Guys,
I finally got to see and photograph that early split panel tonight. I think it might be older than a 60... but not sure. Can anyone tell from these photos what year this split is?
It has bullet blinkers on the front, small glass round red tailights, small window in back. See the photos below
Its in some MAJOR bush growth & trees..but does have its rolling gear.
Pretty straight body.. severe surface rust. Do I need to save this one?
At first I thought it was a 59, but now I'm not so sure. 55 to 60 though, and If it was updated to drive nice, it would be a cool cruiser no matter how much surface rust is there. Logo'd busses are getting more and more popular over on this coast, If you don't want it, at least pull it out of the bushes and sell it. I would hate to see that thing lost forever. wish I was in your town right about now.......
Yes, I've made all the necessary phone calls.. traced the owner or should say.. deceased owners daughter down in the next town.
It's not going to be simple. Probably an all day ordeal.. as the panel is on a steep hillside (hence the panel lean) and is surrounded by 4 other detroit junk cars totally forming a square around it. Not to mention the bushes and trees that have it literally enclosed in.
I wish you were in my town also. I'd get you to help rescue it out. =)
Anybody notice anything that yields information on a specific year model?
haha - if your heavy duty weed eater is in the same class as a bulldozer... then yes, that is what I need. I guess if it was simple to get.. it would have been gone long ago.
Thanks Lavabo... that nails it close to one of those years 58-61. I'm thinking it maybe late 50's because the dash was really simple.. meaning like all I saw... was the speedo housing holding the steering wheel and it looked all factory. Does that offer any clues?
The position of a pine tree kept me from opening the driver side door and getting a VIN. Otherwise I would have got it.
( btw.. there was a great looking 68 Bay several cars over. Literally a twin to my 68 I saved from the crusher. Gonna try to grab that also )
My favorate years for split busses. Especially the commercial vehicles. Those small rear hatches, round taillights, outy engine vents, and bullet turn signals just rule!!!!
See if the owner of the property will let you bring out a bush-hog to clear away some of the brush and smaller trees. You can rent them in different sizes at most big equipment rental places. We had to use one to get my great-grandfathers old Ford out of some brush on his farm. At the very least you can chop yourself a path to it w/ a bush-hog, then go to town on the imediate area w/ a machete and chainsaw. Sounds like a big job, but if you're serious about wanting to rescue that bus It's probaly worth it depending on the price the guy will let it go for.
As far as the year, find a factory ID plate & you can look it up for sure by the chassis #. The ID plate will be on the pass. front side of the cab divider and/or in the engine bay near where your wiring will go through.
Yes, the small tail lights and small rear window/door are sweet. See the difference in the rear doors below. I created a small animated gif based on some free VW press release photos of some early panels.
When I get it out.. I will post new pictures.
It maybe late summer before I can round up all the equipment and muscle to free this panel.
Thanks for all the suggestions and help on 'close year' guesses.
By looking at the back it looks that it has a 1958 engine lid. I'm not certain by the picture but it doesn't look like the lid has the larger over hang above the license plate like a 59 and newer. But if this is the case at one time someone has change the front bumper to a 59 and later. Also the tallights look to be in the higher position like a 58 and older. Look at the engine lid and see if swells out at the top befor it sinks back for the license plate, this will tell you. If it is flat it would be a 58 because 57 and older had the brake light mounted in this flat area. Please get it out of the rusty woods!!!!
