Oh boy just bought my first bus

Well i've finally done it after years of procrastinating i decided to buy a resto project on a whim - 69 lowlight with a hightop roof (i have a dream of one day kitting it up as a fresh juice van so the high roof is very handy). Pics to follow.

Its been sitting for a long time but it looks all complete, the engine turns but doesnt start, there is a lot of work to be done but apart from surface rust on the outer panels the steps and doors seem good and the interior is not too bad. Its a German one and the number on the plate is 219191090, it was being sold as a '69 does this sound right? Its in its original light blue (albeit pretty weathered now)

As a novice its hard to know where to start, so i guess thats my first question.. bar getting a battery, what should I do before attempting to get her to fire, I dont want to damage the engine - we think its a 1600... steep learning curve ahead I think!

I've figured start with replace the sparkplugs, drain any old oil & fuel..?

Congrats Bro , Buses rock. Go nuts man!!

I know where you are at.

buses being so big its hard to decide where to start

👍👍

Congrats sugarlips!

there's nothing like a lowlight...not enough of them around i dont think!

as for not wanted to damage the engine, i would advise you to give the engine a fuel service. how long has the it been sitting? considering the frequency that you should do a service, i would advise you to do the following:
- i would check/re-set the tappet clearances (engine cold, which isnt a problem for you).
- new rocker cover gaskets
- new spark plugs,
- new HT Leads
- possibly new coil
- new dizzy cap
- new rotor arm
- check the clearance of your points
- checking the compression of engine would be a good start by replacing the spark plug with compression gauge and cranking the engine.

always inspect the fuel lines and the fuel filter. I personally would replace all of the fuel lines and breather hoses. if the fuel filter is in the engine bay then remove it and install it outside of the engine bay to reduce the risk of future fuel leaks in the engine bay.

with regards to good books, i personally found the folwoing three books very useful:
How to keep your vw alive by John Muir http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step---Step/dp/1566913101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370068520&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+keep+your+volkswagen+alive

vw official service manual http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Official-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370068556&sr=1-1&keywords=vw+bentley

VW Transporter 1600 owners workshop manual http://www.amazon.com/Transporter-1600-Owners-Workshop-Manual/dp/0856966606/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370068608&sr=1-1&keywords=vw+workshop+manual

obviously there are other outlets other than amazon 🙂

enjoy it!!!!

NaFe

NaFe thats top advice and invaluable thankyou!

Its hard to know how long its been sitting the engine is basically rust coloured! The exhaust has pretty much rotted away and im debating whether to take it out for a full rebuild or not but in the interim i shall source the gear and follow your suggestions - big journey ahead!

The bus is still at the current owners but I'm hoping to get some pics up tmw - by which time i should've established if the brakes and electrics work (the gearbox and steering are both good).

If there is anyone out there in northern perth who can suggest a tilt tray company that would be very helpful as I'm hesitant to even tow it at the moment

Cheers all

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