Ep 3. South of the Border Buses

In this episode of West Coast Customs season 1, titled "South of the Border Buses," the crew sets their sights on restoring two iconic Volkswagen buses. The first one, a 1965 split-window microbus from Mexico, needs a complete overhaul, including an engine and suspension upgrade, while the second bus, a 1973 Westfalia, needs a new roof and paint job.

The team starts by tackling the 1965 microbus, affectionately named "Choco," which has been sitting in a barn for the past 30 years. The crew disassembles the bus and quickly realizes that the rusted-out frame is beyond repair. This leads to the decision to transplant the bus' body onto a modern-day Volkswagen Beetle frame, which allows for a more efficient engine and suspension upgrade.

The crew then turns their attention to the 1973 Westfalia, which has a damaged roof due to a tree falling on it. The team decides to create a custom pop-up roof that will not only fix the damage but also give the bus a unique look. The new roof design includes a skylight and a custom paint job that matches the original color scheme.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges the crew faces when it comes to restoring these classic buses. From sourcing hard-to-find parts to deciding on new design elements, each step of the restoration is meticulously thought out and executed. The attention to detail and dedication to preserving the legacy of these iconic vehicles is evident in every frame.

As the episode comes to a close, both Choco and the Westfalia are transformed into works of art. The modern upgrades, combined with the classic designs, create the perfect balance between vintage and modern. The owners of the buses are thrilled with the results and can't wait to hit the road in their restored rides.

Overall, "South of the Border Buses" is a must-see episode for fans of classic cars and restoration shows. The intricate details of both the restoration process and the finished products are sure to impress even the most discerning viewer. The West Coast Customs crew proves once again that they are masters of their craft when it comes to breathing new life into old classics.