VW Bus Parts, Rentals, and EV Conversions with Busted Bus

The Genesis of Busted Bus

• 💡 Joe, an engineer, bought back his former VW parts business, starting with just two containers of parts and a few buses.
• 📍 After moving to New Hampshire to be near family, he partnered with a local enthusiast and found a 17,000 sq ft warehouse in Maine.
• 🎯 The business now focuses on parts, restoration projects, and rentals, with a goal to become a one-stop shop.

VW Bus Restoration and Parts

• 🛠️ The majority of the buses are acquired for their parts, but some are selected for restoration.
• 📦 Busted Bus offers over 30,000 different parts, from nuts and bolts to engine components, with a focus on quality and presentation.
• 🌐 The website, bustedbust.com, uses original parts schematics to help customers find and order specific components.
• ✨ Joe aims for used parts to be so well-refurbished that customers believe they've received a new part.

Vintage Van Adventures Rentals

• 🚐 Joe purchased a rental business a year and a half ago, equipping the buses with modern VW engines for improved drivability.
• 💰 Rentals cost $1,600 per week, including camping gear, bike racks, and paddle boards, offering a complete "van life" experience.
• 🛣️ The rental fleet primarily consists of "Bay Window" (1968-1979) and "Vanagon" (1980-1991) models.

Future Projects and Expansion

• 🎨 Plans for the warehouse include a paint booth, clean room for assembly, and a sandblast room to offer full in-house restoration services.
• ⚡ The business is researching EV conversion packages for DIY customers, aiming to simplify the process.
• ♻️ Chassis from stripped buses are being repurposed into trailerable "kiosks" for coffee or beverage service at events.
• 👨‍🏫 Joe's body and paint specialist plans to hire and train young apprentices in traditional restoration techniques.