Vans have come a long way in the last 60+ years. What started as a utility vehicle quickly blossomed into an activity vehicle, ever changing and evolving from each automaker’s own vision of what really makes a van, a van. But what makes a “bus?” Where does the distinction come into play?” Obviously, one doesn’t refer to a Toyota Previa, Chevy G20, or really any other van, EVER, as a bus. So how did one lowly VW manage to muster such distinction that it stood the test of time?
It’s a tough line of questioning to answer. Enter: the Volkswagen Type 2. First produced over 60 years ago, the VW Type 2 began winning over hearts & minds almost instantly. The last factory to build the Type 2 didn’t even stop the line until 2013, which is an incredible feat for a vehicle that went largely unchanged for the span of its entire production. Without a doubt, the Type 2 is one of only vehicles on the road that looks the way it looks. Sure, there are plenty of automakers who offer a van / camper / lorry / panel wagon variant of some variety, but they’ve all changed through out the years & been forced to adapt to society’s whims. The Type 2 just did it right from the start – configurable in a million & one ways, offered in a spectrum of trims with all the accessories & options a perspective buyer could ask for. It’s even got nicknames – “the bully,” “slug bus,” and “hippie van,” that for the most part, are more widely known & recognized than its actual moniker. It’s not just “a” bus, it’s “the” bus. A people mover that moved people to appreciate life in the slow lane. Point being, the Type 2 is uniquely ubiquitous. As of late, its collectibility is re-igniting regardless of fit & finish. Rust buckets and pristine garage queens alike are seemingly adored & desired equally by everyone, whether they’re an auto enthusiast, farmers market attendee, or just somebody who spots a bus filling up at a station. We’re drawn to the Type 2’s Twinkie-like shape like months to a flame, if only to peer in the windows & picture ourselves cruising for a campsite down the pacific coast highway.
It’s a tough line of questioning to answer. Enter: the Volkswagen Type 2. First produced over 60 years ago, the VW Type 2 began winning over hearts & minds almost instantly. The last factory to build the Type 2 didn’t even stop the line until 2013, which is an incredible feat for a vehicle that went largely unchanged for the span of its entire production. Without a doubt, the Type 2 is one of only vehicles on the road that looks the way it looks. Sure, there are plenty of automakers who offer a van / camper / lorry / panel wagon variant of some variety, but they’ve all changed through out the years & been forced to adapt to society’s whims. The Type 2 just did it right from the start – configurable in a million & one ways, offered in a spectrum of trims with all the accessories & options a perspective buyer could ask for. It’s even got nicknames – “the bully,” “slug bus,” and “hippie van,” that for the most part, are more widely known & recognized than its actual moniker. It’s not just “a” bus, it’s “the” bus. A people mover that moved people to appreciate life in the slow lane.
Point being, the Type 2 is uniquely ubiquitous. As of late, its collectibility is re-igniting regardless of fit & finish. Rust buckets and pristine garage queens alike are seemingly adored & desired equally by everyone, whether they’re an auto enthusiast, farmers market attendee, or just somebody who spots a bus filling up at a station. We’re drawn to the Type 2’s Twinkie-like shape like months to a flame, if only to peer in the windows & picture ourselves cruising for a campsite down the pacific coast highway.
So what about this Weekender in particular? Plenty of classics come by the shop that are prime examples of the ten foot rule. Upon arrival, this dusty dub was somewhere more around the 50 yard rule — good from far, but far from good. Heavy oxidization was plaguing most of the exterior, complimented by plenty of dirt, grime, and even a little algae – not irreversible, but definitely not desirable. A little patina can be a great reminder of how far a vehicle has come when it’s juxtaposed with polish, so that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.
So what about this Weekender in particular? Plenty of classics come by the shop that are prime examples of the ten foot rule. Upon arrival, this dusty dub was somewhere more around the 50 yard rule — good from far, but far from good. Heavy oxidization was plaguing most of the exterior, complimented by plenty of dirt, grime, and even a little algae – not irreversible, but definitely not desirable. A little patina can be a great reminder of how far a vehicle has come when it’s juxtaposed with polish, so that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.
One of the most intensive parts of reconditioning this Weekender happened in the earliest stages of prep. The bus is by no means small, and Tomas really had to work every inch of the VW over with consistent pressure to blast away any caked on contaminants.
