Don't know much yet!

[senuwees]

Good day all, the subject line says it all

I've been browsing thru the forum and i've got a questions

I see that there is split screens where the front window opens, were they like that std or was it model specific?

[jolas]

Some models were factory fitted with "safari windows". It is quite common for split bus owners to convert their busses these days, the safari windows are available as an accessory

[senuwees]

Thanks very much jolas, then my next question is: did we get samba models over here, and if so. Are they scarce?

[retrovan]

Thanks very much jolas, then my next question is: did we get samba models over here, and if so. Are they scarce?

You can bet your Cotton Socks that they where SCARCE, very, VERY Scarce.......

Guys hang on to the Sambas, and if they go to sale, they snapped up very quicly.

The "safari windows" where an factory option, so they popped up all over the place ( excuse the Pun)

As Paul said, you can still get them, original as well as after market.

Good luck with you hunt.

Herman

[jolas]

There were Sambas imported into South Africa, but not many, and thus very scarce as Herman says. One Samba changed hands recently between 2 forum members
One of my mates is also the lucky owner of a beautiful Samba - lucky bugger

[senuwees]

Aaaw nWell then ill just have to convert a splitty to a Samba

Thanks for the info guys!!

[Merlin]

Well then ill just have to convert a splitty to a Samba

[senuwees]

Well then ill just have to convert a splitty to a Samba

Any particular reason why not?

[buggyfan]

Plain and simple if you want a samba ,buy a samba!!!!!!by converting a fleetline,you're not going to have a Samba ,you're going to have a hack job !!!

[retrovan]

This is the same as all other art forms.......

If you try to reproduce a Master Piece, its Fraud, plain and simple.

If you take a Brazilia (like mine) or a Bay, and make a "SAMBA" you are making a replica, something that is taken lightly, and for what it is, Its a fun car with no Intention to deceive.

The same goes for making a split window Beetle, very easy, but not right.

Think about it.

Herman

[Merlin]

There was a hack "Flamba" for sale not so long, at Frost Brothers, for 300k. Save yourself the hassle and the community another wasted bus, please.

If you don't like that one, there are at least three to four others that I can think of, just off the top of my head. Perhaps locate the current owners and make offers on those.

Fleetlines are rarer than Sambas, if that is of any concern to you, whatsoever.

[senuwees]

Sorry guys didnt mean to step on any toes. I can see that you guys are gonna help me on the right track, as i own a Ford Escort 1600 Sport Turbo i hate, did i say HATE IT when people fit Toyo and Mazda engines in them!! So i can see me converting a Fleetline into a Samba is one of those Toyo/Mazda engine stories!! I do apoligise for bringing up that stoopid idea

Well now that weve got that out of the way, how difficult is it registering a splitty that doesn't have any papers. Or is it not even worth it acquiring it?

[Merlin]

Much nicer in the light, eh?

Every bus is worth acquiring!

I've got a few cars to do myself, but not having completed the process before, I'm not the best one to advise on "how difficult" it is.

[Golfmad]

Well, I do agree to some degree about the hacking of a bus to make another type, BUT, remember, its YOUR money, and to be honest, do what makes YOURSELF happy and dont wory too much what others might say of it !

Just my 2c worth.

[Blitzkrieg]

Well, I do agree to some degree about the hacking of a bus to make another type, BUT, remember, its YOUR money, and to be honest, do what makes YOURSELF happy and dont wory too much what others might say of it !

Just my 2c worth.

Exactly - As a newbie in this scene please don't listen to purists bleating about originality and all that jazz.

Buy something which you are comfortable with, do with what makes you happy (within reason of course ) and just enjoy.

There are some stunning custom Fleetlines locally (a certain brown and white one comes to mind), so I scheme that if you go with a Samba replica which is done right, you could be on to something very interesting

A fleetline is the perfect basis for a custom, I would think twice about cutting up a German Bus to create a custom - whereas there are still quite a few fleetlines around that could be had for a custom project.

At the end of the day. It is.

Your money. Your car. Your time to mod and build.

I was just reading on a UK forum how a guy bought a barnfind Oval from Finland or Sweden and is making a 10 second drag car out of it. That certainly raised a few hackles but he's happily building his dream interpretation of an ACVW.

Well. Good luck with your future endeavors.