Mercial TruePDF-January 2017

PACKED WITH THE BEST VOLKSWAGEN BUSES EVERY MONTH
Volkswagen THE ORIGINAL & BEST VW CAMPER MAGAZINE
SI
FIE
DS • FREE &Commercial
CL
S
BUS
FREE CLA
ASS
TBURYAAND ER
IFIEDS
D SELL
R
BUSES FO
•
DS
•F
FREE!RE
IE E CL
ASSIF
REGULARS
CAMPER MAIL
A whiter shade of pale BUS DOCTOR

BROCHURE LINE
BAREFOOT CHEF
1971 MICROBUS
NEWS & PRODUCTS
DOCK OF THE BAY
January 2017 ISSUE 111 £3.95
2017 WEEKENDER 1966 DELUXE 1987 CUSTOM T3 1958 SINGLE CAB

With state of the art sound 13 window Rat The syncro look Two tone truck
SUPER VW FEST ROLLING STOCK

Race track fun Buses that run on rails
DUBS AT THE CASTLE
Welcome Email editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk
Address Editor, VW Camper & Commercial,
Jazz Publishing The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ
The original and best VW bus magazine since 2000 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
ell, unsurprisingly
W Santa did not bring

me a fire truck for
Christmas, but he did
send me this picture of a mint, fully
original 1966 version at the Utah
Classic VW show, which is as good
as it gets till I win the lottery! (Watch
out for an upcoming feature on this
beauty). Nor did I get a two tone
California, but there are some lovely
pictures inside this issue of them at
the IAA in Hannover! But I did get my
two front teeth, which is all I really
wanted! So now I can smile at people
again without scaring them or looking
like a stand in for that Corsodyl ad!
Christmas must have been
uppermost in my subconscious
when compiling the feature buses
for this issue, as the colours of red 1966 Fully equipped Fire Truck
and white seem to have taken over!

Cover
Original paint, patina rat, shiny Microbus, latterly used / abused as and drop in on the IAA in Hannover to Rick Davy
resto, brand new custom, we have a hire camper, has been given a new check out the latest VW commercials –
the whole spectrum! A 1966 13 lease of life and had its Microbus round the world in 80 pages! (Well Contributors:
window Deluxe Microbus in “barn heritage re-invented. Finally this you know what I mean …). And Steve Leatham,
Dave Richards,
find” condition with sun-bleached month we have a beautifully restored check out the pictures of the Rail Bulli
Richard Copping,
paint and battle-scarred body oozes 1958 single cab Pick Up, which has – a guest of honour at a Dutch Historic Rob Hawkins,
character and charm but don’t be basically been in the same family since Railway event. Andy Morgan,
fooled by its looks! The cheekily 2WD the early sixties. Many hours’ work Another year starts now, already we Mike Clements,
badged T3 with raised suspension went into getting the beaten up truck are planning to take a road trip up the Simon Cooke,
and syncro style wheel arches may looking like it now does, and we just west coast of Scotland and a run over Dave Warren,
look ready for rugged action but is love the distinctive two tone red and to the Hessisch Show. Catch up with Theo Mosman,
Jarkle, Chris
still a “work in progress” according ivory paint scheme, period correct me at Camper Mart or Dubfreeze and
Wallbank, Sophie
to its owner. Showing what’s possible colours combining to create a factory tell me about your plans! Kuenzle, Rick
when the starting point is basically special order look. Davy, Richard
a rolling shell, a ‘73 red and white Lovers of vintage buses and period Drive your bus; Holdsworth,
themed custom camper sports a photos will be in bus heaven this month Enjoy your bus Eric Arnold,
striking interior to match its one off as Brochure Line digs up an early 60’s Paul Bussey
body colour, whilst at the opposite VW publication that found the oldest
end of the spectrum is a brand surviving buses – including #00044
new T6 Weekender, fitted with a built in April 1950! We run the circuit
Rolling Homes bespoke interior at Le Mans, storm a Welsh castle, travel editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk
designed round a state of the art to the tip of South America, head off twitter.com/vwcampermag
ICE equipment. A former Early Bay to USA to check out the Utah Classic, facebook.com/volkswagencamper
Jazz Publishing Jazz Publishing The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ. Tel:01244 881888 Fax:01244 646016 www.jazzpublishing.co.uk info@jazzpublishing.co.uk
EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER ACCOUNTS & ADMIN MANAGER SUBSCRIPTIONS

David Eccles Justine Hart Emma McCrindle & BACK ISSUES
editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk justine@jazzpublishing.co.uk 01244 886009 Katy Cuffin
ASSISTANT EDITOR EVENTS DIRECTOR accounts@jazzpublishing.co.uk 01244 881888
Dave Richards Shelley Bond 01244 881888 ADMINISTRATION magazines@jazzpublishing.co.uk
dave.richards@volkswagencamper.co.uk shelley@jazzevents.co.uk Jan Schofield MANAGING DIRECTOR
DESIGNER ADVERTISING MANAGER 01244 886019 Stuart Mears
Sarah Barnes Mark McCarthy 01244 886022 jan@jazzpublishing.co.uk stuart@jazzpublishing.co.uk
design@jazzpublishing.co.uk mark@jazzpublishing.co.uk CREDIT CONTROL DISTRIBUTION
CREATIVE MANAGER ADVERTISING SALES Louise Chamberlian-Jones Susan Saunders
David Gamble Karen Hall 01244 886027 01244 886012 0207 4294073
david@jazzpublishing.co.uk advertising@volkswagencamper.co.uk louise@jazzpublishing.co.uk susan.saunders@seymour.co.uk
The views expressed in this magazine by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. All articles are written in good faith and are based on information provided by owners. Whilst every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of all material, the contributors, magazine and the publishers cannot accept liability for loss resulting from error, mis-statement, inaccuracy, or omission contained herein. Reproduction of any matter printed
or depicted in VW Camper and Commercial magazine is prohibited without prior permission. Some words, names, and designations are trademarked and are the property of the trademark holder and have only been used for
identification purposes only. Having trouble finding VW Camper and Commercial in your newsagent? Please contact our distribution company for your nearest outlet Tel: 0207 4294073 © Jazz Publishing ISSN 1756 - 2007
WELCOME
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 5
Contents
Issue 111— December 2016
16
36
Feature Buses
8 Lucky Thirteen
With its sun-bleached paint and battle-scarred body, this
13 window Deluxe Microbus oozes character and charm.
8
16 Rescue, Restore, Relax
Looking at the pictures of this lovely custom 1973
camper it’s hard to believe it was rescued as an empty
shell that was probably bound for the scrapyard.
36 Sound And Vision 14

With rugged looks, a flexible interior and showcasing
the latest in Pioneer’s in-car audio technology, Rolling
Homes’ T6 Weekender is both stylish and practical.
50
50 Work In Progress
With raised suspension and syncro style wheel arches
this T3 looks ready for rugged action
64 A Whiter Shade Of Pale

Rich Honey skipped the light Fandango when his 1971
tin top came out of the paint shop resplendent in Arctic
White over Pearl White
82 Two Tone Truck

In year correct colours, this 1958 red and ivory single cab
64 looks like a special order factory model 46
CONTENTS
6 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Issue 11
1
on sale
Januar
y 25
30
78
Also in this issue

30 Le Mans Super VW Show
An event packed with track action and the chance to
drive on the famous circuit
42 Travel: To the End of the

World part 2
Regulars Subscribe
from only We conclude the epic tale of travelling to the tip of South
America in a Split.
14 News and Products
We have 10 pairs of free tickets for Turn to page 21 for more information 56 Storm the Castle
the NEC Camping & Caravan Show Dubs at the Castle has to be one of the best settings for a
in February to give away! VW show
74 Behind the Scenes
At Vale Restorations in
22 The Bus Doctor Worcestershire 60 The Holdsworth Story part 3
Your questions answered.
VW approved status and new safety regulations
25 Camper Mail 90 Column: Sitting on

Tell us about what you and your bus the Dock of the Bay 77 Rolling Stock
have been doing Caveat Emptor – a bus may not be it Buses that run on rails
first seems to be
26 How to 78 Utterly Utah
Part 2 of our guide to fitting a fuel September sunshine greeted over 240 Volkswagens
injection conversion kit that had filled Riverton’s City Park for the annual Utah
VW Classic.
46 Brochure Line
Barndoor Bonanza, as VW tracks
down its oldest surviving bullis.
48 The Barefoot Chef

Dave gets to grips with storage space
and VW Rabbit (posh cheese on toast)
70 This Month in the

Workshop
Andy heads off to Greece on a Bus
Hunting expedition and comes back
with a Barndoor and a Bay! 74 42
CONTENTS
1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS
Lucky
thirteen
With its sun-bleached paint and battle-scarred
body this 13 window Deluxe Microbus oozes
character and charm.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
The cab has

t was this look that decide whether they should buy basically been left
I immediately attracted
Lee Taylor when
he spotted it for
sale looking sorry for itself on a
a boat or a VW bus – and heads
meant it was a bus! A year later he
met his future wife, Sarah, and her
passion for surfing blended perfectly
untouched adding
to the barn find
look
The custom
street rod
trailer at Dubfreeze in 2013. Lee with Lee’s love of his Bay Camper. stance has been
recalls, “It was love at first sight, Having been a qualified mechanic achieved by fitting
adjustable rear
I just could not resist it!” As well since leaving school, several VWs spring plates and
as being a desirable 13 window and restorations later, they acquired a narrowed beam
and arms up front,
Deluxe Microbus (the no sunroof or a 67 Split Panel, working on which which run on coil-
skylights version) it had also been ultimately led to Lee setting up overs and drop
spindles.
fully welded in all the right places his own VW restoration business,
and had kept its original features, Manflowers of Evesham, in 2008.
though it did have an incorrect Now with an established reputation Apart from the
replacement cargo
engine lid along with a donor cargo for quality work his yard has more door everything
door fitted. VWs and projects in the yard than else is original
paint and patina
But before we go into how the you can shake a stick at!
deal was struck it’s important to With Lee’s VW pedigree
bear Lee’s VW heritage in mind. established, back to the Deluxe.
Fate took a hand when at nineteen Built in December 1966 and finished
he and a mate flipped a coin to in Titian Red / Beige Grey, it had

The thirteen window Deluxe Microbus
option of no sunroof or roof windows
was designated M130
been a US export model with short, Lee negotiated a three way
M 425 US spec package which deal – he would do a full resto on
includes twin reversing lights, Red 9 Simon’s Dormobile; Simon
laminated windscreen, sealed-beam would supply him with a full Red 9
headlights and dual-circuit brakes. Design kit and Lee would then fit
Other factory options were M 081 this into the other bus the seller was
Walkthrough cab, M 114 six pop out keeping in return for the 13 window!
side windows, and of course that (Some cash was also involved!)
thirteen window Deluxe model Despite having the skills to fully
option M 130, no sunroof or roof restore the Deluxe to concours
windows. Nothing is known about standard, Lee wanted to preserve it
its past life but it was imported, as it now was, after all that’s what
along with another bus, from Texas. had attracted him in the first place!
The guy kept the bus that was in However, as you might expect Lee has
better condition (in his eyes) and carried out some major modifications
had this for sale. To cut a long story to put his own stamp on it.

