1978 VOLKSWAGEN VW WESTFALIA CAMPER VAN BUS

Description for Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon 1978

RELISTING 8/7/2016 - This Bus was purchased in the first Ebay listing by a very happy buyer in San Diego California, however, since the bus was not originally sold with catalytic converter there is a question if it will pass California smog test. Happy Bidding!
You are looking at a beautiful example of a 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper Bus! A true barn find that I discovered and purchased a few years ago.. This bus is nearly all original and very well kept, I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere today. As I planned to keep the bus for a while I have gone through and made sure she is mechanically sound.
New gas tank and fuel lines. New shocks and steering damper. Complete tune up. Brake job. Brand new Hankook properly fitted 8-ply tires. New radio (with Bluetooth and remote) and speakers. Driver and passenger 3 point retractable seat-belts. Interior is super clean.. sink, stove and fridg work, hard to believe she's nearly 40 years old.. The bus has had some paint respray as there are traces of over-spray on window seals, all are water tight.. Besidesa few small blemishes and touched up areas the exterior and paint are in excellent shape, a true head-turner :) all lights, light housings, mirrors, wipers, antenna, gaskets, etc.. are in place and work.
2 burner stove has been fitted to allow use of 1 pound green propane tanksElectric sink has a 7 gallon fresh water tankDual battery and electric refrigeratorSleeps 4 adults with upper and lower fold out bedsIncludes canvas child cot which hangs over front seats (hold up to 70 lbs / great to hold gear)Heat blows HOT
Feel free to ask questions, I'm happy to answer them all. Happy Bidding!
On Aug-05-16 at 03:21:30 PDT, seller added the following information:UPDATE: After receiving so many similar questions I realize that while viewing the listing with the Ebay app questions and answers can't be seen.. I'll copy and past answers here when there is info to be shared.
I've also included a link to a short video, however, Ebay no longer allows links so you'll have to look at the questions and answers section on a desktop (or desktop version on your mobile device) in order to see it. Or feel free to contact me directly and I'll send you the link. Thanks. Happy bidding!
A:Hello. Some undercarriage pics attached. As you can see everything is VERY solid. There is just a bit of dirt/dust from sitting for many years as well as some surface rust that could be easily sanded down if wanted to. All mechanical items are fine.. brakes, bushings, etc.. I also replaced both rear axles/CV joints as seen in photos. also installed a new clutch cable and sleeve. I believe this is a very reliable bus (although 40 years old) that anyone will be very proud to drive. Still has it's orig 2.0 fuel injected motor. low to mid 20's mpg. Please let me know if any addl questions or required photos. Happy bidding! short video here:
A:Hello, thanks for the email questions.. the bus runs great! The original 2.0 fuel injected motor, with matching numbers, runs very strong and starts up every time. In my opinion this is the best year for buses as it is the strongest motor (for true road-tripping) and has hydrolic lifters so no valve adjustment is ever needed. Not to mention the interior layout is by far the best of all models of buses.. She burns no oil and no smoke. All cooling tin is in place, there was even a engine seal in place when I found her so I don't believe any overheating ever took place. There was rust in the gas tank as most old VW's have which is why first thing I did was replace the tank and all fuel lines as well. The only mechanical issue I'm aware of is there is a slight stutter sometimes when pulling from a dead stop only in first gear. After a few minutes of driving you find the sweet-spot so I have felt no reason to take care of the issue. It's probably a bit of grease on the flywheel or in need of a new pressure plate which is an easy fix next time the motor has to be dropped. My local air-cooled specialist agrees with this assessment as well. In fact, each time I had the bus with him over the past few years I have received multiple offers to purchase.. As I mention in my post there has been a little bit of body work done, some before I got it and I cleaned her up a bit as well. Just some simple sanding down and removal of a little surface rust and primed and painted to last.. From a few feet back most people would consider this a showroom type vehicle, I personally like that it's not perfect so there is no pressure not to get her out on the road and enjoy! I believe there is a bit of of fiberglass behind each rear fender but it seems very strong and well done.. again, unless someone is inspecting it very close it is CLEAN. Please let me know if I can answer anything else.. Happy Bidding!
A:thanks for the note. when I got the bus there was a strong musty/animal smell throughout. I removed all traces of mice, washed the bus pretty much inside/out including heating ducts.. rebuild the fresh air vent system and gaskets. I steam cleaned all seat padding and also had a professional cleaner use an ozone generator to get rid of any remaining odors.. for the past year+ there has been no issue. I don't believe the clutch has been replaced. picture of upper bunk attached. the back half has anegg-cratetype foam padding in it. Ialways planned to replace all the bunk padding but never got around to it. We always lay an additionalegg-cratefoam on top as well as comfy sheets . hope this helps. thanks

On Aug-05-16 at 03:41:05 PDT, seller added the following information:

A: I believe the bus is right at 6.5 feet tall. as you can see in the photos a little surface rust exists on the undercarriage, but again, very light and typical for a bus of this age. while I had it on a lift a while back I hit a spot with an orbital sander and the rust simply went away. You could do the entire undercarriage like that and hit it with some rust inhibitor and than a rubber undercoating.. but definitely not needed though as it is all solid. there are a few very small specks on rear wheel-wells, as some clean up/fiberglass work was done in the past, it's just barely noticeably coming through.. as well as a just under where the pop top sits on the rear corners... seems that should be very easy to keep in check, or leave it alone and in 10 years when a complete restoration is done deal with it then :) If it wasn't pointed out to you you would not even see it. This bus has a cruising sweet spot right around 60-65 mph. It can easily do 80 although why would you want to do that in a bus? :) No add on cooler or freeway flyer.. In all my years of VW fun I've never seen the need for any of that. I've traveled the coldest and hottest places in similar buses without issue. Just take care of your bus and your bus will take care of you :)

On Aug-09-16 at 04:57:30 PDT, seller added the following information:

A: hello and thanks for the note. As you can see from the decal.. this bus was built to Federal standards. All original equipment is still in place. thanks.

On Aug-09-16 at 05:19:34 PDT, seller added the following information:

A: Hello, thanks for the note. I'd be happy to have you come take a look, however, I'm traveling until late tomorrow night. Happy to figure a good time/place on Friday if you'd like. As you can see from the attached pictures, there is a bit of dust/debris on the undercarriage and a bit of surface rust. It is all VERY solid and could be cleaned if wanted to. I believe I am the 3rd owner of the bus. Before me it sat in a barn in Iowa for about 17 years. This is not a showroom bus, which is why I'm not asking $25,000+, however, it is super clean even with a bit of clean up and respray done very well. Everyone who sees it can't believe the condition.. Engine runs very strong without any known issues. There is a slight stutter from time time time pulling from dead stop in first gear.. I have not found this a serious problem at all just have to find the sweet spot. I believe it may be a bit of grease on the flywheel or possible needs a new pressure plate/clutch. I planned to replace those parts next time engine has to be dropped but it has simply been a non-issue for me. Hope this helps. Thanks!