The "restoration" of a 1974 Volkswagen Bus

[Kanoee64]

Thanks. Your video has brought back a lot of old good memories with my Dad.

[TucKandTucK]

อยากทราบว่าคลิปนี้ เพลงชื่อไรหรอคับ 

[gabbsvw]

very very nice! I am restoring my second bus (you can never own just one). It's a '74 also. Thanks for the inspiration! Love, Peace, VW Grease.

[ThatIrieFeeling]

Just wow, i am impressed and inspired! You took that thing from a field and just you to the open road and a family. She lasted you a long time giving great adventure stories I'm sure. I am currently working on my own restore of my '79 Transporter. Hope i can get her looking like yours (aside from the pop top) and get her running great. Thanks for the inspiration man. Good travels to you :)

[issejnicole]

i have the same baby and seein u and your family with yours has made me get off my butt and do the same with mine..thax...its the best,,jessi

[SteelersBus]

@issejnicole GREAT!! Get out and camp with us! Full Moon Bus Club dot com! We have a website and a Facebook page. Great Volks and some really cool Buses! Keep on Truckin! :-)

[romodig]

Thanks again for the inspiration! Finally, at the age of 55, I have my Westy bus. She's a '78 by the name of "Sunny," I look forward to making my own memories in her. Better late than never. Since we live in Tampa, she'll be a long suffering Bucs fan like me. God bless.

[SteelersBus]

@romodig That's awesome! Enjoy Sunny! There is alot of Buses down your way! A Bus camping club Full Moon Bus Club. Keep your eye out! Check us out at our website. Full Moon Bus Club dot com

[Bronson1886]

Seeing these vans makes me want to get one there are so practical and i like that you can camp with them.

[yellowstoned1]

NICE! I had a 67 westy in the 70s, good resto and i like the roomier 74 type II body. It makes me want another van for retirement.

[SteelersBus]

@yellowstoned1 NEVER too late to get another Bus! I host a Bus campout here in PA. We get about 75 Buses gathered and ages range from 16 to 80s! No joke! These silly vans bring together any age gap!

[MegaNavegante2010]

CARAY Q TRISTE Q DONDE QUIERA PONGAN ANUNCIOS.......!!!!

NO DEJAN DISFRUTAR LOS VIDEOS!!!!

[mrsafety100]

Nice work! LOVE IT!

[OneFoot1967]

Only a VW bus could bring a Cowboys fan and a Steelers fan together! Very nice video.

87 Westy.

[SackSayed]

Anyone know how much one costs? $

[xpctng1]

Of course - a Steelers fan could be this cool. Great job on Bettis. Love it!

[1977bus]

I love your bus nice video

[phatmat2000]

great video dude, great westy too

[amcanmike]

nice

[spsmonktoo]

Great, great video! How could anyone NOT enjoy this?

[inyourdreamsladdie]

lovely family, lovely van, lovely life, dude, you are a lucky man!

thanks for posting, this just cheered me up.

[SteelersBus]

@inyourdreamsladdie Thank You! It has been a lifetime of memories, for sure! Glad I could make ya smile!

[brokenbiker91]

i love that you see the growth of the boys as well as the constant of the van. awesome video!!!

[SteelersBus]

@brokenbiker91 Thank you! It's been a fun 10 years owning Buses! Wouldn't trade the experiences for nothin!!

[circa73skater]

the last picture is priceless. and the music was great

[SteelersBus]

@circa73skater Thank you kindly! Much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[romodig]

Fantastic! Beautiful bus and beautiful family. You all appear to be having more fun and joy than most people get in their Rolls Royce. You're boys will always remember those camping trips in the bus. You are blessed.

[SteelersBus]

@romodig THANK YOU KINDLY!! :-)

We do have tons of fun in the Bus...now Buses! As my wife drives a red '69 Westy. We have one more Bus campin weekend to go in 2010. Next weekend! We'll be havin a Thanksgiving gatherin. I also host a Bus campout. grannygrosesbuses . com If you're anywhere in the area...join us!

