Aircooled VW South Africa

Hi guys!

I'm new to the air cooled world and currently in search of a Kombi. I'm learning more about them everyday but was hoping you could give me some info regarding the year models that the bay window kombis came out with the double side opening doors?

Thank you.

Hi NTO - "barn door" refers to the engine hatch at the rear of the very early split screen busses - the engine compartment was pretty big, the spare wheel was also kept in there - thus a large engine compartment "door" or hatch. Barn door busses are very rare in South Africa ..........
The later splitscreen busses i.e from about 1955 through to 1967 still retained the2 side cargo doors, but the engine hatch (or barn door) was made smaller, allowing for another back "door" for luggage, etc, etc above the engine compartment. In ZA there was another "run" of splitscreen Kombis in 1974-1976, called "Fleetlines" which had Brazilian origins ..... (Kombi, panelvan and single cab wide bed pick-ups)
The baywindow busses were produced from around 1968 to 1979 - you must become familiar with names like "low light, early bay, late bay, De-lux, Executive, tin-top, westy, etc, etc' etc" Impossible to answer your question in detail here
The 2 side doors of the split screen busses which open out the way are called cargo doors.
Bay window busses have sliding doors - however there are a few exceptions, notably the "Brasilia" Kombis in ZA - also pretty scarce.
All the info you need is on this forum, but also check out sites like vintagebus.com, thesamba, and others.
Enjoy
Feel free to ask whatever - whenever

Hi Jonas,

Thanks for the great info.. Just after I typed my message I read up about the barn door referring to the Engine compartment. But u have explained it in more detail for me.

Reason I'm asking is because I've found a bay with cargo doors and can't find any info on it. This is actually the second one that I've seen and I've noticed that both have had a "V" painted on the front, Same as the splitties. Is this how they came out or were they just painted like this to resemble the splitties afterwards?

I've also noticed that they talk about hybrid bays.. Is this bay with the cargo doors also a hybrid?

At the moment we might have an option between the 1978 bay with the cargo doors or a 1971 bay with a sliding door. Which would be a better buy in your opinion?

Thanks again for the reply and assistance.

Cool !

I reckon that the V has been painted on by the previous owners .......

I'm not so clued up on the Brasilia busses. They are however few in numbers, so if one could find such an example in excellent condition, I would definetly consider it. The rear corner windows with the cargo doors certainly do make it an oddity. Apparently it also has an excellent rear suspension set up - hopefully someone else can elaborate ....
If the '71 is a Westfalia Camper or similar, then that would also be a tempting offer. Do you have any pics of the busses? Are they both on the road, licenced, rust free etc, etc? All important factors ...........

(Sorry, I did'nt read your post properly, it is obvious that you have done some research ............ cheers)

Some will prefer the lowlight, the 71, and some will prefer the 78. I say get them both

They both seem to be in very good condition. The 71 is blue ans white and they having a few things sorted on the motor and it needs bench seats, it also needs to be registered.. The 78 is apparently in daily use and from the photos I've seen in very good condition too.

Only thing is the almost 10k difference in price. I'm waiting to see the blue one as its close to me and I'm waiting on more photos of the 78. I must be honest that the corner windows and cargo doors are very appealing as u don't see that often.

If I had the funds I'm sure both would come home.. Lol

jolas wrote:Apparently it also has an excellent rear suspension set up - hopefully someone else can elaborate ....

Yes, the Brazilia hybrid bus has IRS suspension plus reduction boxes . HR stripped his and can tell you much more.

NTO wrote:They both seem to be in very good condition. The 71 is blue ans white and they having a few things sorted on the motor and it needs bench seats, it also needs to be registered.. The 78 is apparently in daily use and from the photos I've seen in very good condition too.

Only thing is the almost 10k difference in price. I'm waiting to see the blue one as its close to me and I'm waiting on more photos of the 78. I must be honest that the corner windows and cargo doors are very appealing as u don't see that often.

If I had the funds I'm sure both would come home.. Lol

Sounds good...

If you pass on either then please can you post the pics and sellers details.

Klaus wrote:

NTO wrote:They both seem to be in very good condition. The 71 is blue ans white and they having a few things sorted on the motor and it needs bench seats, it also needs to be registered.. The 78 is apparently in daily use and from the photos I've seen in very good condition too.

Only thing is the almost 10k difference in price. I'm waiting to see the blue one as its close to me and I'm waiting on more photos of the 78. I must be honest that the corner windows and cargo doors are very appealing as u don't see that often.

If I had the funds I'm sure both would come home.. Lol

Sounds good...

If you pass on either then please can you post the pics and sellers details.

Sure will

Ron&Gill wrote:

jolas wrote:Apparently it also has an excellent rear suspension set up - hopefully someone else can elaborate ....

Yes, the Brazilia hybrid bus has IRS suspension plus reduction boxes . HR stripped his and can tell you much more.

I wont say "Better" the Brazilias had RGB`s like on Split busses but with Universal joints in stead of CV joints then also the Transmission actually has a smaller R&P
so these transmissions will not take much HP but as a Split with RGB`s and a 1600 motor it has little trouble up hills as the RGB`s help with the Additional Torq

All depending on the use of the bus that you are looking for in a Bus

Bugger wrote:

Ron&Gill wrote:

jolas wrote:Apparently it also has an excellent rear suspension set up - hopefully someone else can elaborate ....

Yes, the Brazilia hybrid bus has IRS suspension plus reduction boxes . HR stripped his and can tell you much more.

I wont say "Better" the Brazilias had RGB`s like on Split busses but with Universal joints in stead of CV joints then also the Transmission actually has a smaller R&P
so these transmissions will not take much HP but as a Split with RGB`s and a 1600 motor it has little trouble up hills as the RGB`s help with the Additional Torq

All depending on the use of the bus that you are looking for in a Bus

Hi bugger,

Pardon me but not familier with RGB and R&P.. Still learning the terminology.

We want to use the bus for trips and we do a bit of cycling which we wanna use it for too. Wanna have fun in the bus.

HI

RGB Is Reduction Gear Box this is ant the Wheel side behind the Brake drum on Brazilia and Split busses
R&P Ring and Pinnion or Crown wheel and Pinnion this is the "Diff" Ratio in the Transmission

as said the Ring and pinnion of a Brazilia box dont like higher HP Motors but they are also not that weak

Both Busses will bring you joy to life