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1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 5:20 pm
by Marla
Hello Everyone,
I would like to start by introducing you to Gunther. I recently purchased him, This summer, from a guy in California although he was originally from Canada. I am very new to the VW world, so I am here to learn and hopefully meet some new friends. I was asked to post some pictures of him for all of you to see. So, I am starting this thread.

As you can see he has some bumps and bruises, but overall in decent shape. I am very excited about Gunther. Any suggestions you have are welcome. I would like to figure out the engine, if it in fact is a "bastard" and if it is something I should replace. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it really seems to be lacking power, I am just not sure if that is normal or if it is something to address.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 5:28 pm
by Marla
Here are a couple more pictures of the engine.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:36 pm
by Mike Kever Kombi
Looks fantastic, cant wait to see it in person. We do a 3rd thursday meeting every month, you should bring it out (next thursday), i believe we are at basils in elyria this week, need to add to calendar (hint hint) .

According to Bills reference that case is a late model 1200 so the engine is not a bastard engine. It may have originally come with a bastard, but has been switched somewhere along the line. They made have replaced just the cAse and left tins, stands, etc.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:58 pm
by 65Westy
Nice.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:43 pm
by Marla
Thanks!

Next week I will probably have it at the mechanic's getting checked out. So, I won't be able to bring him to the meeting. Although, I do plan on going to Kelly's Island. I am looking forward to it.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:43 pm
by wwebner
Marla,wow. The tumblers and cups,if original are somewhat rare,even reproductions are difficult to find.
The bowl,if marked properly and original is an so23 holy grail. The gas heater is in an odd location as everyone I have seen is in the engine comp opposite the battery. And heats the cabin area as opposed to the front although I can't see the duct work. M code should tell whether it was original to the bus, may have been installed later. I got $200 for a cargo net like the one in your bus a few years ago. the fridge is dry ice. the metal pan is where you put the dry ice. Can't tell for sure if yours is correct since they were wedge shaped with the narrow part being the opening so it fit in the upper shelf of the fridge. there are a few SO 23 owners on this forum who can help ID some things. I sold mine a couple of years ago and am working from memory and few pics. Looking forward to seeing it.
Bill
P.S. Did you find an Enders cook stove in the compartment under the rear facing seat?

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:19 pm
by Marla
From what I was told... all things are original to the bus. I am not sure hw you would prove that. The cups are stamped, the sink bowl I am not sure, I will have to look. I have the the child's hammock and the canopy structure with privy tent. I tried figuring out how to put it up but really had a hard time with it. Looking for help with that one. I do not have the enders stove though. I would love to complete the bus with it. So, I was looking on line, finding the correct model that came with the bus is hard. I will keep looking. The ice drip tray is just a square shaped tray, with a little spout and hose attached to it. So, maybe not original? I should probably look for a stamp on that too.

I will take more photos tomorrow and post them.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:20 pm
by 21window
Here is a pic of my M-Code plate. May help you gain a little more info on what yours used to say (if you care)

Looks like mine was built (11-30-59) maybe about 60,000 buses before yours if I'm reading it correctly.

Maybe yours was built 9-23-60.

This link is helpful

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/id.php

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:27 pm
by SlashKirk
It looks great!
I can help you with the tent, I've done it many times.

Re: 1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:30 pm
by vw7266
Hot damn thats a killer bus! You should drive it to fl with us in november