Dear all I am looking to acquire a mint late bay, due to serious time restrictions I cannot get involved in any restoration work, I did that in the eighties and know how long these things take, so instead of spending the time under a van I want to spend the time enjoying using it. Needs to be fully fitted out and with a pop top and preferably white/ cream classic Vw blue, as I am very averse to any rust it will have to have been a complete bare metal respray and of course a right hand drive. Any pointers will be much appreciated, as I ( and my wife ) have been without a bay for far too long. Best Trevor
how much research have you done on layout, engine etc. to narrow down what you are after? right hand drive means UK and probably lots of welding having been done , Aussie or South African. all of which will be expensive. also some of the nicest layouts etc will be hard to get right hand drive e.g. some of the Westy ones. it's worth going to some of the early spring and summer shows such as Dubfreeze or Volksworld to have a look around to decide what you are after and if anyone is selling such a thing. my intuition is that you will either have to a) go to someone to build you one, or b) compromise a bit on elements of what you are after e.g. try left hand drive. you are way more likely to get a good rust free bus for acceptable money if you do. also are you after early or late bay? I presume you are getting Camper & Bus each month? the adverts in the back are worth a look and will give you an idea of what's out there. Recently the features seem to all be based on buses from a small number of companies that do good buses but are pricey. examples being G'Day Kombi near Oxford, VWKampers near Brighton and Johnson Autoworks near Nottingham. these sorts of guys do what you are after but expect to pay loads. best of luck with the search!
Here's a nice one. Bare metal job too. Might be a bit pricey though. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251207599567?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Dear All Thanks for your responses I have been looking through all the mags and endlessly at the internet, it is a subject that coming back to it after 20 yrs needs a lot of research, the ads on this forum have proved of interest especially this one, http://thelatebay.com/index.php?topic=15184.0 which we may go and see, the bus in Kenilworth is beautiful but Left hand drive ( can you convert them )? I know it is going to cost from 13k up to 20k hard to believe I sold my last one for £1200.00 but there you go. The real problem I guess is that if I am spending that sort of money I need to know it isn't full of filler, any other car you bought which had been resprayed you would have to ask why. On the upside I suspect if maintained they will keep their price especially as Brazilian busses will be out of production next year. Any comments on the bus above would be helpful. Best and thanks Trevor
LHD is easy to get on with in a bay. Not sure why but somehow much easier than a car. I am liking the buses that you picked out there. Pretty good price too. Its very easy to go way north of 20k with the guys that get featured in the mags. G'Day are over £30k even! How many people do you need it to sleep? The different layouts vary quite a lot in terms of whether they feel spacious or not and also length, width and number of beds etc.
Dear all Yes this bus looks good, hoping to get to see in this weekend, only need to sleep two as all the children have flown the nest, the only thing that put me off this van was the colour but my wife likes it and I think solidity takes priority, does anyone have any thoughts about the engine dilema, as I am unsure and really not qualified to tell the difference, is a new one so much better than the reconditioned one, which would give better fuel economy. Best and thanks Trevor
I wouldn't worry about fuel economy if you're going to spend best part of £20k on a bus, you'll be disappointed!
I would recommend a LHD. I've just got mine, and having never driven a LHD before I was really surprised how quickly I got used to it. I'm really glad I didn't wait around, or pay extra for a RHD.
Dear all Well the left hand drive thing just gets me perhaps its just being terribly British, ( or just old fashioned, ) and I know fuel economy and bays don't go together but you know it still is pertinent. Also since I last owned a bay the whole lowering phenomena has appeared, does it really make a difference if gently lowered, I don't like the look of the buses when they are too low to the ground, seems to take away the quaintness of them. Any other vital points I should be looking for, I know about the fuel pipes needing replacing to avoid the possibility of an engine fire, and given how poorly previous buses I have owned stopped discs would be good? Best Trevor
There's a thread in chat about what new owners should know. Some of it is a bit overkill if you're just looking but may be worth a read. http://thelatebay.com/index.php?topic=20003.0 I'd go for the bigger engine but that's just me! Lowering rarely improves the ride (often the opposite). Stock height all the way for me! Regarding rhd vs lhd. I'm with you on that, I wouldn't want a left hooker either.
Dear all Well read that thread some interesting points, looks like I will have to buy a Haynes manual, if lowering them rarely improves ride, why do it, presumably its expensive, and puts some people off ( like myself ) The bus I am considering says Moderately lowered for a comfy non rolling drive. Does this ring true, Best Trevor
lowering is a matter of taste and will it fit in your garage. I prefer stock height which is soft and comfy ride. lowered can compromise the ride and make it a bit harsh spending how you do it. half the fun of buses is playing about with them and changing them to suit you. definitely worth getting the spanners out along with a Haynes and better yet a Bentley manual. service intervals are frequent and there is always something to adjust or fix (which is half the fun too).
Hi i have a 73 tax exempt rhd bay, was stripped to a bare shell & dipped in acid ! all nos panels used everythin replaced & lived outside for 7 yrs you wouldnt believe how well this bus has stood the british climate & its painted light blue lol if intrested call me on 07914201724 iam in the midlands i can email you pics
We are thinking of selling our van. If you look in the featured section its in there....bertha westy continental. We have outgrown it well the kids have! If you are seriously interested the pm me. Regards
Cheers Malc. ..... we don't really want to sell but as the children keep growing it's becoming more difficult. :'(
