1973 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

Minivan/Van

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Clear

works fine

Gasoline

1973 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER TYPE II Here is a Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 in very nice original running condition. It's rare to find available a completely unrestored vintage Bus as nice as this one is. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Bus Features 1.7L 4 cylinder gasoline-powered air-cooled engine Dual Solex carburetors Manual 4-speed transmission Owned and operated since new by the same family Continuously registered, lightly driven, and always garage stored Currently exempt from AZ emissions testing as a collectible vehicle Clear title Only 104603 original miles My father purchased this Bus new on January 18, 1973. Since then, the Bus resided in Northern Virginia before moving to Arizona last year after my father died. As I'll show you, he took very good care of his Bus, both functionally and cosmetically, during its Life. Sadly, unlike him, I can't provide the TLC this Bus deserves so it's now for sale here on eBay with no reserve. As a throwback to that era, bids start at the original 1973 price of this Bus. Before I describe the Bus further for you, let me be perfectly clear. I am selling this Bus on eBay and you are hoping to buy a Bus on eBay. This is good. But buying a car is tricky business, especially a used one, and moreso when the vehicle is not actually in front of you to see, hear, touch and smell. So communication between you and me is critical if we are to work successfully together to find my father's Bus a new home. I have provided many pictures here for you to examine and many more words here for you to read. Please take the time to review these photos and read this entire listing carefully. If you need additional information before bidding, ask and you shall receive. I have sold many unique items on eBay over the last 2 years and bought many more over an even longer period of time so I am no stranger to this market. I am a responsive seller. You are welcome to check out my feedback. OK, now let's check out this Bus. I'll give you a full tour. THE EXTERIOR Walking around the outside of the Bus, its external appearance is quite good. All body panels appear pretty straight and are structurally sound. Considering that the Washington DC Metro area was its home since new, the lack of signficant rust anywhere on this Bus is evidence of the degree of care with which my dad maintained it for so many years there. Heavy winter road salt was diligently hosed off before garaging the Bus each night. That same care is reflected by the condition of the hub caps, the very same chrome VW hub caps the Bus wore rolling off the showroom floor when new. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Nearly all of the Bus' two tone beige and white paint is the factory original paint and, despite the occassional chip or scratch, some touched up some not, it remains in pretty good shape. Most of the spots decorating the front of the Bus which you may be able to make out in my very first picture above is not recent paint damage. Just after leaving the car wash on my way out into the desert for a few more pictures of a nice clean shiny Bus for this listing, I drove through a swarm of bugs on the freeway. So you get to see what it looks like in real life instead. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) While most of the paint appears to be original, the passenger side tail light area and the exposed surface of the associated quarter panel have been repainted. These appear to be the only areas of the Bus which have ever been repainted outside sporadic rice-size touchups here and there. This tail light is a replacement. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) This Bus looks here as it did before the Arab oil embargo later in 1973 brought a new world order of thieves and locking gas caps to the masses. The paint inside the filler compartment appears to be original, looking slightly flatter than the repainted finish on the nearby exterior surface of the surrounding quarter panel. All stickers and decals you see were placed by Volkswagenwerk AG when the Bus was new. Most have remained intact and in very good condition. This one conveniently references VW's original Oktan and Reifendruck specifications for the service attendant. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Directions in German and English for opening, closing, and securing the sliding door. The sliding door can be locked from the outside with the key and also from the inside by flipping a lever. What's odd about these inner and outer locks is that they operate independantly of one another so that, however the door is locked (whether from the inside, the outside, or from both inside and outside), the door must be unlocked in exactly the same way to open it. Front doors which can be locked and unlocked from either the inside or the outside operate in the "normal" way. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Doors and windows operate easily and all latches and associated locks function smoothly. Weatherstripping is in good shape, that for the sliding door was replaced many years ago. The doors and windows close squarely and are water-tight, in fact they are nearly air tight. With all windows closed, the air pressure rise upon slamming the last door shut (and you really have to slam it shut) just about blows out your eardrums if you are inside. Very VW. