1973 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

Westfalia Other

4 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Engine This bus is equipped with the 1.7 liter Type 4 engine. The engine was carbureted from the factory. This engine is not running at this time. It turns over but has a vacuum leak somewhere and will not idle well. The bottom end however is good, so it will not require splitting the case to get it running. The bus can be purchased with either the original dual Solex carburetors or the single progressive carb on it now - one set-up or the other, but not both. The dual carb set-up is factory, but the progressive makes a bit more torque at the low end of the rev range, and additional torque with a camper is a good thing. Your choice when you buy. I will probably get the engine running some time this summer. If and when I do the price of the bus will go up substantially, if I don't sell it now. Do it yourself now and save. Mileage These buses only rolled up to 99,999 and then turned over so I have no idea what the actual mileage is. Transmission The bus has the factory VW automatic three-speed tranny. I have never driven it but the previous owner told me it was in good condition. If you prefer a manual four-speed VW thoughtfully provided all the bracketry to install a four-speed with a little effort. It's not a simple bolt-in, but darn near. Brakes Again, I have not driven it, but I have both towed it with a bar and rope-towed it and the brakes work well, without any noise. The brake fluid has never dropped level all the time I have had it, so no fluid leaks that I can see. The parking brake works. Body/Chassis The body is very good, considering how old it is. No major dents or missing panels. All the doors close with authority. All the windows open properly. The bus was resprayed sometime in its life. There is a small amount of surface rust in spots. The only bad spot on the body is the left rear bottom corner, beneath the back bumper, which had some minor denting, and was repaired. The bondo there has cracked and will need to be redone. The fiberglass pop-up and luggage rack are both very good. No leaks and no cracks. Both have been polished and have held up very well. The canvas in the pop-up is very good. No rips, tears or holes and the screening is all in place, with good zippers that all work. A minor spot cleaning will make it look like new, which it practically is. All the window rubber in the bus is in need of replacement but is also holding up fairly well, though there is some surface rust in those areas. (Replacement new rubber is available and a few pieces are included with the bus - see below.) The chassis has minor surface rust in spots where the undercoating flaked off but is otherwise excellent, with no structural damage or weakness at all. The only bad spot is the typical battery box area, which has been tinned over underneath, but should be replaced. The two wipers blades are brand new, but are not mounted at this time, so they will not take the sun's beating. All the lights have their proper lenses, which are in good shape. The original door key works in all openings and the bus locks up tight. TiresAll the tires are a few years old, but all are holding air well and all have more than enough tread to pass inspection and very little sign of age on the sidewalls. I would not drive far on them, but they should easily get the bus to its next destination. The spare is brand new - with the sticker still on it, and is in its holder in back, covered with a vinyl cover. The jack and a lug wrench are stowed up front. Interior All the interior doors panels have been replaced with thin wooden covers which are holding up well, except for the cover over the rear hatch, which will need replacement. The front vinyl kick panels look like new. The glove box needs a new knob, but the one on it now still functions. All the seats in the bus have been professionally recovered with a nice fabric which looks good. No rips, tears, holes or stains. All the seat belts are present and have been cleaned so they will more easily adjust. The fold-out "Z" bed works perfectly and is quite comfortable. The table folds away when not in use. The bus is equipped with the original ice box, with a small sink on top. The hand-operated water pump is working. The small water holding tank under the sink is also working. The electric outlet works when hooked up to power. The bus has a cassette stereo, with speakers in the back shelf and in the front doors, but I have never used it so I do not know if it works. The large interior light needs a new lens but a fairly good used lens is included, though not yet mounted. The front child's hammock over the front seats is included. The canvas is actually clean but stained by the sun. The brackets for the fold-out hammock in the pop-up are mounted, but I do not have the actual hammock. These come available occasionally on E-Bay or one can fabricate their own. The rubber matting under the front seats needs replacement but the main front floor rubber cover is in place, and in good, clean condition for its age. Most of the plastic handles on the cabinetry need replacement, though they still function. Some of the cabinetry plastic edge liners are missing or shrunk, though most are in place and fine. The rear hatch bug screen is present and in good condition and snaps into place well. Included is a front-window privacy cover. Overall, the interior is remarkably clean, considering its age. The original ignition key works. Possible Air Conditioning The bus had air conditioning at one point, and all the equipment is still in place, except for the compressor, which I still have. It does not work now, but a clever boy can fit new components where needed and get it working again. The condensers are still in their protected space under the cabin floor. The cold air vented out of a unit right behind the driver, to both the front and the back, and the fan, evaporator and dryer are contained under the small seat behind the driver's seat. It will take some effort and money to get it working but it is possible. Possible Cruise Control There is an after-market cruise control unit on the dash and the control box is mounted under the dash. I do not know if it works but it is there. Cross your fingers. Included Extras With the bus you get a new oil filter, two new alternator belts, some assorted ignition bits, A replacement starter drive, a large folding umbrella, a folding emergency roadside triangle, at least one new hub cap, a home-made center storage console, and both a new Haynes and a good Bentley factory manual on the bus. Also included is a brand new and uninstalled window scraper for the front passenger window, two new uninstalled vent-wing window rubbers and a new, small two-burner propane stove top which can be mounted in a cabinet or on some folding bracket which you will have to make. The stove top would operate off bottled propane. This is NOT a VW part, but rather something I bought from J.C. Whitney with the thought of mounting it someday. The tow bar in the pictures is NOT included with the price but I will allow you to use it to get her home for local buyers. It is actually too short - the towing vehicle comes VERY close to the bus on tight turns and might actually damage the bus in too tight a turn, but it works fine for wide turning and straight towing, so use it at your own risk, and after purchase. All others must arrange their own pick-up and delivery of the bus when purchased. The bus is near San Marcos, Texas, between Austin and San Antonio. A non-refundable 10% of the purchase price must be paid within 24 hours of the auction ending or the bus will go back up for sale. Full price must be paid within 7 days. This bus can be enjoyed as is, once the engine is sorted out, or it can be a very good start on a complete restoration. These things are increasingly rare and valuable, and this is a very nice example of an unrestored bus. It is also for sale locally, and I reserve the right to end the auction if I sell it locally before auction end time.