1960 ORIGINAL LIGHT GRAY (L345) SO-23 SUB-HATCH VW WESTFALIA CAMPER
A true survivor! Actually pulled out of previous owner’s shed in southern Colorado after almost 30 years of hibernation. 99% RUST FREE
Here are some pictures of the bus as found and recovered, lus some repair pics from Monkey nut in Charlotte, C!http://www.monkeynutvw.com/gallery/v/Past+ProjectsProjects/T2projects/daves60westy/Previous owners were river runners on the San Juan River and bought the bus from a fellow boater in Southeastern Colorado in the mid-late 70’s. They drove/camped in it until 1981 when it was parked due to motor and clutch issues. I bought it in 2008 and proceeded to thoroughly clean and detail the bus while making it roadworthy again.There is no Westfalia designation or port code on the m-code plate, o the bus was likely picked up in Germany (possibly as a tourist delivery US prep) by original owner or an importer and taken to the Westfalia factory to have the conversion completed. The lack of a Westfalia paint code (starting with 523***) appears to confirm this possibility. This was not unusual for the time as it was difficult to get Westfalia campers in the states at that time through the limited dealer network. This is an original Sub-Hatch Camper!!!
Mechanical work was completed in 2010 and I have put approximately 2500 miles on it since that time. The balance of the work was done locally (here in New Mexico) and by Monkey Nut in Charlotte, C over a 2 year period. I have driven this bus on long trips and can attest to its road worthiness. This particular bus has all the desirable features folks are looking for in an early split window camper bus – small rear hatch, ullet front turn signals, riginal paint, ub hatch, nd safari windows – all in all a very nice survivor. Here are some of the details of the preservation and history of the bus.
Body:
The bus is very straight with presentable paint in L345 Light Gray. The bus is more than 90% original paint and 100% original sheet metal, ith only a few early touch-ups in the rear corners and side window frame. It has been cleaned and buffed to its current finish. No clear coat. There are a few dents and dings here and there, ut nothing significant. There are two pinholes in the cargo rocker, ut otherwise no visible rust on the outside of the bus. There is light surface rust on the outer front floors sections. The interior color of the cargo area is original Westfalia Beige. The bumpers and emblem were over-sprayed in black at some point and have been stripped down to original paint Silver White. They are both very straight and complete. The 5 date matched 15” rims were blasted, owder coated low-gloss black, hen sprayed Silver White on the outer faces (per original) to match with new Kumho 205 15 tires mounted all around. New hubcaps are powder coated the proper Light Gray. There are two principle body flaws. The center of the spare tire well was cut out at some point in the past for storage access. A hole approximately 6 inches in diameter was cut in the right rear corner of the loading deck to accept a tall propane tank for a cooking stove (neither present).
Wolfgang International safaris were installed by Monkey Nut – functional, ut not original/correct.
Drivetrain:
The bus came with a later “big nut” transmission (4.12 R&P). Both the center section and reduction boxes were rebuilt by General Parts in Albuquerque and installed by Bruce at Vdub Werks in Albuquerque (now in SoCal). The motor is a high torque 1641 s.p. rebuilt by Jake at Monkey Nut in Charlotte, C and installed by Vdub Werks. Motor specs:
• Original German late A engine case, ual relief, mm head stud. Mains cut to 0.040
• Compression at 7.5:1
• New Mahle 87 mm slip in pistons and cylinder set
• Reground 0.010/0.010 German stock crankshaft
• New Bugpack 4061-10 Camshaft with SCAT lifters
• Set of rebuilt stock rods from RIMCO
• Set of stock German s.p. heads rebuilt by Matt at Foreign Aide in Albuquerque, M
• New doghouse oil cooler
• New Shadek 26 mm oil pump
• Stock aluminum pushrods
• New SACHS clutch kit
Motor is completed to look as stock as possible, ith correct muffler and powder coated engine tin. Drivetrain has a total of 2,500 miles on it since the rebuilds.
Fuel tank was cleaned and painted with reserve lever. All shift bushings, oupler, nd transmission mounts were replaced at the time of the rebuild.
Front End and Brakes:
The brake system was thoroughly gone through by Vdub Werks and repairs were made using German parts where possible, ncluding a new master cylinder, ard brake lines, ront and rear soft brake lines, ront and rear wheel cylinders, nd front and rear brake shoes. Wheel bearings were cleaned and repacked and grease seals installed. New stock Cofap shocks were installed all around. The front end components were not replaced as they were all in fantastic shape. They may have been replaced in the past, ut this is as tight a steering bus as I have driven.
Interior:
Front seat frame was blasted, epaired, owder coated low-gloss black, e-padded with coconut fiber and jute, nd reupholstered by Monkey Nut with original style gray vinyl from Matt Miller. All other interior pieces in the cab are original to the bus and in serviceable condition. All pop-out windows are present with nice frames, ubber, nd latches. Cargo area is covered by a stock rubber mat.
The SO-23 camper interior is incomplete/modified as follows:
• Bed and cushions: present
• Original wood panels and headliner: present
• Sub hatch trim/panel: present
• Jump seat bench/cabinet behind bulkhead: missing
• Icebox: missing
• Wash basin cabinet: missing
• Rear cargo door table: missing
• Main table: present
• Sisal Mat: missing
• Marble Mat: present
• Coat closet: present, ut appears to be cut in half (functional) and door missing
• Curtain Rods: 3 of the 5 are present
• Sconces: have one full light assembly. missing one sconce
• Rear cargo net and hooks: missing
• All the other hard to find Westy bits (wash basin, mka cups and holder): missing
Electrical:
Wiring harness is original and in beautiful shape. System was converted to 12V with new starter, lternator, oil, attery, ulbs, elays and wiper armature. Everything works as it should.
This bus is physically located in Albuquerque NM and has a clear New Mexico title in my name. Fly in and see it for yourself – then drive it home. Very solid example of an early camper survivor - you will get compliments wherever you go in this bus.
Please contact me with any questions or requests. Buyer is responsible for arranging shipping, ut I will provide any help I can in facilitating the transaction. International buyers welcome – closest ports for shipping are Galveston, X or Los Angeles, A. Cash or bank wire transfers accepted for payment.
Roof rack is no longer with bus.
For further questions please email or call me at 505-401-5424. I have been a seller oneBay for 15 years and have 100% feedback and have nothing to hide. Please call me with questions or further photos.
FINE PRINT: I have the right to end auction early as it is for sale locally as well. Please bid only of you can afford to purchase it and go through with the sale. $1500 NON-REFUNDABLE depositimmediately after close of auction via Paypal. DO NOT waste my or your time here. If you Win this bus anddon't pay I will go after you with legal action. THIS IS A BINDING contract.