don't forget the battery tray, where the middle and rear seats bolt to the floor, and where the front of the middle floor section meets the front wheel arch.
I have stripped my 79 8 seater (Microbus) right back, and I have not had any trouble sourcing parts. In fact, as far as restoration of vintage vehicles go, the VW scene is fantastic for getting parts.
Search these three forums for buying guides (listed in no particular order)
http://thekombikonnection.myfreeforum.org/index.php
http://forums.kombiclub.com/index.php
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/index.php - this one is USA, but still very good.
I'd also suggest joining each of these as well as AVD, and
http://lowlight.com.au//YaBB.pl as well. I check in on each of these regularly.
Pricing? Hard to say... I paid $9000 for mine, and it had some small, very minor rust problems. Otherwise, it is very straight, in very good original condition with the engine and gearbox reconditioned 5000km ago. Perhaps I spent too much because I have stripped it right back to repaint it, and will be getting the interior reupholstered.
If I were to spend more than (roughly) $4000 I'd want a reconditioned engine and very little rust on a straight body. Of course, some of the worst rust problems for me were underneath the window rubbers where you can't see them, or behind the door seal rubbers. Be aware that many insurance companies list the market value at less than $2000.
Rust around the windows can be difficult to repair. I know a few suppliers (such as thebusstop.com) sell replacement window sill parts, and panel beaters will charge for a lot of hours labour to get it done properly. I was lucky, only very small holes and minor pitting, and the window rubbers are good enough to reuse.
I'd take a good torch and spend a bit of time under the bus, and with my head in the engine bay - even if only to look like you know what you're looking for
😉 Check the oil - I've walked away from a few cars based on there being no oil at all in it. With air-cooled VW's it is even more important.
1970 Baja - waiting in the paddock for some TLC.
