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A few updates around the shop. I have driven the 10sec recon some but I’ve been busy with assembling a 23 window deluxe VW bus. Still have a ways to go on it but hopefully soon I’ll have it finished.
(Trans on the floor isn’t the one for the bus)
I posted in the beginning of the thread about my son being a MB tech and also having an E55. There is a video in the posts above after he installed cams in his E55 prior to leaving the dealership. Turned out well and he has enjoyed it some since but has been pretty busy lately.........Well he has been enjoying the career but wanted to start something new.
So last year (2020) he started his own Snap-On Tool franchise. He acquired a route that didn’t have a tool guy and has been very fortunate that it has a ton of automotive/truck businesses on the route. Also it has helped that he was a tech prior because when talking to shop owners/repair techs they all can relate to each other and he’s not just a salesman trying to sell tools.
Kind of a scary time to start a new business, his sales have been fantastic so far! BUT this was also the kid that would sell his waffles at the bus stop in the mornings prior to leaving for school. Lol.
Some of the perks of owning a tool business is apparently nice! He came to the shop last weekend drop off his new box. Uh....you’ll notice the “general” in the back that would be mine I’m too cheap to spend money on the big one. Lol.
My first car was a 70 beetle. Been driving classic VWs ever since. Everyone seems to love the buses and it shows with the crazy prices they have reached!
The bus under the plastic is mine. It’s a 1966 21 window deluxe. Bought it from a local guy that had it since 1982. He fixed it up, drove it, parked it around 1989 in a garage after doing some work to it. I bought it in 2014.
This is what it looked like when I bought it.
I picked up this bus last November from a local guy. He was a unique individual and very artistic. He was a welder by trade. He painted Bob Dylan on the side with plans for other 60s singers on each side. We call the bus, Bob it seem fitting lol.
Hey T , on that 13 Window Deluxe....does the title state that, that it is a 13 window vehicle/vin.
Its been awhile since I’ve looked at the title but I don’t think it does. The buses have an M-code plate behind the right front seat on the bulkhead that lists series of numbers and letters that identify what options came on the bus.
Why you ask?
1955-1967 were split windshield buses. 1968- I believe 1979 Were considered bay windows(one big windshield)
55-67 there were panel buses (basically delivery vans) no rear seats or interior trim and no trim outside. 11 window Kombis with basic plain interior trim with one rear center passenger seat and no trim outside. The 11 window Kombis were also sent to Westfalia for the pop top camper conversions.
13,15,21,23 window deluxe model buses with center and rear passenger seats, nicer interior panels with trim, exterior trim and could have been optioned with a sunroof. Majority of the 21,23 window buses had sunroofs.
There were also Single cab pickups and double cab pickups but didn’t have the deluxe options.
Was wondering how you can purchase one and have a " legit " bus that was not converted in some way.
Ah yeah for sure that is a concern but the M-code plate should tell you that. Also most of these buses being restored usually have tons of pics of the process.
There are a few companies now making sunroof roofs, and skylight sections for the buses along with side and corner sections to replace or convert buses to the more popular window/sunroof buses.
Been a while since I’ve driven the E. Took it on a 250 mile trip last weekend to visit my son and some other car guys. He had a cookout for some of his buddies and clients and asked me to come down. Car ran great, 80+ there and back with no issues. Good times with some good people and fast cars.
I did see this sweet *** E55 as I was about to hit the interstate headed out.
If you have followed this thread you know I don’t drive the car in the rain…..or even if it looks like rain.
Hard to believe I haven’t driven the E since August! Been busy with family things lately, but did find time today to wash the nasty rain storm mess off from the last trip.
I love driving this car, it’s so much fun and makes you smile when you take it out for a rip. These cars are a blast to drive!
Been a while since I’ve driven the E. Took it on a 250 mile trip last weekend to visit my son and some other car guys. He had a cookout for some of his buddies and clients and asked me to come down. Car ran great, 80+ there and back with no issues. Good times with some good people and fast cars.
I did see this sweet *** E55 as I was about to hit the interstate headed out.
If you have followed this thread you know I don’t drive the car in the rain…..or even if it looks like rain.
I have 2 2003 E55 AMG's. Multiple other makes/Models. 77 RB swapped 280Z, 71 510, 66 Mustang, etc...
Saw that you replied to my ‘new guy’ post, so I searched your thread. All I can say is WOW. I’m so envious of the amount of time and ability you seem to have to do these things. These are the dreams I have for my retirement (6-8 years from now), and my shop will allow these things to happen. You and BC928 are creating a giant amount of inspiration for me. Much appreciated!
Again, just WOW.
I’ll be utilizing several of your posts for updates to mine. I’m a little bothered by some of the cosmetic issues on mine, but I’m like BC and your son-more on the mechanical side than appearance….People were less than respectful of this car while my friend owned it. Parking at the Boeing factory is less than ‘friendly’, if you know what I mean….
I’ll be tagging a couple posts on here to stay updated to any new posts…
Saw that you replied to my ‘new guy’ post, so I searched your thread. All I can say is WOW. I’m so envious of the amount of time and ability you seem to have to do these things. These are the dreams I have for my retirement (6-8 years from now), and my shop will allow these things to happen. You and BC928 are creating a giant amount of inspiration for me. Much appreciated!
Again, just WOW.
I’ll be utilizing several of your posts for updates to mine. I’m a little bothered by some of the cosmetic issues on mine, but I’m like BC and your son-more on the mechanical side than appearance….People were less than respectful of this car while my friend owned it. Parking at the Boeing factory is less than ‘friendly’, if you know what I mean….
I’ll be tagging a couple posts on here to stay updated to any new posts…
Yup I remember…. You do have an interesting job job for sure. Thanks for the kind words. Yes BC928 is a particular guy when it comes to building his cars and his 55 is going to literally be like a new car. He is probably a lot more particular than me for sure. I like learning new mechanical things but my career is in collision repair. I like detail work after all the repairs and refinishing is done.
Yeah I get that on being unkind from previous owners of these cars. A lot of mishaps over the years with several owners. I was lucky and mine wasn’t very bad. Just those things I didn’t want to leave or live with on my car.
Like I posted on the first page of the thread all these cars are getting older and in need of some “recon” work wether it be cosmetic or mechanical and documenting it hopefully helps or inspires others to have some fun doing the same. And for me it’s something I enjoy as a hobby besides it being my career.
06-03-2021, 03:17 PM
