Bodywork is just the first stage. then paint rolling gear, brakes, suspension electrics engine and box Interior. Some people spend £10k just on that! 5-10 years ago it cost £1,000 in parts just to put one back together after painting with seals, light lenses etc. I'm not guessing, I've done this a few times. I spent about £10k doing mine on top of purchase - I did everything, weld, fill, paint, mech, interior...and I'm tight fisted and that was 6 years ago. Parts prices have only gone up since.
Steve is about right with his estimates with what it would cost to restore. I know how much Gusbus cost me to do and believe me its more than that (bearing in mind 2 brazi doors, new front beam, a motor, interior, upholstery was a big outlay) but the little things added up most such as the little rubber gaiters etc. Like you would like to do, we did a home restoration so garage bills are out of consideration. I added up everything we spent that I could and was shocked by how much.
I wasn't that surprised TBH - usually I don't add it up because I know it'll be excruciating. And my bodywork was cheap as I did that 13 (eek) years ago when parts were a lot cheaper - my cab doors were £120 each with everything still attached. I bet If I started now it would cost almost double, it's not something I'll be doing again! @Bay Dreamer It's easy to look at the big stuff, double it and think you're covered. My experience is that this is not enough - double it again and you better have a contingency fund too because likely that still won't cover it.
I'm hoping not to have too much to do in the future, fingers crossed, as you say costs would be double but in say five years time, good genuine VW parts, who knows what stocks will be available and for how much. That said, the satisfaction you get from completing the project is worth the effort!
Okay, I understand. I don’t doubt what you know or your experience, I was just suggesting my van is already okay in a few places. Full braking system is new/very good, wiring replaced, engine and box good, all running gear clean and looks good. The interior I wasn’t considering as that is a whole other story. Out of interest, what would you suggest is a reasonable price for an prototype bay Devon, ignoring the interior and not mint condition? I have a full Westy interior I have collected over the years, which I intend to put in the next van. I wouldn’t want a mint van as I would be scared if it got scratches or dented. I have also noticed how you cannot get original Brazilian vw arches anymore. I have a brand new one and wonder if I should sell this seperately?
Part of your problem is you’ve got a tintop panelvan conversion so not the most desirable bus even when it’s finished, if it was a poptop with factory windows you’d be on a much better starting point even in the same condition! I know someone very recently looked at an early Devon project with promise for £8k then bought a much better one for £16k ish
Fair point buddy, you know what has been replaced / refurbished so your on a plus with those bits sorted. The rough costs I suggested I spent was because that’s what I added them up to as a whole, our westy has a separate spreadsheet with its costs added up and that one is far less (half the other ‘73) as it didn’t need as much doing but where possible using genuine VW components or good used. I have no idea how much a good early Devon would be but I totally get you on scratches or dents, I dropped my phone the other day and chipped the paint on the wheel arch Its all good fun though eh
As others have suggested, parting it out might be your best option financially. You have those parts, a genuine arch and only you know what else is serviceable. If you have good doors you're laughing and all those small bits add up when you're selling just as when you're buying.
Although I know this, it has been helpful for you to point it out again when considering its value with other projects available.
Although I could do this, i’m not sure I am up to date on the value of items and i’m concerned I would come up short and be left with a shell worth nothing. I will try and sell complete and see how it goes. Thanks for your input.
