VW Bus Restoration
At the end of 2015, I bought a barely functioning VW bus, and named it Jamal. I spent the next 4 years restoring it.
For the first year I was also living in it, parking in the suburban neighbourhoods of Silicon Valley each night. I didn’t grow up working on cars, but many of my friends did, and they were patient and generous enough to show me the ropes.
First, some progress pictures
What we are all really here for…
When I first got him, he wasn't the most instagram-worthy bus in the world. Someone had painted him with red primer only.
The task ahead was incredibly daunting, and I was sleeping in here from the get-go.
There were creative additions from the previous owner everywhere, like this expanded glove compartment.
One of my earlier projects was interior upholstery.
My long suffering friends signed up to help sand before the paint shop.
Trying to erase the evidence of my amateur welding skills.
The new paint job!
Instagram influencer bait
Note the new headliner- a task I had to give up on and let the professionals handle.
Some things never change...
Boring details
The best place to see a timeline of the restoration is my instagram account, where I posted regularly during 2016/2017. However, to the right are some of the projects that I’m particularly proud of.
Spoonkin, my friend’s corgi, in Jamal
Bodywork and painting preparation
Installing a new wiring harness
Interior upholstery
New starter and solenoid
Steering wheel replacement
Windshield replacement
Sound system installation
Fuel pump replacement and carburetor adjustment
Dashboard replacement
Sound insulation and flooring