One of the most intensive parts of reconditioning this Weekender happened in the earliest stages of prep. The bus is by no means small, and Tomas really had to work every inch of the VW over with consistent pressure to blast away any caked on contaminants.
After the 24-step hand wash was completed, it was on to scrubbing away & using clay bar like there was no tomorrow.
After the 24-step hand wash was completed, it was on to scrubbing away & using clay bar like there was no tomorrow.
The bus couldn’t have come at a busier part of the season for us, so most of the paint correction & polishing work was delegated to our resident master detailer & director of operations to handle on the weekend. Just to give us all a taste of what the bus was in for, the team started in on the roof. Comparatively, even the 1st stage of polishing was leaps & bounds from what we started with.
The bus couldn’t have come at a busier part of the season for us, so most of the paint correction & polishing work was delegated to our resident master detailer & director of operations to handle on the weekend. Just to give us all a taste of what the bus was in for, the team started in on the roof. Comparatively, even the 1st stage of polishing was leaps & bounds from what we started with.
Looking down from the upper offices in the shop it became even more clear how much gloss would be coming back from this old weathered Type 2, and we couldn’t wait to see the full results!
Looking down from the upper offices in the shop it became even more clear how much gloss would be coming back from this old weathered Type 2, and we couldn’t wait to see the full results!
Over the course of a long weekend, Blake worked away at stripping the bus down & shining up every inch of workable paint the Type 2 had on it.
After the Weekender’s weekend of special treatment, it was time for re-assembly & delivery. This bus in particular is in the process of finding a new home, so we wanted to make sure we had everything buttoned up, looking camera ready & perfect for a prospective buyer. Once the bumpers & lamps were fitted, it was time for one final wipe down & a quick photo shoot for the sale listing.
After the Weekender’s weekend of special treatment, it was time for re-assembly & delivery. This bus in particular is in the process of finding a new home, so we wanted to make sure we had everything buttoned up, looking camera ready & perfect for a prospective buyer. Once the bumpers & lamps were fitted, it was time for one final wipe down & a quick photo shoot for the sale listing.
We never get tired of having a car-sized cyclorama on site, and being able to utilize it for profiling or showcasing vehicles for re-sale is just one of the many perks of having a studio. If you’re planning on having NWAS recondition a rig that you’re putting up in the near future, give some thought to scheduling a photo shoot at the same time. High quality images make any listing stand out, and give even the most sentimental sellers a little something to hold on to long after the vehicle has changed hands!
We never get tired of having a car-sized cyclorama on site, and being able to utilize it for profiling or showcasing vehicles for re-sale is just one of the many perks of having a studio. If you’re planning on having NWAS recondition a rig that you’re putting up in the near future, give some thought to scheduling a photo shoot at the same time. High quality images make any listing stand out, and give even the most sentimental sellers a little something to hold on to long after the vehicle has changed hands!
Through & through, this VW Type 2 is rough yet wonderful in all the right ways. Rusty where it ought to be, glossy where it counts, and with just enough weathering around the edges that any new owner won’t feel bad trekking it across the country. Some of you may even notice that this Weekender is now fully equipped with a like-new slatted roof rack – the perfect accoutrement for a classic cruiser.
Through & through, this VW Type 2 is rough yet wonderful in all the right ways. Rusty where it ought to be, glossy where it counts, and with just enough weathering around the edges that any new owner won’t feel bad trekking it across the country. Some of you may even notice that this Weekender is now fully equipped with a like-new slatted roof rack – the perfect accoutrement for a classic cruiser.
With the photo shoot wrapped up & the last of the evening sun fading behind the shop, we pulled the Volkswagen back outside so it could spend a little more time with its safari-windowed sibling before heading home.
With the photo shoot wrapped up & the last of the evening sun fading behind the shop, we pulled the Volkswagen back outside so it could spend a little more time with its safari-windowed sibling before heading home.
Truly, the bus is an icon that has defied eras and unites generations through mass appeal & mass production, bringing a smile to the faces of onlookers everywhere. We enjoyed our time with the Weekender, and our journey with a Type 2 of our very own is just beginning!
Truly, the bus is an icon that has defied eras and unites generations with both mass appeal & mass production, bringing a smile to the faces of onlookers everywhere. We enjoyed our time with the Weekender, and our journey with a Type 2 of our very own is just beginning!
Own a classic in need of a little TLC or just want to spruce up your daily driver? Check out our wide selection of automotive detailing & reconditioning options, or shoot us an inquiry for a free car care consultation.