The Modern Bay Co. VW Subaru Conversion Specialist

The Modern Bay Co. VW Subaru Conversion Specialist

Form and function. Style and reliability. Do it once, do it right, turn the key, and put on the miles.


We transform vintage VW Bay Window buses into Subaru-powered, reliable, modern machines for today's weekend warriors and open road adventurers. We perform Subaru Conversions and sell conversion kits and parts for the 1968-1979 Volkswagen Bay Window Buses. Find out more and get your bus on the schedule at modernbay.co!

Пікірлер

  • @craignicholas542
    @craignicholas5423 күн бұрын

    That shirt you’re wearing is awesome. VW plaid

  • @yenyerita
    @yenyerita9 күн бұрын

    What waa the cost of this?

  • @eddymiranda4989
    @eddymiranda4989Ай бұрын

    Wow that was awesome! Have you guys ever had a client bring in a water cooled combi from latin america? If so, was the cooling any different?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbaycoАй бұрын

    Thanks so much, @eddymiranda4989! Really appreciate it. And we haven't yet, but do have one upcoming client conversion on a water cooled combi from Central America. Stay tuned! :D

  • @eddymiranda4989
    @eddymiranda4989Ай бұрын

    @@themodernbayco I cant wait to see it! I'd love to have a boxer in my combi.

  • @user-zg7iu9rh5c
    @user-zg7iu9rh5cАй бұрын

    AWESOME! THANK YOU!

  • @thelouisvillecaboose
    @thelouisvillecabooseАй бұрын

    Right on much appreciated, Anthony!

  • @CutthroatLocator
    @CutthroatLocator2 ай бұрын

    Is there a conversion kit to make the Subaru upgrade run on propane?

  • @joeyvonny5146
    @joeyvonny51462 ай бұрын

    This may be a silly question but do the automatic buses still have a parking brake/emergency brake?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbaycoАй бұрын

    They do, generally don't use it as much. And it sometimes will hit the shifter when the e-brake is pulled and the shifter is in park.

  • @andrewphillips652
    @andrewphillips6522 ай бұрын

    Fantastic. It's all the extra expert tips that make a huge difference!

  • @larryleclerc3557
    @larryleclerc35572 ай бұрын

    Is it possible to mount the Vanagon automatic trans into a VW bug rear torsion tube assemble? ie... to build a VW trike.

  • @alecjones7299
    @alecjones72992 ай бұрын

    Can I be your Brasilian, South American distributor? This was awesome thank you.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Alec! Very much appreciated. You might call KEP and ask them if they're interested! Cheers,

  • @migtyalex
    @migtyalex3 ай бұрын

    hola amigo, gracis por tus videos. oye quisiera saber si me puedes ayudar a hacer la conversion para mi early bay 70. ;)

  • @B.B.423
    @B.B.4233 ай бұрын

    Did you ever make a step 3 video?

  • @jamie-r2034
    @jamie-r20343 ай бұрын

    I love my automatic bus. Always considered a Subi swap (by a professionals of course. lol). You aren't located in or near Pennsylvania are you?? lol Just curious, what does a conversion like this cost?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco3 ай бұрын

    Automatics are absolutely amazing!! And right on - we are located in the Denver/Boulder area of Colorado. Give us a shout via our website at modernbay.co to talk about your bus and potentially working together to do your conversion!

  • @manuelgil6728
    @manuelgil672816 күн бұрын

    How much horsepower can that vw automatic take with a subie swap

  • @jamie-r2034
    @jamie-r203416 күн бұрын

    @themodernbayco will do! 🤙🤙

  • @ryantaccone6285
    @ryantaccone62853 ай бұрын

    How much should the total swap run me?

  • @Pock277
    @Pock2773 ай бұрын

    where does one get a Vanagon transmission so new?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco3 ай бұрын

    German Transaxles makes some great products. They aren't cheap but they are very high quality.

  • @hunterluxton5976
    @hunterluxton59764 ай бұрын

    I got a set of konis for my 71. They were like hen's teeth to find and as you say not cheap. I also got a heavy duty ( empi) sway bar ar which makes the bus ride as if its on tracks. 😊

  • @vintagevanfirenze1300
    @vintagevanfirenze13004 ай бұрын

    Love it! Passion for VWs!!!!!

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! :D

  • @juniorclassicvwbugs924
    @juniorclassicvwbugs9244 ай бұрын

    Where did you purchased this front piece

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco4 ай бұрын

    Could you clarify what you mean by front piece? Whole roof is from Space Roofs

  • @juniorclassicvwbugs924
    @juniorclassicvwbugs9244 ай бұрын

    Oh I was under the impression that you purchased them separately. So both are from the same supplier. I can remember if you mentioned it parts were from a supplier in US or UK?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco4 ай бұрын

    @@juniorclassicvwbugs924 correct - while kit was shipped from UK

  • @fenderbendersb3
    @fenderbendersb35 ай бұрын

    What about the ignition key.. do you need the key barrel for the computer to run engine?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    Great question! If you're running [generally] pre-2005 USDM Subarus that are drive-by-cable instead of drive-by-wire, you don't need items such as the key barrel, or the body-integrated unit and gauge cluster that all need to be matched to the coded ECM on later model vehicles. If you do use later model, CANBUS donors, you'll need some or all of those additional items. That's why we generally stick with pre-2005 models!

