Evening all. My first post! Firstly apologies if this is the wrong section, I did look but couldn't really see anywhere to ask this. I've just been to look at a lovely 79 Devon Moonraker, as my first step into the world of vintage VWs. It was awesome in every way, totally original inside and out... however it had been neglected over the cold winter and rust has started to come though in a few areas. I'm good with most things, but chopping out rust isn't my speciality... so I was wondering if some of you experienced guys could take a look at the pics and advise on rough costs to get the rust fixed properly. I need to know approximate costs before I go and agree to buy the bus. First pic is the worse, just in front of the n/s rear arch. Hole in outer 'skin' Second pic is of the o/s front arch just below the door Third pic is of the bottom of n/s side panel. I hope the pics work, and sorry again if this has been asked to death. I understand a bodyshop is this best place to ask, but I can't take the bus to one until I have bought it. I just wanted a rough price before I commit. Many Thanks Dan.
It had a body resto back in 2009. I took a magnet with me and tried it everywhere... it stuck to everything. I did think it looked like filler though, so possibly just a thin layer. I know its hard to tell from the three pics, but its all I managed to get after I had finished driving it. I would have loved to swing by a bodyshop but the van's in the middle of the country so I was restricted with my 'test drive'.
i would get a magnet on on it matey, it looks like filler city to me....... don't buy it unless you're happy with the fact you're going to have to do bodywork - welcome by the way.
Yah. Rust through filler defo. How much does he want for the ol'Raker? End of the day you are buying a 30 year plus vehicle, there will always be rust my young apprentice.
Where are you located dude? If your localish to me i dont mind coming looking at it for you From those pics and those pics only id say its going to need a fair bit of bodywork I may not be correct but i think i can see a bulge of filler in the sill aswell
How did you think the underneath looked?? And the general appearance of the engine and running gear?? And it does depend on weather it has a current mot, and how much you have got to pay?? Good luck and take someone with you who can have a look for you if your not sure before you buy and regret.
Need more pictures and a price Mines falling apart now in the usual places after a 2006 resto Problems of buying a well used and loved UK bus.
Don't want to put a downer on it or burst your bubble but it is always far worse than it looks. For all the rust you can see there is a lot you can't. You will never know without a bit of digging and no one lets you do that before they get your money. This is my area of expertise, buying siht vans for more than they are worth. ;D
Bus is up for 9k ish, with original interior and doubletop roof. Recon 2.0l engine recently fitted. Underneath is very solid and has just gone through an MOT needed brake lines and an 'exhaust seal'. Engine bay is clean and solid. The bus is at the upper limit of my budget, so I really can't afford to get stung in bodyshop costs... however I do realise whatever I buy is likely to be an ongoing project.
Just out of interest how many vans have you looked at. That is quite a useful budget you have and gives you quite a few options.
For that money I would advise you try and get somebody to have a look with you as well. Doubt you'll have many body shop issues if thats the worst unless you want to keep it pristine.
Rot is like an iceberg what you see on the surface is only a small fraction of whats below I know it may sound like im putting a downer on your potential dream but im not i want you to live your dream The thing is ive seen so many people have there dreams ruined because of very rotten busses Excercise caution when buying and old bus and look at loads in your price range to guage the differences in price and condition yourself You did the right thing coming here before parting with your cash and as a new buyer you will learn loads from the helpfull people on the late bay If you cant weld or mechanic yourself you need to buy the best bus you can get in your price range
for 9 grand you can get a real good rot free bus if you don't mind left hand drive.... trust me i spent less than that.... talk to joker on here if you want a decent bus for good money.
