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Topic: Looking for VW Campervan

Scrunchkins

13/10/2012 at 8:44am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: 5m bell tent

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I've finally worn my dear husband down and he has agreed to come camping with me and the kids but only if we get a campervan as he won't do tents or caravans. He particularly likes the vintage style vw campervans. I've had a quick look on ebay but I'm not sure what is a good price as they seem to vary so greatly. I don't mind doing some interior work but would prefer it to have an MOT.

What sort of things should I be looking for, problem wise? I worried that I could part with my hard earned cash and end up with a moneypit

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Allie xx

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Opensauce

13/10/2012 at 10:30am
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What year? If want a 70s bay then £8k upwards will buy you a fair one, £12k will get you a really good one & yes it will be a moneypit but it won't lose its value. If you have kids to go in the back you will only have lap belts & no crash resistance at all. You cannot expect modern safety standards in a 70s vehicle.

To successfully run an old VW camper you need some mechanical understanding. If you cannot do major work yourself then you need to find a local place that understands aircooled VWs.

There are several dealers about that sell old VW campers, many imported from overseas from countries where cars tend not to rust but their prices are massive. A private sale from Ebay is your best bet but you really need to know what you are buying.

You can get new or nearly new Brazilian built VW campers as the old 70s style vans were built there until recently but these are grey imports never intended for use in Europe & for the price of them you would be better getting a more modern van.

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Tigermouse

13/10/2012 at 10:51am
Location: Bolton Lancs
Outfit: Tent & Toyota Granvia

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Have a look in a scrap yard, that's the best place for these things!

Seriously though, have a look in the free ads on here - you don't say what your budget is but there's a couple of 1972 bays for sale, both in Staffordshire so wouldn't be a million miles for you to go to look.

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Tigermouse

I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental

mattlad

13/10/2012 at 12:07pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Defender 90 and MyWay Voyager Raid

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Quote: Originally posted by Tigermouse on 13/10/2012

Have a look in a scrap yard, that's the best place for these things!

I had a customer that bought a Bay that was fit for the scrapyard, it was a terrible basket case! Someone had gone to the trouble of fitting a new engine prior to him buying it.......

I'm no expert on VW campers but the most important things to look out for are corrosion, corrosion and corrosion. Engines, gearboxes & other mechanical parts can be replaced but dealing with serious body and chassis corrosion is another matter.

They are not the nicest things to drive either, unless you are a die-hard enthusiast and a VW camper is a must have I'd be inclined to look at something more modern.......

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Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!

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bernie bann

13/10/2012 at 1:06pm
Location: bolton
Outfit: freada compass rally

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nan+grandad in theres they love it at bron y wendon

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bigtoe

13/10/2012 at 2:45pm
Location: Chateau du Wirral
Outfit: VW T4 and quechua base second

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I agree with the above comments about avoiding the dreaded rust. Parts arent too expensive as theres a huge following and a well established scene. I also agree, they're a dogs ear to drive!

Californian imports can be a good deal. They often need a bit of work but they're usually pretty solid.

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John

May/June.....France
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Scrunchkins

14/10/2012 at 10:45am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: 5m bell tent

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Thankyou for all your replies, I'll keep a lookout for a suitable van. I've also been distracted in my search by Mazda Bongos

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Allie xx

2019 Camps
East Kirkby Hideaway
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Hundall Scout Camp

chrisandsandra

14/10/2012 at 2:00pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Murvi Morello

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To avoid the dreaded problems with older vans take a look at VW T4 conversions - not so 'sexy' but good, solid vans that are now reasonably cheap.

However, bear in mind that any VW van conversion is going to be a very tight squeeze with 4 of you, no matter what they adverts say.

silverwood

14/10/2012 at 3:19pm
Location: Ilkla moor baht' at
Outfit: Compass castaway 500 LL

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Ive just come back from Burrs country park at Bury, there is a yellow & white VeeDub bus parked in a driveway for sale just up the road think it's on a P plate

mick

kruisler

15/10/2012 at 12:52pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: VW T2 van + Sahara 400 bell tent

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Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 13/10/2012What year? If want a 70s bay then £8k upwards will buy you a fair one, £12k will get you a really good one

The £12k is quite optimistic. Mine's a good solid 78, little rust (although there is the odd bit including some work needed on the roof), engine changed 3 yrs ago, interior OK but not great (with pop top roof). Valued at 17K by insurance and more likely to cost closer to £20K to replace if I needed to..

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 13/10/2012If you have kids to go in the back you will only have lap belts.

That is not correct: my 2 daughters (5 & 8) sit in the back and I have to full 3 pts belts. The van was not modified to accommodate those. One side belt was already fitted and uses existing point. The middle belt is a special design with one of the point in an existing hole in the rear pillar ( cost £175 for the belt).

I spend about £500 a year on maintenance/M.O.T on mine.. we go camping regularly about an hour away from our home. We've also taken it to Cornwall and the south of France twice.

Be aware that it is a life style choice. You can fit 4 persons in there but it is very snug.

You'll need to be inclined to do some work yourself or have a specialist you can get to. Taking one of those to a general garage is no good..

If you don't know what you're doing I'd suggest going via said specialist. Yes it'll be more expensive but safer. and do as much reading about them (and buying them) as you can beforehand.

They're very fashionable vehicles "unfortunately", and interest soared in the last few years. The value of mine has gone up 60% in the last 5 years.. Ridiculous but I can't complain obviously..

I smile every time we go away in it... that, as they say, is priceless.. :)

Opensauce

15/10/2012 at 4:32pm
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He! He! yes, I know prices are going stupid but Its hard to tell what vans do sell for because you see plenty on ebay getting(I would guess)nowhere near reserve price. I suppose it depends whether seller is desperate or not so bargains are about. I take your point on seat belts, anything is possible & certainly some Westy conversions were fitted with one or more 3 point seatbelts but generally speaking the less pristine Bays are unlikely to have them although of course they can be custom fitted at some expense. It would depend on the op's budget.

supertrooper78

16/10/2012 at 3:58pm
Location: Derby
Outfit: Willerby Herald.

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Hi scrunchkins, here is an example of prices, I have my volkswagon Autosleeper trooper T4 for sale, its a 1992 petrol. With loads of extras including a drive away awning.

Priced at £6,000. Good luck with your search.

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