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) The OEM window glass surrounding the Bus is pristine. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Original? Replacement? The bay windshield's manufacturer marking in the picture differs from that seen on all the other Bus glass like that in the preceding picture. While I do not believe the bay window was ever replaced, I cannot say for sure here. However, last Spring, while driving on the Beltway outside Washington DC, a golfball-sized rock struck the windshield. I would have preferred bugs, but the damage to the windshield's lower driver side corner is minor and doesn't interfere with the view. However, the Mark of Experience is still there. Windshield wiper blades are old, definitely not original, and should be replaced. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Though not too noticable from the street, here is more evidence of the way this Bus was treated over the years. With no significant rust, original paint on the Bus roof is clean and so are the rain gutters all around. OK, that's a bird's eye view of the Bus (without the splatter). We'll see the Bus interior in a bit, but first, let's get a bug's eye view of the Bus. UP ON A LIFT Trying to show you everything, here is the best I can provide for you. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Looking forward along the driver side running board, you can see that the minor surface rust seen along the lower edge of the panel in other pictures really is minor and doesn't look so bad up close. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Looking backward along the driver side panel's lower edge shows its similar condition in that direction. But you learn something new every day. I honestly never noticed this glaring "wrinkle" prior to taking this exact picture for this listing, but while it IS a shallow "dent" and not some camera artifact, the mechanic's office does tend to make things look worse than they really are. Its appearance depends strongly on camera angle. See my other photos, many of which were taken contemporaneously with this one, even the one immediately preceding it taken within minutes of this one on the lift! (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Minor rust can also be seen along the passenger side running board when looking forward. That exposure to road salt for decades can be unforgiving. Let's raise the lift higher so we can do more than just peek under the edge. CRAWLING UNDER THE BUS (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Overhead is the bottom of both engine and transmission. They are what they are, in their natural state, and not steam cleaned for appearances here. A new (not rebuilt) starter motor was installed last year when the old one died. Oil is seeping from somewhere although I haven't yet traced the leak to its source. Could be a leaking valve cover. Some cardboard protects the floor from the occassional drip while the Bus is garaged. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) The transmission itself and rear CV joints. All CV joints were replaced in the late '70's. All boots appear intact. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) View of the transmission and rear frame. Virtually no rust and few cobwebs. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) View of the mid-section undercarriage where duct work appears sound. The Bus "heater" still provides lots of warm air. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Looking forward to the left, we see the driver side front axle and brake caliper. Front brake hoses were replaced many years ago. Rear brake cylinders were also replaced at the same time but being inside the drums aren't so readily accessible. No signs of leakage can be seen. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) And to the right is the passenger side front axle and brake caliper. Brakes stop the Bus well but front end dives under hard braking. From the records I have, all shock absorbers appear to be over 20 years old. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) View of the front suspension. Driver side tie rod was replaced. Now, having seen the outside of the Bus from just about every imaginable angle, it's time to check out the inside of the Bus. You'll be impressed. THE INTERIOR As you look over the interior carefully, you will see that it appears to be complete. All of it is original and is, in a word, fantastic. and, in two words, almost perfect. Almost. Hey, I want to show you everything. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) A radio has never been installed in this Bus. This is the way my dad liked things, simple. He was a minimalist. None of the 3 ash trays in the Bus ever held ashes or butts. Bus is from nonsmoking household. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) As presented earlier in this listing, the current reading is a few hundred miles higher since moving to Arizona last summer. