SOT - To Bus or Not To Bus, Should I Go VW? Options

[seanery]

After watching the super-cool VW Bus in Bullrun the last few months, then being nudged on by a member posting a link to some busses for sale - I'm seriously considering a bus. To keep the budget/cool factor evened out I'm thinking a 13 window walk through. I like the bigger Porsche Cups or Twists, a 2.0+ type IV, disk brakes, nice but simple interior, maybe a 901.

Here's the rub...I think I'd want it to be my main driver. Now, I'm not home too much. The last 2 1/2 years have been 300+ days on the road per year - and the next 18 months I'll be in Europe & Asia. So, it's not like I'm gonna be putting 15k miles per year on it. Plus, I have the 951 still. The Durango may be sold (as of last night).

But, it would need some sort of rustproofing - or, could it be powdercoated then cleared so it looked like nice shiny paint, but with a hard, durable finish? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

I've seen a couple of A/C systems for the early busses, but they aren't very elegant, seat heaters are probably a must - what about real heat? Are the heat exchangers enough? For some reason Gas Heaters scare me, is that a justified fear?

Anyway, here are a couple of color choices I'm playing with.

Tell me what you think...I know this is a bit unconventional - but I am unconventional (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Katmanken]

I really like my Vanagon.

Not as cool looking but it has 50/50 weight distribution and handles remarkably well....

Particularly if you get away from the 14 inch wheels and go to 15 or 16 inchers.

Tons of heat, great AC pours down from the ceiling, quiet, and comfortable on long drive. Has a weekender package in the rear that turns the rear seat into a full size bed.

Built like a tank to elimiate the front Seats O'Death problem. Saw a few photos from a VW test where it killed a Volvo station wagon in a 60km front end collision.

Did I mention the (expensive) Synchro 4 wheel drive version that would be great for rallying?