Safety arguments for VW microbus?

Question

I've been trying to get my dad to help me pay for a quirky car that'll do more than get me from point A to point B, and I enjoy road trips with my buddies. This is why I'm determined to get a VW Westfalia, or Sportsmobile camper.

Cost is a non-issue, I've got 3 grand put aside from my job, and I'm sure he'd pay for any more, as we're quite well off. The biggest detractor is that he claims no one will insure it, and how unsafe a head on collision is.

Some questions;

1) Would a person survive a head on collision in a microbus, going anywhere from 30-50 miles an hour? What about with the tire mounted on the front? (My dad claims the steering column will go straight through your chest, I'm inclined to believe him, as it doesn't appear to collapse. .)

2) Is insurance more for these cars? I would assume less, because they wouldn't expect it to be a daily driver.

3) Is it even feasible to retrofit it with safety devices? (Shoulder belts, possibly airbags?) I'm not sure about the airbags, I presume that's specific to the design of the vehicle.

I'm not looking for a death wish, and I'm a d**n good driver. I don't know how to argue my way through something like this, I'm sort of pinned at this stage.

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

ITS OLD JUNK!

THEY'RE ALSO UNSAFE BECAUSE THEY ARE SLOWER THAN MOLASSES

Answer 2

1.  Yes, you typically would survive a head on collision.  The steering column does not collapse.  But neither did any vehicles of that era.  And almost all of us survived.  Even with safety enhancements, people still die in new cars today.  Airbags go off and kill people.  You (and your father) cannot be afraid of the "if's" and "maybe's".  If you are, you wouldn't step out of the house.  But then there is abestos, black mold, lead paint, CO2 issues with houses also.  

The tire mounted on the front is just for extra space in the rear.  I never like the look.

2.  Insurance is dirt cheap on these vehicles.  Just call an agent and price it compared to the vehicles you own.  

3.  You can put seat belts in, but you cannot retrofit the bus for airbags.  

I would consider another vehicle if you are not up to the constant maintenance.  And you really have to find one without rust that permeate these vehicles. Parts are plentiful.

But they are fun.  And make it you daily driver - people will associate you with the bus.  

I bought a cabrio for daughter as her first car so she would always remember "her first car".  

ps - your dad's quite well off, not both of you.  It's his money and he is  helping you.  

Answer 3

I used to drive a Westfalia bus some years ago. The advantages are that you have a great view of the road from the drivers seat and that you aren't inclined to speed in one! I'd given thought to the proximity of ones legs to the front of the bus as well as the steering column as it is rather close. Fortunately I was never in an accident with my bus, but the previous owner had been in a small front end collision which prompted her to sell to me.

For safety I'd recommend a volvo or later model Saab.  

Answer 4

YEAR MODEL,,, YEAR MODEL,,,,

Older style micro's, 60's and early 70's, you are smashed.  The only saving grace at the time, was you were above most everything else, so only your legs got it.  WIth the monster SUV, that doesn't hold true anymore.  

Later 70's and 80's, with the change in body style, better in the head on but still not good.

They came with shoulder straps, but no air bags.  Liability insurance is the same as regular cars.   Tire on the front does not help at 30mph.  

ks19