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Now here, the wrinkly black rubber covering beneath the driver's seat itself has become brittle with age. A plate-sized piece has broken free but has not been lost. It still covers the corner in the photo. Around the edges, the covering is beginning to come unglued from the floor. Similarly, other plastic materials have become increasingly susceptible to the rigors of use. Last year, I broke the little plastic hook to hang the driver's seat belt buckle on by the driver's head when unused. It's in the ashtray if you can repair it. The navigator's little seat belt hook is still intact. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) The middle seat which seats two passengers can easily be removed to clear approximately 4'(W)x5'(L) of floorspace for cargo in the Bus. The original black heavy rubber floor mats, both here in the mid section and up front, are in excellent shape with no rips, tears, or scrapes. All the upholstery and carpet is in like condition. Same with the beige wall panels. Overall, hard to believe for a Bus over a hundred. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) The rear seat which seats three passengers can also be removed for additional cargo space. So stripped, this Bus once made a great camper for the family many years ago at the beach. It's a very versatile design. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) A luggage compartment for additional gear and the spare tire are accessible from the interior and from the exterior by raising the rear lid. The Bus also has an access lid beneath the carpet over the engine compartment for top access to the engine in addition to rear access provided by the exterior engine hatch door. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) All interior areas of the Transporter are easily accessible via the walkthru between the front seats and the isle way between the middle passenger seat and the sliding door. Provision of multiple access routes for use and maintanence of the vehicle exemplifies the finest in VW design engineering. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Original instructions in German, English, French, and Dutch, for operating the sliding door from the inside. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) The overhead spotted lining is in very good condition with no marks or smoke stains. Only this one small 3" split in this covering by the rear hatch door and a few other sites of wear mentioned elsewhere here prevent me from characterizing the entire interior condition of this Bus as mint. BUS MAINTENANCE HISTORY My father's log (Air Force veteran) records a pattern of conscientious routine maintenance activities on his Bus. For example, oil was changed every 1000 to 3000 miles throughout the 100K mile Life of this Bus. Recorded routine maintenance included oil changes, ignition tuneups, valve adjustments, and replacement of parts for normal wear as needed. From his log and markings in his various manuals, I've tried to assemble the maintenance history for the Bus during its driving Life. Nothing major appears to have been done. Excluding "routine" items, here is a synopsis of that history: 0K (01/73) New Purchase (List price $2999) 37K (12/77) All 4 CV joints replaced 37K (01/78) Ignition switch replaced 45K (01/78) Carbs overhauled 53K (07/79) Fuel pump rebuilt and fuel lines replaced 66K (08/81) Sliding door weatherstripping replaced 71K (11/83) Carbs overhauled & new spark advance diaphragm installed 73K (08/84) Ignition switch replaced 83K (05/85) Left tie rod replaced 88K (05/87) Rear shocks replaced 89K (06/87) Carbs overhauled 89K (07/87) Front shocks and oil pressure switch replaced 98K (06/91) Turn signal switch replaced 100K (11/92) Pushrod tube seals replaced 101K (12/93) Carbs overhauled 101K (10/93) Rear brake cylinders & front hoses replaced A few years later, the Bus became an antique vehicle and was registered and insured as such in Virginia for very reduced cost. Its daily driving duties had been essentially assumed by the family's other cars so that the Bus sat garaged except for an occassional jaunt around town or a local Manassas BugOut show. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Since I know so little about the engine, I pulled the plugs last month to obtain a qualitative description for you of its internal condition. Plug appearance seems normal enough, basically tan, a little sooty, but with no overt oil fouling, damage, or other abnormal condition apparent. You can see a slight oil film on the cylinder #4 plug. For a more quantitative description of engine "health", I measured maximum cylinder compression for the engine, HOT (ouch!) at WOT, to be 120-120-130-115 psi for cylinders 1-2-3-4 respectively. These gauge figures are uncorrected (altitude here is about 2000 feet) but, even taken at face value, they seem not too shabby. VW specifies 85 psi as the minimum serviceable cylinder compression so the Bus apparently has some significant Life left. