i want to rebuild a VW bus, and don't know where to start?

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Haley

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It is essentially the shell of a bus. (1968) having a vw bus has been my dream since I was young, and now I have the opportunity to buy the shell of one (for a decent price) and build it exactly how i have always dreamed. The only problem is, I have no idea where to start, where to go, or what to do.

Anybody out there to offer advice?

Also, I think it would be great if i could either make it an electric engine, so it can be an electric vehicle. how would that work??

could i get the engine of another type of vehicle and retrofit it to the engine case? (like a toyota or something die-hard and fuel efficient)

and also, since it will be rebuilt, it will have to become an automatic transmission, since i have vivid nightmares, and an inherent lack of technical skill, when it comes to stick shifts.

Thank you!!
 
saw bus he other day had SBC motor/auto trans/10 bolt rearend--nice conversion-still looked l ike VW except when you looked at rear end-lol
 
this will require MIG welding skill... suggest you start by learning to MIG weld..

once you know how to do that... sand blast & replace rust with good steel on entire body shell.

then.. find good engine. . or suitable replacement.. fit it to car...replace all running gear wheels ETC..

wire it all up.. check it runs..

then paint car in required color.. fit windows... refit interior..

this is going to be a lot of work... could take years...
 
Since you have no idea what you are doing, I'd advise you start by restoring it stock. Making it an EV, monstering another engine into it etc. is surley well beyond your skill and experience. Maybe after this one is done.

Astrobuf
 
I have rebuilt a few transporters.

What you propose is probably not a good idea for you. I'm just thinking you may not have the expertise to re engineer one. It has been done though, both electric and water cooled engines.

There were automatics available, AC also. The later 2.0 fuel injected motors are ok if you take the time to learn the VW injection system. There are common problems in the buses, rust being the MOST common enemy. Repair panels are readily available, but expensive to have put on. If you can weld yourself, it just takes a lot of time.

I enjoy re doing the old VW's though, and am in the process of restoring a THING (type 181).

Visit this site for more info; http://www.thesamba.com/vw/
 
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