All in the detail...

Let’s take a closer look
First up is the motor – the original

1500 single port has been replaced
with his own trademark Manflowers
Flower Power 1641cc unit, consisting
of Scat 35 cam, followers, uprated
valve springs, Mahle pistons and
barrels, twin 36 Dellortos, CSP
linkage, remote oil filter, CSP
python exhaust, and electronic
ignition. Certainly not what you
are expecting when you open the
battered engine lid! This is mated to
a straight axle conversion with tall
forth rancho gear box. A Manflowers
own design steering rack conversion
makes for easier cruising.
The custom street rod stance has
been achieved by fitting adjustable
rear spring plates and a narrowed
beam and arms up front, which run
Top The dash has only the hole where a clock was sited, the
horn push is missing, patches of surface rust adorn the floor on coil-overs and drop spindles. No
and parcel shelf, all adding to that authentic barn find look self-respecting Rat runs on stock
Upper middle The retro feel is enhanced by the old wooden
chest / buddy seat, into which has been fitted a modern steelies and the finishing custom
Propex heater. touch comes from those desirable
Lower middle 15” Chrome Radar wheels for that 60s Empi
custom look!
polished 15 inch Radar wheels.
Bottom Original Devon cushions salvaged from a Bay Moonraker The look is completed by the front
Safaris, which were borrowed from

No self-respecting Rat runs on stock
steelies and the finishing custom touch
comes from those desirable polished
15 inch Radar wheels.
Lee’s ’67 Panel Van, “probably patches of surface rust adorn the
forever” adds Lee! floor and parcel shelf, all adding to
The cab has been left almost that authentic barn find look. Even
untouched, apart from the chrome the frayed and worn original cab
steering column forming part of the seats have been left alone, though
Manflowers steering system, the Lee has covered them with Mexican
addition of a Bluetooth DAB stereo, blankets supplied by 56 Deluxe “to
LED rev counter, some billet door stop the horse hair from going up
and grab handles, and a Scat shifter my bum!”
are the only non-stock items. The Lee describes the rear area as, “a
dash has only the hole where a clock work-in-progress retro – modern
was sited, the horn push is missing, Devon style.” The roof has been
Period
and vintage
accessories
Wine rack and

vintage suitcase
storage system
The roof has

been clad in pine
panelling for a
sauna effect
Front Safaris
are on permanent
loan from Lee’s
Panel Van

clad in pine panelling for a sauna wooden chest / buddy seat, into
style effect and new wood effect which has been fitted a modern
lino flooring fitted. A Rusty Lee rock Propex heater.
and roll bed takes care of seating Along with various VWs owned
and sleeping, with original fabric by the now grown up children,
Devon cushions sourced from a 79 the Taylor family’s collection of
Moonraker. The speakers are housed bugs and buses is an impressive
in the seat base and a storage unit sight, but Percy, as the Deluxe is
with shelves, wine rack and open affectionately known, is the definite
fronted cupboards runs under the family favourite. (The name came
side window. More storage is in the after its first outing to Ninove –
roof cupboard over the rear deck “Persecution, perseverance, Percy
and, instead of drawers, two vintage faith). When asked about future
No it’s not
suitcases sit snugly in the main unit. plans Lee smiles and says simply, going to be
The retro feel is enhanced by the old “Lower and faster!” repainted!
A fully dressed
new 1641cc
performance
engine lurks
beneath that ratty
exterior
A rack stacked
with vintage
luggage
With thanks to...
Sarah Taylor - the long suffering VW widow

The Manflowers Team and all the people
who gave me the inspiration to restore
Volkswagens full-time especially Dan
Shurmer, Mark at 56 Deluxe and Simon at
Red9Design
If you want to talk about a restoration project

or some custom modifications Manflowers,
based in Evesham can be contacted on
01386 300181 Email: lee@manflowers.co.uk
Or check out their blogs on their facebook
page.

Product news and shows
Updates, offers and deals for you and your bus
Flip And Sit

If you are looking
for a way to create
more living space
in your camper, or
even restoring an
original early 60s
Westy, then check
out the Flip and
Sit cab seat from
VW Evolution.
Inspired by
the flexibility
of Westfalia’s
Pretty Splitty Artwork innovative design
on the “flip seat”
“Absolutely model he then
awesome, I can’t owned, owner
stop looking Kerry has created
at it!!” was the a modern version
exclamation of the classic
of Jason Webb design, using laser cut steel and with a few tweaks like
upon seeing the new plungers. Though originally designed by Westfalia
commission piece for its SO 34 models, the VW Evolution version can also
of his beloved be fitted to Bay Window buses, and it increases living
green Split camper space by 30%. The back of the uniquely designed full
‘Barry’. The piece width 3 seat cab bench simply flips to create a rear facing
in question was a bench, and can also be locked in an upright position for
spectacular 48x32” coloured pencil use as bunk or cot support / changing mat; changing the
drawing which took over 48 hours to position of the seat is easy with its lockout plungers that
create. The commission was brought allow a single person to operate. Additional holes mean
to life by ‘Pretty Splitty’, a Nottingham the seat can have its upholstered side or its flat rear side
based business who focus on paintings facing up when in upright position – meaning it can also
of Camper Vans. double as a worktop.
Pretty Splitty is run by Alice Shaw You can buy the frame and mechanism for DIY fit using
who left her career as a Primary School teacher to pursue her dream of your own trimmer, but VW Evolution can also supply
being a full-time artist. With her two great passions being painting and (and fit) the seat upholstered in materials and style of
Campers; it made sense for her to combine the two. Alice’s love for the VW your choice.
Camper first developed on family trips to Cornwall; wistfully watching Prices start from £950.00 for mechanism and seat
them pass by on the winding Cornish roads. More than the raw beauty of frame or the arms can be purchased for £595.00. For
them, it was the possibilities they created, the adventures, the wanderlust, more information or to discuss your requirements
the journey that inspired her. Her work is characterised by the stunning contact VW Evolution, Building 1,Homeland Security,
sceneries she creates as the backdrops, whether it’s the morning sun Chilmark,Salisbury.SP3 5DU.
breaking through or a moonlit beach, the paintings capture the essence of
what it is like to live with a VW bus. Alice’s bespoke commissions give you Tel: 01722 717570 Mobile: 07736904232
the opportunity to hold on to the memories of adventures once had; your Email: vwevolution@hotmail.co.uk
van set against a backdrop of your choice, a unique piece of artwork that For more information about VW Evolution’s products,
has special memories locked into it. restoration work, engine rebuilds, interior design /
Commissions are available to suit a range of budgets with sketches retrims and other services check out:
starting from £50 and paintings from £200. As well as personalised www.vwevolution.co.uk
commissions, Alice also has a range of original paintings and prints
available. VW Evolution are currently developing a version of the
You can also view her full range of original paintings and prints on her flip and sit seat to fit T3s (T25s) and are looking for a T3
website www.prettysplitty.com. If you wish to contact Alice to discuss a to fit the prototype to, at a special rate of course. If you
commission you can email her at alice@prettysplitty.com and she’ll talk you are revamping or converting a T3 and interested in having
through the range of options available. a flip seat conversion give Kerry a call on the numbers
above.
NEWS & PRODUCTS

Got any goodies you want to show us?
All submissions are gratefully received. Be it news, an event, new products… we’ll do our very best to let everybody else know about it too.
Email editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk, or if you want to be traditional about the whole affair:
Address Editor, VW Camper & Commercial, Jazz Publishing The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ
Win Free Tickets WE HAVE TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY

To Nec Camping TO LUCKY READERS
& Caravan Show To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the show on
From Tuesday 21 to Sunday 26

a day of your choosing, simply answer the following question:
Win!
What is appearing for the very first time at the Caravan,
February, the Birmingham NEC Camping & Motorhome Show 2017?
will be home to the Caravan,
Camping & Motorhome Show A) Towing and manoeuvring tuition
2017 where nearly 350 leading B) Dog agility arena
leisure brands will be exhibiting C) Bushcraft workshops
the very best in caravans,
motorhomes, tents, camping
TO ENTER
equipment and accessories.
Simply send your name, address, phone and email on a postcard to: VW Camper Giveaway,
The six-day event has a packed Jazz Publishing, The Old School, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AJ or visit
entertainment agenda with a www.volkswagencamper.co.uk/competition and enter your details online.
celebrity line-up and live cooking Mark your entry A or B or C
demonstrations, as well as plenty Please note the offers are only open to UK and NI residents
of interactive features, including
an indoor children’s’ assault CLOSING DATE IS JANUARY 31ST
course, towing and motorhome Jazz Publishing will never share your details without your permission.
manoeuvring tuition, a much-loved Winners will be notified by email and tickets will be waiting for collection from the NEC Press
dog agility arena. New this year will Office for the day you specify.
be Bushcraft workshops.
Solve Those Battery Charging Or Load Carrying Issues