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) While aged, the engine, still runs pretty well. No smoke and just a minor oil leak somewhere. Regular maintenance and light driving were undoubtedly instrumental to the longevity of this Bus. SO HOW DOES THE BUS DRIVE? While not registered and insured for daily road use, the Bus does get taken out around the block or around town occassionally just to keep it limber, the cobwebs at bay, and its juices flowing. All lights, gauges, switches, horn, and other driver controls currently appear to function normally. After some carburetor work last Spring (dump tube reinstalled into passenger side carburetor), as well as the installation of a new starter motor and battery, the Bus has little problem starting up cold. Hot, it starts almost instantaneously. Power transmission is without slippage and vehicle remains in gear while driving until manually shifted, either up or down. Shifting is smooth through all 4 forward gears and reverse from a stop without grinding or other racket. Brakes stop well, though brake fluid hasn't been changed in years so you should add that too to your todo list. The rear tires (Michelins) are 5 years old and have almost a half inch center tread depth. The front tires and spare (Conti's) are older (no idea) and have about half that tread depth remaining. Shocks were mentioned above. Wheel alignment seems satisfactory. While cruising the freeways, there are no shakes or shimmying. The antique engine of this Bus really will not power you and the Bus to any land speed records or breathtaking quarter mile times. The owner's manual lists a MAXIMUM cruising speed of 78 mph. I find this a very realistic number. Just keeping pace with the 75+ mph traffic here on the freeways, especially with a strong gusty wind trying to knock you off the road, can be a bit stressful. However, piloting the Bus around town at more leisurely speeds can be a wonderful opportunity to really appreciate a cool ride and to just enjoy all the scenery flowing by. I also find it creates a lot of smiles and even elicits the occassional wave. I've found only two current mechanical issues in driving the Bus, neither apparently critical for getting to point B. The first is that the accelerator pedal doesn't return fully the last quarter inch of travel upon release, so that the engine's "idle" speed when vehicle is at a stop is a bit faster than normal unless you reach down and pull the pedal up by hand. The pedal linkage is either bent slightly or needs lubrication. Many years ago this was an issue and it received attention. Perhaps it needs more now? The second is a faint periodic squeak when rolling forward, the frequency of which is directly related to the wheel's rotational speed. The faster you roll, the faster the beat. I haven't yet been able to tell which wheel or wheels the noise comes from but the squeak disappears momentarily upon application of the brake pedal. And it's not there all the time. Perhaps one of the shoes or pads is rubbing. I don't really have the time to rout these gremlins from the Bus. I also wouldn't want to spoil your satisfaction exploring all the sites of Imperfection through which the Spirit enters and exits the Bus. Continued Kharma of this Bus really depends upon your own desire to keep it alive! To that end, a few simple tools and lots of quality TIME are all that are needed to keep this Bus running, forever it seems. My father's Bus is proof of that. I can't help you with TIME but you might appreciate these tools my father used to keep the Bus alive before passing it on. ACCESSORIES The following items, in addition to one original key (not shown), come with this Bus: (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) OEM tool set which includes the Bilstein jack, a Hazet open-ended wrench (10mm and 13mm), a handle rod, a double ended screwdriver for phillips and flat blade screw heads, a socket (19mm) for wheel lug nuts and to operate the jack, and a hubcap puller. These are all meant to be stowed under the front seat in a pouch constructed of the same spotted vinyl material which lines the ceiling of the Bus. Schauer Solid State 4A Battery Charger (Model 0221-04) Lafayette Radio Electronics 3-1/2" Dwell Tachometer (11-0105) - oldie but goodie with specs included for 1962-1972 vintage cars (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) I forgot to include my father's timing light in the picture with his Bus. It is an All-Pro model #523 DC power timing light and is for both 12V and 6V ignition systems and comes with instructions. He used this on his Bug before the Bus. Attempting to test it for you, I found the spring connector to the spark plug is too short to reach the plug in the Bus engine. I think my dad used an additional piece of spring of suitable ID as an adapter to extend its reach but I don't have it. So unit as provided is untested. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Bentley's "Volkswagen Official Service Manual covering Station Wagon / Bus 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974" (ISBN 0-8376-0056-1) This is THE technical reference and manual. Original "Volkswagen Owner's Manual - Operation and Maintenance - Type 2" with my father's original plastic VW customer identification card imprinted with his name and dated 1/18/73 Original "Volkswagon Emission Control System - Maintenance Requirements and Warranty 1973 Models" Arnolt Corporation's "SOLEX - Selection and Tuning of the Carburetor" Excellent presentation of both theory and practice in fewer than 50 pages. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Clymer's "Volkswagen Service & Repair Handbook Transporter 1961-1972" Many parts are relevent to 1973 models. One NOS Valve cover gasket (VW 021 101 481) from a set of two purchased Envelope containing a few new oil drain plug washers for oil changes. