Meet Stevie: Our 1977 VW Bus Restoration Journey - Part 1

Back in 2021, I wasn’t actively looking for a bus, but as fate would have it, I stumbled across a 1977 VW Bus Champagne Edition listed on The Samba, and something about it just felt right. It was located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and though it was far from road-ready, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this bus belonged with me.

The ad was honest: it didn’t run, it was in rough shape, and had clearly been sitting for a long time. But when I showed up in person and saw that it looked just like the photos (even down to the questionable mouse-related smell), I knew I had to take it home. I named her Stevie, inspired by that classic 70s magic, and the journey began.

The Early Days: Mouse Nests, Seized Engine & All

When I first got Stevie, she didn’t run, didn’t drive, and had basically been used as a field ornament. Inside the cab was a jumble of loose parts—none of them in good enough shape to salvage. As we began digging in, we discovered the worst of it: mouse nests, droppings everywhere (seriously, everywhere), and evidence that she’d been sitting without a gas cap for who-knows-how-long and water had pooled into the gas tank and the entire engine. It didn’t take long to figure out the engine was seized, and after more inspection, we realized a crankshaft bolt was broken. The gas tank was full of rust and rodent remnants. A true project from the ground up.

But we weren’t discouraged. We cleaned her out as best we could and started working on getting the interior at least a little more livable while planning the long road ahead.

Bringing Stevie Back to Life

In 2022, the real mechanical work began. We removed the old, unsalvageable engine and replaced it with a brand-new motor. To improve drivability and simplify maintenance, we ditched the original fuel-injected setup and opted for dual Weber carburetors. It gave us a bit more power and made future tuning easier.

The transmission—an automatic, which is rare and iconic in these late bay buses—was completely rebuilt as well. We cleaned the original gas tank, replaced every inch of the wiring harness, and got Stevie running better than she probably ever had.

By mid-2024, all major mechanical work was complete. We finally got to take Stevie on the trip we had always envisioned for her: the Arizona Bus Club Jamboree, held every September. Seeing her parked among dozens of other vintage buses, alive and cruising after years of sitting lifeless, was beyond rewarding.

A huge thanks to Edgefinder VW for helping us along the way with all Stevie's mechanical needs. If you're in the Phoenix, AZ area in need of a great VW mechanic - they're the place to check out.

The Home Stretch: Bodywork & Interior Dreams

In early 2025, we kicked off the next chapter: restoring Stevie’s exterior and interior. We’ve been sanding away years of sunburnt paint and patching up the dings and dents that come with age. Her body is now fully sanded and prepped, and while we wait out the Arizona heat, we're working on her interior—laying flooring, designing custom paneling, and creating a cozy, functional space that reflects her retro roots.

If all goes to plan, Stevie will be fully painted and reupholstered by September 2025, and we can’t wait to show her off.

What’s Next for Stevie?

Once complete, Stevie will officially join the Dreamy Dubs fleet. She’ll be available for:

• Photoshoots: Whether you're planning a retro-themed shoot, engagement photos, or just want a unique backdrop.

  
  

• The Flower Bus: Stevie’s second life will be as our groovy mobile flower shop! We’ll be selling fresh florals and handmade goodies at local farmers markets, car shows, and pop-up events across Arizona.

  
  

Want to see Stevie’s glow-up in real-time? Follow us on Instagram @DreamyDubs for progress updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content. We’re just getting started, and Stevie’s best days are still ahead.