Bill,
Not true! While the "split window buses" were really NOT recommended by
the manufacturer for traveling at highway speeds, the "bay window"
models featured MUCH better suspension geometry and were a vast
improvement. The "Vanagon" models (my favorite) are VERY good on the
highway and handle amazingly well. In crash testing, done in the 80s
(during their production run) they held up VERY well. In fact, when in
a head-on collision with Volvo's latest design of the era, the Vanagon
just ATE the Volvo!
But, then, based upon the crash-test mindset, the Spridget HAS to be one
of the most dangerous vehicles on the road!
So, to Linda, I would recommend either a "bay-window" VW camper
('68-'79), or a Vanagon camper ('80-'91). Best bet is to be patient and
wait until a true, one-owner, low original mileage unit shows up, and
JUMP ON IT, QUICK. No bargains to be had, here. However, if it's been
PROPERLY MAINTAINED (like with our Spridgets, there's a lot of bad
information/urban myths/bad repair & maintenance practices going on),
it'll be a delight to own and drive. Excellent club support is
available for ANY older VW. Parts for the water-cooled models (Vanagon
"water-boxer") can be rather pricey, but, they're available.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net] On Behalf Of William McLeod
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2007 7:28 AM
To: Linda Grunthaner; spridgets net
Subject: Re: 76 Midget trade on craigslist CT
Please remember that the bus was one of the most unsafe vehicles ever
built! Regards, Bill
Linda Grunthaner wrote:
> Listers,
> While shopping for a VW bus I found a Midget trade on the CT
craigslist
> site. http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/car/296764862.html
> I am looking at 2 1978 VW Buses which both are in non running
condition. I
> found a great site for all my tech support www.thesamba.com, and I
figure
> the 70's buses will be a cheap start for me but if any lister knows a
60's
> or 70's bus let me know. They don't appear to be too complicated so I
think
> I can handle them and they have a boxer motor like my cycle so I am
> comfortable with that. My intentions are to go camping with it and
relive my
> teenage dream : ) I hope you are all getting your LBC's ready for
spring
> work.
> Linda
>
> 62 California Sprite "Pinky"
> www.freewebs.com/lgrunthaner
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