Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Apr 12 2014, 09:31 PM

From Hemmings Motor News, the VW bus production ceased at the end of 2013. These were powered by the water cooled 4. The basic shape is timeless and recognizable on any street corner in the world. The last kombis have a "56" logo on it, commerating its 5+ decades of service.
I miss my 3.2L powered '86 syncro

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Apr 12 2014, 11:16 PM

So, what's the deal?? They just weren't popular enough?

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Apr 13 2014, 12:56 AM

Since this style of kombi stopped import to USA after1979, it was only sold in certain world markets thereafter. From 1980+. The Vanagon ran up through the early 90's, then came the introduction of the front engine Eurovan. Dollar for dollar I think the VW factories , Like Puebla Mexico, will turn out more profitable VWs other than this good old bus. Good long run for the bus
Marty

Posted by: euro911 Apr 13 2014, 01:18 AM

I originally set out to buy 'Bay' westy, but since I was planning to eventually do a Subi conversion, decided to look for a Vanagon H2O model.

Interesting to see what appears to be a taller tin top on the later Bays

Posted by: KELTY360 Apr 13 2014, 08:28 AM

They stopped making hippies 20 years ago and now there's no one to buy buses.

Posted by: KELTY360 Apr 13 2014, 08:41 AM

Good call on the roof height. A Vanagon with a Subie makes a sweet ride. I've had my '87 Syncro Westy with a 3.3 six on the road for about 6 months now. It seems almost unnatural to drive in the fast lane or effortlessly climb hills. Did you know that the 914 wheelbase is 2" longer than a Bay? There's only 1/2" difference between a 914 and a Vanagon.

Posted by: 76-914 Apr 13 2014, 09:20 AM

This was posted last year. Brazils new safety or fuel emissions laws (I forget which) went into effect 2014/1/1. It was too much $$$ to re tool and change design. Many, many Brazilian business' depend upon these VW vans and many said they will go out of business w/o them. Look for these to be snatched up.

Posted by: arcadeforever Apr 14 2014, 06:38 AM

It is a shame. But Im sure they dont pass safety standards anymore. There is really nothing up front to protect against impact. I wont ever sell mine, it so much fun to drive.

Posted by: euro911 Apr 14 2014, 10:09 AM

I had a '67 and now the '84 Vanagon, never had a Bay. I've never even ridden in a Bay.

I was young when I had the '67, never thought about safety standards. I've seen crash test videos for Vanagons and was quite surprised at how well they held up.

Posted by: KELTY360 Apr 14 2014, 02:54 PM

I had a '72 tin top Westy in the late 70s. Loved driving it, very convenient camping arrangement but brrrrr in the winter. Makes me appreciate a water cooled Vanagon with real heat.

There is nothing quite like a VW Bus....in any configuration. Sorry to see them out of production but they will always live on....long live The Bus.

Posted by: Johny Blackstain Apr 14 2014, 05:48 PM

Although not as pretty as the original bus, I've always been partial to the B32:



Attached image(s)

Posted by: KELTY360 Apr 14 2014, 10:33 PM

I'm going to try to embed a video but I've never done it before. Here goes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tXynxODC4eY#t=0

Posted by: KELTY360 Apr 14 2014, 10:37 PM

Well, that only created a link. Anybody know how to embed a vid?

Posted by: euro911 Apr 14 2014, 11:03 PM

Like this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/tXynxODC4eY



If you 'quote reply' to this, you'll see how to frame the link

Posted by: KELTY360 Apr 15 2014, 12:26 PM

Thanks Mark. I'll try to remember that for next time.