Campervan Parts UK is well known for offering select and battery charger gives a constant
innovative items to the campervan community, from custom- 14.4v of charge at 30 amps,
made roof racks for elevating roofs and roof child safety nets, which means with or even
to custom T5 and T6 curtains and thermal screens for all without regenerative braking,
windows (including their unique fitting for the cab screens). this clever box of tricks safely
Finding a roof rack system that fits an elevating roof can be charges a battery, from 4 to 20
problematic but Campervan Parts’ own system, which comes times faster than an alternator
with two vehicle rails, two aero cross bars and a full fitting kit for could alone. It can also work
elevating roofs is an excellent solution to carrying your boards, with mismatched battery sizes,
kayaks or just more luggage! The kit is supplied with fixings for a meaning you can have as large
standard 10mm thick REIMO roof, but you can order fittings for a leisure battery system as you
SCA roofs and other models, and Campervan Parts are happy to like. Even of you don’t have
offer advice to meet your needs. Pictured is the system fitted to a a Euro 6 engine or drive an
Brazilian T2. The safety nets are also very popular, and will fit any older bus the system is very
conversion with a roof bed. useful especially if you are into
A brand new product is the Sterling Power battery to battery off grid adventures and wild
charging unit, which is especially important for anyone with a camping; using this new system
late T5 or a T6 that uses regenerative braking and stop / start your leisure battery can be
technology. Regenerative braking on modern vehicles means fully recharged even with the
better fuel consumption and lower emissions, by converting the vehicle on tickover whilst still
otherwise lost kinetic energy during braking and deceleration on site within an hour.
into electricity! All great - until it comes to campervan split charge Campervan Parts UK has teamed up with Sterling to be the
systems for charging leisure batteries! Basically the highly variable UK’s main distributor for these innovative chargers and are
voltage output of these new regenerative braking systems can offering readers 15% discount and free postage on these until the
cause output which is too low for relay split charge systems to beginning of the New Year, so will cost just £203.50. For more
charge the battery, or too high which could create explosive gases info about Campervan Parts’ products, or to order go to www.
and will destroy your leisure battery. Sterling Power’s battery to campervanparts.uk/ or email onlineorders@campervanparts.uk
NEWS & PRODUCTS

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER
1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

Rescue,Restore,
Relax
Looking at the pictures of this lovely
custom camper it’s hard to believe it
was rescued as an empty shell that was
probably bound for the scrapyard.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
The pop top

ost people would have is all that is left begged and borrowed”, an MOT
M simply walked away

when faced with what
was basically a rolling
of the original
Devon Caravette
conversion
Wood rim
pass obtained and Belle, as the bus is
known, was ready to meet her new
family, despite initially sulking and
shell painted lots of different colours needing to have a carb borrowed
steering wheel
and with no doors, windows, seats, brings an individual from another bus fitted to make the
engine or interior apart from front styling touch journey!
seats. Not Jon Withers! The only Porsche alloys That was back in 2011. Over the
thing remaining from its former and full air ride summer they sanded and sprayed
system give a
life was the original Devon pop top custom stance the body in Belle’s original Kasan
and he recalls, “She looked very Red / Pastel White, “just to stop her
The clear glass
sorry for herself. We had been to tailight cluster is
rusting and looking like a hippy bus.”
look at loads of other campers in a subtle way of This was done in the back garden
better condition than her but there keeping clean lines under a marquee! The following
was just something about her that March work began on the interior.
made us want to take her home, so Jon then enlisted the help of some
we did!” The body was basically mates and using plans found on the
sound but the first problem was internet, they built a Devon style
getting it from Brighton back home interior with light oak cabinets and
to Dorset. A 1.6 engine, basically an old ¾ rock and roll bed. Jon says,
rebuilt with parts lying around the “None of us were sure if the units
seller’s garage floor, was fitted along would fit but luckily they did and
with windows “and a few other bits they were perfect for the style of
1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

interior I wanted!” and rear screens.

For the next eighteen months Jon The interior camping electrics
and family used Belle extensively, are all new, including Zig Zag unit
though not without incidents and LED Lighting. All auxiliary
involving “doing the walk of shame electrics run off a new fuse box to
home on a low loader.” Then in ensure that the existing wiring is
2014 they got talking with the Vdub not overloaded. To keep the teenage
Trimshop team at a show, which son happy new audio equipment
resulted in Belle being booked in for includes a Clarion TV / DVD /
a full interior makeover! Red and Bluetooth / Radio / CD / Ipod which
white were chosen as key colours, to also integrates Sat Nav and reversing
harmonise with the exterior colours. camera which has been discreetly
A new folding buddy seat with seat mounted in the dash.
extension was fitted against the Whilst the garage floor built 1600
bulkhead along with a new pedestal unit was serviceable it was very
leg table, meaning they now had underpowered, “Let’s just say hills
dining seating for four! Special were a struggle, which living by
little touches were also added like the coast is an issue,” so in March
a personalised spare wheel cover 2015 Jon replaced it with a 1776cc
and VW bolster cushions. New long block from Steve Strong. Jon
headlining throughout was needed says, “I wanted to build an engine
(the old one had been painted blue that would be as happy going up
with white clouds!) and a finishing and down hills as it was cruising
touch comes from the red and along the coast road and if I can
Top New 1776 motor dressed to kill! Note discreet fire
suppression system white spotted curtains and scatter overtake a few cars on the way
Upper middle Reversing camera unobtrusively mounted cushions. The cab seats and door that’s just a bonus. I’m lucky my
above the rear number plate
Lower middle Fridge, sink, hob and grill – all the camping cards were trimmed in matching red wife is understanding as she came
essentials. and white, the dash refurbished and home from work one day to find the
Bottom Clarion head unit, with full blue tooth connectivity,
a custom wood rim steering wheel engine stand up and the engine in
CD/DVD player and Satnav, has a pop up display screen
fitted along with new heated front the middle of her newly decorated
1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

None of us were sure if the units would
fit but luckily they did and they were
perfect for the style of interior I wanted
The specially
mixed version living room!” Jon built the motor
of Kasan Red up with new EMPI 40 carbs, MST
combined with
Bright White
Serpentine Kit, uprated oil pump,
makes for a very external oil cooler with thermostatic
modern take on
controlled fan, Pertronix billet
the original 70s
VW colours flame thrower, epoxy coil, Pertronix
flame thrower ignition ii distributor,
The light oak
Devon style vintage speed stainless steel
interior was built exhaust, new starter motor and
using plans found
on the internet new alternator. All tin ware was
stripped and powder coated before
The bulkhead
folding buddy seat
refitting and new rev counter, oil
has an extension pressure gauge, oil temperature
flap to seat four gauge installed up front. The gear
at the table
box was removed and sent to Bears
Motorsport who overhauled the box
and installed a 2L gearing to allow
lower revs at cruising speed, which
Jon says has made an incredible
difference, “It is like driving a new
car, I can find gears!” For peace
of mind a fully automatic engine
bay fire suppression system has
been fitted, which uses clean gas to
avoid damage to the engine upon
discharge, this is connected to both
the electric fuel pump and also shuts
off the fuel tank cut off Solenoid if
discharged. A full air ride system
from T2D means, “I can have the
1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER
I’m lucky my wife is understanding as

she came home from work one day to
find the engine stand up and the engine
in the middle of her newly decorated
living room
best of both worlds, low at a show of red “a bit brighter and more fun
and high when I drive, so I don’t than the original Kasan Red.” The
have to worry about the pot holes.” original shade mixed up by Rainbow
The front brake system has all new Paint had too much of an orange tint
calipers, brake pipes and discs (the however, so Rainbow Paint remixed
rear ones were overhauled in 2013) removing the orange hints making
and suspension and shock absorbers this a one off colour! To contrast
have been also been replaced. The Bright White has been applied from
The bumpers
final touch comes from the Porsche the swage line up and also to the and front grill
Alloy wheels. bumpers and front grill, making for have been painted
Bright White to
By now Belle was in need of some a very modern take on the 70s VW match the roof
body restoration and attention to colours. All window seals have been
the battery tray and rear quarter so replaced and new opening quarter Cab seats and
door panels have
Jon decided the time was right for a light windows were also installed. been trimmed to
proper paint job to complement the Since the photoshoot new Devon match the living With thanks to...
area
new interior. As always, more things cab bunks have been fitted and the
were uncovered resulting in new rust family are, “Just generally enjoying Colour co-
ordination!
free cab doors sourced from Simon her and the way of life that a camper
at NOS VW and the reskinning of the offers, let’s be honest with a camper
sliding door. They wanted to keep you can have a dining room with some My wife for still being with me!
My late Father in law Brian Leaver for all the
the red and white but wanted a shade of the best views of the world.” help and laughs along the way and for leading
me astray!
My mother, Joy, for making the curtains and
dog sitting when we go to shows
Dale Giles for helping me with the engine and
many other mechanical parts and being on
the phone for all those times bits fell off in my
hands! Dub Monkey Garage 07518 288461
Phil Purdy, Auto electrician – 07747 598727
Chris and Tam at VDub Trimshop for the
fantastic job they did of her interior:
www.vdubtrimshop.co.uk 07954 139243
Bears Motorsport (Gear Box) – www.
bearsmotorsport.co.uk – 0121 742 2200
Graham South Coast Restorations and Body
Work – 07736 777373
Steve Strong – Steve Strong Engines – 07988
490443
1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

The Bus Doctor
Bus Doctor
is sponsored by
Mail order parts specialists
www.GermanCamperCompany.com
Got a problem or a query? Steve Leatham & Simon Baxter answer some of your questions…
Email info@volkswagencamper.co.uk Address Bus Doctor, VW Camper & Commercial, The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ
there doesn’t seem to be anywhere this wire