  • @hunterluxton5976
    @hunterluxton59765 ай бұрын

    What an absolutely fantastic video! I've been thinking of getting one of these for my 71 Bay, but Go West have put thecprice up considerably😢. Your videos are clear, well presented and en pointe. ❤

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much, Hunter! Hugely appreciate it!

  • @michaelpietschmann9748
    @michaelpietschmann97485 ай бұрын

    Where did you get that shirt

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    A t-shirt company that went out of business a few years ago unfortunately(!). Wish I could find them again!

  • @CutthroatLocator
    @CutthroatLocator5 ай бұрын

    Every time I watch one of your videos I gain more appreciation for your attention to details and professional expertise.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    Thanks Dad much appreciated :)

  • @new2gold
    @new2gold5 ай бұрын

    What kind of mpg do you get with a Subaru conversion???

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    Hey Mike! Our clients typically get 18-22, and as high as 26 mpg. A lot depends on tire size, driving style, calibration (especially between tires and that most of the speedos are off by ~5mph at higher range), and where you're driving. But that's a general figure. Thanks for watching and let us know how else we can help!

  • @davidbergman7068
    @davidbergman70685 ай бұрын

    Hello, I am not able to find this starter on your website. How do I purchase one?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    Hi David! Thanks for your interest in working with us. Shoot us an email at [email protected] and we'll get you set up. Thank you!

  • @thomasfx3190
    @thomasfx31905 ай бұрын

    Totally. Can’t wait to see it!

  • @stanfordkoch1271
    @stanfordkoch12715 ай бұрын

    I have a 1969 bus with a subi engine in it, conversion not done by me though, drives super

  • @CutthroatLocator
    @CutthroatLocator5 ай бұрын

    Great vid.

  • @RustyRatchetGarage
    @RustyRatchetGarage5 ай бұрын

    Awesome videos, would you be able to tell me the width of the rear of the trans (where trans pan is) looking to see if it will work in my swap. Thanks

  • @mitchtorrie7933
    @mitchtorrie79335 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the video!! Is the Kennedy kit designed to take all engine weight or do you design brackets to mate to the Subaru engine mounts as additional support?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco5 ай бұрын

    @mitchtorrie7933 Great question! It is not - you still need an engine hanger/support bar that typically mounts to the frame of the bus.

  • @martinvaldepena48
    @martinvaldepena486 ай бұрын

    My subaru 2.5 ildel no matter what I do it's stays 1500 can't figure this out replace tps throttle body any would appreciate.

  • @user-zj6zy6hs9l
    @user-zj6zy6hs9l7 ай бұрын

    As long as the price is reasonable, I'd buy the reverser from you. The throttle body mods look like something could do myself.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    Check out the product on our site at modernbay.co/shop!!

  • @sandrajar2951
    @sandrajar29517 ай бұрын

    Can u use a different transmission on a automatic vanagon?

  • @patrickwitt1323
    @patrickwitt13237 ай бұрын

    Thank you very much! Will adjustment at this place, be available to make your throttle less sensitive? My EJ25 conversion has a very sensitive pedal. I wish it was less sensitive when starting out from a stop.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    This adjustment will not do that, but our throttle cable kit video details how we replace our throttle kit assembly to adjust sensitivity!

  • @matthewmcintosh9269
    @matthewmcintosh92697 ай бұрын

    Awesome video ! Is this a Subaru 4 speed or a vw 3 speed ?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    Thanks @matthermcintosh9269! It is a VW 3 speed from a Vanagon with the external cooler 👌🏻

  • @bobbymarriott9127
    @bobbymarriott91277 ай бұрын

    I need some help with my bosses bus

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    We'd be happy to help in whatever capacity works best! You can reply here, or shoot us an email.

  • @chopperhehehe
    @chopperhehehe7 ай бұрын

    Briliant video . Couldn't ask for simpler . Can I ask how much the kit is ? Because I think am going to be doing this to my mates bug . He wants more power so I say this is the way 😊 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🦄😁🤞✌️ Ps cracking video thanks for yer time

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    I'd look up Kennedy Engineering Products and ask for Lori, she's been helpful for us every time!

  • @chopperhehehe
    @chopperhehehe7 ай бұрын

    @@themodernbayco nice one chears 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🦄😁🤞✌️

  • @blinddog140
    @blinddog1407 ай бұрын

    Another perfect video. Just received my new coupler! Thank you for the tutorial and gear oil advice! Will do!

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    Right on!

  • @blinddog140
    @blinddog1407 ай бұрын

    And done! Twice even! (I forgot the horn wire, hahaha!)

