and much of the wiring under the dash is messed up. Plan is to get back on the road and fix it as I go...

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Sat 04 Feb 2012, 01:11

That is MY philosophy... git it on the road FIRST ! Then pretty it up if ya can...

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Sat 11 Feb 2012, 00:38

I'm here now! Mine is a 72. Can't wait to see your 71.

Posts : 10 Join date : 2012-02-01

[quote="mrgarretsn"]I'm here now! Mine is a 72. Can't wait to see your 71.[/quote]
Thanks for the reply Rob, tried to pick the bus up last week, I was told it was ready to go, my plan was to drive it from Lancaster to Victorville, where I work, then home, never made it !. Never ran well under a load and I had to feather the thing to get it up to about 50mph. Got about 10 or 15 miles from the shop in Lancaster and started to climb the hill near Saddleback butt and it slowed WAYYY down, like it was over heating??? not sure yet.
Let it sit about an hour and drove it back to the shop, best I could do was 3rd and 2nd gear, popping off and on and blowing flames out the pipe (timing?) any how, there it sits at the moment, I'm a little upset, my plan was to get it at least to home in Joshua tree, then turn it over to Baja Worx in Yucca Valley to get it right.

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Tue 06 Mar 2012, 20:43

You did good by going back to the shop. You can do a lot of damage by trying to push it. Do you have AAA? I have the Premium plan and it includes a free tow up to 200 miles. It might be worth it to get the bus towed to the right mechanic. Just a thought...

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Tue 06 Mar 2012, 22:32

Absolutely git that AAA Premium pkg with 200 mile towing !! Of all the things a VW owner needs.. the top 2 are AAA and a fire extinguisher !

Posts : 10 Join date : 2012-02-01

I have the good sam travel card which has towing as well, but yes, I brought an
extinguisher, more than aware about that, looking at the records from the bus the fuel lines have not been changed in ten years !! Shocked

I'll give him one more try to get the motor right before I go to having it towed to Yucca !

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Wed 07 Mar 2012, 11:35

I drive my VW every day so I replace the fuel lines on a regular basis.. another cheap insurance policy. ( )ne fir wil ruin yer WHOLE day )

Posts : 10 Join date : 2012-02-01

I decided to have my brother trailer the bus over to Joshua tree rather than take a chance on hurting the motor, now the work really starts, I'll try to take some photos this coming weekend

Subject: Re: I'm new to the vw world Sat 14 Apr 2012, 12:35

I had a bus but it wasn't a bay, it was a split and only had it for a short time. I hope you ate having fun it it because its always fun when you play with VWs. Even I you're having a hard time with them. Hope to see it when you're done with it. Keep us up to date with everything you do to your bus.

Posts : 10 Join date : 2012-02-01

A quick update, after re-timing the motor and doing a number of other things I seemed to have the bus running very well. Drove it on short trips into Joshua tree and all seemed fine.
Now I have what appears to be a rear main leak, it dumped a bunch of oil at a stop light, so out comes the motor one more time