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coonhunter Samba Member
Joined: January 20, 2013 Posts: 150 Location: Amarillo, TX
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:32 am Post subject: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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So I got to go on my first VW cruise last weekend. While going down the road, I couldn't help but think what might be the best vw for cruising / road trips? (all water-cooled excluded). I would think that a van would be the clear choice, just because of the extra space for all the stuff that you may bring along, but a square back would give you a lot of space and might handle cross winds better.
For me, I have the choice of a 73 thing or 68 baja, typically I will chose the one of the two that is actually running. If the stars align and I actually have both running at the same time, it would be a hard decision, the thing has much more room for my kids, but the baja is much quieter and less windy. I am really thinking hard about getting rid of the thing and building a german look super beetle, which I think would work good going down the highway.
I know that there is no one answer for this, so maybe it will generate some good discussion. |
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TDCTDI Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013 Posts: 12816 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 12:47 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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Schwimmwagen, it's the only one designed to float. _________________ Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.
GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!
An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.
Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
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coonhunter Samba Member
Joined: January 20, 2013 Posts: 150 Location: Amarillo, TX
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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You got me there... |
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TDCTDI Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013 Posts: 12816 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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LOL, the Thing is horrible aerodynamically, the baja would be a bit better. It all depends on what kind of "cruising" you plan on. At a beach/lake the Thing would be fun. Trails & fire roads the baja or bus would be great. Squarebacks are great all around too but a bit better suited for highway. _________________ Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.
GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!
An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.
Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
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Danwvw Samba Member
Joined: July 31, 2012 Posts: 8892 Location: Oregon Coast
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 2:59 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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Probably the fastback but nothing wrong with an old bug nice and stable with big tires in the back that gear it up. A bus but only if it has good steering mine wears me out! _________________ 1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths! |
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mark tucker Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009 Posts: 23937 Location: SHALIMAR ,FLORIDA
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:28 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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TDCTDI wrote: |
Schwimmwagen, it's the only one designed to float. |
crap you beat me to it.... but for on the road for me....it's mine.
the thingamajigy could have a aero nose made for it .....
I wish my bug was a lot softer riding...I got some oil filled shocks a few weeks ago and replaced the kgb grrtoo's.....I cant tell any diff. I need to remove the top set of springs in the beam & see how it is. |
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hitest Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10296 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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You really need to define "Cruise." Around here, that means 30 miles or so. If you are talking 300, the Thing will send you to divorce court. Yes, any Type 3 or 4 is a great, comfortable car- and capable of passing/hills. Buses are great road machines too, but you need to sell 8 Things and 12 Bajas to build one. _________________
EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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tirekicker Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2007 Posts: 826 Location: Orange, CA
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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The one with most gas in the tank. _________________ DhK
Phuckancer
(16:45:42) Russ_Wolfe: TK, you are like a Maytag washer
(16:46:44) tirekicker: and what's a maytag washer?
(16:47:35) Russ_Wolfe: If you are not agitating, you are not working right |
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coonhunter Samba Member
Joined: January 20, 2013 Posts: 150 Location: Amarillo, TX
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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A cruise can be anything from a 100 mile trip to the next town to grab a burger and turn around, or a multi day trip. All with my wife and two kids.
The baja was nice on the last trip because I can put the thermador car cooler in it and drive with all the windows other than the vents closed and stay comfortable. |
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1961bluebug Samba Member
Joined: November 11, 2002 Posts: 1137 Location: Czech Republic, Europe
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 2:20 am Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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after toying with aircooled VW is previous 20years, now I consider my ´61 stock beetle an ultimate cruiser. Overhauled 40HP engine enlarged to 1385cc, pointless ignition, short geaed transmission which puts ideal cruising speed at 60. Pop out windows added to improve a ventilation of the interior for the rear passengers. Stock suspension, stock height, stock tires for a smooth an uncomplicated ride. Camber compensator to help with crosswinds and to undertake oversteering. Still drum brakes, still 6 volt. As factory intended with a touch of mild improvements here and there. I also have a Thing with 180+HP engine but I wouln´t call it ideal for a smooth cruise. More a street warrior. _________________
|82x94|
1961 Deluxe beetle, 1971 type 181, 1968 T2a Baywindow, 1973 Type 147 "Swiss Fridolin"(sold), 1966 Deluxe sedan (sold), 1983 "Silver Bug" edition (sold), 1961 beetle (sold) |
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Malokin Martin Samba Member
Joined: August 19, 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: E-burg
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:16 am Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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hitest wrote: |
, any Type 3 is a great, comfortable car- and capable of passing/hills. |
^ This.