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Nice Bus. I've been following Bus ads on eBay Motors for over a year and this is truly a rare opportunity for you. * PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY * To assist your purchase decision, I have presented here all that I've learned about this Bus in the time since my father died and that I can remember from my childhood which I think might be material for your consideration in the best way I can. I rode in this Bus when I was a kid and I drive it now. Please understand that you are purchasing an original Bus and not a new or restored vehicle. This Bus has many minor imperfections and idiosyncrasies, both cosmetic and functional, in nature. I have made a very reasonable effort to disclose all issues of this Bus as I know them so that you can know exactly what you are buying. Please examine my pictures, read my description, and ask questions where you need additional material detail. This is not a minor purchase. I strongly encourage you to arrange for an inspection of this vehicle, either by yourself or by any party of your own choosing. Any such inspection will be at your expense. Your bid asserts both your intent and your legal capacity to purchase this Bus. If you do not intend to buy this Bus then do not bid on it. If you intend to buy this Bus and need permission to do so, then please get permission before bidding. Prior to bidding, it is your responsibility to have thoroughly examined this Bus, and to have satisfied yourself as to its condition and value and to bid based solely upon that judgment. Your bid is not contingent upon any future determination of merchantability or fitness of this vehicle for any purpose. You are bidding to own this Bus, not to test drive it. Buyer is responsibile for all transportation charges, duties, taxes, and/or fees associated with the transfer of both this vehicle and its title into Buyer's possession in his or her own state or country. Any legal dispute between Buyer and Seller which arises out of the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved under the laws of the state of Arizona in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. * WARRANTY * Bus is sold AS IS, with no warranties of any kind expressed or implied. This sale is final with no contingencies, re-negotiations, or refunds. * PAYMENT * 1) $500 nonrefundable deposit. Payment must be received no later than Tuesday, May 25, 2010 8PM Mountain Time i.e. within 48 hours of sale. Deposit may be paid by PayPal, USPS money order, or cash (in person). I will accept no other payment types for this deposit. If deposit has not been timely received then Buyer will foreit all claims to this Bus. 2) Remaining balance. Full payment must be received no later than Sunday, May 30, 2010 8 PM Mountain Time i.e. within 7 days of sale. Payment may be made by bank to bank wire, bank cashier's check, or cash (in person). I will accept no other payment type for this remaining balance. If full payment has not been timely received and no alternate arrangement has been agreed to then Buyer will foreit all claims to this Bus. Please note that most banks and credit unions will likely not provide financing for this Bus, so please have your finances in order prior to bidding. * SHIPPING & DELIVERY * If payment is by check, I will not release Bus for pickup and Buyer will not arrange shipping of Bus until Buyer's full payment has cleared my bank. Once Buyer's full payment has cleared, Buyer has 7 days to take physical possession of the Bus. Buyer may either tow or drive the Bus away. Since the Bus' registration expires upon vehicle's transfer to Buyer, the Bus will be provided to Buyer or Buyer's agent without license plates. This is not an issue if towing but if Buyer chooses to drive the Bus, a temporary (3 day) registration is inexpensively available from the AZ Motor Vehicle Division. For additional information, visit the AZ MVD website or contact the MVD here in Phoenix at (602) 255-0072. * THE BOTTOM LINE * Your bid acknowledges that you have read this entire listing and that you understand and agree to all of its terms. I combine shipping on multiple items. Please pay only in response to my invoice. Questions? Use my Seller Info's Ask a Question link in this listing's upper right hand corner for answers. Thank you for your interest here and good luck to you. * MY RELATED ITEMS FOR SALE * (click item's green title to view its listing) On May-21-10 at 14:24:57 PDT, seller added the following information: * T MINUS 2 * UPDATED 5/21: In response to your questions, I have added 7 new pictures of the engine compartment and some other info of general use. Check these out. The condition of the original foam sponge material surrounding the engine is remarkable. The battery compartment has very little corrosion present. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Looking down into the engine compartment through its top access lid in the rear luggage area. Air vents easily pop off to reach the carburetors and plugs. Now, panning over the back of the engine through the rear access hatch (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Well, this is it, the real thing. In the 18 months I have been driving the Bus, the engine, transmission, and clutch have never raised any issues for me. The Bus is located here in USA zip code 85086 which is about 30 miles north of Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix. To facilitate planning for those who have expressed interest in picking up the Bus, I would be happy to provide free shuttle service from PHX to the Bus during normal business hours. (click to enlarge, doubleclick to restore) Got OEL?