Double Seat connects.....where does it go? Also I have a wire
Hi BD that goes from the fuel gauge to the indicator
I am looking for a cab double seat that is compatible with my late bay. The problem I lights on the speedo. Not sure if it’s original, but
face is finding a way of having a double seat on the passenger side to it has another wire joined to it with a connector
accommodate a seat for a little person who is 18 months old. on which is just hanging loose. Should this be
If anything comes to mind could you give me a shout please your help would be attached somewhere? There doesn’t seem to be a
much appreciated. terminal missing a wire.
Kenny Hooky
The bay pick up trucks have front bench seats, might be worth a search on Ebay. I did On the vintage bus site you were looking on,
a quick search and at time of writing there were two for sale, though they are probably http://www.vintagebus.com/wiring/bus-62.jpg
sold now, I am sure there will be others. Have you considered the alternative idea of a VW “D” is the Ignition switch. A thin Black wire from
Evolution flip seat? I saw one fitted on a Split the other day it looked great. It’s a full bench Term #15 feeds 3 bulbs on the speedo: OIL BATT/
with the added bonus of making rear facing seat and is suitable for both Bays and Splits. GEN IND Telltale. From there it connects to the
www.vwevolution.co.uk. Check it out on our News & Products page. “+” Term on the Fuel Gauge.
Starting Problems
Removing Bay Dash any replacement seals as they are no longer Dear Bus Doctor,
Dear Bus Doctor, made and any supplies have long since been I have a 1967 Split that has got in to the habit
I want to remove the dash on my 1976 bay. I’ve sold out. I was informed by a Sun Roof installer/ of not starting up again once stopped and
undone the two screws at each end just inside supplier that the sun roof for a Land Rover ignition turned off. This is happening even after
the doors and I’ve also taken out the screws Defender would fit, and stated that it would a relatively short journey (20mins or so). I am
either side of the hand brake but I was losing bend to take account of the bow in the roof, wondering if this is an over heating type of thing
light and couldn’t see where else it was held on. however I am loathe to spend any money on as it’s ok after it’s been given time to completely
Any ideas? obtaining one as I am not sure that the frame & cool down. If so, what should I be looking to
Charlie glass would bend, the frame is light aluminium do to resolve.? If it’s not an over heating related
and is likely to kink. I would like to retain the thing is there anything else I should be looking at
If you taking the whole dash out in one lump sun roof, and have seen some vehicles which that could cause this issue?
there are a row of screws that fix the top part to have sun roofs which have a bow. Stefan
the screen surround under the screen, the two Any suggestions or advice?
or 3 either side in the door shuts, the handbrake Gareth I could have done with a little more info here,
fittings. You will need to pop the heater controls but I’ll cover all the variables.
off, and fiddle all the wires off if you are taking it You are wise not going the land rover Defender OK, does “not starting” mean the starter does
right out. But do remember to note where all the route, I doubt this would work, as for a start not crank the engine? Or, it does crank but fails
wires go back when you come to refit! glass doesn’t tend to bend too well! The following to fire? If so, Could be either lack of spark or a
company will supply just what you need, they flooding problem.
Split Steering Column supply bespoke sunroofs for VW beetles and Type Does it have standard points/condenser ignition
Dear Bus Doctor, 2 transporters, and the best part is they will make or electronic variety?Do the OIL/GEN lights come
I was wondering if you would know the one to fit your exact hole. on when key is first turned? If you can round up a
diameter of the inner steering shift on a split The company is ‘Paris Beetles’ Tel: mate when it acts up, pull the HT lead out of the
screen steering column. A beetle one is 19mm 01277823365, email info@parisbeetles.co.uk distributor cap and place near some metal. Crank
I was wondering if it was the same and I could engine and see if there is spark. It should jump a
just use that? Warning Lights 10mm gap with a sharp snap.
Alex Dear Bus Doc, You can do this same test single handed by
After fumbling around behind the dash I have turning the engine by hand (key On).
No it’s not. Split screen diameter is 21.9mm. So caused problems! I have lost the battery and If it’s flooding, is it possible on your bus to look
you need to get a Split one, try VW Heritage or oil warning lights, they don’t come on with the down into the carb? If so, have a look right after
Auto Craft. ignition, the bus starts and is charging. The shutting off. Use a bright torch and see if there is
oil sender is working as I also have a pressure any fuel dripping from anything inside the throat.
gauge. The indicator flashers work still. I The same for outside the carb. Great clouds of
Replacing Sunroof have removed the ignition switch and found a white smoke from the carb are a tipoff, too.
Dear Bus Doctor, small black wire (live when ignition on) that is
I am in the process of renovating a 1973, Type loose. Looking on Vintage for wiring diagrams,
2, bay window.It has a Britax Sun Roof. I have it shows a wire from the ignition going to
removed this during the renovation.The sun the speedo binnacle, apparently connected
roof is 30 years old and I am unable to obtain to the battery light. Looking at the speedo
BUS DOCTOR
Camper mail is sponsored by JustKampers,
Camper Mail and each “Letter of the month” will receive a

complimentary £25 JustKampers gift voucher!
Your chance to share a pic, story, a tip or even a grouse!

Email editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk Address Camper Mail, VW Camper & Commercial, The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ
Mystery Object Well I have never seen anything like this, nor
Lette have the vintage VW buffs and gurus I have spoken
Hi Dave of ther to! Produktionsleiter Huland refers to Karl Huland,
Mon
I have met you at various events (last time at
Winnteh the German Production Manager and being dated
Vicky farm). Not that you would remember but r 1946 places it during the very early days of the
I am looking for a bit of info for a friend that Wolfsburg factory under the control of REME and
was given a VW piece that I think is quite rare. Colonel Charles Radclyffe, Major Ivan Hirst and
It’s not a car or bus but a 11cm high VW production souvenir, I think Colonel Michael McEvoy, who led the deployment
it was presented to the team that helped get VW up and running team sent by the British Military to commandeer
after the war. It’s made from turned wood and stainless steel topped and oversee operations at the Volkswagenwerk KdF
with a Beetle model and the collar is engraved with ‘Capt. H J Weeks factory after the end of the war. I can find no info
v. Produktionsleiter Huland. 1946.’ I asked around at Busfest, all the on Capt Weeks other than he was also a member
VW guru’s I know and more than suggested I ask you. of the 1945-48 British “Board of Control” in the
Searching the internet I have found one that sold by Bonhams for VW factory; Capt Bryce (the name engraved on
£1750 that is identical but engraved with Capt Bryce, so they must the Bonhams example) was responsible for quality
be rare but I am not even sure if it serves a purpose. It looks like a control at the Wolfsburg Factory so presumably Capt Weeks had a
bottle stopper but the bottom of the piece is oval not round, so would similar key role in overseeing production. It is believed that Bryce,
not fit a bottle. Have you ever seen one of these? Any info would be Hirst, Radclyffe and McEvoy (and Capt Weeks) were each presented
great! with such a souvenir by Herr Huland as thanks for their work in kick-
Cheers starting production and building the workforce. It is not a functional
piece, merely a commemorative display piece and as you say, very, very
Jay Skuce rare and valuable!
Achtung Achtung
Hi Dave
Thought you might like this picture of a police bay, now owned
by the VW Oldtimer museum. Apparently it was originally
commissioned by the Hamburg Riot Police and has a speaker bank
mounted on the roof, presumably for crowd control. Cool eh? It
would make a great mobile disco!
Jimmy James
Gardener’s Delight
Hello David
I spotted these two
working Double
Cabs in the town
where I live in
Germany – both are
still being used for
garden work. The
green T4 Doka is
owned by a private
contractor, whilst
the special body
orange T5 Doka is
owned by the town council parks and recreation department for
transporting garden machinery and is very secure.
I wish all the VW Camper team the best for 2017
Hubert
CAMPER MAIL
How To
Fit a fuel injection conversion kit
Tools
Needed
Part Two: In the second and last part of our guide Difficu
lty
QAllen key tool: Rating
5mm
QFeeler gauges
to converting an air-cooled Type 1 engine to fuel
QScrewdrivers
QSpanners/
injection, we show how to fit the remaining parts in
sockets: 10-32mm
QTorque wrench the kit from Specialist Components.
Thanks to WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB HAWKINS
Specialist
Components
01953 859785
www.specialist-
components.co.uk n the last issue of VWCC, we showed how to We’ve been testing this fuel injection conversion for
Air-cooled fuel
injection
conversion kit from
£1700+VAT
(£2040)
I remove the old carburettor, coil, distributor,
fuel pump and crankshaft pulley from a
Bay Window’s 1600 air-cooled engine in
preparation for fitting a fuel injection conversion kit from
several months, travelling as far as Holland and covering
over 1,000 miles to date. So far, we haven’t found any
problems. Fuel consumption has improved by around 10%
at cruising speeds of 50-60mph, requiring less pressure
Specialist Components. This month, we’re finishing off on the throttle pedal as well. The engine is smoother, feels
by fitting the parts from the kit, which include a single easier to accelerate and more responsive, especially when
throttle body with two injectors, an ECU, fuel pump and driving up hills. Starting the engine from cold requires you
swirl pot. to wait a few seconds to allow the fuel pump to tickover
One potential problem that can arise with this fuel and prime the system, then the engine fires into life after a
injection conversion concerns the fitting of a fuel return few turns.
pipe. This is essential for a fuel injection system, but not This fuel injection conversion is a step in the right
required for carburettors. Unused fuel has to be fed back direction for classic air-cooled engines, especially if
into the petrol tank. On a Bus, this can be done via the fuel you want to spend less time servicing the engine. Plus,
filler pipe. On some Buses, there’s a circular access panel it introduces a whole new world of computer based
to the pipe, whereas on others, the engine will have to be diagnostics and engine monitoring, which can usually be
removed to be able to fit a fuel return pipe. better understood by your children or grandchildren.
HOW TO
1 2
3 4
5 6
Crank sensor and timing Coil pack and throttle body

(pictures 1-3) (pictures 4-6)
Assemble a crankshaft position sensor and short alloy mounting Fit a rectangular shaped alloy mounting block onto the fan housing
plate, then fit them onto the fuel pump blanking plate that was fitted (where the ignition coil was fitted) with two Allen key bolts. Secure the
last month. new Ford coil pack to the alloy mounting block using four Allen key
Use a set of feeler gauges to measure the gap between the base of bolts, supplied in the kit. New HT leads are included in the kit. Fit them
the crankshaft position sensor and the outer edge of a crankshaft as follows:-
pulley tooth. The gap should be between 0.8mm and 1mm. If it’s not, Cylinder number 1: Top right on coil pack
remove the mounting plate, detach the sensor, turn the plate upside Cylinder number 2: Top left
down and assemble and fit it again (it can be fitted two ways, allowing Cylinder number 3: Bottom right
it to be positioned closer or further from the crankshaft pulley). Cylinder number 4: Bottom left
Check the position of the teeth on the crankshaft pulley with Secure the throttle body assembly to the top of the inlet manifold
the engine set to TDC for piston number one. The ninth tooth with two bolts and washers and a new gasket. A new throttle cable is
past the missing tooth (turning the pulley clockwise) should be supplied in the kit, which needs to be fitted underneath the vehicle and
below the crank position sensor at 12 o’clock (the gap will be at 3 routed to the left of the engine.
o’clock). If it isn’t, loosen the pulley’s Allen key bolts and adjust it. A new oil temperature sensor has to be fitted, which uses the original
Tighten the crankshaft pulley’s centre bolt to 45Nm, or whatever is oil pressure switch mounting on the engine. An adaptor and new sensor
recommended in your workshop manual. are supplied in the kit.
HOW TO
7 8
9 10
11 12
Fuel pipes and wiring Connect a laptop