[thelittlebsl]

pkay so can someone pleaaaasee tell me how a bus would do on a long drive. i mean looong drive ahah from california to Boise,Idaho?? stupid idea or what? i am moving to Boise but i want a bus and have been shoping around for one

[SteelersBus]

@thelittlebsl Take care of your Bus and your Bus will take care of you. You could buy a BMW and break down 2 miles from home.

If you give your Bus a full tune up and check everything out before a drive....and everything checks out....hop in and roll....ANYWHERE!!

California to Idaho? NO PROBLEM! I know Volks who drive iin a Bus from east coast to CA and back!

Enjoy the ride!

[thelittlebsl]

@SteelersBus wooow that is pretty crazy ahah east coast to cali ahah and another thing that worries me is that in winter it will be maybe 15 below 0 so could i put a heater or something in there? because it will be my daily driver, i am selling my truck to get a bus

[SteelersBus]

@thelittlebsl A Bus has no water. No frozen radiator or hoses! ;-)

[BitchesAtTheClub]

Out of curiosity, what are the size of the tires/rims that are stock on that. Because I was thinking of doing a custom bus, but wanted to throw rims on it, and was wondering how big I could do without them rubbing up against the wheel well and such.

I mean if major modification is needed to be done I might be up for the challenge, but I was wondering if you had any idea of how big I could get away with w.o modding

[SteelersBus]

@BitchesAtTheClub The stock tire I go with is Hankook. Size 185R14 Not sure how big you can go with stock setup.

[mojophone1]

Great job on the restoration. Only bad part of it was putting the Pigsburg Squeelers symbol on it. lol

[BloodRedChorizo]

How much did it cost to restore, if you don't mind saying?

[SteelersBus]

@BloodRedChorizo I never really sat down and added up the receipts(which I do have em all) Most of the work was done by myself or friends. So that saved ALOT of mechanics fees and such.

If I was to guess what I put into Bettis before he was road worthy, I'd say roughly $6500(June of 2003) That was new engine, new transmission, new engine accessories like carb and distributor. Basically the only thing that wasn't completely redone was brakes and suspension.

[beatleboy1999]

is that a maryland lisens plate in the begining? becase i live in maryland

[SteelersBus]

@beatleboy1999 Yes. It was bought in PA. About 20 miles north of Hagerstown, MD.

[SuperAshCash]

Ahhhhh AWESOME CAMPER!!!!

[tweetnsly]

@fungus1024 ...Thanks Fungus1024...I have another question which might be answered once we start to attach the seal but I thought I'd ask before we got started. We just purchased the pop top seal. There was no glue with it. Do you have to attach the seal with glue and if so what kind of glue? Also is there a websight that I can go to for answers to these questions. Thanks so much, Debbie

[tweetnsly]

please email me at tweetnsly@msn.com for any info. thanks

[tweetnsly]

Thanks Fungus1024 for your reply. I have another question. We just purchased the seal for the pop top. There was no glue with it. Do you have to use a glue to put that on and if so what kind of glue? Is there a websight that can answer these questions for me? You can email me at tweetnsly@msn.com..thanks so much, Debbie

[GeorRich]

@tweetnsly

Like a said already I am big fan of the Volkswagen bus and I just bought a 1974 Volkswagen Eurovan. I need a Power Brake Booster (vacuum servo) and I was wondering if you could help out in this matter or maybe give me some direction in order to purchase a new Power Brake Booster (vacuum servo) or if possible an overhaul kit etc....

Thank you!

Daniel

dangeory@yahoo.com

[SteelersBus]

@tweetnsly sorry I missed your questions. No, you do NOT need glue or a adhesive to attach the pop top seals. They have metal inside the more less clamps to the "roof".

