1979 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

2.0L carbureted

Manual - 4 Speed

2292022291

For sale is my 1979 VW Bus, Type 2 ASI Riviera (for more info, go to rivieraregistry.com). This type of camper conversion is relatively rare on the east coast, as they were sold out of Oregon. First off, in the interest of honest disclosure, the bus does have a bit of an oil leak. I took it to the beach last June and it overheated, at which time it developed the leak. The engine has always run very reliably, so I'm assuming it is likely just an issue with a seal. I've been working up in Kentucky on a 9 month contract and have had it stored at my mother's house, on a battery tender and using Stabil, so it hasn't been driven much since then. I have taken it for a spin over Thanksgiving, Christmas and recently (in May), so I can verify it does start up and run well. I've been told this is an easy and inexpensive fix. I do really like this bus, but I am starting a new job in Indiana soon. I'm running short on time and shipping it would cost me an arm and a leg, and I don't really have any other way to get it up there. I also have a 13' Scamp camper that has become my primary rv, so I really don't need two campers. My "Buy it Now" price is a little less than what I paid for the vehicle before I spent a bunch of money to improve it, but makes an allowance for the oil leak. I think it's a fair price considering the condition of the vehicle. For a few years now, people have been putting cards on my windshield when it's parked, which say "if you ever want to sell this, please call me." Unfortunately, I lost those cards so here I am. I really want this vehicle to go to a good home. It's not perfect, but I guarantee you will have a lot of fun with it (as I have). I was told that the original engine was replaced at 93,000 miles, so it has about 53,000 miles on the current motor. I had the wires and distributor cap replaced, as well as new tie rods and drag link installed by Village Motor Werks in Raleigh NC in 2010. I had a new starter and battery installed (2011), as well as a new "hot start" relay installed by Gary's Aircooled Service in Raleigh, NC (also in 2011). This setup bypasses the old wiring and means it starts reliably every time. New front and rear tail lens (2011) and EMPI exhaust (though it's now rusty, as they usually do after use). The fuel lines were replaced in 2010. The front bucket seats are not original, I think might be from a Vanagon. Everything else is original (except for CD player). The vinyl top is in good shape, and sets up easily in seconds. The fridge and stove are not hooked up at the moment, but do work. There is additional battery tray in the rear of the vehicle so you can run a second battery to power the fridge. It does have the original frame mounted propane tank, but it's old and and does not have a OPD device, so it would need to be replaced with a new one of you wanted to use the stove or fridge on propane. They do sell these, though they are a little pricey. You could easily adapt the stove to run on disposable canisters. It does have city water and electric hookups for campgrounds, as well as a fill port for a water tank. When I bought it, I did repair some spots of surface rust; sanding, priming and repainted it with touchup paint (get it from PaintScratch.com). It isn't perfect by any means, but with a good wax it looks pretty clean. The frame is in good condition with little rust. I was told by the previous owners that the original owner was a lady (family friend) in Blacksburg,VA who bought it in 1980. She had it until the early 2000's when it was sold to a couple in Wake Forest,NC. I bought it from them in 2008. This means that the vehicle was in the south for its entire life and was kept away from salt and snow, so the frame is in really good condition. It has a 2" ball on the rear bumper, and it's now wired to tow trailers (1000 lb limit). The tires are in ok condition, with about 50-60% tread remaining. I even have a real 8-ball as the shifter! It has a number of cosmetic imperfections, but that's to be expected from a 32 year old vehicle that has not undergone full restoration. It doesn't have a glossy finish, but at this price point you couldn't be realistically expecting that. Anyhow, please feel free to ask me any questions you might have. I'll answer them as quickly and accurately as I can. Thank you for looking! PS - Picture of the bus set up for camping (with the awning out) is a little old. The spots you see are rust treated with inhibitor before they were sanded down and repainted. I couldn't wait to go camping once I got it! The other photos are recent. The metal racks on the top have also been recently removed and the fiberglass patched and painted.