Great project, cool rod. The folks that seem to get bent out of shape over this project not being "purist" or costing to much or for whatever judgemental reason need to get a life. These guys are having fun, creating and doing something they enjoy and are sharing it with us. They're exercising good old North American creativity and know-how. The car is cool and I want to thank you for sharing your project with us.
My uncle owned this van back in 1990 I remember riding in it by the beach. It was in El Cajon. Was on the cover of VW Magazine with a couple of other remods by Ivan Stewart. It used to have a 327 in it 2 radiators with 6 cooling fans.
Hilarious! A few years ago I had a '59 Thames Freighter (85" Wheelbase) non-windowed van. We took out the 8 hp 4 cyl and put in a nice hot small block ford immediately behind the front seats. 8" driveshaft. Huge rear tires and little Thames tires in front. Scary fun.
Back in the early 80's I built a 70 Microbus with a Cadillac 500 CID & Eldorado transaxle. I custom modified both the engine and transaxle. If I was on the right road and hit 2nd gear hard enough it would launch the whole front end off the ground about 2 feet. I used double foil back R400 insulation for the engine cover
Cool, I'm from the off road fraternity so you could understand my view. I have seen a V6 in the 'correct' place, with all panels in tact. I just love the idea of rear engined V8 baja bus.
I love conversions of any type, ive been in this buisiness for nearly 20 years so i know how these guys tick, i personally think that the bus would look the dogs bollocks if it was lower and running custom rims tucked under a little. Nice one guys.
I have driven many a pre 67 bus and truck and can tell you that this thing would scare the shit out of me!!! HAHAHA What a wild ass ride! Hope your brakes are a bit more than the originals ~~` or at least your life insurance is up to date !! Good Luck and thanks for a fun vehicle
Whoever drives this thing on a regular basis better be skilled, because when they got in it and that rear wheel geometry changes, they better hope to god they don't have to slam on the binders for any reason.
I love it! Im a big fan of the buses and ofcourse the V8 engine. What an awesome combo. The sound, speed, style, everything about the bus was awesome GREAT job! When i finish uni i hope to do something similar! Inspiring! =D Tom
I love it. Can you modify it at all to make it less squirley. Wider wheel base? Different axle or differential? It really is an amazingly original idea.
love that bus!! i really love how it looks with the large tires and wicked stance -- a TRUE hot rod! the haters can try to rain on your parade all day but screw em, this bus is BAD! plan on taking it to the track at all? would love to hear what it does in the 1/4!!! keep up the good work!
Even knowing that the bus was pulled from a yard with cut fenders and a rotted pan, it's sad to see a rare & collectible 23-window walk-through chopped up for this...
Oh sorry, the dogs bollocks is a slang english phrase we use in the north of england, it means it will look great etc, I´m working on a new conversion on a bus ive just aquired, its going TDI with the gearbox too from a passat mounted at the rear, i´ll post a vid on youtube when i get her rolling.
These look sick with a good wheel/tire combo. Your running an Edelbrock right?. Dump that P.O.S. and buy a holley. If this is the crate motor I think it is (or close to it), I installed 1 in my 78 El Camino with a 600cfm Holley. They are adjustable in every way and it will get rid of what sounds like a full throttle stumble (@2:27)you got there. Im pretty sure you guys know, Im just suggesting. Anyways, nice job fella's, cant wait to see it later on if you have more plans for it . I hope so!
You're right; it's not my money, but I knew some guy in Mexico that cut out a complete unrestored 59 type 2 panel and a type 34 that the only missing thing was the rear window, to put on both a V-8 engine. Cool!......For a brief time; Where are they now? In a scrap yard, impossible to restore. And; How much worth that cars today? Many, many thousands, because they was uncut, rust free and with their originals engines.
I doubr that messes w/ the value, you can retro md anything and still pull more cash. I think its sweet. My changes would be simple, leave the paint alone go w/ the quietest exhaust possible, and put the stock vw wheels and tires... dont let anyone know its modified, theguy in the iroc/mustang/challenger, he's the target.... I luv sleepers!
