'68 California Westy - Our First Bus

[Sam McGoo]

My '68 Westfalia
After 30 odd years of wanting one, and seriously looking for the last 6 months, we finally found the right bus for us. Had to keep pushing the budget, as we just wanted to enjoy it straight away, and for at least a few years before any serious work would be needed.
'68 Westfalia, California desert import, as rust free as you can hope for on a 57 year old bus , Recon 1776cc Engine, imported and restored by Coolcampers in 2017, but only done circa 500 dry miles since. Interior still has some of the plastic wrapping on and is unused! Disc brakes and servo, along with a few other nice bits, but it was it's condition that sold it to us.
We broke down just 30ish miles into our 100mile journey home

But kind of expected it from a bus that's been used so little in recent years. No biggy though - just a flat battery due to a faulty Alternator. Threw a new battery on it to get us home, and will be replacing the alternator when I get a minute.
A few minor things we wanna do to put our stamp on it, but overall really pleased!
I'm sure they'll be plenty of questions coming from me in the not too distant future as its my first Bus or even aircooled VW.

 

[matty74]

Lovely looking bus Sam

Looking forward to your updates

 

[ozziedog]

That is one seriously lovely bus.

Ozziedog,,,,,,perfecto

 

[andrewblackwell]

Lovely bus (i am biased based on similar paint colour)
Lovely house too, all the room on that drive!

 

[wklail]

My '68 Westfalia
After 30 odd years of wanting one, and seriously looking for the last 6 months, we finally found the right bus for us. Had to keep pushing the budget, as we just wanted to enjoy it straight away, and for at least a few years before any serious work would be needed.
'68 Westfalia, California desert import, as rust free as you can hope for on a 57 year old bus , Recon 1776cc Engine, imported and restored by Coolcampers in 2017, but only done circa 500 dry miles since. Interior still has some of the plastic wrapping on and is unused! Disc brakes and servo, along with a few other nice bits, but it was it's condition that sold it to us.
We broke down just 30ish miles into our 100mile journey home

But kind of expected it from a bus that's been used so little in recent years. No biggy though - just a flat battery due to a faulty Alternator. Threw a new battery on it to get us home, and will be replacing the alternator when I get a minute.
A few minor things we wanna do to put our stamp on it, but overall really pleased!
I'm sure they'll be plenty of questions coming from me in the not too distant future as its my first Bus or even aircooled VW.
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That’s a beauty! Holy cow! And it has a fold out bed up top?

 

[Sam McGoo]

That’s a beauty! Holy cow! And it has a fold out bed up top?

Yeah, it's a solid bed on a front hinge, but the head end folds to give room to get up and down. Can be strapped up to the roof to give tou the head room when you don't need the bed.

Daughter and granddaughter like it lol

 

[lambrettatastic]

Nice bus…but 68?

 

[Clem]

Nice bus…but 68?

I guess it was built late in 1968. It’s 69 Model Year bus.

 

[Sam McGoo]

Nice bus…but 68?

Late '68

 

[Sam McGoo]

I guess it was built late in 1968. It’s 69 Model Year bus.

Yeah as above pic, late '68.

So what defines it as 69MY?

 

[Ben72Bay]

View attachment 10902

is the BugPack unit at the top a 'catch tank' type of thing?
Lovely bus BTW!

 

[Wannabay]

Yeah as above pic, late '68.

So what defines it as 69MY?

Type 2 model years ran July to August, so ‘69 buses were built between 1st Aug 1968 to 31st July 1969

 

[Sam McGoo]

Type 2 model years ran July to August, so ‘69 buses were built between 1st Aug 1968 to 31st July 1969

Cheers.
I was meaning more the physical differences though? As they questioned whether it was a '68 just by the pictures, so I assume differences can be seen?

 

[Clem]

Yeah as above pic, late '68.

So what defines it as 69MY?

Things that are different from the off are the ‘trigger’ door handles , 68’s had push button door handles. Also , you have the internal door locks with the opening latches , on 68’s they are the pull up mechanism on the door tops. Loads of bits are different but I don’t want to bore you

You do share a few common 68/69 bits such as the rear view mirror and suspension beam. These are different on later buses.

It’s important to know the model year though for when you need to order spares/parts etc.

 

[Sam McGoo]

is the BugPack unit at the top a 'catch tank' type of thing?
Lovely bus BTW!

Yeah, crank case vent / catch can kind of thing. I've not looked into if it's plumbed in correctly yet, as it came on it when I bought it.

 

[Sam McGoo]

Things that are different from the off are the ‘trigger’ door handles , 68’s had push button door handles. Also , you have the internal door locks with the opening latches , on 68’s they are the pull up mechanism on the door tops. Loads of bits are different but I don’t want to bore you

You do share a few common 68/69 bits such as the rear view mirror and suspension beam. These are different on later buses.

It’s important to know the model year though for when you need to order spares/parts etc.

Brilliant, thanks.
I'll be doing lots learning, as I do like to know what I've got and what I'm doing. And as you say, will need to know when it comes to ordering parts etc..

 

[cossair]

My '68 Westfalia
After 30 odd years of wanting one, and seriously looking for the last 6 months, we finally found the right bus for us. Had to keep pushing the budget, as we just wanted to enjoy it straight away, and for at least a few years before any serious work would be needed.
'68 Westfalia, California desert import, as rust free as you can hope for on a 57 year old bus , Recon 1776cc Engine, imported and restored by Coolcampers in 2017, but only done circa 500 dry miles since. Interior still has some of the plastic wrapping on and is unused! Disc brakes and servo, along with a few other nice bits, but it was it's condition that sold it to us.
We broke down just 30ish miles into our 100mile journey home

But kind of expected it from a bus that's been used so little in recent years. No biggy though - just a flat battery due to a faulty Alternator. Threw a new battery on it to get us home, and will be replacing the alternator when I get a minute.
A few minor things we wanna do to put our stamp on it, but overall really pleased!
I'm sure they'll be plenty of questions coming from me in the not too distant future as its my first Bus or even aircooled VW.

That’s a great-looking bus!

Before replacing the alternator, check if the red generator warning light on the dash cluster has a blown bulb. If the filament is broken, it can interrupt the circuit and stop the alternator from charging. It could be a simple £1 fix.. it happened to me.

 

[Clem]

Brilliant, thanks.
I'll be doing lots learning, as I do like to know what I've got and what I'm doing. And as you say, will need to know when it comes to ordering parts etc..

If you can’t sleep ….

https://earlybay.com/threads/early-bay-differences.2240/

 

[Sam McGoo]

I replaced the alternator and all seems well. 14.5v at idle, and the charge light is doing exactly as described now.
Not a terrible job, but getting that 36mm nut off the back of the fan was a challenge with the engine in place! Used several combinations of ratchets, bars, spanners etc to try and get the leverage needed to get it off. Just as I was about to admit defeat, it finally came off.
Had to do it twice as the new one must sit in a different position so I had to swap the shims around so the fan didn't rub.
Anyway, done now, and had a 65mile trip and all seemed well. Fingers crossed it continues.

 

[Sam McGoo]

That’s a great-looking bus!

Before replacing the alternator, check if the red generator warning light on the dash cluster has a blown bulb. If the filament is broken, it can interrupt the circuit and stop the alternator from charging. It could be a simple £1 fix.. it happened to me.

Cheers. I got some good advice on one of the Facebook forums and did loads of testing before committing to replacing it. I did also have a loose generator warning bulb holder, so it was a combination.