1963 Volkswagen Bus / Vanagon Type 2 on 2040-cars

VIN: 1259450 Year: 1963
Number of Cylinders: 4
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Bus/Vanagon
Trim: Walk-Through
Options: Sunroof, CD Player
Drive Type: LHD
Mileage: 64,498
Sub Model: Type 2
Disability Equipped: No
Exterior Color: Yellow and Tan
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Interior Color: Tan

Condition: Certified pre-owned: To qualify for certified pre-owned status, vehicles must meet strict age, mileage, and inspection requirements established by their manufacturers. Certified pre-owned cars are often sold with warranty, financing and roadside assistance options similar to their new counterparts. See the seller's listing for full details. ... 

We purchased this wonderful VW Bus (fondly named “Ellen” from the previous owner) earlier this year with the intent of using her as a delivery vehicle for our flower shop called Poppy’s Flower Shop & Gift Boutique. It’s a wonderful bus that is a pleasure to drive, and she is definitely eye-catching with lots of smiles, thumbs-up and peace signs. Unfortunately the van does not produce enough heat during the long winter months in Laramie, Wyoming to keep proper temperature for floral deliveries and is not cost-effective for us to use only during the summer. Other than that, she has been a pleasure to own.

Please note that Ellen is not perfect and needs TLC as we learned when taking her in for manicures. Since taking ownership and not being mechanically inclined, here are the following maintenance items and upgrades we have had done through a local GM dealership and local mechanic shop specializing in vintage Volvo and VW vehicles. All work was carried out by certified mechanics familiar with historical VW automobiles:

• Battery Cables - repaired positive battery cable and negative battery terminal. Installed anti-corrosive battery pads. Tightened alternator connection.

• Fuel Hoses - replaced all fuel hoses with new OE (original equipment) bulk hose and check for leaks.

• RF Brake Cylinder - replaced right front lower brake slave cylinder with new aftermarket and bled brakes

• New Battery and Brake Pads - replaced and tested new Interstate brand battery. Installed anticorrosive brakes pads.

• Oil Change - 21 point inspection including checking belts, hoses, all fluid levels and tire pressure.

• Brake Master Cylinder - replaced brake master cylinder and switch with new aftermarket. Replaced right front brake hard line from master cylinder to flex line with new aftermarket custom bent. Bled brakes.

• Front Brakes and Wheel Bearings - replaced front brake shoes. Removed and replaced brake drums to machine. Replaced front wheel bearings and seals.

• Spark Plugs - replaced spark plugs with new NGK brand.

• Ignition Conversion - removed and replaced distributor to repair breaker plate. Lubricated mechanical advanced, replaced vacuum diaphram, installed aftermarket electronic conversion kit. Replaced distributor cap and rotor with new Bosch and set timing.

• Carburetor Rebuild - rebuilt carburetor and adjusted base settings.

• E Brake Cable / Rear Shoes - replaced right emergency brake cable and brake drum hardware with new. Replaced left rear axle seal and adjusted service brake. Replaced rear brake shoes with new.

• Rebuilt Alternator - removed and replaced alternator for custom rebuild.

• Valve Cover Gaskets - replaced valve cover gaskets and adjusted valve lash.

• Bulbs installed in dome (dome light not mounted yet, parts stored under dashboard).

• Accelerator Cable - removed and replaced old accelerator cable and installed new cable. Repaired cable ends on throttle and carburetor.

• Driver’s Side Head Lamp - technician pulled headlamp and repaired lens and terminal tension.

• Multi-point Vehicle Inspection - checked all lights, air in spare tire, etc.

• Lubed, checked, replaced and checked oil and filter with conventional oil. Rotated tires.

Here are notes from the previous owner who purchased the bus from an owner in California and tinkered with things like new paint, carpet, installed cd radio and speakers and other knick-knacks - we have found all information to be true and correct. “Ellen is a 1963 Transporter Bus that has been equipped with a very nice Dual Port 1600cc VW engine. She starts instantly smooth, robust power through the 4 speeds. All ignition parts have been renewed and valves adjusted to ensure great performance. She is a happy butter and cream color that seems to say ‘please love me’ to every lucky passerby. A CD player has been installed and 6 speakers provide excellent ‘flower-power’ entertainment. The floors are solid wood in the back and any surface rust was removed with the help of phosphoric acid rust treatment. Safari Windows are a great addition to the front windshield. The tires are not new, but they are in relatively good condition. I do not know the age of the 1600cc transplanted engine, nor the mileage on the engine as it was in the Bus when I bought her. I would guess that I have driven the Bus less than 1,500 miles. She runs vibrantly with no troubles and does not leave oil on the driveway. I have not had any trouble with the gearbox either. Just a wonderful ‘63 Volkswagon Transporter Bus.”

Since our taking ownership in February 2013, we have driven Ellen approximately 500 miles during the summer only for in-town deliveries. Ellen starts on the first try every time, runs smoothly through all 4 gears and is just plain great fun.