Steve Wadsworths 1960 Split Window Bus

• Tuesday, 15 January 2008
• Jon Gilbert
• 2 Comments

Steve Wadsworths 1960 Split

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Whether you like them or not, Split Buses are by far the most popular choice of VW in the air-cooled scene. There is just no denying it!

This may seem a little odd at times, especially since the asking price of a good one is astronomical and okay-ish ones 'that need work' are more than the on-the-road price of a brand-new base Lupo. After talking to a lot of Split owners, we have found that the majority say that their Buses do not drive particularly well. Many tell us that their Vans wander across the road, that the steering is unresponsive, the ride is shocking, that they do not brake too well and that the heating isn't anything to shout about, either. And all this is true, despite the fact that they have taken measures to rectify these problems.
Why, then, are so many people still buying Split Buses? Is it the style? Is it a fashion thing? Is it the fact that you can park up your Bus wherever you like and sleep in it? Well, actually, it's a yes to all three! The fact remains that the Split is a very cool, good-looking and handy Volkswagen - far cooler than that cheap Lupo.
The love for the old VWs (over comfort and having a smooth ride) is what it's all about - no one cares that a Split drives badly, otherwise that Lupo would be on your driveway by now, right?
It doesn't have to be like this, though. Why should you have to get a sweat on navigating around country lanes while fighting the steering wheel just to get the thing pointing forward as much as humanly possible? With a bit of modifying, you could have your Van driving beautifully - even when it is lowered!
Take a leaf out of Steve Wadsworth's book. He is the owner of this lovely black daily-driven (no matter what the weather) Split. He has got himself a genuine UK RHD 1960 Split, but with a few creature comforts to help make the drive a bit more pleasant. He has the best of both worlds: he is having his cake and scoffing it down!
Not only has it had the popular IRS (independent rear suspension) conversion, but it also runs an early Bay Window ball-joint beam (with a fixed drop) up the front and a CSP brake disc conversion. So now it has better handling, steering and a bit more 'go', as it has shed the reduction boxes due to having the IRS. With this IRS came a 1300 gearbox and coupled to that is a mild yet fruity 1776cc with twin Weber 36s. Trying to keep up with the traffic is no longer a problem - and as for hills... what hills?

For the full story check out the February 2008 issue of VolksWorld magazine. On sale on 28th December and then available through VolksWorld back issues.

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