Restored 1978 walk-through bus fully restored to near new condition and ready to enjoy.
1978 is considered the best year for the bay window buses by experts because it was the first year for
hydraulic lifters and only requires a valve adjustment for every 50k miles, unlike the solid lifters that needed to
be Local Saleed every 3K miles. The original ignition points were removed and replaced with the new electronic
ignition so no…
Restored 1978 walk-through bus fully restored to near new condition and ready to enjoy.
1978 is considered the best year for the bay window buses by experts because it was the first year for
hydraulic lifters and only requires a valve adjustment for every 50k miles, unlike the solid lifters that needed to
be Local Saleed every 3K miles. The original ignition points were removed and replaced with the new electronic
ignition so no adjustment needed ever. The 2000cc engine is very powerful and will cruise on the freeway at 75
miles per hour and actually pass other vehicles, unlike the earlier famously sluggish under powered buses. The
engine also has a working thermostat allowing it warm up properly. The transmission has the best freeway gearing
ever made by VW for these buses. This bus spent its life on the West coast until 4 years ago when it was driven to
FL for restoration. It has never been exposed to road salt and all body panels are original to the bus. It has the
original, still working, AM/FM radio. Everything electrical and mechanical is in working condition including the
heating system. With the proper maintenance and care there is no reason why it can’t last another 38 years. It
starts with out touching the gas pedal every time and runs, shifts and drives nicely. The entire bus was repainted
in the original colors it wore when it left the factory. The list is quite long with all the new parts that were
installed. The rebuilt engine has it’s original fuel injection system and work flawlessly. The engine has new
bearings, new piston rings, the complete valve job, new seals, gaskets, new plugs, plug wires, new electronic
ignition, new clutch, new pressure plate, and throw out bearing, new exhaust, new head temp sensor, new filters,
new fuel and vent lines through out the system, new battery with Nation Wide warranty. Break systems has new front
rotors, rebuilt front calipers, new break pads, new wheel cylinders, new rear break shoes, all 4 rubber break lines
are new as well as fluid. The spindles were taken off and one ball joint was replaced the other 3 which are still
nice and tight, were greased and new rubber boots were installed, of course the torsion bars and center steering
link were greased as well. The shock absorbers are new as well as the steering damper and the rubber steering
joint. The suspension and steering is up to par in all aspects of it as is all the mechanical systems in the bus.
The tires including the spare are new NEXEN SV 6 PLY rated side walls that are the proper tires for a VW bus. The
load rating on each tire exceeds factory recommendations and are much more stable in windy conditions then any
passenger car tire. All window and door rubbers are new, the windshield is new, the side markers and rear lenses
are new, new antenna, new VW emblem on the front, and new wipers. The head liner is new as well as the original VW
style basket weave pattern saddle colored seat covers and original style patterned interior panels by TMI. The kick
panels under the dash are new. The shift rod was removed and new grease applied to the bushings then new rubber
dust boots on both ends. New clutch cable, new bowden tube and new throttle cable. New front and rear wheel
bearings were installed and new seals. The cv axles were disassembled. cleaned thoroughly, axle shafts repainted,
the joints re-greased and new rubber boots installed. Not sure how many miles were put on this bus in its life time
but any mechanical parts that were even suspect of being worn were replaced. It comes with the original owners
manual, original jack, and lug wrench. Restoration took nearly 8 months by a highly qualified and experienced VW
mechanic. He has been intimately involved with VW buses since the early 70s. Since restoration the bus has been
used less than 2k miles for ad campaigns, parades and antique car shows.