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zen
January 3rd 2004, 17:01
the truck is gone!!!!!!!!!:) :D

so what natually happens next? already thinking of the next project. the bug is nearly done and i need something else to work with and still need something to cart large objects around in. the natural solution...a bus...a GL bus though of course.

but as this is really an extra vehicle and to make it a fun challenge, i am thinking a budget-beater GL bus. i am sure there are plenty other out there already working in this mode, but it a radical switch from the approach i took on my bug. this will not be a strip down, gut it and rebuild it project. it will be fit things on as i can and as deals on parts allow. if i can do this, i will chronicle it for all.

as i still have an extra house for sale, i have to see if i can start this now or it has to wait a little. i have a certain bus on my mind at the moment that would be a starting place i think. i just have to see.

objectives:
1. GL exterior and interior look.
2. mild increase in HP and torque short-term, long-term who knows.
3. flexible interior config to allow decent ambiance and usefulness (wife and two kids) in normal config, but be able to carry large, dirty things when needed (parts to/from shows, etc).
4. flexible and improved suspension allowing for lowered appearance and better handling, but be able to carry heavy things when needed.
5. improved braking
6. car towing capabilities
7. increased safety whenever possible

so here is the starting critiria:
1. bay window bus (panel preferred, but not a requirement)
2. prefer TIV to start
3. good paint to keep costs down
4. good running condition already so this is a running project
5. CHEAP

planned upgrades:
1. 16"-17" 5x112mm rims (Audi or MB)
2. bagged (so i can have looks or be able to raise to carry heavy stuff, not trying to get racing performance out of the suspension)
3. 4-wheel discs
4. possible Line-X interior with removeable carpet pad or wood slat panels that are removeable
5. 944/911 seats or similar

#1 idea is the upgrades will happen as the right deals show up.

njv
January 3rd 2004, 19:33
hi
sounds like fun rat look gl bus:D springs to mind keep in mind you generally unless your lucky get what you pay for in life:eek:

good luck.

yetibone
January 3rd 2004, 20:05
I can dig the budget beater aproach. It actually gets you on the road faster. Since your Bus will have a utility aspect, a "show quality" restoraton and modification fest won't be nessesary, saving major $$$$$.

Good luck!

NO_H2O
January 3rd 2004, 20:20
Looks like we both will be looking for some cool (cheap) wheels for a bus.

vujade
January 3rd 2004, 20:53
sounds cool Zen.

no one says you have to go all out on this one too :D

jhelgesen
January 22nd 2004, 16:47
Zen, I think these fit standard bay bolt pattern.

http://community.webshots.com/album/111759399SbcCmd

volksdragon
January 22nd 2004, 18:27
hey i found these. cheap and they'd fit by drilling the rotors

ebay rims click here (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40942&item=2455595477#ebayphotohosting)

Racelook
January 22nd 2004, 19:25
hey i found these. cheap and they'd fit by drilling the rotors

ebay rims click here (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40942&item=2455595477#ebayphotohosting)

Nice rims!

Wiebrand

hybrid_john
January 23rd 2004, 00:31
I got an idea for the interior... why not try what Honda did with the Element?

Fold up seats with rubber flooring and a drain in the a couple of spots show you can wash it out and not worry about having water soak into anything...

just an idea, I wanted to do that to my baja...besides the whole fold up seat thing....


John

zen
January 23rd 2004, 09:21
there is a great selection of rims in the 112 bolt pattern. many of the MB rims would look great too. i keep looking at the wife's Passat and thinking, hmmmm...
http://www.sevwc.com/memberspics/ZHardyPassat1.jpg

i like the honda rims in the link above but would rather not redrill on this project. but you never know. just depends whether rims in the 112 pattern can be found at the right price.

zen
May 13th 2004, 21:02
well, i got the donor. not what i planned on, but what ever is. better in some ways and not others. was just one of those deals i couldn't pass up. no pics yet, but i bought a '84 Vanagon. lighter blue with larger dark blue stripe around. paint is a 5 out of 10 due to some clear coat blistering. no rust!!!! interior is a 7 out of 10. both with buffing and cleaning will improve those numbers. engine seems in pretty solid shape. 158k. new clutch and fly, O2 sensor and some other small things. well taken care of. heat won't shut off (and it couldn't be winter of course).

i have to finish my bug before i will do anything, but i am going to start looking for deals. first on the agenda is lowering and rims (after cleaning and buffing).

boygenius
May 13th 2004, 21:13
I think that the passat rims would look good. They are "beefy" enough not to look too small on a larger vehicle. :D