UNIQUE 1978 VOLKSWAGEN BUS

1978 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Additional Info:

Selling my 1978 Bus. I bought this to build and use to promote my business at car shows and it’s time for a fresh project. This started out as a totally rust free bus (seriously) from Colorado. Aside from a few small dings which were removed, the body and frame were perfect. The windows were removed and it was given multiple coats of paint. Then after several days of strategically sanding through layers and some airbrush work, 2 coats of clear were applied - pictures really do not show how authentic this looks. All new window seals, doors and trunk seals, and windshield seal were installed. The bus was pinstriped, and “old school” hand painted lettering applied which was also distressed. The lettering is on top of the clear coat, so it can be removed. I replaced the painted bumpers with chrome, new chrome mirrors, chrome wiper arms, chrome luggage rack hold downs, and chromed the outer edges of the tail and side marker lights. I also added amber front fog lights. The luggage rack is OEM Volkswagen, and was refinished and new hardwood slats installed. The bus will fit inside a standard garage door with rack and surfboards attached. A rear Safari window was installed. The bus sits on a complete Wagonswest “slam bay” kit with narrowed beam and rear lowering plates. It has new shocks, all ball joints replaced, and new steering damper. The wheels are near new as are the tires. The interior was recently installed and the carpeting and full matching coco mats are new. The grab handles and some of the trim is new as are the “jail bars”. The steering wheel was replaced with a wooden wheel, the stereo is a new out of the box vintage Blaupunkt. A trigger shifter was installed and a bamboo parcel tray added. All gauges, signals and warning lights work as does the odometer which shows 96,500 which I believe to be accurate. I recently added a head temperature gauge and even here in Fort Myers, Florida I’ve not seen over 300 degrees. Mechanically, the transmission was recently rebuilt and it has a motor from a ‘76 bus with the fuel injection removed and converted to a carburetor. The brakes were also completely replaced. It starts and runs perfectly. It also drives, shifts and brakes excellently with no problems taking it anywhere. The only issue - because this engine has hydraulic lifters and the cylinders are horizontal, occasionally one will make noise upon starting until it gets pumped up again. This was actually something that happened to these buses when they were new. I do have a brand new long block (pictured) with a scat cam and solid lifters that could be purchased for what I paid, and not have a 3 month wait. This bus gets a lot of attention at car shows, and plenty of “thumbs ups” on the street. If a faux-tina (fake patina) paint job is not your style, it could simply be painted what ever color you’d like, all of the hard work is done.

Like all the cars I sell, I try to do my best to accurately represent their condition to not waste anyone’s time. Check out my feedback and look me up at volkswagengarage. If you have any questions, my name is Mark 239-292-2370

Here are several recent testimonials:

Gary M.

“I just purchased a 1983 VW Rabbit GTI from Mark and felt he was extremely informative and represented the car honestly. The purchase price was fair and he’s willing to work with you as long as he knows the car is going to a good home. It’s not perfect, but I knew that going in and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Mark knows more about classic VW’s than most. Very helpful before, and after the purchase. I feel like I’ve gotten a great deal and made a new friend and the same time....you will as well. Thanks Mark!”

Eric B.

"I love the GTI I bought from Mark. The car was in fantastic condition and drives just as good as it did in 1984 - I'm amazed at how quickly it starts every time I turn the key. This was my first time buying a car sight-unseen (I live in California) but his communication was such that I never had any worries about trust at all. He's also been great about answering any questions I have and I know I can count on his help down the road."

Mark C.

“I couldn't be happier with the GTI. I have no reservations or regrets after purchase which is a surprise to most people. There's plenty of horror stories out there about people buying cars on eBay or other websites that don't see the car prior to purchase. Mark is different. I feel He's an honest guy and he went out of his way to help me with making it easy.”

Erik W.

“I purchased a 1989 Cabriolet from Mark for my wife, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Mark makes the used car buying experience very easy. He is only a phone call or text away if you have any questions about the vehicle or the process of purchasing a vehicle. It’s tough buying a car online, sight unseen, but Mark answered every single question I had honestly. It’s good to know how much pride he takes in working on these vehicles and that there are still trustworthy people to buy used cars from. Thanks Mark”.

Parker K.

"Buying from Mark was the smartest decision I've ever made when it comes to cars. Mark stands out from others due to his quick responses, readiness to help, and knowledge about the cars he works on. The car arrived and was even nicer than I expected! He's very passionate about these cars, and he's a wealth of knowledge. I would highly recommend him!"

Reid C.

“It's only been two weeks, but I am very happy with the Cabriolet which I bought for my wife. It had only 40,000 miles (Carfaxed) despite being a 1988, and the interior especially is immaculate. Best of all, Mark has been a great communicator. Any questions I have, he responds promptly. He doesn't just make the sale and then hide with his money. I know I can count on him regarding any questions I have today or six months from now.”

Kevin F.

“I have been restoring old Volkswagens to original condition as a hobby for over forty years and have bought cars from many people. I take pride in making sure the cars are right when I am finished with them. I wanted to buy a water cooled Volkswagen that I could just drive and enjoy. The 1993 Volkswagen Cabriolet that I bought from Mark is a wonderful car and it is exactly what he described to me. I have to say that after all these years he is on my gold list of respectable people. These days when so many people are scamming others it is nice to know one who can be trusted and is very honest. Mark made my purchase a pleasure and for the first time I was able to buy a car without any worries