1970 Volkswagen (VW) Westfalia Camper Bus - great patina!

1970 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Description:

1970 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper bus

I’m selling this 1970 VW camper bus. I feel like the term “barn find” is getting over used these days but that is a pretty accurate description for this thing. When I picked this bus up a while back, it had been off the road since at least 1994. For an unrestored vehicle, it was in great shape and very complete. It was bought new at Phil Winslow in Fort Collins, CO. That being said, it had been off the road for a long time and I’ve put a lot of wok into it to make it roadworthy again while still maintaining the originality of it.

The first thing I did was to replace the tires as the ones on it were 30 years old. After that, I replaced the shocks, steering damper and the brakes. I put on a new master cylinder, new rear wheel cylinders and shoes and all four flexible hoses. The front wheel cylinders and shoes were replaced with some “gently used” ones from another bus that I put a set of disc brakes on for a friend.

I was able to get the engine running easily enough and I drove it around a few times but it smoked and leaked so I pulled it and had it completely rebuilt. I also replaced the muffler, the engine mounts and anything else that wasn’t up to par. While the engine was out, I removed the fuel tank and flushed it out. I made sure the fuel sender worked right and I replace all the fuel lines. Now it runs like a champ. The oil breather hose and preheat tube aren’t on in the picture but will be installed before it is sold.

The fabric for the camper top had seen better days so I replaced it with a new one from Wolfsberg West. I also put in new seals around the top. The interior was in very nice condition. The fiberglass top could use refinishing but isn’t on too bad of shape. It has a couple period bumper stickers on it too. The front seats had seen better days so I had them reupholstered but the rest of the interior is original and only needed a good cleaning. The rear seats aren’t perfect but there aren’t any huge rips or anything and it folds down into a bed easily. The seat behind the drivers seat has some funny wear on the bottom pad. The stool is still there as well as the upper cot and the child’s cot. The filler tube for the water tank is broken off. I planned to find a replacement but didn’t get around to it.

I really hate when things don’t work so spent a lot of time on the electrical system as well. I replaced bulbs and cleaned contacts and grounds as necessary and I’m happy to say that everything works. Even the annoying buzzer that lets you know the key is in the ignition. The radio is a Sapphire AM/FM that I’m not 100% sure is correct but I replaced the speaker and it works pretty well. I also replaced the front windshield gasket because it was pretty dry. The metal underneath it is solid.

For the exterior, I considered having it repainted but I really like the character of faded original paint so I just washed and buffed it. It has some pretty minor rust in the rocker panels and below the right taillight but for the most part it’s a very solid bus. It has some dents and dings here and there but the nose has never been punched. The floors and battery tray are very solid too. If someone wanted to put the time and money into repainting it, it would look amazing but I dig the way it looks now and hope it stays that way. The dealer badge was missing when I got it but the outline of it was still visible. I tracked down a badge from the same dealer. It’s close but not the exact same one.

It’s far from a perfect bus but for being nearly 50 years old, it has survived amazingly well. I love driving old buses and I had planned to cruise this thing around for a while longer before I sold it but I’ve decided to buy something new so it’s got to go. I strive to be honest and accurate in my descriptions of cars I sell because that’s the kind of person and because I’ve been burned before. If you have any questions about the bus, feel free to ask. I have a bunch more pictures that be seen at https://imgur.com/a/Z6EPb6R I’m happy to sell to overseas buyers. I don’t offer shipping but I’m happy to coordinate pickup with your shipper. Thanks for looking!

On Jul-06-18 at 15:53:38 PDT, seller added the following information:

Here is the link to the album with more pictures :