There is a website for Bus lovers!! Come join us! Full Moon Bus Club...

[micr0bus1]

Where did you find it?

[SteelersBus]

@micr0bus1 Waynesboro,PA Just about 20 miles north of Hagerstown, MD

[micr0bus1]

Love the bus, where did you find it?

[GeorRich]

Congratulation with you restored Volkswagen bus!

I am big fan is a fan of the Volkswagen bus. I just bought a 1974 Volkswagen Eurovan. This bus starts and run. But I have one small problem I have is my Power Brake Booster (vacuum servo). I was wondering f you could help out in this matter or maybe someone else with some direction in order to purchase a new Power Brake Booster (vacuum servo) or if possible an overhaul kit etc....

Please reply at dangeory@gmail.com, Daniel *** THAK YOU***

[Geostars]

Wow. Beautiful job! 74-78 were the best years.

[tweetnsly]

I love your video. We recently purchased a 71 Westy and are starting the restoration. The first thing we need is the seals for pop up and pop top rubber straps. Would you know the best and most reliable place to purchase those? Thanks, Debbie & Joe

[MrSafetymeeting]

Thanks for puttin it back on the road.I hate to see these sittin in the weeds rustin.

[volvoks06]

ATARA ATAR ULAN . . .

[mistacannonball]

This is absolutely my favorite vehicle ever made! Its a shame that they let most of them get abandoned. But its good to see that good people like you are willing to bring them back! Nice Work!

[kyndsister]

Sweet! Perfect music too. Enjoy your beautiful bus, it's dreamy! :)

[SteelersBus]

@kyndsister THANKS! :-)

[interjomychof]

nice!! esa es pasion!! muy chingona te kedo tu camionetita!!

[heroicomique]

good job

[zaid626]

hey men, saludos desde guadalajara mexico, muy bonita la westfalia, yo tambien tengo el modelo 74 aunque la mia esta en reparacion, espero compartir alguna foto.

[gwtf31]

this man learned how to be truly happy

[vtv7416]

GREAT! BYE BYE FROM ITALY!!!

[420witchdoctor]

Lucky, man. You found an almost complete Bus. How much ya pick it up for? I had a very nice Burgundy and white 1972 Kombi Bus hardtop with an RV electric furnace and camper interior. Sink and stove, and even had a deep-cycle 12v battery for a mini-refrigerator.

[SteelersBus]

Well, I bought it as a shell. No Tranny or Engine. What was left of the interior was literally scraps. Only thing that stay inside or on the Bus is the two front seats.

Even the top was "replaced". I used most parts from my first Bus, the pumpkin orange one you see in the video.(in the beginning)

Seven years ago, next month, I paid $1500 for the shell, paint supplies, the body work, and the Bus sprayed. Hell of a deal! I then did the work after it was painted. In end, roughly $6500

[420witchdoctor]

Very very awesome. I wish I could drive your Bus!

[Lonestar371973]

Thats neat!

[SteelersBus]

THANKS for all the kind comments!! :-)

[harmonyorosz]

Will you marry me? Just kidding! GREAT VIDEO! Love it!

[jdawgsworld]

love the songs, great restore, happy kids...peace

[bxlxix69]

nice job, i like it....

[Interests2009]

At one point in time, I wanted a VW Bus.

Great video.

Thanks for sharing.

5 stars.

[kerri494]

Fantastic to see the VW ftransformed from a wreck, to a well used & loved family van. Well done, I hope you and your family have many more happy holidays. One day I hope to have a VW, park up by beautiful scenery, watch the sun go down and wake up watching the sun rise, pure bliss :)

[deeboweeble]

just had my 76 bay restored, she's the same colour as this one, lovely to see them looking so great!!

[JohnThomasB]

except for that steeler stuff, great "slideshow" !!!!

I'de love to do this to a VW bus, but my colors would be blue & silver

[LeaveLushes]

I could be wrong but aren't you selling this on a website? (The orange 1)... Could be wrong...