(pictures 7-9) (pictures 10-12)
A new fuel filler pipe is supplied in the kit, which includes a return Switch on the ignition and listen for the fuel pump ticking over
feed hose. If your vehicle has a round access panel for the fuel filler (priming). Start the engine. If it won’t fire, check all fuel pipes and
pipe, detach the old pipe and fit the new one. Otherwise, the engine wiring connector plugs are secure. Also, measure the gap between the
may need to be removed to access the petrol tank filler pipe. crank sensor and pulley (0.8-1mm).
Secure the stainless steel panel inside the engine bay with two alloy A laptop or PC running Microsoft Windows XP-10 can be connected
spacers and also to the engine lid’s latch panel. Fit the swirl pot, ECU to the ECU to change settings and diagnose fault codes. Download the
and fuel pump to the new panel. SXTune software from Specialists Components’ website and install it
Route the original fuel hose from the petrol tank via an inline fuel on a laptop or PC. Connect the computer to the ECU using the USB/
filter to the new fuel pump. Fit a short fuel hose between the fuel serial lead supplied in the kit. Run the SXTune program, switch on
pump and the bottom connector on the swirl pot. Connect the fuel the Bus’s ignition and see if the software connects to the ECU (you
hoses to the swirl pot and throttle body (diagrams supplied in the kit). may need to click on a button in the top left corner of the screen).
A wiring harness is supplied in the kit with all of the required Once recognised, the engine can be run to monitor its readings live,
connector plugs, so connect these to the throttle body, injectors, crank such as oil temperature, rpm, battery voltage, spark advance and air
position sensor, oil temperature sender and battery (positive and temperature. Rev limits can be set and data collected concerning engine
negative terminals). revs and time (useful for seeing if the engine is regularly run at high
revs). The engine can also be set to limp mode if the oil gets too hot.
HOW TO
SHOWS
LE MANS
Le Mans Super
VW Show
This year was the third for the Super VW show and it looked to be better
than before, following the race circuit show approach that is done so
well by our friends in Belgium and France.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE WARREN
L
ike most continental
shows the event follows
the standard of arrive on
Thursday - Friday and the
show takes place on the weekend.
Ahead of us was a jammed pack
weekend with track action and
events weekend going on from start
to finish. It was my first year of
attending, in previous years I had
just not been able to make it due to
show commitment in the UK. The
drive to Le Mans is approx two and a
half hours from Calais and as always
is a pleasure on the less congested
roads of France.
Early Friday and a steady stream
of VW cars and buses have been
arriving for the chance to claim that
special spot amongst the trees, only a
stone’s throw away from the circuit.
In between intermittent showers The highlight of the Show is the cruise around
tents and awnings are erected and it
is a time to meet and greet and say
the track and to be honest who would not want
hello to friends old and new. to miss the chance of driving around one of the
The show opened to glorious
sunshine on the Saturday morning
world’s most famous race tracks!
with traders a lot nearer to the main
1: The holding area
stand than last year. The carparks more old school original cars driven prior to getting on happening on the track. In between
adjoining the track begin to fill with to the shows. We all like the modern the track the drag racing demos which take
classic air cooled Volkswagens of all luxury that is given to us by driving 2: Very cool part all day is a display from the one
signwritten panel van
styles, shapes and models, the line a T4/T5 (I know this too well as with cyclops light
and only Beetle drifting champion
ups make great photos so even if you I have just become the owner of a 3: The normal kind
Bastouil, the man who eats tyres
just have a phone on you get down T5) but to see one line up and then of Le Mans vehicles! for breakfast, watch as he only just
low and take a line up shot. The another and another of classic air 4: Pick Up or people misses the bollards while drifting,
scene in France is more based on the cooled VW’s still takes my breath carrier? hand brake turns and spins the
efforts of the Type 1 with Ghias and away and is exactly the reason I 5: Andybugs checks beetle from side to side at high
all forms of variants on show, for the got into the VW scene 15 years ago. out the Formula speed. The action continued on the
Veetrack cars
buggy lovers there are always some The trade area was well attended track in front of the main stand with
more extreme body modifications on with some great parts suppliers 6: Burn that rubber! the guys from the stunt bike team
show and even with the road checks from around Europe, with many a 7: Hang loose!
carrying out doughnuts and front
a lot tougher they still manage to NOS and rare part on offer it was a braking wheelies, stopping at speed
drive some radical and stunning great show to find that sought after and within inches of each other.
rides. Unlike the UK you do see a part. After a bit of early shopping The highlight of the Show is the
lot more original classic Beetles it is a good idea to head over to the cruise around the track and to be
at shows and in fact just generally main grand stand to watch what is honest who would not want to miss
SHOWS
1 2
7
SHOWS
LE MANS
the chance of driving around one of musical talents of High Voltage who
the world’s most famous race tracks! performed the hits of AC/DC on the
All air-cooled VW’s were welcome main stage followed by the DJ talents
to take part and the lineup took a of The Kweenony (DJ Bus).
lot of well planned organisation to With the BMX ramps and the two
get all involved on the track and off-road courses on offer plus the DD
safely around the circuit; from start Cup and Formula Veetrack action
to finish it took 25 minutes to get (the very first racing that got the
everyone from their holding area great Nikki Lauda into the racing
to driving around the track. On scene based on a pre-1963 Beetle
every bend and corner people were utilizing a collection of the stock
9
stopping for photo opportunities and parts to form a competitive race car
to watch the remaining participants around a purpose-built tube frame)
8: Show n shine
drive past. People were sat on roof the intention of this class is for the winners – check out year’s show it’s one to look at next
racks and hanging out of side doors average person to build and maintain that T2 Ladder truck! year and make a note in your diary.
of their campers, water pistols at the car. Sunday as always is the day 9:Buggies, Buses The Talents of Florian Bompass
the ready to soak passers by. The for the Show and shine with a Top 15 and Beetles and Enzo Laplacette certainly pulled
allocated time for the circuit cruise is being awarded to the best in show, 10: Part of the trade of an amazing event and I look
never long enough but who can deny the decision was hard as the quality area forward to attending the spectacle
the fun of being with friends on the was amazing with such a great of 11: Ready, set, go!
that is the The Super VW Festival
great Le Mans race track? classic VWs on display, so being a next year to enjoy the track action of
With the track action all over and judge at these events is not as easy Le Mans without the endurance of
completed the attention turned to the as you first think. If you missed this the 24hr race.
10 11
SHOWS
SHOWS
IAA HANOVER
IAA-NutzFahrzeuge
–Hannover 2016
The Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA - International Automobile
Exhibition), is the world’s largest motor show dating back to 1897.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: THEO MOSMAN (THE NETHERLANDS)
E
very two years, at the end the Crafter inherits the title from last
of September, there is THE year’s winner - the VW Transporter
transport exhibition of Europe, T6. Pre-sales of the new Crafter have
the IAA-Nutzfahrzeuge in already started; delivery is expected
Hannover Germany. All truck and van from early 2017.
builders (as well as everything else that The new Crafter will be available in
is related to on- and off-road-transport) great variety of models. Long, short,
make their appearance. It is a huge low, high, paneled and pick-up, as well
eight day event and a one day visit is as people carrier. A world premiere
practically not enough to get a detailed and trending vehicle on the VW stand
impression. was the E-Crafter, which is a fully
A couple of car brands were not electrical vehicle and has a range of
only making their appearance, they approx. 200 kilometers (approx. 150
were making a statement. Especially miles) per battery charge. This makes
the German brands which have huge it highly suitable for city distribution.
budgets to convince both amateur The E-Crafter is officially a prototype,
and professional visitors to the IAA but it will be on sales from the second
about their capabilities and the half of 2017. The complete Crafter
quality of their product. You will range will be built in the brand-new
1
not be surprised if I tell you that the VW factory in Poland.
theme of the exhibition this year is A very prominent model at the IAA
1: The new Crafter
environmentally orientated. Not only was the VW Transporter T6. It was was awarded Van of a couple of these trucks which, due to
Volkswagen has something to prove, present in many shapes and sizes and the Year 2017 rules and regulations, are not allowed
but every self respecting brand has a favourite of lots of coachbuilders 2: The E – Crafter on the European roads. They are
is expected to start
electrically driven transport solutions too. What surprised me was the production in late
impressive trucks, bud Volkswagen
in their product range. Here in variety twin rear axled T6’s for 2017 actually don’t need these for Europe.
Hannover the future was on display. different transport solutions. Unlike 3: Yellow and White There is the close relation with MAN
Generation Six
Volkswagen had a combined stand many brands Volkswagen chose to to fill in this gap. Speaking of MAN,
Caravelle special
with sister company MAN. Together present their models in a variety of edition they had their own World premiere
they filled up a complete hall with colours, including the new tone tone 4: The VW on show. A Crafter-clone named
future, present and past vehicles. combinations. Constellation is built MAN-TGE. It is for 99% the same as
in Brazil
There was also an enormous outdoor Volkswagen’s pride in its heritage the new Crafter, it only had a nose job.
5: VW Oldtimer
display of VW vehicles. In total, and tradition could be seen by the Museum’s 1967 Apparently MAN customers are in
Volkswagen showed 68 brand new number of classic vehicles from their Firetruck need of a MAN “Crafter” because of
commercial vehicles (and a couple of Museum on show. Alongside the new 6: Twin axle T6 car the 24 hour service they expect from
transporter complete
campervans) in great variety. Crafter was an eye caching LT45 their dealer.
with T1 Samba
This year there was a lot of 4x4 double cab showing off VW’s All in all, Volkswagen showed the
7: T6 special bodies
attention for the recently introduced Doka DNA. They also brought a T1 including a tipper truck world their vision on the future and a
new VW Crafter. On the first day of Samba, a T1 firetruck and a T2b food and this twin rear axle variety of Commercial Vehicles and
Pick Up capable of
the exhibition the Volkswagen Crafter & drink Panel van. These classics were carrying heavy plant. Camping Cars. Although lots of us are
was rewarded by a professional jury definite crowd pleasers. 8: LT45 4WD Doka still hanging around in the air-cooled
“International Van of the Year 2017”. Volkswagen’s Latin American 9: Bay Commercial
days, it really looks like the future will
This is a prestigious prize in a highly truck models were on show such as Heritage - T2b Coca be electric. I wonder if these electric
Cola Delivery Van
competitive and innovative market the Brazilian built VW Constellation vehicles bring as much enthusiasm in
and therefore a big honour and a truck capable of carrying up to 45 tons 50 years’ time as the air-cooled ones
great marketing tool. Interestingly of payload. On the IAA they showed do nowadays?
SHOWS
3 4
9
SHOWS
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
Sound and
Vision
With rugged looks, a flexible interior and
showcasing the latest in Pioneer’s in car audio
technology, Rolling Homes’ T6 Weekender is
both stylish and practical.
WORDS: JARKLE PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS WALLBANK
Cab seats have

