newbie owner 69 bay need help.pleeease

[codgod74]

hi folks,me and my partner have just imported a 69 tin top from new mexico and this is our first bus.
the bus seems ok with very minimal rust,the bus does run but is not road worthy.
im not scared of doing the work but i just dont know where to start?.any help/advice would be great,also how do i find out the history of the bus.what engine do i have?ive got so many questions i dont know where to start.
thanks steve

 

[StuF]

Hi and welcome to the site - you will need to post pics of what you have and we can take it from there.

To do that you will need to upload the pics to photo bucket or another image hosting site and copy the tags here - then the pics will magically appear

:D

 

[StuF]

Also have a look here at this sticky thread for more info on posting pictures

http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=57341" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[codgod74]

ok thanks for getting back.will post photos 2moro.
steve

 

[ozziedog]

Just what we need another bleedin Steve :roll: :roll: :roll: I`m one too :lol: Welcome and get them piccies up and include one of your M Plate so someone can decipher it for you then you`ll sort of know what you got.

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,,,,, (Steve) And don`t be shy about posting loads :mrgreen:

 

[vwed]

I think you need to define more closely what you mean by "not road worthy". Pictures won't necessarily help with that. Brakes?, suspension?, electrics? An MOT test would certainly define that for you, which in turn would prioritise the work you need to do, assuming it fails.

 

[vwcanuck]

Welcome Steve. Buy/download/borrow a Bentley repair manual along with other repair manuals that will help you understand the simplicities and complexities of your bus' various systems. Make a list of basic systems until you have everything then go through one at a time checking for damage, wear, and other issues. Keep a list of parts to be repaired or replaced and with some perseverance before you know it you will be ready for MOT and finding excuses to drive. There's loads of information already posted here and on The Samba. A fellow earlybay owner in your neighbourhood can also be an invaluable asset. Have fun!

(check your messages)

 

[codgod74]

hi everybody and thankyou all for you replies,i aint had time to take photos yet,when is said not road worthy,the brake pedal will sink to the floor,there is play in the steering (a knocking sound if you rock the steering wheel) ive looked underneath and i can see that all 4 ball joints have gone.also every moving joint under the bus is absolutely covered in orange sandy grease its crusted over every joint.maybe its the driving climate conditions where it came from (new mexico).also do i have a dynamo or an altenator and can somebody explain electronic ignition?
thanks steve

 

[dazza1975]

Pics speak a thousand words mate so get them up and plenty of them.

Also where abouts are you? might be worth mentioning as we are a friendly bunch around here!!


Now Pics

 

[codgod74]

hi again,i live in Walsall/wolves border.i will take photos this weekend.ive stayed away from the bus tonight as I end up just staring at it as not knowing what to do first?i must have spent an hour under it last night.btw the vin number is 239101933
steve

 

[vwed]

Chassis number indicates it is a 1969 model year bus. In other words built between August 1st 1968 and the end of July 1969. By the end of December 1968 the chassis number was up to 2x9 098 974. Your bus is only 2959 buses on from that, so build date of early January 1969.
It originally would have had the 1600 engine, but of course may have been replaced with something different over time. A picture of the engine would confirm whether it is a 1600 or the later 1700/1800/2000 ones.

 

[codgod74]

thanks vwed,i like the info.what is the diff between vin and m plate?also how can I tell the history of the bus? and if it was in new mexico all its life?
steve

 

[vwed]

Some bedtime reading:
http://www.type2.com/m-codes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.vw-mplate.com/mcode.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;