[SteelersBus]

Nope. Not me. :-)

[ETBzocka]

why does the bus have a german lisence plate (wob=Wolfsburg) ?

[SteelersBus]

I bought it off Ebay 6 yrs ago. It's an actual German plate with registration sticker and all. Wanted to have a German plate for the city where Buses were built! :-) It was either that or Hanover. We're allowed to run em here in PA.

[ETBzocka]

whats the second song called?

[starbucksmunky]

COME ON....dude its Lowrider by War

[ETBzocka]

thanks:) and sorry for not knowing that classic song^^

[MetaView7]

the outside looks so small, yet the inside is so much bigger than anything on the market right now.

why can't anyone build something similar today?

[MetalCranium3]

@MetaView7 it just wouldnt have the same feel :/

[ETBzocka]

just a moving video! makes my feelings go up! 5 stars

[wCwNeverDie]

woooah! Low Rider!!! WAR rules

[nefti66]

great job....miss my old bus cherry red camper 73 and then i've got an orange 74 full camper wich burnt in costa rica...r.i.p.

now going to buy a 87 westfalia water cooled....

can't wait to go camping....

love them campervans

[bimboaq]

nice vid men!...where did u buy the little hammock the goes in driver and passenger seat?? ive been looking for that!

[SILLYSTUNT]

JUSTIN!!!!!! MY MOONIE FRIEND, NICE VIDEO DUDE. PEACE OUT, sILLYSTUNT

[SteelersBus]

Hey! Thanks! Nice to see some Moonies on here! :-)

[sonsetserenity]

nice job you bus rocks!! My hubby and I are restoring a 78 westy it needs a lot of help! Any ideas in how to get mold out? Love the pics of you all camping I can't wait to get her going Blessings!!

[Shaggyshadric]

Bleach kills mold pretty well, but it might dissolve the paint and you def don't want to inhale the fumes ;] good luck on your bus :D

[FireCapsules]

Steam cleaners work good too, I'd still wear a resperator tho. Then bleach after. Good luck!

[infestedfrank]

/cry! I wish mine looked like this!

[Shanenon]

What a wonderful treat to see your video. Way to keep the Westy dream alive. You rock!

[MCWEDS]

what was your application method for the wood floor in the main area? What is it attached to?

[SteelersBus]

I removed all original flooring. Laid down a piece of the OE felt. Then 3/4" pine. Put Adhesive glue down and then laid linoleum. NOT REAL WOOD! :-)

[headrush307]

nice bus man, I actually recognize it from the dead show at penn state back in october, was that you?

[SteelersBus]

Yessir that was me. :-)

[canoehill2]

dude very very cool im got an 82 westy !!! cool choice of songs steelers??!!! my dad played for them in the 50s!!! he passed away on 11/28/08 he was 75 he was from hazleton excellent photos my westy is chattering on hills i cant figure it out i like the tunes im gonna share this with my buds in long island ive yet to camp with mine my dad had a 62 samba he bought new in brooklyn!!!i found mine for 2 k sittin in red hook ny this cheered me up god bless you and your family hoppy easter!!!

[Tube7686]

hey, I just wanted to say how moved I was by your video, it really shows what the Volkswagen bus was meant for! VW For LIFE!

[SteelersBus]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Much appreciated! We eat, drink, breathe, live, and LOVE Buses!!

[killerdeamonking]

oh ive got bad news for you weimaraner6

because you have to lift the rear end up in order to get the engion out. sorry bad spelling

[cavemanillustrations]

I have purchased and fixed up two 1971 busses over the last two years. It is so much fun to restore, hunt for those little pieces you need on line, etc.

I recently sold a white 1971 pop-top to a guy from Japan. It is now over there...

[redbugiii]

Great Tent at 2:56!!! Is it after-market or is it an original VW option???? Do you know where they come from? The tent, not the aliens planning on driving my Bus!