The Type 3 is the most comfortable, balanced and driveable air-cooled vehicle Volkswagen ever put out. |
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olspeed Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2008 Posts: 489 Location: In the shadow of Denali, I still don't give a damn how they do it outside
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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I totally loved my thing, it's the ultimate vert, top down, doors off and the windshield keeps the bugs out of your teeth. Even in the winter with the top up and the 45000BTU military gas heater that I installed going you could drive it a round in shirt sleeves at -20 it was just a great cruiser. _________________ 66- Ghia
76-Beetle |
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VOLKSWAGNUT Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007 Posts: 11053 Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:51 am Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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My favorite cruising VW's (55mph or slower speeds, country roads, small towns)
1958-1964 Convertible Beetle , lowered front suspension, 1600 engine.
Honorable mention..
Pre 65 Sliding Rag top Beetles, lowered front suspension, 1600 engine.
. _________________ aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
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ach60 Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2001 Posts: 4139 Location: Santa Maria
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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Malokin Martin wrote: |
hitest wrote: |
, any Type 3 is a great, comfortable car- and capable of passing/hills. |
^ This.
The Type 3 is the most comfortable, balanced and driveable air-cooled vehicle Volkswagen ever put out. |
I agree! The Type 3 is the best of the bunch. _________________ Good Luck
Al |
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Brian Samba Moderator
Joined: May 28, 2012 Posts: 8340 Location: Oceanside
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iowegian Samba Curmudgeon
Joined: February 16, 2005 Posts: 9826 Location: Somewhere between Dubuque and Keokuk
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 12:47 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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Brian wrote: |
They all suck. |
Finally-------an honest man. |
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KTPhil Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 33883 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 2:18 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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Best VW to take on a cruise?
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51057 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 2:59 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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I think you are correct!
Whatever you do don't take a cheeky 62 beetle rag that's got separation anxiety and control issues, it's sure to cause trouble and piss off the Captain.
_________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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itskyle Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2013 Posts: 634 Location: Plainfield, IN
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Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 8:12 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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busdaddy wrote: |
I think you are correct!
Whatever you do don't take a cheeky 62 beetle rag that's got separation anxiety and control issues, it's sure to cause trouble and piss off the Captain.
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That one is still down there. It's probably mostly coral reef now..
Anyhow, to answer your question...
The thing-has 4 doors. Easy in, easy out for all involved.
The thing-also convertible. Good if weather is good.
Hard top + gas heater combo = good winter runner, if you've rustproofed the bejesus out of it.
I've had a squareback. The straight stick ones are best, and avoid fuel injection at all costs.
I always like the dome light, and the clock on those. I kind of wish I still had mine.
Kyle _________________ --
69 or 72 Autostick Bug current
66 Bug (We both miss it)
74 SuperBeetle Auto Stick (I miss that car)
73 SquareBack, Straight Stick (Wife misses this one.) |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15129 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2016 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Best VW to take on a cruise? |
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the easy answer is a 76+ Bay bus, tin top or camper.
for just a cruising VW I'd say find the elusive rare 76+ automatic with sunroof.
plenty of room for kids, gear and still a blast to drive..
for my 1500mi roadtrip last weekend, a engine swapped vanagon all the way. _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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