I have a question for you all. I am currently looking to buy a bay kombi and want to get a really nice one that i can keep forever. Since I have been driving bays I have heard a few people talking about what year was the best and was wondering if any of you had any ideas on this. Stuff I have heard in the past...
71 because simple cheap 1600 engine but with disk brakes.
79 because powerful engine and lighter body
any other thoughts?
Just to confuse you even more, many late bays ('73-'79) also came with the 1600 installed (mainly Europe) if you prefer the type 1 motor. They can also be retrofitted to a late bay with a type 4 motor.
I have noticed '73-'74 bay's have more bracing in the chassis than later ones, don't know if that's better or worse though.
Type 4 motors are a little stronger/torquier but cost more to re-build. 2L motor's ('76-'79) all had the same power as far as I know, with FI motor's the pick of the bunch.
They are all great as far as I'm concerned, so just find the best kombi you can in your budget rather than find a specific model.
As for my choise, a '77 Deluxe bus just like Andy 😀 But then I'm a little biased.
Richard
Thanks Richard.
OK. Ive got another question too. What do you all think of Synchro's? I really dont want to start the whole water vs air cooled thing again but I know of an 1988 synchro that I could buy that has done 190k km and this has really confused the issue even more for me. The bus I am buying will be used primarily for weekend trips and a small amount of city driving so the 4wd would be nice. I am really hesitant to buy it though as I REALLY love driving a bay and I dont know if I would get the same buzz from a transporter.
What is the life of the water cooled engines like if they are looked after and how reliable were they? Would I be asking for trouble getting something like this?
Anyone?
Cheers
Tim
[Edited on 12-9-2004 by rustycamper]
Hi tim i havnt driven a synchro but i have driven a late water cooled rear engined one and they are nice to drive but its just not the same you dont get heaps of perfect strangers waving and they suffer from the barrel studs coroding and snapping due to non genuine coolet. i have a 74 bay with a mild 1800 and it goes nicely, im not much of a fan of 1600s they dont last long enough and they dont go good enough for me i like the type 4 motors 1700,1800 and 2000cc
I've got a 69 bay with a 1600 and drums all round, it's the best thing ever!
1600 will last fine if you don't abuse them. They are slower but you just drive accordingly. The 1600 is more economical than the type4 too.
The drums are a bit of a pain but if you really dont like em just swap to a disc front end.
You can't beat the look of an early bay (in my opinion!)
In the end condition should be the main factor, they all good, so it's your choice.😎
Avoid 72's, they are known for rust issues.
from 78 or 79 on, not sure which one, they started galvanizing them.
from about 76 on they have bigger discs as well as I understand it.
as for synchros, the idea was great but the gearboxes were not. the tranny doesn't handle much power and a second handy starts around $5000 (ouch!), and thats if you can find one.
send Indian Automotive an email. they'll set you straight on the best year rust wise and all.
good project and a cool 71 not that much work to do and it has a cool bench seat for three in the front $500 as is,i may look a little bad in hthe pics but it is okay
david
0417 691339
every year was a good year!
Reimagined/Recycled/Upcycled Cool
I seem to be under the impression that the early low-indicator ones are more desirable. For vw people.
I've got a '74, 1800, and there seems to be some problem with the motor, but otherwise, she's great.
The disc brakes are great, I never feel like I can't stop well (I've never driven a Porsche mind you).
I also heard the parts are cheaper for pre-fuel injected busses.
http://www.thebuslab.com/history.htm says for the 1972 model year that "An important safety revision is the redesign of the cab floor with a crumple zone. Drivers are still advised to lift their legs in the event of an impending head-on collision." Haha, funny hey!
ive got a 79 🙂 i love it its a 2ltr with disc's and all 😀 it goes really nice but also besides the motors costing alot to rebuild the gearboxes are also pretty hard to come buy 🙁
*lucky i got a spare*
Founding member of the C'town Rat-Pack
Pete, never heard of bay's being galvanised, and all have rust issues!!
Front discs were modified in ~'72,'73 to accomodate thicker pads (also required slight disc re-design). They then remained the same to the end. Braking is the same, just pad life increased.
I've never owned a syncro (I'd like to) but have heard many stories. Generally anyone I've spoken to who owns one has always loved it. Particularly those who take them off road.
I'd only consider one if you do go off road though, otherwise a 2WD will get you everywhere you want with less things to fail.
:bounce
Im with Andy
77 bays are good value!
Rob...😎
Boxer Power
Member of DMLRK.....Die Mittler Lebuns Resto Komeradschaft
Early Bays (especially 71/72 for brakes).. Twin Cabs especially.. 72 Deluxe (Microbus) is rare and desirable..
I'd pick the '77 delux micro as the best VW I have ever owned for daily driving. I had mine for 11 years it had 350,000 km on it when I sold it with one engine rebuild.
FAHRVERGNUGEN;
Description of a pleasurable sensation,
Experienced when a car and it's driver are in mutual harmony, A unique driving experience, Pleasure, Satisfaction,
A feeling experienced by Volkswagen Drivers.
They are all great.
I know of a 72 Deluxe for sale for 4.8k
It is a 1600 but has the larger engine bay so you can go 2 litre if you want later. It has the low front bumper which looks shit hot chromed!
This bus also has the optional removable middle seat in the front so it is a 9 seater...all with 1.6ltres of grunt..
Ring Fred on 9786 7155 and see if it still for sale. It is in Seaford. Tell him David told you about it and I want 5%... It may be gone.
I haven't been around there for a coupla weeks, so don't delay
.
