New Member!

figjam · 07-08-2012, 01:33 PM

Hi everyone! While my ride is not the 4wd monster I wish it was, it still does the job nicely (and under 70mph). Anyway, thought I would share.

Here it is:

Hopefully I followed the tutorial correctly...

twogone · 07-08-2012, 02:22 PM

Cooool rig... Waaaay Cooool Trail90 (I think) More of the toy story, please

figjam · 07-08-2012, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogone

Cooool rig... Waaaay Cooool Trail90 (I think) More of the toy story, please

You are correct sir, yes! The trail is a 1970 model, the SMB is a 1972. I am the 3rd owner of the SMB and I even have the original conversion paperwork; I think it cost something like $600 for the entire job! This was last year camping out in Gulf Shores. I wish I could say I brought the trail myself, but unfortunately it is IMPOSSIBLE to find a receiver style hitch for this year model... (i have a receiver mounted carrier for the trail, had a buddy bring it). I am actually looking for a replacement window for the back passenger side (sliding door) so if anyone out there has any info it would be much appreciated! I have a few other pics in my gallery btw.

BIGVANS · 07-08-2012, 04:32 PM

Nice!

Welcome!

Ford_6L_E350 · 07-08-2012, 04:37 PM

Looks like the picture was taken in 1973 or 74.

Drove an air cooled Westy cross country once. No problem unless you wanted to go faster than 35 uphill.

Mike

**daveb** · 07-08-2012, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

Looks like the picture was taken in 1973 or 74.

Mike

I would also think I was back in the 70 except for the new ice chests in the background.

Welcome!
I used to take long...time wise...drives to Yosemite in one of those. Man we had a blast.

Ultrasport12 · 07-09-2012, 01:16 AM

Welcome to the forum.
I must say I too thought it was an old picture. Cool Bay Bus and old bike.
Despite having over 50 yes 50 VWs through out the years starting in 1967 our family only had one bus.
It was also a 1972 Bay Bus but it was a Westfalia pop top camper.
As it was the first year of the type 4 motor it had a lot more power than the 1968-1971 type 1 powered Bay Buses ever did.

Does anyone know what year did Sportsmobile stop (or start for that matter) converting VWs?

**daveb** · 07-09-2012, 03:51 PM

Although this article states 1961-1967, I'm thinking it's a typo and should read 1961-1976. I know people with 1970's SMB-VW's including this one. SMB might have converted VW vans at later dates though.

New York Times

I know 1961 was the start...it's on a huge banner at SMB and probably on their site.

Vegasrandall · 07-09-2012, 04:23 PM

Nice! I had a 66, last year of the 6 volt. I think I pushed it further than I ever drove it trying to start it.

figjam · 07-09-2012, 05:04 PM

Haha! Looking at the pic now it does look like a vintage one... It was just a crappy camera phone with a cover on it (hence the blurred edges). Not sure why the dates show as they do, it is indeed a 1972 SMB an odd ball indeed. I did install the largest (2.0L) type IV engine so she goes pretty well but the tranny could use an upgrade... on a flat road with no head wind I can top out around 80mph but she will get hot, and it is a bit scary... Anyway, thanks for the warm welcome. I have the original conversion paperwork I will try to scan and upload tonight if time allows; converted for under $700!!! I wish that was still the case these days!