he buoyant and creative to have any hope of meeting the been trimmed in
T nature of the UK’s VW

camper scene inspired
Pioneer, long regarded
as one of the world’s foremost in-car
deadline, and they ultimately turned
to Rolling Homes, well known for
their bespoke craftsmanship in the
conversion world; the result being
black Napa leather
with contrasting
white stitching
The weekender
is equally at home
audio experts, to commission a van this understated but very cool Candy in a forest or urban
of its own, one that would act as a White T6 featured here. street setting
showcase for its products and their The model chosen to work from
amazing functions. The catch? It is Rolling Homes’ Weekender – a
had to be designed, devised and conversion optimised for occasional
built in time for the Motorhome and weekend use; able to sleep four, it
Caravan Show at the NEC on 11th of sports all the mod-cons with its
October, a hard and fast deadline a removable kitchen pod to maximize
mere handful of weeks away. flexibility.
Pioneer realised that it would With top quality audio sound
have to turn to a specialist if it was being a vital component of the bus,
Subtle exterior custom styling tweaks

give the bus a harder, more rugged
edge
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
Ben Cooper, founder of Rolling front bulkhead backwards, and the
Homes and a master craftsman under floor area, the latter so thick
with an impressive CV of stunning that the floor itself now sits a good
hard wood camper interiors inch higher than VW intended.
backing him up, set to work with The full list of insulating products
his father, beginning by treating fitted runs to BitFlex damping pads,
the newly disassembled van to a GlassMAT, Hydroweld material and
comprehensive insulation session. sheep’s wool, a material that Ben
Ben admits that this aspect of has nothing but praise for. “It’s a
the build was the most time completely natural fibre so it’s far
consuming, largely as the team nicer to work with than made made
really did pull out all the stops to alternatives, and it does a fantastic
ensure that the completed van job at insulating campers, absorbing
would sound supreme, so much moisture and condensation, then
so that completing the task took slowly releasing it throughout
two trained fabricators a full 4 the day.” The interior conversion
days of solid graft! Every inch of features a fully tested RIB rear seat
the van’s living areas has been bed, full Napa leather seating with
treated, with five distinct forms of white stitching, removable 2-way
insulation covering the inner walls fridge, hob and grill, driver and
leading right up to the roof, the passenger swivel seats, 120 amp
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
2017 T6 WEEKENDER

The SCA high

leisure battery, intelligent split lift roof is one of
charging system and lighting pack, the best on the
whilst the colour coded SCA high market
lift roof is fitted with a further bed. Note the

Rolling Homes are known for recessed tailgate,
one of the subtle
their innovative engineering and use styling changes for
of space so it comes as no surprise the T6 model
to find the state of the art audio Clean lines and
equipment and associated hardware contemporary
styling. The
have all been discreetly hidden away
removable kitchen
from view and also prying eyes or pod can be used
sticky fingers! In fact it’s only the in an awning
to create more
rear-mounted 6x9 speaker that gives space.
the game away in this respect, with
everything else neatly hidden, fitted
within the confines of the OEM door
surrounds or, in the case of the TS-
W3003D4 2000W sub, tucked into
a bespoke, fully insulated ‘bass bin’
under the rear bench.
If the rear of the van is a showcase
of Pioneer’s speaker and sub clout,
Top The 20” Automotive Wheel alloys have been painted in
black with black finished wheel arch develop the black detailing the head unit mounted ‘up front’
Upper middle Touch screen infotainment features the latest technology. The
centre on the Pioneer head unit
Lower middle The latest Sat Nav technology is also built in AVIC-F80DAB-C fits seamlessly
Bottom Colour coded carbon dipped mirrors into the dash of the T6 comes
with a raft of high end audio,
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
With top quality audio sound being
a vital component of the bus,
work started by treating the newly
disassembled van to a comprehensive
insulation session.
navigation and entertainment

features, including a class leading
navigational suite, a 7in Resistive
multi-touch screen, Bluetooth
connectivity and the ability to
utilise Apple CarPlay, the latter very
much a game-changer in the head
unit field.
Such massive audio alterations
demand more than a little extra
power, hence why Rolling Homes
have seen fit to install an innovative
split charging system. “We
were having issues charging the
secondary, leisure battery, the one
that powers everything inside the
van, and this was down to the T6
having an intelligent alternator
fitted. This was turning off when the
first battery was fully charged but
ignoring the leisure one, so we had
to devise a new setup to work the
trick alternator and to ensure all the
audio could actually function.”
Subtle exterior custom styling
tweaks give the bus a harder,
more rugged edge The van now
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
The van now

sits 30mm lower on VW-sourced struts have also been fitted to take a sits 30mm lower
Ben, “That was very good indeed,
Eibach lowering springs, while 20in bike carry rack. on VW-sourced so I was initially a bit skeptical as
Automotive Wheel alloys in black, The proof of the pudding really Eibach lowering to whether the Pioneer gear could
springs
coupled with similarly coloured is in the eating when it comes to a match it. I was wrong though, as it
Black detailing
arch extensions, match the black build like this, so the key question contrasts well with
sounds simply stunning; there’s bass
detailing / colour coding of the body we have to ask is, how does it sound? the Candy White when required, a massive amount
trims, side bars, door handles, cab “The best sound system I’d heard paint for an edgier of volume should the need arise,
look.
mirrors, bumper protectors and prior to this was the Bose one fitted and spectacular sound quality at all
black tinted glass. Uprated tailgate as standard to my Audi A8,” recalls times. I’m more than convinced.”
For some of us music is an
essential part of life requiring no
compromises even when outdoors
enjoying living in our buses. Rolling
Homes’ T6 Weekender and Pioneer
Audio bring both these worlds
together to make the ultimate
weekend getaway vehicle.
With thanks to...
Pioneer Audio System fitted

1 x GM-D8604 4 channel amplifier 1200W,
1 x GM-D8601 mono block 1600wW, 1 x
TS-A173Ci component speakers 350W, 1x
ND-BC8 camera, 1x TS-A6934i 6x9 600W, 1x
TS-W3003D4 Subwoofer 2000W, 1x AVIC-
F80DAB-C multimedia head unit
Rolling Homes
Rolling Homes Camper Ltd.

Ennerdale Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 3LD
01743 443877
Email: info@rolling-homes.co.uk
www.rolling-homes.co.uk
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
TRAVEL
SOUTH AMERICA
To the End PART TW
TO
of the World
O
THE EN
D
RL
D
OF O
THE W
Did you ever experience turning the steering wheel but nothing
much happens?
WORDS: SOPHIE KÜNZLE PHOTOGRAPHY: MUNDO BABUSHKA TEAM
Floating ice on
Above us soared huge
W
ell - when we arrived in Punta Arenas,
Lake Grey
our first destination in Chile, the steering
wheel started to react with a long, scary condors, we saw herds of
delay.
The diagnosis was that the chassis was cracked close
guanacos, we spotted a grey
to the steering wheel box. This seemed to be a pretty fox and discovered many
big deal, but once again Babushka’s good vibe brought
a solution. A camper van loving blacksmith fixed our
plants we had never seen
problem by robustly welding the chassis together. We before
knew that this wasn’t going to be a long term solution,
but we were hoping that it would get us at least back to
Buenos Aires. When we were trying to pay for his work,
our new Chilean friend exclaimed: “Oh no, no! I could rewarded at every turn, and with each gain in elevation
never charge a camper van!” With a big thank you we left, with incredible views of the bold, uniquely two-coloured
and headed towards our next destination, the national mountains. And there was lots of wildlife: above us
park Torres del Paine, the southern jewel of Chile soared huge condors, we saw herds of guanacos, we
This UNESCO biosphere reserve with its extraordinary, spotted a grey fox and discovered many plants we had
dramatic natural beauty, was simply stunning. For four never seen before.
magical days, we hiked almost 50 km, heavily loaded From the “Mirador”, a view point just an hour and
with food and camping equipment. Our effort was a half hike above the Italian camp, we heard sudden
TRAVEL
Glacier
thunder that almost made our blood freeze. The Perito Moreno
tremendous roaring was caused by big chunks of ice in Calafate
breaking off the glacier and tumbling down to the valley. Tasting coffee
Or if you prefer the interpretation of the Kawésqar tribe, at a fisherman’s
place in
it‘s the roar of “Mwomo“, the spirit of noise. From there Florianopollis
we crossed the border to Argentina to visit Los Glaciares
National Park, another UNESCO world heritage. By View of
the imposing
presenting our project “Mundo Babushka” we gained free Iguazu Falls
entrance and saw the imposing Perito Moreno glacier
Gaucho with
as well as the Ice Museum, which helped us understand style, rodeo in
fascinating facts about the glaciers of Patagonia. El Chaltén
On the way to El Chaltén, we stopped for a hitchhiking
gaucho a few kilometres away from town. He was so
very happy to make it in time to the traditional rodeo
competition, called “jinteada“, that he invited us to
assist him in the event. We had a great time watching
young and old gauchos trying to stay for 8 seconds
on the back of a not yet broken in horse, while the
musicians improvised and sang the commentary as they
were watching it. The next day we started the first hike
through the forest in spectacular autumn colours to a
milky-turquoise lagoon. The last trek finally got us the
full view of the imposing Fitzroy, the ultimate challenge

