1969 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

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This blue volkswagen van is part of set from the Museum of Digital History, and the 2069 project/exhibit, which have been featured in books I've written. I bought the blue van from Ohio, had some Midwest experts slowly bring it back to life; it was in pretty rough shape originally, and it has been lovingly and almost completely transformed. My original goal was to restore it to perfection, but instead I brought nearly all the way there and have left some room for tweaking and customization. One of the rarest things about it is the rebuilt transmission; it's got its quirks, but for a 43 year old vehicle, it's not easy to find a rebuilt transmission, so that was pretty nice. I went ahead and kept spending money to take care of things that needed attention, putting safety first for the new owner - new seatbealts, rebuilding the steering column, a bunch of electrical work, you name it. For complete details, I can put a (Seriously) interested person in touch with the mechanics who helped to bring it back from the dead. Please don't call them if you figure out who they are; but I wil introduce you to them via email. Basically what I've done with most of the books I've written in recent years, is donate all the royalties to a non-profit organization I created, and some of the funds were used to acquire two volkswagen vans. To learn more about the story of the "Green" van, which is the one I'm keeping, see 2069.us - the original owner went to high school with Marilyn Monroe, bought the van in 1970, and it has a pretty interesting story. Regardless of whether the owner of the blue van does the bid or buy it now, they are basically being invited to join me in writing down their story in a blog, if they want to. There's also a bit of color coding at work - a concept that came from my PhD research - see About RGB - the green has a meaning, so does that blue. If I don't end up with a major donor to choose the buy it now option, at some point I plan to get a "blue" van again. We'll see. As far as your dreams go, what I will say is this - it's a lot of fun to drive around. It would be good if you had 4-5k to make it perfect, but it's driveable as it is, and it has tunes. It can be painted here and there, with minor tweaks - it is doable. A bit of adventure. But as is, just today, I was driving it around, and kids who've never seen a volkswagen wave - bikers will say something, people will come up to you and ask about it. That's fun; it's a cultural symbol. And that's why I see it as a partnership, whether someone bids or buys it now - if you're into that kind of thing. To each his own. DETAILS- maybe 50 miles on the rebuilt transmission - enough to get the kinks out, but close to zero.- engine is strong, don't know how many miles are on it- a lot of stuff has been replaced - electrical, lights, put a new stereo in- looks like the canvas is new from the previous owner in the top - minor front end fender bender sometime in the last 43 years, but solid, restored - new glass windshield - in the 1969 vans, you can sleep two below, but up top is a little odd - I guess you can stand in it or put the "hammock" up (For kids), but it doesn't sleep 4 like the later 70's vans- brakes, tires are new, turn signals work, lights work, just about everything works- I opted to bolt on the sink but it needs some work. if you don't want it I'll keep it for grins- there's seat covers for the front and misc parts- it needs a horn. Lance can put on one for you if you like- I would not recommend driving it back to wherever you want it to go. get it shipped. I've driven it around but not on a several hundred mile journey. my recommendation is get someone who knows volkswagen vans very well, to go over every inch of it to your satisfaction. I'm pretty satisfied but I'd check and re-check before taking it on a long road trip.- volkswagen vans require a special kind of shifting. Not only should you know how to drive standard, but you need to be willing to deal with some quirkyness. Lance might be willing to give you a lesson, and if you're up for adventure, then sure, you could do it if you've never driven standard before. but it would be best to have someone teach you who knows. I'm open minded about that, depending on the buyer and the situation.- best way to find out more details is to ask through ebay. THINGS I'D DO IF I KEPT IT- replace the locks- add a horn- add some more speakers- clean it with a sponge until it shines- not drive it in the winter, at all- look into aftermarket tweaks- add a fan or two (interior)- get some stickers and put them on the back