Aircooled VW South Africa

Well, here are a few pics of my recent trip to fetch a 1969 panel van. This bus recently appeared on the forum to be stripped for spares, but I couldn't let this happen.

I also wanted this particular panel van to complete my collection of 1969 bay windows. I had last year picked up the single cab, double cab and 2 busses, so nice to have the different variation all 1969 models. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=34261&hilit=1969+double+cab

Last weekend we drove up to Johannesburg to fetch it.

A few pics of the first stretch, which is always good to be heading up with all the excitement.


Travelling through the Free State the next morning. I already have the spare trailer tyre fitted here, but on the trip up during the night I lost one of the tyres caused by a loose brake caliper that jammed to the disk. It seemed the trailer was towing a bit heavy but could not feel anything wrong, until I saw the smoke. I stopped immediately but the entire bottom section of a brand new tyre had already been ground off. I was able to fix the caliper and spare wheel to luckily carry on.


We were in JHb by afternoon to load up. We first had to help move this single cab, but man, this one is really vrot. Luckily I didn't take this one.


The 69 panel van where it had been standing for many years.

Then it was time to load up the panel van.


Final last stretch from Touwsriver. This is when you are gatvol of nearly 3000km of driving and seriously tired from driving through the night that this part takes forever.




Finally, back home and unloading. Take note of my ramps that bent pretty bad. I've got some straightening work to do.

Nice save Sean and a long way from home.

This weekend I also got busy to get this bus going.

Firstly I got the motor going. After clearing the carb, fuel pump, new condenser and with the use of an external fuel supply, the motor fired up. It sounds very healthy. The fuel tank is not so healthy though. It was abandoned full of petrol which turned into varnish. I managed to drain it, but I've flushed it out with all possible means and even left it overnight with 40L of thinners I poured into the tank with no satisfaction. Every time I drain it i'm left with more rotten filthy petrol remains.

Then onto the body. I quick polish always makes a difference. I fitted all the missing lights and arranged a fresh set of rims and tyres to take it for a drive. Amazingly the brakes and steering are all working. Well, it doesn't drive too bad.

This bus has some interesting patina, but it is very vrot and will need a full restoration, it just has to wait its turn until I can finish some others first. As usual, I like to have them fully functional and licenced while they wait there turn. I will finish some final mechanical work next weekend and then hit the road to take it on a shake down trip soon.

Nice save Sean. Looking better already


72 - Freddie Booysen
72 Bay - unnamed WIP
72 D/C - Blue abomination!
74 Beetle - BEE

Cool man. Amazing what a polish can do.

WOW
Nice one Sean I have printed this thread and will show Terry tonight, I bet it will bring a tear to his eyes.
Will speak to him wrt the drums.

Lekker Sean !! Thats a beautifull bus, keep the patina.

I saw you cruising with the Westy down the Boulevard yesterday, nice looking bus that too.

Impressive stuff Sean! Keep up the awesome saves

Good one. Wasn't sure this one could be saved...

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Wow that is brilliant.
I have always shy'd away from buses like that in that condition but think I may not in future. Thanks for sharing.

Do you use the same tyre size for all your busses ?

Donovan D wrote: ↑Wed Jun 28, 2017 7:34 am Do you use the same tyre size for all your busses ?

Pretty much. I use the 185R14 Continental Vanco 100. Its the only better quality tyre available in 185. This is for the 14''. The 195R14 is the cheaper more freely available one, although it works, it doesn't look right and effects the ratios.

On the splits with 15" I use the 165/80R15.