Reduction gears don't reduce horsepower. Horsepower is torque per unit time. Reduction gears reduce rotation speed and increase torque by the same ratio, thus leaving horsepower the same.
I can only imagine the dopey looks the hotrodders of the Mustang type must give you..... Very kool VW. Too bad most hot rod wannabes arent a little more imaginative.
Cool concept. They style isn't where i personaly would like it (paint, suspension stance, getting rid of those 4x4 tires/rims), but it sounds nice anyway.
i have no real sense of art but i do like the craftmanship of that motormount.! im not at all fond of the chevy v8 but to each there own! judging by those hp figures id rather stick a stroked turbo vw in it and call it an easy day.( of course i have no real skill in welding like they do) i would certainly look twice at the thing if it rolled past me as there is no other sound on earth that compares to the american v8! i do like the sound of the vw vr6 too!
Thats nothing! On the Gumball 3000 a guy had a 1965 21 window Splity. (Everything you cant see on the VW, is all porsche.) Tp speed was around 180MPH+ Now that was bad ass!
Wonder if you stand a chance of hearing loss since there's no mufflers or anything and the engine is literally right behind you without any dividing materials at all.
I know what you mean. Im thinking about putting a chevy smallblock or an old subaru engine in my bus and i contemplate the money, time, and power all in one. its a toughy
Yet still said we take money so serious and creativity gets pushed aside. That's all those who worry about money end up working for the dreamers anyway.
are you guys local to San Diego.... i ask because there is one section of the video where your going through a group of car dealerships that look very familiar
please reread my comment! half is worried half is appreciation! and unless your a rich rich man most folk are worried about money with our current economy!
Great project, cool rod. The folks that seem to get bent out of shape over this project not being "purist" or costing to much or for whatever judgemental reason need to get a life. These guys are having fun, creating and doing something they enjoy and are sharing it with us. They're exercising good old North American creativity and know-how. The car is cool and I want to thank you for sharing your project with us.
My uncle owned this van back in 1990 I remember riding in it by the beach. It was in El Cajon. Was on the cover of VW Magazine with a couple of other remods by Ivan Stewart. It used to have a 327 in it 2 radiators with 6 cooling fans.
Hey, this mod will let the bus live on into the future, far longer than if it was left untouched. Be grateful!
Hilarious! A few years ago I had a '59 Thames Freighter (85" Wheelbase) non-windowed van. We took out the 8 hp 4 cyl and put in a nice hot small block ford immediately behind the front seats. 8" driveshaft. Huge rear tires and little Thames tires in front. Scary fun.
that engine is the best, suspension is jelly; looks fun and deadly :)....stay away from trouble guys and keep it up.
Back in the early 80's I built a 70 Microbus with a Cadillac 500 CID & Eldorado transaxle. I custom modified both the engine and transaxle. If I was on the right road and hit 2nd gear hard enough it would launch the whole front end off the ground about 2 feet. I used double foil back R400 insulation for the engine cover
Uma das kombis mais incriveis que já ví na vida, se não a mais incrível.
o ronco do motor deixa qualquer um arrepiado!!!!
muito louco!!!!!
Cool, I'm from the off road fraternity so you could understand my view. I have seen a V6 in the 'correct' place, with all panels in tact. I just love the idea of rear engined V8 baja bus.
Im more worried about how I spend my money..not how these blokes spent theirs..good onya's for havin a go!!! Great vid!
This puts a smile on my face (:
That's my boy Tim who fabricated all the work!! He is now currently Thai Tech auto works!
I love conversions of any type, ive been in this buisiness for nearly 20 years so i know how these guys tick, i personally think that the bus would look the dogs bollocks if it was lower and running custom rims tucked under a little. Nice one guys.
Wow another Flying Brick splitty luv it
When a sports car is fast, you can expect it to scare you...
But you'll never expect a van to be fast until you have a heart-attack!
I have driven many a pre 67 bus and truck and can tell you that this thing would scare the shit out of me!!! HAHAHA What a wild ass ride! Hope your brakes are a bit more than the originals ~~` or at least your life insurance is up to date !! Good Luck and thanks for a fun vehicle
Atleast it's being used and not rotting away.
