67 Westy

[gmoulliet]

Hi all,
I just got my 1967 Westy. Got it from my dad who has had it since I was a kid. He was the 3rd owner.
All in all the bus is in great shape. It needs a new engine and I want to get it to run on the freeway (at about 65 mph).
I suspect I will have to make some modifications to it to get it there. At first thought I believe I will have to change the tires. It now has P185/75R14 all round. I was told to go to P215/75R15 which would require new wheels/rims(15 inch - it now has 14 inch rims).
I don't really want to lower it, which would happen if I removed the RGB's.
I'm looking for any suggestions on the trans and engine.

Thanks

[fusername]

lemme chime in with something you might already know. A huge huge difference in handling andcomfort and saftey is made by the type of tire. Make sure 100% that they have the correct load rating for the vehicle, which is not the easiest thing on a 14 inch rim, but the BFG all terrains (195/70 iirc) are an excellent tire, and just barely have the proper load rating. a stiff sidewall makes a huge difference in how these things feel, esp on the highwya or in high winds

did 67s come with rgbs stock? I don't know my early busses too well, i am a bay window guy

[ajdenette]

I didnt think the 14 came out until at least 68 with the bay window if it is a split windoe it should have the wide 5's? any chance we could get some pics of the bus?

[gmoulliet]

Here's a pic of my 67 westy

[WideFive]

It needs a new engine and I want to get it to run on the freeway (at about 65 mph). I suspect I will have to make some modifications to it to get it there. At first thought I believe I will have to change the tires. It now has P185/75R14 all round.

You can run 65MPH with RGB's no problem. I think 185/14 was the stock size?

did 67s come with rgbs stock?

Yes, '67 and older have RGB's

I didnt think the 14 came out until at least 68 with the bay window

14" rims started in '64 I think maybe '63 w/ Buses 5x205. 14" 5x112 didn't start until '71

[gmoulliet]

This is all great info for me. I was told that I would have to remove the RGBs and ultimately lower the old boy by 3 ". However, I see that that is not the case. Also, I have the "original" instruction manual from the dealer (1967) and it states that the bus should cruise at 65 mph as well.

OK, so I'll build a good engine and checkout the trans and hit the road.
Any ideas on the engine I should build. (Not looking to set any records here just steady and dependable)

Thanks all.

[WideFive]

Any ideas on the engine I should build. (Not looking to set any records here just steady and dependable)

With steady and dependable in mine I'd just build a mild 1600.