How much do you think it would cost to restore a Volkswagen bus?

I want a Volkswagen bus, but I'd opinions. If I bought a bus for $5,000 - $9,000 that is completely restored and runs great with low mileage, would that be more expensive or less expensive than restoring one myself that needs, let's say, new windows, lights, paint, tires, and interior?





I'm open to any ideas, opinions, or websites.


Thanks in advance, too :-)|||If you can buy a VW bus (restored) for $5k, grab it and run. A fully restored Samba (will all the 20+ windows) will run about $20k.





The cost of restoration is, of course, dependant upon how badly the core vehicle has deteriorated. Parts for a VW bus are available, but not nearly as plentiful as those of a Bug.





I would suggest several approaches...





1) Start looking for buses and checking out their condition.


2) Check eBay's completed logs for bus sales. and start getting an idea of what their value is (what people ACTUALLY paid for them and what they were like - dont forget to factor in the shipping or pickup costs that the people paid to actually GET the vehicle.


3) Check out costs for windows, seats, engines, etc.. just to get a feel on how much the parts may run. Generally whatever you need it is available.. But some things are incredibly overpriced. (Try the 2" plastic finger guard for a vw bug interior door latch.


4) Find out if there are any nearby auto dismantlers (wrecking yards) that handle VW's.. Remember that some parts (generally the mechanical ones) are interchangeable between the bus and the bug.


5) Live near Mexico? Your part sources just improved incredibly. Lots of parts and vehicles available in Mexico..


6) Talk to other people who already have or are restoring a bus. Great information source.. and great stories too. Focus as much on learning what NOT to do as what to do.





ok.. start looking and good luck.





,|||I'll put it to you this way- I restored a 1964 Bus that was a field car, all rusty, didn't run well, stripped down, etc. I had it restored in three weeks with about $6K. I bought it for $1500. It's worth in the $15K range. Me and a couple of my friends did everything- rebuilt the engine and drivetrain, replaced all rusty body parts, gave it a beautiful paint job, installed an entire new interior, you name it. $6K it cost us. 100% stock.|||It depends on your skills. If you have the tools and ability to do a lot of the work yourself it would cost thousands. If you need to pay someone to do it, it will cost thousands more.