  • @lmfarms4611
    @lmfarms46117 ай бұрын

    Excellent Video. Question with all of the vibration, do you need locktie on all of the bolts?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    Yes, we use locktite to ensure a solid connection.

  • @metahacker
    @metahacker7 ай бұрын

    ever rotate the intake manifold?

  • @thelouisvillecaboose
    @thelouisvillecaboose7 ай бұрын

    Yo! We thought about it, but between relocating the alternator and not leaving forward compatibility for adding an A/C compressor, we decided to stick with stock format for the intake.

  • @lukedorny
    @lukedorny7 ай бұрын

    I run Konis on my ‘71 and they are the best. Have lasted 10 years.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    They are the slightly more premium option versus KYB, but in my opinion they are well worth it

  • @lukedorny
    @lukedorny7 ай бұрын

    Somehow this was suggested to me as I’m about to do the full brakes on my ‘71. Thank you! Great tips. I hesitated to pay for the new backing plates but clearly I’ll need em.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco7 ай бұрын

    It is well worth it my friend

  • @blinddog140
    @blinddog1408 ай бұрын

    Nicey nice!

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @JTBryan62
    @JTBryan628 ай бұрын

    Love the videos... Can you address the problems on coolant burping and getting the air out of a system. Seems the plague a lot of Subi conversions.. Especially on getting the thermostat to open when burping the system... thanks

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    I will try and get it in a video soon, but for now: it just takes some patience. After filling the system you just have to run the engine for a bit, let it cool, top it up, rinse and repeat. It always takes a little longer than expected, but a little patience goes a long way we have found.

  • @metahacker
    @metahacker8 ай бұрын

    090 with the external cooler and an upgraded converter!? baller setup y0 Those 3 speed VW autos are awesome... I love the way Buses drive with them !!! Looks like a GoPNH (Precision New Hampshire) torque converter? is the whole tranny from Ken @ GTA?

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    It is a Kennedy Engineering Products (KEP) Torque converter, and yes the whole tranny was done by German Transaxle. Thanks for the support, baller setups is the goal :). !!

  • @blalalabla
    @blalalabla8 ай бұрын

    It's always a pleasure watching your videos. Regarding the sump, the design of these are awful since there is no baffles or pipe for the oil mist return channel. This makes the crank vent system malfunction since crankcase pressure enters the return system. I have shortened the oem sump and added a 8mm steel plate on both sides of the sump so that it's almost impossible to hurt the sump. Can share pictures if you are interested. 👍

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    Interesting, I get the idea and thats interesting, might experiment with this on some upcoming builds.

  • @CdnBullyboy
    @CdnBullyboy8 ай бұрын

    i went with the outback shortened one, iMy engine mount is the lowest point on mine. I've seen someone catch a rock and lose a chunk out of the aluminum pan and get sidelined for a couple days in the boonies, they had a couple hunters go by and gave them a ride to town to shop for JB weld and oil

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    Whoah, always an adventure with these buses!!

  • @marshallwebber9682
    @marshallwebber96828 ай бұрын

    I've often seen this kind of thing from innovators: great presentation on the outside, but the products used as fasteners or brackets are often "Kick in place at assembly, file corners, paint to match." It bespeaks a DIY based production mentality, instead of one where each piece is exactly like the previous or the next so you have great repeatability. If someone with a Masters in Engineering has to scratch their head over the instructions, and mod after install to make it work...it isn't soup yet. I really, really wanted it to be ready for prime time. But if they know where those luggage brackets are supposed to go relative to the curve and the fiberglass top...dude, call send-cut-send and have those brackets fabbed according to spec, not according to "That Looks About Right." Propers for your work, and finding ways to finish the job despite the curveballs. But I think I'll wait until Space Roof gets their documentation act together.

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    Our intention with this video was to aid that process, it is a do-able install, but tough instructions. I have high hopes though, the roof itself looked amazing after installing it!

  • @busbits
    @busbits8 ай бұрын

    Had to pause the video to write this comment. I can't believe what I saw is a commercial product with all these brackets and missing washers. Are you sure the small bits weren't stolen on the way to you??

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    I don't believe so, the instruction manual didn't offer any advice either. The roof itself is great and looked amazing but the install was an adventure.

  • @SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY
    @SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY8 ай бұрын

    Nooice! 😎 STOC

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    😎

  • @SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY
    @SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY8 ай бұрын

    😮 8:38 what a Steering coupler should NOT look like! Yaowza!

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    Indeed my friend!

  • @SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY
    @SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY8 ай бұрын

    4:20 Yeah, gotta cover that fir sure! Doesnt even look like they covered it with duct tape. Engine bay looks decent, solid body, beutiful front end. Brakes are always an issue. I just found your channel, subscribed and look forward to following along 😁😎 STOC

  • @themodernbayco
    @themodernbayco8 ай бұрын

    Excited to have you along for the ride