Nice work guys!
Whoever drives this thing on a regular basis better be skilled, because when they got in it and that rear wheel geometry changes, they better hope to god they don't have to slam on the binders for any reason.
the wheels xD amazing project!
i agree but then u couldnt say "it has a v8", and that v8 sound on that van is just soooo badass. i respect ur opinion though
Way cool bus !!! Nice job !!!
I love it! Im a big fan of the buses and ofcourse the V8 engine. What an awesome combo. The sound, speed, style, everything about the bus was awesome GREAT job! When i finish uni i hope to do something similar! Inspiring! =D
Tom
Lovely VW.. Would like to see some nice paintwork and wheels on her though :)
i bet it is a blast to drive. the danger is all the fun.
I love it. Can you modify it at all to make it less squirley. Wider wheel base? Different axle or differential? It really is an amazingly original idea.
How cool is that! nice job on the vid & for sure the bus. Lola. out.
love that bus!! i really love how it looks with the large tires and wicked stance -- a TRUE hot rod! the haters can try to rain on your parade all day but screw em, this bus is BAD! plan on taking it to the track at all? would love to hear what it does in the 1/4!!! keep up the good work!
If this guy can do it!
So can I!
MONSTER!
Even knowing that the bus was pulled from a yard with cut fenders and a rotted pan, it's sad to see a rare & collectible 23-window walk-through chopped up for this...
Wow thats great! They put truck tires on it because they probably use it as a van lol. Not everybody wants to make "low riders" out of everything.
Oh sorry, the dogs bollocks is a slang english phrase we use in the north of england, it means it will look great etc,
I´m working on a new conversion on a bus ive just aquired, its going TDI with the gearbox too from a passat mounted at the rear, i´ll post a vid on youtube when i get her rolling.
Nice car, still needs a bit of polishing (and id get other tires..) but nice work with the engine must be lot of fun to drive around lol
These look sick with a good wheel/tire combo. Your running an Edelbrock right?. Dump that P.O.S. and buy a holley. If this is the crate motor I think it is (or close to it), I installed 1 in my 78 El Camino with a 600cfm Holley. They are adjustable in every way and it will get rid of what sounds like a full throttle stumble (@2:27)you got there. Im pretty sure you guys know, Im just suggesting. Anyways, nice job fella's, cant wait to see it later on if you have more plans for it . I hope so!
You're right; it's not my money, but I knew some guy in Mexico that cut out a complete unrestored 59 type 2 panel and a type 34 that the only missing thing was the rear window, to put on both a V-8 engine. Cool!......For a brief time; Where are they now? In a scrap yard, impossible to restore. And; How much worth that cars today? Many, many thousands, because they was uncut, rust free and with their originals engines.
WOOOORD !!!
itz a MONSTERRRR BULLY!!!!!
I doubr that messes w/ the value, you can retro md anything and still pull more cash. I think its sweet. My changes would be simple, leave the paint alone go w/ the quietest exhaust possible, and put the stock vw wheels and tires... dont let anyone know its modified, theguy in the iroc/mustang/challenger, he's the target.... I luv sleepers!
That Bus restored would be worth 40 to 50 thousand dollars not forgetting how rare it is.
awsome great job
wow im impressed i love it
Man, I like it.
i like how the mufflers still sorta sound like a vw at idle.. lol
Reduction gears don't reduce horsepower. Horsepower is torque per unit time. Reduction gears reduce rotation speed and increase torque by the same ratio, thus leaving horsepower the same.
great vid
will do.
it is sad i agree but at least its not rotting away somewhere
nice monster bus
Definitely has a bit of rat rod. Sounds great.
thats a good camera coz i bet its LOUD in that bus
I can only imagine the dopey looks the hotrodders of the Mustang type must give you..... Very kool VW. Too bad most hot rod wannabes arent a little more imaginative.
Cool concept. They style isn't where i personaly would like it (paint, suspension stance, getting rid of those 4x4 tires/rims), but it sounds nice anyway.
Evil Bus! Hahaha!!! Amazing!
Sweet!!!
At least it has a home.
