Trigger's Broom

It may not have received 17 heads and 14 handles, but this 13-window has been given the full Monty, and then some.

- James Peene

By reading this, there’s every chance you already own a VW Bus of some description. If so, we’ll bet a pound to a pinch of snuff that at some point, someone you know, be it a family member, friend or friend-of-a-friend has asked if they or someone they know can borrow or use it for one thing or another. Be it wedding transportation, a kid’s prom night, day out or family holiday. I know I’ve been asked for all of the above, and I’ve always refused. After all, I wouldn’t lend most of the people I know my Bus and expect them to understand the idiosyncrasies of a lowered old VW - one that’s left-hand drive to boot. Nor would I want the risks involved with using it for a wedding… What if it broke down on the big day with the bride in the back? Or she got a smattering of oil on her from God knows where?

It takes a brave man (and woman) to run the risk of hiring out their pride and joy, but it also takes a sensible one, because if you charge for the privilege, it’s a great way to make an old VW earn its keep. After all, they can be bloody expensive, especially when you’re restoring one.

Classic tale

This is exactly what’s happened with this ’66 13-window, which has been affectionately dubbed Trigger’s broom, because so much of it has been replaced that not a great deal of the original purchase remains. But that’s what usually happens when you go down the full resto route. You quickly discover how tired what you first thought good, reusable parts look, when placed against freshly applied paint…