1979 VW Type 2 Bay Window – Project Profile

We’re a forward thinking bunch here at Car & Classic. Not just about the site, how we operate and what classics are going to rise in value in the coming months and years, but also about plans and potential for future projects. It’s not even Christmas yet but we’re already looking ahead to warmer weather and what that means for us as classic car fans. With that in mind we’ve picked out this Volkswagen Type 2 Bay Window as our project profile this week with one eye focussed firmly on 2022 summer camping trips.

Whatever you choose to call it, be it a bus, camper, or T2, the Volkswagen Type 2 rightfully deserves its cult status and many consider it to be the archetypal camper van, even though the T2 was never actually offered as a bespoke camper from the factory. Beginning life in 1950 the original Type 2 featured a split windscreen and was fitted with a 1.1-litre, flat-four, air-cooled engine fitted at the back, driving the rear wheels. This was later upgraded to a 1.2-litre with a 1.5 and 1.6 joining the fold as the years progressed. The second generation T2s arrived in 1967 and along with a redesign of the windscreen to a one piece design, hence the Bay Window name, they were also available with a host of larger engines; a 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0-litre – all still four cylinder, air cooled and fitted at the rear. Upgraded with a new suspension set up and 12 volt electrics the second-gen vans were also larger and therefore more versatile and suitable when it came to camper conversions.

What is it? 

The bus in question here is a late model 1979 Volkswagen Type 2 Bay Window. ’79 marks the last year of production for the T2 and as such this particular van has all of the mechanical and exterior updates and safety upgrades that came to pass during the second generation model’s 12 year production run. Perfect as a camper van the Type 2’s lack of a full length propshaft (thanks to that rear engine/rear-drive layout), along with its spacious cabin make it an obvious choice for the more discerning tent-dweller.

According to the ad this was originally a Devon conversion which means it did start out life as a camper and was done properly, not in a shed, which is good. A much more useable proposition than the previous model it’s still very much recognisable to fans of the original. Although not currently fitted, this particular T2 comes with the 1.6-litre variant of VW’s air-cooled boxer engine which is capable of around 70mph from its 60-odd horses when running, and not on a pallet.

Why is it a project? 

In its current state this late Bay Window is essentially a shell on wheels but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. T2s are notorious for turning into dust at the mere mention of H2O but thankfully this one has had all of that nasty rot cut out and replaced with fresh metal. Yes it’s missing some bodywork but most of the major panels have been sourced and are available with the van. As mentioned the original 1600cc engine, although running, is not fitted but is included along with the gearbox. These will both ideally need stripping and rebuilding, however. Any potential new owner will effectively have a big Lego set to put together and then there’s all of the electrics to sort and painting on top of that. From the advert description though it seems that this is merely a stalled project which has taken a bit of a back seat to other commitments – an all too familiar tale. It appears to be a tidy, corrosion-free chassis and body which is the biggest hurdle really when it comes to these old buses and provides somewhat of a blank canvas for the build of your choice.

Five things to looks for:

1) Rust

Many a T2 has succumbed to the dreaded tin worm but thankfully this one has been worked on and all of the rusty bits have been dealt with. Still, have a look at the quality of the repair work and check that everything is tip top – it’s fully stripped so access will be dead easy. Scrutinise where any panels join and make sure to have a look at all of the bits and pieces that are included in the sale too. All parts are readily available but it’s good to know what you will and what you won’t need to spend any extra money on.

2) Engine

The acclaimed VW air-cooled four banger is remarkably easy to work on and so if the 1.6 from this T2 needs fettling, or even rebuilding, you can be safe in the knowledge that it’s not a complicated and money-sapping affair. The advert states that it was re-conditioned 10,000 miles ago but we would take that with a rather large pinch of salt as there is no paperwork to back up this claim. Make sure the thing is complete and factor in any potential rebuild and/or upgrade costs.

3) Running Gear

Suspension and brakes look to be present and correct but again, check their condition. If the rest of the mechanicals are in line for some love then it would be wise to refresh the anchors and springy bits as well. As mentioned, the gearbox is included but there is no mention of condition so hedge your bets and assume this too will need a rebuild.

4) Parts

A lot of the parts required to compete this build are included in the sale but there are still some areas that need work, specifically a new sliding door, rear corner panels, nearside rear panel, nearside rear wheel arch, and all panels within the engine bay. All of these are readily available, however, it’s just a question of budget. The van will obviously require a full interior too and this is where your imagination can run riot but costs can easily spiral out of control.

5) Paperwork

There is apparently a documented history including receipts for parts as well as photographs of every stage of the restoration so far but the ad also mentions a lack of any engine fettling evidence so check what receipts there are for any of the repair work that has been carried out. It’s always nice to have a comprehensive history but this is pretty much going to be a fresh build so it’s not as critical as for a newly restored vehicle. The chassis number can tell you some useful info as well such as the year of manufacture and whether it’s actually a genuine Type 2 so have a look at this before you buy.

What should you do with it? 

All of the expensive repair and welding work has been done and so what we have here is a good, solid base upon which to build whatever kind of van your heart desires. If it were our money though it would have to be a camper. Seeing as this is a Devon Bay Window it was originally intended to be exactly that so surely that’s the way to go? Get the mechanicals spot on, inject a bit of your personality into the paint and interior and get your camp on!