Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

Good morning!

Since this is a Subaru web site I hope I can get some info or
help here. We have a van, 10 inch tires, 600 cc Subaru motor (motorcycle motor)
it runs on propane. Needs a starter but will crank- kick start?
We live in Lexington, NC and either want to restore it (how?)
or sell it.

a picture is here!

http://groups.msn.com/thefinestpoets/ourcutestuff.msnw?albumlist=2  

Cool van, I have seen a few of those around, they look like a blast.

Is there a specific question you had?  

Actually, we have the only 600 cc engine, all the others left have 534 cc or less... we need a starter.  

Hemmings has a parts locator service for older and rare cars that you could try, or I would search google and try to find forums and groups specificaly for Sanfu vans and or micro cars. I would think your other option would be to swap in a motor from a different newer motorcycle that would make it WAY easier to get parts. I would think a 600 or 750cc sport bike engine would be pretty easy to find, fairly cheap, and an absolute blast in that little thing. I can't even begin to imagine to look on people's faces as you drove by with an engine spinning at 12 grand.  

RhythmWalker1:
Actually, we have the only 600 cc engine, all the others left have 534 cc or less... we need a starter.

Very confusing.  If it has a 600 cc motorcycle engine instead of the original engine, you most likely need a starter to match the engine, not the vehicle.  

It is the original 600 cc propane powered motor (never been converted)
Air and water cooled! That's what they came out with!
Does that explain my problem?  

Thanks for being here! I got some answers. BIC out of Austin, Texas had them shipped here!(Bales International Corporation)
YES! We have the only one left that runs in the original condition!
This concept was way before it' time...
Sure feels good knowing you have a "one of a kind vehicle"!  

Hi
I have a Sanfu Pickup and need starter, Dist, Gen, and carb.
What is the address or phone number of BIC in Austin, TX?
Thanks for your help.  

Ours is a van? what size engine does yours have and has it been
converted to gasoline?
I just got in touch with BIC and need to hear back from them before I give out any info...
But, I will as soon as I can!

It seems these were prototype vehicles not meant to be sold in the US?  

No response at all! When my boyfriend went there to get a starter
they refused him and deny having them... so Good Luck.

Look up:
Steve Bale
Bee Cave, Texas
That's his name.
Bales International and Sanfu Motor Co. neither one exist anymore...

Guess I'll have to go ahead and sell mine to a guy with Nascar that
is just dying to have this carburetor!  

Hi! I may be able to provide some information on your vehicle.

Prior to making the Sanfu BIC, Bill Bales ran Jet Industries of Austin Texas, which made electric vehicles.

Your BIC Sanfu 'LPG 600' bears an uncanny resemblance to the Electra Van 600, made from 1977 to 1981, and is based on a 1977 Subaru Sambar (also known as a Subaru 600) van chassis.

Jet industries had some special congressional dispensation to import those vehicles, as they didn't meet US safety standards. Jet Industries folded around the time the Sanfu BICs showed up, so the BICs may have been built around the leftover Subaru 600 frames.

There's a lot of info on the Electra Van on my website here, including a service manual for the Subaru 600:

http://member.newsguy.com/~apeweek/ElectraVan.html

In addition, I have been able to get parts from Japan from this helpful Japanese fellow:

http://f-s-auto.com/

I used Subaru part numbers from the Electra Van parts manual available on that first website.  

Thanks, Apeweek!
We now realize more about just how rare the one we have is!
Extensive search showed us that our carburetor is a one of a kind,
made just for these engines.
Now we are "holding off" on advertising it for sale.
After having several well known " collectors" tell us that we
are "sitting on a mint", we are just biding our time for the right
bid!  

hello, i have a san-fu 600tpv pick-up it is in good shape, has a seat in the bed. 600cc subaru motor 2cyl. i have matched up points, wheel cylinders, brake light switch at my local car quest store. i drive it every summer, i live in mich. no heater and canvas doors. i have a complete parts manual but nowhere to order them. disconnect the govenor and it will cruise at 50mph. how many were made? one person says 24, hard to believe. sambar looks very close, did they buy them out? please let me know anything you do. e'mail me at mikekocks@gmail.com  

There is a web site, car-part.com where you can search for many used parts.  

I have the same truck  would love to see shop manual it is a subaru engine where can we get parts for this engine