1974 Volkswagen Bus/Camper: Restored Exterior, Interior and Custom-Built Engine!

1974 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Description

• We purchased this vehicle via eBay motors in 2012 and had it shipped cross-country from California to Virginia; we have since moved to North Carolina, but this bus has been garaged the entire time it's been on the east coast, so aside from some minor spots on the bumpers, this baby is rust-free.
• The interior and exterior were fully restored with new paint, new fabric, etc. when we took possession of the bus, but the engine hadn't been rebuilt and was in rough shape. In late 2014 we had the engine "rebuilt," but it's really more of a custom-build: the only original part used was the engine housing. As you can see in the personal vehicle history below, this shop did a lot of other work for us while the engine was being rebuilt as well.
• When the dashboard was replaced in 2013, I also had the instrument panel replaced. The shop that did that work (different from the engine rebuild shop) dialed the new odometer down to zero for some reason, but the previous ODO reading was 144k. We drove about 1k miles on the new ODO before we got the engine rebuilt, so there are only about 4k miles on the rebuilt engine.
• The shop that did the engine rebuild for us put in dual carbs and even had the pistons custom-machined! The result is that this bus has a LOT of power: it can handle modern interstate speeds and has no problem with hills, even when packed for camping.
• We found that the sink and fridge cabinets weren't very useful for us, so we took them out and replaced the carpet in the back with vinyl flooring. There is still carpet in the front, however, and we have kept those cabinets and the folding table and will include them if you'd like to fully restore the bus to its stock configuration.
• The Westfalia pop-top on this bus was also replaced/fully restored before we bought it, so unlike many others you'll find for sale this one looks great, has no tears in the mesh or the cloth, and keeps water out even in heavy rain storms (we've tested it!).
• The bus runs GREAT and was a daily driver for us throughout the second half of 2019; at the end of last year we got a sedan and stopped using the bus as a daily driver, but we've been regularly starting it and taking it on short drives since then to keep the engine healthy.
• We have changed the oil and adjusted the valves regularly.
• Additional photos and videos (of the pop-up interior and the engine running) are available, so please message us if you'd like to see them, or to request specific photos/videos.

• Sliding side windows if you want to swap out the camper windows; we bought these used and never installed them, but they are in good shape.
• A hardcover copy of the Official Service Manual and a softcover copy of the classic How to Keep Your VW Alive book!
• Two new, in-package front window cranks from busdepot.com; the passenger side needs replacing, so you'll still have one left after that.
• Two new, in-package front seat retractable seatbelts from busdepot.com.
• One new, in-package side mirror from busdepot.com, and one old, used side mirror (still functional but not pretty, good in a pinch).
• One non-zippered, heavy-duty vehicle cover from busdepot.com.
• One waterproof rooftop cargo bag (15 cubic ft.) for use on the "luggage" part of the roof above the front cabin; we have equipped the luggage area with carabiner clips for attaching it, but they are simple to remove should you not want to use it.
• Matching stool with white legs and orange plaid fabric seat!

• Purchased August 2012
• March 2013 - steering joint, new dashboard, new radio, new ignition switch, new turn signal/wiper switch, new instrument panel
• December 2014 - custom engine rebuild w/ dual carburetors, reseal transmission, rebuild axles, rebuild steering column and ignition, new brakes
• January 2014 - new oil pump
• August 2014 - replaced alternator
• October 2019 - new voltage regulator and battery