[weimaraner6]

I have a 73 Westie that my best friend bought brand new and she passed away three years ago and left it to me in her will. Still has the original tent, etc.. not bad shape but engine is blown... I need an engine!! and someone who knows how to put it in..... lol... My bus is the same color, etc... her name is: Edyce

Keep on truckin'.....

[SteelersBus]

OMGosh!! We need to get that Bus on the road again! You have no idea the memories you will have with any Bus! If you are serious about getting the Bus back on the road, i can help you. Send me a message!!

[redbugiii]

Where are you located.?? Will work for Food and Cigerettes!!!!(and maybe Coffe too)

[weimaraner6]

I am in South Carolina... about mid state..... I can def. feed you and get ya some smokes..... Coffee too!!!

OMG - this would be amazing....

[SteelersBus]

How far from Charleston, SC?

[weimaraner6]

2 hours from C Town... will be there tomorrow for work... :o)

[SteelersBus]

You need to post a "Help!" thread on Full Moon Bus Club. You ask for help and it will come to you!

[weimaraner6]

thx man- i will do that....

hey man - check out the video i uploaded of Marcus Lee King 13 year old blues guitarist... he's off-the-chain!

[imfercho]

Hey nice work! Now I want back that 1980 VW bus that my father sold in 2001 and make the same thing that you did. I loved that bus :(

[GazeNtheBlueHaze]

sweet vid love the bus and great work you did restoring it

[SteelersBus]

Thank you very much! It's worth every penny, worth every drop of sweat, and every drop of blood, when we get to enjoy camping and driving in the Bus.

[fatherPease]

I'm Sure you took off the Jerry Sticker.

[GOTTshua]

Wish I had a garage big enough to work on my VW bus. Yours looks fabulous.

[kyndsister]

SWEET!

[SteelersBus]

Thank You for all the kynd comments! Much appreciated! We have a blast in Bettis. Lookin forward to doin another!!

[goodfingerz]

Hey.... thats the allman bros not the dead!

[SteelersBus]

Ummm, actually, if you watched the whole video, the Grateful Dead is on there.

[chiv0666]

yeaahh great trip!

[Bamjoop]

Nice. Great for tailgating at Heinz Field.

[Tube7686]

You wont find much in the tailgate of the bus.. unless you wanted to cook a steak on the engine.. no, all the buses magic is on the side :)

[Tube7686]

reply to "Bamjoop" on page 3..

[vwbusssesareforever]

Wow! If I only had the time, money, and talents to restore one. Been lookin' for one, but haven't found any around where I live.

Great song by "The Grateful Dead". :-) (o\!/o)

[babybluetype2]

inspire me, not that you already haven't. how long did this take you? Did you do your own bodywork?

[SteelersBus]

It took a total of 3 months. I bought the Bus as a shell, had the body work and paint done, then did the rest myself.

[mingovideo]

Beautiful bus, inspiring video. My '74 Westy is running great (with a Chevrolet carberator, believe it or not), but I need to refurbish the interior. I hope I can do as good a job as you did!

[figuringoutlife]

Thats beautiful!!!!!!!!! Lucky you! I'd love to have one.maybe someday.have fun.*peace*

[Dicedrum]

Incredible! Looks like you guys had a blast in it too! I've got a '71 I'm hopeing to do that to someday! Great soundtack too!

[BeecharehProductionz]

Thats so COOL! I just bought a 1974 Westfalia just like that! TWINS! We are doing a complete transformation also and we are going to takke it on a road trip for a week! Great JOB!

[hippiejess007]

I thought this was wonderful, I've never rated anything and I thought you just clicked on the stars to rate it, but I didn't realize you had to click the star you wanted to rate it, so I meant to give it a 5. sorry! That's a great video!

[steelersgurl73]

WOW! That was amazing to see the transformation... a labor of love :) He's beauteemous! I love the music.