VW Bus in my future...

my 60 V-dub van

My van was the paneltruck version.Only the windshield,the windows on the two front doors and the rear hatch.No other windows.The two front seats were the only seats and there was that space between them,that you were talking about.Then, there were two more doors on both sides.A total of six doors! I was lead to believe that having all four rear doors open and being able to walk thru the van, from side to side, was what made it a walk thru van...It had the over the windshield venting. The dashboard WAS sparse,but almost nothing on it worked.The windshield wipers went back and forth about an inch. It still had a six volt system and driving with the lights on would run down the battery. I would keep a 12 volt battery from my Mustang II,in the spare tire well,to jump start it with. My wife and I had it set up "camper style". A mattress on a piece of plywood.Stuff packed underneath it. I wasn't imagining much room in it for very many seats.Certainly,not two rows of seats...Unless the second row faced backwards and was mounted just behind the front seats...

 

So, I better look for a larger one. We figure they'll be about 8 (4 women, 3 teens and one rug rat. If there's more, I'll be in the convoy with the Fairmont.

 

My brother-in-law,the VW repairman,once told me; each successive generation of VW van is just a little bit bigger than the last.Vanagons being just about as big as they get. They are also most likely to come with extra seating allready included---when they're not a camper...The caravan idea sounds like it might not be too bad---until the van wanders off on it's own...Maybe you should get an old school bus,,,or one of those airport wagons...

 

The schoolbus would be a hard sale, but probably the right size.

 

The VW busses might have seats for 8, but with modern roads and travel speeds (not to mention safety), putting all of your relatives in one might be a bit iffy.

You may want to consider a minivan (front or all-wheel drive), or even a full sized US van (like Ford Club Wagon or Chevy Express, etc.). Only problem with one of them big vans would be the step-in height for some of us older folk).

If this is a short-term deal, you could even rent one......

 

They're all short except one niece. She's 5'11". The rest of us are close to the ground (under 5'8")

I like the idea, because a restoration would be a long process, and run into about $9,000. Then where do I keep it? hmmm... Maybe the wife is wanting to move???:confused:

 

EWWWW, minivan.
(Gag)
If you can't find a restorable VW, buy TWO Ford/Mercury station wagons.
You have to retain a LITTLE style and class, don't you?

 

I guess Norm will change his name to Normie and grow out his hair wear a bandanna and stick a fake dobie in his mouth.

 

Everytime someone posts the higher end VW busses, I make sure my wife gets to oggle it first, then I show her the price. Kinda torturous, but seems to be working. That strategy may come back to bite me someday, but you have to live the NOW first.

 

I lived in that era, and managed to survive with my shorthair intact, thanks. Even had some on my executive in University.

The VW would not be my vehicle, but like the song says, "whatever Lola wants, Lola gets..." And that's her short name for Dolores. Whatcha gonna do, when you live in a zoo?

 

Peace Brother

 

You need a Roadmaster or Caprice wagon for that load. The 350 will have more then enuff power to do it and you will have a dependable and sexy ride. The resale value is great as well if'in you decide to sell.

 

Didn't get a chance to snap a pic, but yesterday I saw a VW bus done up with woodgrain sides. Thought of you when I saw it, Norm.

 

That would've been a riot to see! A woodie VW bus.

 

I had my VW bus up to 70 mph once on a 6% downhill grade with a bit of tailwind.