A rare VW Bus from the 70s with automatic transmission. Originally converted by the American Based Sportsmobile known for quality conversions and it has the larger size popup.

I bought the van from a couple who had found it in Michigan where it sat for many years. The original owners had begun the restoration by fixing the rust on the lower body panels and installing a new nose. The couple who bought it installed a new windshield and had the engine tuned, brake work, new tires and rear axles. Their family situation changed and they had to sell it to purchase a home for their first baby.

I bought it about a year ago. Many cosmetic repairs including paint job, new vinyl floor, radio antenna and speakers, etc. I also fixed the fuel sending unit so the gas gauge now works.

More extensive mechanical work as the carbs were converted from the original duel single barrel Solexes to a single EMPI 2 barrel carburetor by an experienced local VW mechanic. He also completed the brake work, fixed the emergency brake, got most lights working and installed a new exhaust system. Before these repairs the car didn't really run but it now runs and drives. Like most VWs of this era it lacks for modern highway power. I haven't driven it much but I've had it cruising at 60-65mph. It leaks oil and smokes which is common for old VWs. The mechanic says valve guides need to be replaced to reduce the leaking oil and smoking. There is a short video of the engine running.

The popup works properly and is sturdy. You will see that the tent needs to be repaired or replaced. A new tent specifically for Sportsmobiles is available from The Bus Depot for $500.

There is some rust underneath but really now much for the age and doesn't appear to be structural. I fixed the drivers floor and a few other exterior small holes before painting.

All new door and window seals for the front doors. All new covers for all the exterior lights. New front 3 point seat-belts.

The engine is noisy because the heater boxes, which are still there, are in need of repair or replacement. The duct from the heater boxes to the front is missing as is common for these old VWs so there is obviously no heat.

The van has 7 curtains to completely block all the windows. I took them out when I cleaned it and removed the old and crusty tint from the windows. There are two curtains installed right now and I included a pic of the other 5. The are guides to run the curtains and these are all intact so the curtains can easily be re-installed.