for mountain climbers in the Andes.
Facing this amazing row of rocky spikes from the
lookout, we suddenly realized that we, as well as
Babushka, were actually very tired from our long trip.
That’s when we decided to return to Buenos Aires, to
see our trusted mechanic, who would hopefully be able
to fix all the problems that had appeared, one after the
other, on the road. Like horses bent to go home, Luis was
driving at night and me during the day, and we managed
the almost 2700km between El Chaltén and Ituzaingo in
only 3 days!
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
SOUTH AMERICA
With the bus finally repaired we left as winter The tremendous roaring was caused
approached, driving up north to Iguazu, hoping to escape
the cold and find the sun. Unfortunately, we didn’t get so by big chunks of ice breaking off
lucky, because although the temperatures did rise, we got
into heavy tropical rain and had to wait for several days
the glacier and tumbling down to
for it to stop. As soon as the sun was out again, we visited the valley
“Guira Oga” a shelter for wild animals whose mission is
to rescue the maltreated and injured animals taken from
illegal traffickers, to treat and look after them until they
could be returned to their native wild habitat.
Later that day we got lucky: We could assist with the
organization of a free concert at the International
Convention of Youth Orchestras. It was a great event
and I especially liked the Swiss big band featuring some
impressive soloists. For the grand finale, we visited
the famous Iguazu Falls the next day. It was a truly
unforgettable experience to feel nature’s strength and
witness its majestic beauty! Imagine - more than 275 falls
are forming the one spectacular waterfall!
On yet another sunny day we crossed into Brazil,
heading south to visit a Swiss friend who lived in Puerto
Alegre. The next day we arrived in the capital of Rio
Grande do Sul. Walking around in the city, we found
a nice little bar where we ended up spending a most
terrific night. It just so happened that the waiter was a
passionate blues guitarist, and in a very Brazilian way, he
just skipped working - his boss didn’t seem to mind - to
play together with Luis one wonderful blues rhythm
Last fine
tuning before after another, entertaining all in the bar, all night long.
performing There couldn’t have been a better occasion to enjoy the
with the
band Melange
authentic national drink, so the caipirinhas flowed like
de Culture a river.
After the big city we felt ready for some sunbathing
View of the
coastline on a hike on the beach, so we headed to the north-east towards
in Florianopolis the peninsula Florianapolis. Unfortunately we arrived
Fishermen there smack in the middle of the rainy season with severe
preparing the flooding in the region. Imagine a week and a half with
nets at Jabaquara
beach tropical rain! Sometimes it was hard to keep our spirits
up, but we managed OK by filling our time trying to
Waterfall
in Paraty
snow-board on the sand dunes, cooking delicious meals
with the local fish tainha, or walking along the beautiful
coastline.
During one of these walks we met a local fisherman
living in a simple, but spectacularly located house near
the seashore. With a friendly smile on his old weather
beaten face, he invited us to a super strong and extremely
sweet coffee. Because he spoke in a unusual dialect we
TRAVEL
The ship I
didn’t understand much of what he said, but we worked on as a town Paraty, beautifully located between green hills and
laughed a lot together, before continuing our walk with photographer tropical waters.After six nomadic years it was good to
renewed energy. One of many
have a place to call home for a while. We rented a place
When the sun was finally out again, we moved from the great subjects just two blocks away from the beach and we both soon
village «Barra da Lagoa» to the beach «Jabaquara». That’s while working as worked as photographers on the tourist boats that offered
a photographer
where we met Simba, a typical Brazilian Rasta-man who for tourists - cruises around the 100 islands situated in the bay
rented us a lot in his eco campsite. It was just the best of Paraty.
Babushka back
thing that could happen to us because we enjoyed the on the beach The most important things are: finding friendships
first hot shower in a while, and also met a young fellow of Trinidad that last for more than a day, or putting a seed in the soil
street artist. As we were on the same mission, we decided View from Pico and watching it grow. For Luis it’s the perfect place for a
to join forces and our performance skills, and created a de Mamangua wider musical exchange, because culture and live music
whole new street variety show with joyous music and a is very much valorizado in Paraty
vibrant circus performance.
Accompanied with a tiny little headache, we left the
next day in direction Blumenau, a historic town that
was originally founded as a German colony. Its German
architecture first seemed totally out of place, but the
small, quaint Beer Museum and the convincing beer
degustation made the visit totally worth it.
Next, we visited the nearby town Brusque, where we
reunited with Luis’ swing band “Melange de Culture” to
play and perform together at a small festival.
Together with the hippie girl Eloa, whom we met at
the festival, we went to visit her hometown Curitiba.
Her family generously welcomed us to their home, and
with their directions we explored the best parts of this
city. After spending two very interesting days in Curitiba,
we drove to our, for now, final destination: The colonial
My best wishes from my current road trip! I started last March

from Rio de Janeiro, driving west, crossing Brazil on the BR-230,
the Trans-Amazonian Highway, and entering Bolivia, where
I spent 3 months. I returned to Brazil, because my plan for
summer is to travel, and have a good look at, the famous coast
of Brazil’s far north east. Check out my website mundobabushka.
com, any contributions welcome. Big hugs from my current
location in the capital of Brazil!
TRAVEL
Brochure Line Origin
VW sal al
The oldest survivor! literatu es
re
This month, a barn-door bonanza, with a brochure offering
40 photos and counting.
WORDS: RICHARD COPPING
hat’s black and white
W and ‘red’ all-over?

In this case, a lovely
52-page brochure
measuring 210mm x 297mm, with
a cover title asking, ‘How long does
a VW Transporter last?’ Published
in August 1964 on good quality,
glossy finish, paper, Volkswagen’s
purpose was to promote the amazing
longevity of the vans that had been
amongst the first of their type to
emerge from Wolfsburg.
Today, such a publication would
be laughable. At a maximum of
fourteen years of age today, we are
not even back to the T3, while many
of our T4s remain both un-restored
and pristine. Just over 50 years ago,
for a workhorse vehicle still to be in
service in its teens was undoubtedly
an achievement.
And the result of Volkswagen’s
question that begged a positive
answer? A brochure full of ‘lived-in’
Above:
barn-door models, not deliberately ‘How long does disfiguring signs of tin-worm
rat-lookers, but nevertheless gently a VW Transporter discoloration.
last?’
bashed and scraped and no doubt, To the delight of Volkswagen’s
if the brochure had been produced Above right: marketing gurus, the oldest bus
18 November
in glorious Technicolor, exhibiting 1950 they could find bore the chassis
number 20-00044, a vehicle that
Left: Good for
another four years had made its debut in the world as
- current age 13 early as 18 April 1950. Amazingly, it
years, 4 months
trundled through the hands of seven
Right: Great for different keepers before passing into
off-roading at the
age of 14
the ownership of Karl Widmann in
December 1959.
Having proclaimed the ‘winner’,
subsequent double page spreads
were dedicated to other notable
early examples. These included
the delivery van belonging to Herr
Karkow, who bought it in May 1950
and had since covered some 400,000
kilometres behind the wheel. With
a little bit of work (photographed),
Herr Kampmann believed that his
van would last at least another ‘four
years’, while Frau Lunk, whose van
dated from October 1950, couldn’t
believe his Bus still performed
BROCHURE LINE
so well. Imanuel Laukhuf, an
agricultural engineer, was delighted
that his 14-year old van was robust
enough to drive over the fields,
while Karl Besch could boast that
his van had cost him no more than
80 pfennigs (over and above routine
servicing) and that was for nothing
more serious than a throttle cable.
Walter Engelhardt was surprised
that his old van kept on running. Frau
Merkwitz said her Kombi, which
carried the chassis number 20-00361,
was essentially a family member.
Top left:
The owner was
surprised that his
14 year old van
was still on the
road
Top right:
358,000km for
this 14 year old
Above left The format was the same
In action since throughout. A phrase, or sentence,
August 1950 -
note the front that would make a potential owner
panel ‘bash’ think the VW was something
Above right: special, at least a couple of
Market gardener
and a youngster thumbnail shots and a main (full
at 13 years 11 page) image either illustrating the
months
van in action, or a more arty shot
Right: depicting it in its home setting.
The plumber’s
mate, aged 14 Finally, assuming you can get your
years and 3 hands on this little masterpiece, how
months
much is likely to cost? Well, my copy
is pristine and was bought where
people know exactly what ancient
literature is worth. I paid a measly
36 Euros in April 2015, but would
expect to cash it in for more if I was
to sell, which I am not. Who said
rare and exciting brochure collecting
was an expensive hobby!
BROCHURE LINE
THE BAREFOOT CHEF
VW RABBIT!
The Barefoot Chef

