When I finally got the call saying that it was available we negotiated a price and I got the title changed over. I went to check it out. I never had the chance to look at anything on it except looking from underneath because there was always stuff in the way. I knew the floors were solid from what I could see. Got it cleaned out and found it had a progressive center mount carb
I changed the fuel lines and filter. Bought a battery, checked over some things, put some gas in it and it fired right up! A little adjusting and was able to get it to idle decently. Drove up and down the street a few times. Felt very sluggish compared to the beetle but ok. the brakes were great! The tires were dry rotted pretty bad but should make it home. After some test runs I decided drive it to a friends house a few miles away and towards home. Halfway there the front tire was grabbing so hard I couldnt force the engine to push it off the side of the road. Luckily I was sticking to side streets, removed the tire and found the double piston calipers were not releasing properly. I took it apat and removed the pads and clamped off the hose, and continued on my way.
Almost there and a got a flat
I had a spare and forgot to check the pressure on that one. My buddy took it and pumped it up for me. The flat was from dry rot that just split open. Made it to my friends and then home a little later. Without any more issues
I wasn't able to do a lot at first because my now wife and I were planning and paying for our wedding. I was able to remove all the flex brake lines and replace and completely tear down the calipers and clean and put back together. The pads are like new and the brake pad backing plates are still there! Now the brakes grab and release great! I cleaned tons of garbage and stuff out. No mice nest or chewed wires just a bunch of stuff. The bus did have a very smokey( think beef jerky) smell though. I found a bin full of spices and smoke flavor and beef jerky recipe books. I Painted the rear passenger floor with masterseries silver after cleaning everything up and it seems to seal very well. there wasnt much rust in the rear. No holes at least. There are some areas that need to be patched in the front but nothing that i would be scared of to take on by myself. I also need to replace all the window seals. That are all shrunk back a few inches.
I plan on setting up the rear as a bed and jump seat with a table. Like a weekender. I know this has been a little long winded and random at times, but I love my bus and I plan on posting some pictures after i set up a photobucket and such. I have a 70 beetle as well that i have had for 7 years or so. I used to have a 68 beetle in highschool too. So im not new to VWs but the bus is a bit different. Hopefully i can post some pics within the next couple days.
