66 Volkswagen microbus

[carbug]

Originally Posted by S@~+#0$#

Maybe thats carbug's way of masking the number plates before posting on a public forum.

On a serious note, the broken pieces reveal that number plate is still black...why? Has the bus not been used for the last 4-5 years (when all black number plates became white and all taxi plates became yellow)?

come to think of it , the last owner did tell me that the car has been lying unused for more that 6 to 7 years..

[Stanher]

Originally Posted by carbug

the front no plate was broken,the rear plate is not visible in the pic due to the open door, i got the vehicle transferred to my name... its reg no is ADX 601

Ok.
ADX 601 that'd be a mid 60s regn. So that means bus was imported to India brand new!
Come to think of it- I do recall seeing a dark green with white roof spiltscreen lying abandoned in a lane somewhere here back in 2005. It had an AAX regn. Unfortunately I wasnt living here at the time so by the time I moved back here I couldnt recall where exactly I saw it- could be still there for all I know.

[sanjayatarizona]

@carbug: Super buy boss. Excitedly looking forward to see progress on the cleanup ..

[paras211]

whats so great about a split screen .is it rare or something?

[S@~+#0$#]

Originally Posted by paras211

whats so great about a split screen .is it rare or something?

Firstly the Split Screen bus is rare(more so in India). Also, it is a cool thing that you can open individual windows to get the 'air in your hair' factor. Picture below is a fine example posted by member RandomUserName on another thread. It gives an idea of how a splittie can be made to look and not to mention how you can customise the interior. Splitties Rock.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/110382.jpg

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by paras211

whats so great about a split screen .is it rare or something?

The split front windscreen was offered upto 67, when a one piece window was introduced. The split model also featured the trademark plunging "V" in the design upfront, missing in the others. This makes this earlier model more desirable to most collectors.

Originally Posted by S@~+#0$#

Firstly the Split Screen bus is rare(more so in India). Also, it is a cool thing that you can open individual windows to get the 'air in your hair' factor.

Just to point out, the "safari" windows (as they were called) were not standard fitments, but an accessory, so not all split window busses feature them.

[smsrini]

this site : VintageBus.Com - 1949 to 1967 VW Buses seems to have some good links to restoration, pictures gallery that may give you some ideas on how to restore your splitbus.

Some of the earlier models were supposed to have a unique air cooling system using vents in the front overhang above the windscreen that channeled air to the cabin... I've seen this on some internet site a while ago... will try to dig the site up if I can.

Look forward to your restoration of this classic icon.

cheers!
Srini

[S@~+#0$#]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Just to point out, the "safari" windows (as they were called) were not standard fitments, but an accessory, so not all split window busses feature them.

Thanks for the info Karl. Didn't know "safari windows" were an accessory, I thought they came as an option from the factory itself.

Thanks smsrini for the vintagebus.com link

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by S@~+#0$#

Thanks for the info Karl. Didn't know "safari windows" were an accessory, I thought they came as an option from the factory itself.

Well, they were accessories, but at some point offered from the factory as well. Perhaps option would be a better term.

[smsrini]

Originally Posted by smsrini

Some of the earlier models were supposed to have a unique air cooling system using vents in the front overhang above the windscreen that channeled air to the cabin...

Srini

CArbug,
can u check if these vents are present in your splitbus ? See the area circled in red...

[carbug]

there is a very intersting vent arrangement with two suction fans just behind the area indicated by you.
There is lever which will divert the flow either in to the driver area or in to the passinger seats behind the driver area

[paras211]

it is a cool thing that you can open individual windows to get the 'air in your hair' factor. .

wow thats like being on a bike and with acomfy seat and music .i thinkof highway to hell playing when i picture my self in it.

[Alvis]

Well I'm not really into these, but someone I know has just bought a '64 Splitscreen in Lahore, about half an hour back. It is fitted with a diesel engine at the moment, but will undergo a complete restoration by its new owner.
Pictures of the split screen purchased as is will be on my forum and I will try to post here tomorrow for all you VW lovers. I am told the split screen is as close to finding the Holy Grail!

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by Alvis

Pictures of the split screen purchased as is will be on my forum and I will try to post here tomorrow for all you VW lovers. I am told the split screen is as close to finding the Holy Grail!

Er, which is your forum, do share.

While the split screen van is indeed quite desirable, I wouldnt go as far as to call it the holy grail. You still see quite a few running about. What I would call the holy grail is the Split window Beetle! I believe Pakistan has a couple of them? India doesnt have a single confirmed one remainaing.

[Spitfire]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

What I would call the holy grail is the Split window Beetle!

There is one in Goa, i will try and get pics next time i am home.