The Bay Window Volkswagen Bus — affectionately (and sometimes not so affectionately) known as the Fat Chick, Late Model, Round Window, or Big Boy — covers the iconic 1968–1979 VW Bus era. It was the successor to the legendary split-window Bus, made famous on TV shows like Eight Is Enough, and while some purists dismissed it at first, others saw its potential and fell in love.
In this episode, we look into the culture, history, and revival of these late-model Type 2 buses with Craig Gonzales (AKA Bay Window Mafia) a true champion of the Bay Window scene. Craig’s passion for slammed, stylish late bays led him to create an Instagram page that exploded almost overnight, feeding the community’s hunger for photos, inspiration, and connection. He’s especially fond of early bays (1968–1971) — from high-roof postals to deluxe models — but appreciates every version in the lineup.
We break down the key differences between early, mid, and late bay windows, explore their evolution, and talk about how Craig puts his own spin on styling them. Whether it’s cruising into a split-bus-heavy show and turning heads, or highlighting the unique character of the 68–79 VW Bus, Craig proves that bay windows are every bit as cool as their predecessors.
If you’re a vintage Volkswagen enthusiast, a classic VW bus collector, or just curious about the growing new generation of bay window fans, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and plenty of VW bus love.
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