Date:         Tue, 13 Sep 2005 14:24:55 -0700
Reply-To:     Alan Sinclair <alan@DETERMINISTICNETWORKS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alan Sinclair <alan@DETERMINISTICNETWORKS.COM>
Subject:      Re: NVC: what's a good non-running bus worth?
Comments: To: Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <826c5e61d24359b8a856ca17b846622c@knology.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Jim

fwiw I bought an '81 Westy in similar state, had been sitting for
several years, for $600 cash a year ago in San Jose California.   It was
a gamble, didn't know what parts were good -- no battery, no keys, just
"as-is" -- so I may have paid more than I should.   I had to put a new
aircooled motor in, but the auto tranny was/is fine. If I'd known then
to look after a long-sat motor it might have been resuscitated without
engine failure. It has no significant rust and is clean inside though
the outside is quite weathered. Milometer reads about 80,000 which I
think is true. I've probably spent $5,000 on it -- motor, tires, seats,
shocks, etc., etc. (and etc. and more to come!)

Alan


Jim Felder wrote:

> I inquired about a bus (looks like a 74 or so, it has the flat engine
> and two carbs) that's been sitting where I take my dad's computer to
> get repaired. I was told that it was owned by a woman who inherited it
> from her grandfather, and she asked her boyfriend to handle the sale.
> He is supposed to call me tonight and is said to be ready to take any
> reasonable offer.
>
> That's my question: what does such a thing go for in most areas of the
> country?
>
> Engine quality unknown
> Transmission shot for sure
> Interior: in the rear cabin, nonexistent, no seats, but perfect
> hardboard headliner of some kind either original or expertly installed.
> Interior: front, seats good, all dash stuff intact (knobs, levers,
> covers, etc.). No mats anywhere, cheap aftermarket door panels.
> Body: excellent, no dents (to speak of)  or rust, everything straight
> and opens and closes properly, If it's supposed to stay up when it's
> opened (hatches) it does.
> All glass is good.
> One electrical inlet appears on the outside about the C pillar and near
> the window line.
>
> Any opinions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim