1969 Volkswagen Type II Camper review from North America

Engine required a top overhaul approximately every 60,000 miles, but that's not really a big problem since the engine is removed so easily, and overhaul kits were fairly inexpensive.

I had to replace the engine case once due to an oil leak caused by a crack, but I believe this was due to impact damage from road debris.

The original carb. was changed out for a two barrel Ford unit, which dramatically improved the way it ran and responded.

The exhaust system was changed to a Purple Snake header unit with a single outlet. It performed much better and was still hidden under the vehicle, unlike todays ugly systems.

The vehicle is very comfortable and has excellent driving characteristics, especially with sway bars and Bilstein shocks. Mine will handle better than most sedans.

It's very dependable.

Most people don't know how to drive an aircooled vehicle. The trick it to keep it revved up so the cooling fan can do its job. It doesn't make any difference whether you do mostly town driving or highway driving. Just keep the fan turning and you will not have any problems.

Most of my driving has been in a desert environment with 100 degree + summer heat without any overheating problems, but I did add an oil cooler to help out. I mounted it directly over the fan intake on the back of the doghouse.

It has excellent off road and snow capabilities. More than once I've had to pull 4X4's out of the snow (I did have chains on). I drove mine to Alaska from New Mexico and back pulling a single axle full size trailer. Engine did just fine.

I lost this vehicle in an accident with a Ford dually a few years ago. Boy do I miss my Bus. It had been in the family since new.