Ginger - The Restoration Journey of Our Vintage VW Bus

At The Booth Bus, our mission is Bringing Pictures To The People. We do this via a touch of vintage charm and unforgettable fun with our classic VW bus photo booths. The heart of our business is our beautifully restored fleet of VW buses, which they weren’t always the shining stars that you see today. Here’s the story of how we transformed Ginger, one of our well-loved, timeworn vehicles into the centerpiece of countless memories.

Finding the One

The search for a perfect VW bus is a labor of love. We knew that we needed a vehicle with character, history, and the potential to be transformed into a mobile photo booth. After months of searching online listings, attending car shows, and following leads, we found it: a 1966 Volkswagen Kombi, Type 2 Split Window bus. Of course, it showed signs of age and wear, but we were incredibly fortunate to find something truly special. Manufactured in Germany, Ginger has spent her entire life in California. We purchased this beauty in Lomita, CA, from Tony, the original owner. Tony was a true Hemingway figure, with a long-standing career at the Long Beach Harbor. He literally purchased and drove this bus directly off a large shipping vessel in the early '60s.

The Initial Assessment

Before diving into the restoration, we needed to understand what we were up against. We were lucky! Tony took great care of her. The bus was in great condition, hardly any rust. Of course there were some minor engine and electrical work needed. Despite these challenges, the frame and chassis were in good shape – a solid foundation to build upon.

Stripping Down

Restoration began with stripping the bus down to its core. We removed every part – doors, windows, seats, and the engine – to get a clear view of what needed attention. Each component was carefully labeled, cleaned, and assessed for repair or replacement.

Rust Removal and Body Work

Next came the critical task of removing rust and repairing the body. Armed with grinders and sandblasters, we tackled any rust spot, treated and prepped for painting. Ensuring that each body panel was smooth and perfectly aligned was painstaking but essential work.Special thanks to my father for his help during this stage!

Engine Overhaul

The engine, the heart of our bus, luckily didn’t need a complete overhaul. We chose to keep the original 1500cc air-cooled engine, retaining the authentic feel of the vehicle. This involved replacing some worn-out parts, cleaning every component, and carefully reassembling it. After reassembly, the engine was thoroughly tested to ensure it ran smoothly and would be reliable.

Repainting

Choosing the paint color was one of the most exciting parts of the restoration. We opted for a classic all-cream color scheme, which is truly our jam. This choice not only looks stunning but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and fun, making it the perfect palette for a photo booth. Cream is perfect because it’s inherently classy and can easily be dressed up or down with small floral and exterior embellishments.

Interior Transformation

The interior transformation was where we could infuse the bus with our unique style. The seats were reupholstered in retro fabric, and the flooring was replaced with durable yet stylish hardwood. We hand cut and installed all new interior wood paneling, and cut and sewed new curtains throughout. We’re stock enthusiast so all original glass, chrome and accessory pieces were repurposed.

Finishing Touches

The final touches brought everything together. New tires, a surfboard rack, and other accessories completed the look, making Ginger a true showstopper.

Hitting the Road

After months of dedication and hard work, our VW bus was ready to hit the road. The first event we attended was magical – seeing guests’ faces light up as they stepped into the bus and created memories was incredibly rewarding. Our VW bus is now more than just a vehicle; it's a beloved part of countless celebrations and a symbol of joy and nostalgia.

Restoring this VW bus has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. It stands as a testament to what passion, patience, and creativity can achieve. Every event we attend is a new adventure, and we’re thrilled to share our love for vintage charm with you.