Nice job! What are you running for a trans? Maybe do a video of the undercarriage to see the rear end setup? What size brakes are on this?
2:50 brakes are important things.
Nice, but I am a little disappointed to engine wasn't hangin' out the back like a baja.
When I was in college one of my buddies put a v8 in one of these. The radiator didn't fit so he put it on the roof. It was so ghetto.
i have no real sense of art but i do like the craftmanship of that motormount.! im not at all fond of the chevy v8 but to each there own! judging by those hp figures id rather stick a stroked turbo vw in it and call it an easy day.( of course i have no real skill in welding like they do) i would certainly look twice at the thing if it rolled past me as there is no other sound on earth that compares to the american v8! i do like the sound of the vw vr6 too!
Squirrelly little bastard! Ain't it? Needs a little stiffer rear springs too!
Oh yea! PUT SOME DAMNED BRAKES ON THAT THING!!!!
Thats nothing! On the Gumball 3000 a guy had a 1965 21 window Splity. (Everything you cant see on the VW, is all porsche.) Tp speed was around 180MPH+
Now that was bad ass!
Ohhh, I see what you're saying. T1 meaning split bus, T2 meaning bay window, T3 is Vanagon and T4 is Eurovan?
This is a shot in the dark but is that Bakersfield CA?
Don't ever crash, the horror that would ensue, I shudder to think.
i bet it could pop a wheelie anytime
theyre's a video that shows a classic bug with a 454 chevy
Wonder if you stand a chance of hearing loss since there's no mufflers or anything and the engine is literally right behind you without any dividing materials at all.
Mid engined design. Awesome.
T1 is the Beetle. The bus is a T2.
@lonatki oh, lol my bad, i ment the 4 tiny windows on the top, i thought they were called safari windows, lol
I know what you mean. Im thinking about putting a chevy smallblock or an old subaru engine in my bus and i contemplate the money, time, and power all in one. its a toughy
i love the idea, bit the stance and tyres kill it for me lookswise...
good thing i know what it looks like, if i see it on the street i will NOT try to race against it
I'd much rather see classics hot-rodded like this than scrapped.
Volare rear end? Are they really that strong?
Awesome!! How much was the build?
Better rich than lean!
we only put porsche engines into t3´s or t1 vans ;) in germany the gas is way to expensive to feed a v8 ;)
It says on the site that the old V8 was easy to get out? I didnt think these ever came with V8s?
0-60 in less than ten seconds, 60-0 in less than ten minutes
sweetness my buddy just bought a 1970vw bus figure id run the idea buy him if thats cool with you guys?
Yet still said we take money so serious and creativity gets pushed aside. That's all those who worry about money end up working for the dreamers anyway.
are you guys local to San Diego.... i ask because there is one section of the video where your going through a group of car dealerships that look very familiar
funny shit but awesome what chev v-8 i dont think i heard him say what motor... 350ci? based on what the dyno guy said.. sounds good too
i bet... nice project though... is it on any forums? i'm on volksforum com myself.. i'd love to see it pop up there
thats cool.but why with a 23 window?those are getting rare.
Ficou doida !!! valeu muito xique!! Parabens ...... Dar uma olhada na minha no youtub KOMBI MOTOR DE PORSCHE 911 BADU 59 valeu
some guys
just got too much time
on their hands
nice ride..
I like. would it work with an diff conversion ?
What causes the vehicle to rise up slightly when under full power? I've seen this happen with almost every dyno test.
please reread my comment! half is worried half is appreciation! and unless your a rich rich man most folk are worried about money with our current economy!
nah, i drive a Silverado 1500 with a custom chevy 383 anyway. gas money is not a problem :)
Why not try it with the standard wheels ? :-()
is that chevy hooked up thru the original drive line?
"...how a vw lost its soul"...
What typ of V-8 is it and have u took it to the track yet?
MY GOD ... I WANT ONE OF THOSE, HOW MUCH?
so worried about money and no appreciation for the craftsmanship. vwflat4driver wheres your sense of artwork? GREAT JOB 800HOTROD5!!!!!
What are those rectangular windows called? They are really hard to find.
I want 2. LOL