John Walker's Projects

David Bahr · 01-29-2003, 03:00 PM

John Walker -

You do a great job moderating and also giving freely of your considerable knowledge, wisdom and experience. We all appreciate it. I don't want to take time from you, but I'm very curious where you are on your "bugster" project. I'm also wondering what exciting things you are doing with VW buses, and I think I remember another 911 convertible project. I checked your site but didn't see details. I apologize, I didn't check the archives because your name would come up a zillion times; evidence of your generosity.

If you have time and a few photographs, we'd all love to see them.

Thanks in advance!

Member of JWFC
(John Walker Fan Club)

john walker's workshop · 01-29-2003, 04:18 PM

it's been a busy year and i haven't done much on my own stuff. i need to get my 87 widebody cab painted and the bugster project is jigged up underneath it, so i can't lower the rack without disturbing the setup. so the bugster is probably the next item to attack. the rear framing and suspension is what it needs to at least be rollable, and that shouldn't take too long. a 63 doublecab bus is the current driver/fixer, with a 64 21 window bus in the wings, hopefully to trade for a 23. not to mention five 48,49,50 cad and buick woodies and converts in the back row begging to be finished. i'll post pics when something gets done sufficiently to be interesting. ok, who's got that 23 window, 50-63 vw bus i want?

real550A · real550A's Garage

John, I've got a brother scouring the Port Townsend/Port Angeles area for you. I'm personaly on the hunt all over the state of Minnesota. If there's a "23" around here, I'll find it.
Let me join the crowd that thanks you for sharing your wisdom on the technical side. I'm an old 1500 ohc guy that has a lot to learn about the six cyls. Mike

David Bahr · 01-30-2003, 08:06 AM

Thanks for the update, John. I'll keep an eye out for updates!

RickM · RickM's Garage

John,

Does the 23 include the front winshield as well? I'm in the dark regarding the configuration of these machines. How rare are they? I'll keep my eyes open here in the NJ area.

Regards,
Rick

FranksPlace2 · 08:48 AM

John,

I am going to check with the VW club in my area.

I recommend others do the same.

Here is one for $27k in Ca.

23 window VW

Frank

Jdub · 01-30-2003, 08:54 AM

John is a local treasure, no question. His workshop is quite an assortment of projects that reflect his technical skill and curiousity.

Personally I am glad to see he is so busy with Pcar work. All he needs now is a shop cat to lord it over him and keep him in line (and kibble).

John

Mukilteo911 · 01-30-2003, 12:44 PM

One cool dude! Plays guitar too! Never agrees with me on how ugly my car is.

FranksPlace2 · 01-30-2003, 04:10 PM

I received a response from a VW expert who recomends this site for 23 window buses:

VW Bus for sale Site

I know John wants this bus to carry around his 911 so this is definitely On Topic.

Frank

john walker's workshop · 05:11 PM

thanks frank, that's "thesamba.com" site. i'm on it daily. problem is, once the bus is posted on that site, you're not going to get a good deal, and you have to fight off hoards of enthusiasts who bid the price up. i know there's one in a garage somewhere with my name on it, where i can just deal with the seller. there are 8 skylight windows above the drip rails, 8 side windows, 2 rear corner windows, 2 door windows, 2 front windows and 1 rear. the 23s are distinguishable by the wrap around rear corner glass, skylight windows and a rag, slideback sunroof. i just need a solid, complete project, not a $25K "restored" one. can't afford that, and who knows what lurks under the shiny paint.

David Bahr · 01-31-2003, 08:43 AM

So you're going to tow a 911 with the 23? To car shows or the track or what? Obviously the 23 will be have to be "above-average" in order to tow with; are you going to drop in a six?

john walker's workshop · 01-31-2003, 09:07 AM

someone's pulling your leg. a six is a possibility though. i think the double cab will get a 911 engine/trans, but a 23 should probably be left alone. well maybe just hop up the 1600 a little bit. gotta pull those hills.

Dutchie · 01-31-2003, 09:51 AM

where can i join the JWF

David is right John you,re the man who has the right fix for all problems. I used lots of your tips on my projects and they all worked fine for me. Is it a problem if the bus is in Europe for you ? If not i can look around here for you if you want

Cheers,

Ed

john walker's workshop · 01-31-2003, 11:16 AM

ed, the main problem with the old busses is the potential for massive rust from the sunroof on down. often they get to the point where they are better off being parted out to keep a better one alive. it would be hard for me to buy one that i couldn't personally check out. but i'm open.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

John,

There is a Volkswagon Specializing place here in Fort Collins. They have a bunch of bugs and busses laying around in various states of repair and dis-repair. Rust is not usually a major problem here in Colorado, so I will go talk to them. I know for a fact where a 23 window is that is white that looks like it needs some help, so I will drive by and see if I can talk to teh owner for you. It is in one of the local breweries parking lots.

I owned a 78 when I was in college (I know, not really a classic or anything, but still fun) and used to deal with a guy out of Zearing, Iowa that had a huge VW graveyard. He was kind of a shady fellow and if I remember correctly he had a run in with the law, so I am not if he is still around.

I will get you an update....

Like your quote, while I am a lot younger, I didn't miss a show in DC for the last 5 years they were around..

Bill