It’s a brand new year and I’ve just set myself new
N GOOD
challenge for 2017. D
AM F
O
OD
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DAVE RICHARDS
BAR
A bit about EFO
the chef OT
SINCE
2009
N
The ‘Barefoot
O
Chef’ started life PO !
as a photography N CIN ESS
project, which
went on to spawn
a number of
comedy cookery
videos on Youtube.
Before this
column, Dave was
involved with a
cookery spot on
local radio until he
made squirrel stew
and was never
invited back!
I
’ve been inspired for years by to pack my under-clackers in the And then my businessman brother
Colin Chapman’s philosophy small, top mounted headbanger turns up with tales of a colleague
of ‘simplify, then add lightness’ locker and it worked well. Suddenly, who can do an overnighter with just
in order to make the bay of I could simply sit up and lay my a change of shirt packed into an A4
lasting joy perform just that little hands on my intimate apparel, slip envelope in his briefcase...
bit better. The latest challenge turns ‘em on and leap out of bed, ready to If you bump into me over the
my attention to clothing. For many face the world. ...Or make coffee. summer and I look like I’ve spent
years, we’ve stuck with tradition in Flushed by success, I have the weekend sleeping in a hedge,
our Devon and the fair lady barefoot already bagged up the other stuff then perhaps things aren’t going
and I have both shared the large in the top cupboard; essentially tea exactly as planned.
rear cupboard as was intended and towels and toilet rolls and stuck As I say, we’ll see...
have used it as a wardrobe. This has them in a corner of the wardrobe
lead to me struggling to find any which appears to provide me with VW RABBIT!
of the few garments I have packed exclusive use of the headbanger This is ideal for those evenings
amongst the plethora of clobber and I will hopefully be able to find when you’re forced into your bus
that the woman seems obliged to everything I want whenever I early because of a bit of adverse
bring with her. Towards the end need it. weather. You know how it is;
of last season however, I started We’ll see... blowing a gale outside and one
At this, essentially early stage retires with an elegant glass of red...
in the game, I have been folding But then one fancies a bit of
up garments like T shirts, jumpers something to eat. For years we’ve
and trousers and then rolling been rattling up a bit of cheese on
them up tightly and securing them toast. Bread, a sliced cob, anything
with masking tape. I’ve managed would do, and it did. There’s
jeans, jumper, five T shirts and always cheese and there’s always
five gentleman’s undergarments. something to put it on. Welsh
This should enable me to pack rarebit is a nice idea, but it’s really
everything very neatly in to a only posh cheese on toast. And it’s
comparatively small space, and a lot of effort for what it is. VW
the clothes should emerge only Rabbit on the other hand is the
minimally creased. work of a moment.
THE BAREFOOT CHEF

POSH CHEESE
ON TOAST.
INGREDIENTS
QBread - Absolutely anything
will do
QCheese - again, whatever is about
QRed onion marmalade
QWalnut pieces
METHOD
The grill on the old Fellows stove is
an acquired skill. Use it like any grill
you’ve ever used before in your life
and you’ll be able to burn impressive
looking stripes into anything you
put under it. But by lighting it on
maximum for about three or four
minutes and then turning it down to
the simmer setting and turning over
the grill rack to it’s lowest position,
you’ll have a tool you can use.
This is bob easy. Toast the bread on bag will happily last a full season and
both sides, spread with the onion cover with a slice or two of cheese. Go on, chuck some walnuts & onion marmalade into
Marmalade, this stuff lasts for years Stick it back under the grill until the your bus this week while you think about it. They’ll still
if unopened. Sprinkle over some cheese is nicely melted, bubbling be there one chilly summer evening when you fancy a
broken walnuts. Again if unopened, a and beginning to brown. bit of a snack.
THE BAREFOOT CHEF

1987 CUSTOM T3
Work in
progress
Barry Teachen is a salesman with the gift of
the gab. His enthusiasm is unbounded - watch
how he sells his ever-evolving T3 to us all.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD COPPING
Uncluttered
he T3 before you is ...and on it goes. and practical ... the
T not what it seems. For

starters, any similarity
in appearance to a
syncro is purely intentional, but it
Half the fun of owning a Bus like
Barry and his wife Gill’s is planning
how it should evolve. What can be
guaranteed is that six months after
layout works well
for Barry and Gill
A splattering
of black contrasts
nicely with the hot,
isn’t one. Then there’s the paint, the pictures were taken it won’t look fire-red paint
a fiery orangey red, a mixing the same, and undoubtedly a further
That’s not
unknown on the VW palette. Search six months hence, something else standard T3 ...
hard - Barry knows where - and will have happened. Barry has created a
little more storage
you will find more than a brush- Question then, how did the space
full of Savannah Beige, a metallic youthful Ford Capri 1600 GT Mk1
Three-speed
Caravelle colour of the latter part of and Escort XR2i owner and a little
auto-box shifter
the 1980s. Delve beneath a surface later the 250 Yamahas wild-man
skim and you might spot a smidgen of Lancashire, complete with road
of Golf Cabrio ancestry and, shock racing trophies to his name, end
horror, parts purloined from a Land up on the VW trail? Well, one
Rover; then eyeball that interior temptation towards Wolfsburg, if
which never graced a VW Camper not Hanover, was in the direction
conversion company’s showroom of a lowered Mars Red, big bumper
Half the fun of owning a Bus like Barry and his wife
Gill’s is planning how it should evolve
1987 CUSTOM T3
Mk2 GTI, but ‘normal’ sedate family
cars as the kids grew up put paid to
that. Enter the brother-in-law with
a Camper hire business that drove
all the way to the far-distant Isle
of Harris in a Bay for a holiday ... a
seed was sewn!
Then fast-forward to the Barry’s
first business call on Toby of
Preston-based T4Life, the Camper
conversion company. Barry was
hooked by his own enthusiasm
and ended up buying a white-van-
man panel van, which he lowered
and adorned with Audi alloys.
However, for once he had sold
himself something he soon knew
wasn’t quite right, neither in terms
of performance, nor in its dark and
enclosed interior.
Shifted at a snap of the fingers,
next came a T5 Shuttle via eBay,
but with a locally based vendor.
1987 CUSTOM T3
1987 CUSTOM T3

Despite having to part with his

Harley Davidson, at just £10k it was
a bargain, particularly when the
seats alone were sold for a grand.
The T5 was handed over to Pendle
Performance in Barnoldswick and
chipped, providing Barry with a
raw 173PS of power and excellent
economy. Toby, with a little help
from Barry, gave the T5 the full
Camper treatment ... fiddled with
the electronics and lowered it,
replacing Hanover’s wheels with a
set from Range Rover.
Despite the power appeal and
comfort of the T5, Barry had sold
himself on the idea of owning a
van that oozed character. Initially
Top Barry’s own tongue in cheek take on original syncro graphics
Upper middle A contribution from Land Rover and their favourite
fascinated by both Splits and Bays,
Defender model scrutiny at Vanfest led him to decide
Lower middle Empi 5 wheels ... a garden find! The syncro that, lovely as they were, available
style flared arches would have cost several arms and various
legs from VW. These look the part at a fraction of the cost space was an issue. And so, it came
Bottom Lovely custom wood steering wheel with VW logo boss to pass, that salesman Barry found
himself in the walled enclosure at
1987 CUSTOM T3
Tatton Park VW show dedicated As Barry set about working up
to vehicles for sale. The year was an initial list of the changes and
2013, the vehicle that caught his improvements he wanted to make,
eye was the T3 he owns now and it he booked the van in at Autosave
was domiciled only 20 miles or so (Bamber Bridge), where Jake and
from his home. A cash deposit and a Mark fitted new ‘lifted’ suspension.
The ‘syncro
doppelgänger’ handshake clinched the deal. Now came the opportunity to give
... looks the part What Barry and Gill parked on the Camper a syncro look, although
doesn’t it?
their drive was a relatively recently genuine VW flared arches would
Friend and restored, lightly customised, T3 have cost an arm and several legs.
former boss,
of ’87 vintage. The near inevitable With eBay to the rescue, the result
Nick created the
single burner and seam work accomplished, a new ‘works well’, as do the lookalike
ensured water tailgate fitted and a ‘very expensive’ decals. Tinted headlights from a Mk1
could be pumped
to the sink via a bare-metal re-spray gleaming in the Golf Cabrio, a smattering of matt
leisure battery sunlight, were its big plus points, black vinyl and those Empi 5 wheels
Those wheel as was a virtually brand new 2.1 work a treat. Amazingly, they’d sat
arch trims, decals DJ engine courtesy of Vege, whilst on a Bay in someone’s garden for 15
and the vehicle’s
general stance
a vehicle that had been lowered years ... Barry’s old boss and friend
suggest syncro by 60ml and fitted with Porsche Nick tipped the wink.
grip, don’t they Boxster alloy wheels proved to be the Turning to the interior, Barry
Vege 2.1 litre DJ negatives. Barry soon discovered that ripped out the rather sad offering
engine and could one, for when loaded for camping, before him, painted and under-
that be a hint of
Savannah Beige the wheels scoured the tubs! sealed everything he could,
paintwork?
Delve beneath a surface skim and you
might spot a smidgen of Golf Cabrio
ancestry and, shock horror, parts
purloined from a Land Rover
1987 CUSTOM T3
1987 CUSTOM T3
The ARB
handmade new panels out of re-trim at least part of the interior, awning ensures
doesn’t matter, it would if Gill’s
hardboard and covered them with there’s talk of making an overhead that when in use 180PS Skoda with seven speed
vinyl, while Nick re-wired the van there’s room DSG dragged its heels and the
cupboard (or two) and just possibly
of marquee
with considerable skill. Amazingly, another engine might be on the proportions same would be true if Barry’s latest
the practical corner unit is made horizon. Amazingly, already this is company vehicle, a Caddy similarly
With a little help
out of nothing more than a couple the longest Barry has kept a vehicle from IKEA, Barry ennobled with the latest take on the
of IKEA shoe-racks, again courtesy … the prospect of an impending MoT has the ‘kitchen’ auto story, held fire, but not with a
unit he wants
of Nick. Getting water to the sink and there has always been new fish T3. Here’s the salesman ... ‘what can
is achieved courtesy of a leisure to fry, but not with what he calls his be better than driving along with the
battery (240v hook up), while Nick ‘addiction.’ window down watching the world
created the single burner Barry felt Finally, what is the most disliked go by, transported from the stresses
suited his needs. Out came the cab aspect of many a VW? You got it, of everyday living, looking about you
carpets in favour of more practical an auto-box. Guess what, Barry’s rather than simply hurtling to the
rubber, while the full width rock- syncro lookalike is an automatic destination. Yes, the Bus would sit
n-roll bed delights Barry, when he ... the type that offers a 0-60mph at 70mph happily, but it’s all about
recalls the cramped tussles of a sprint of several minutes. But that chill-out mood.’
three-quarter version with the T5.
To enhance the aesthetics there
are roof lights, a highly polished
wooden steering wheel and Gill’s
curtains and cushions. Barry worked
on the headlining, but has held fire
for a little as other excitement is
planned. The purchase of an ARB
awning from Campervan Culture,
complete with the full bedroom
that fits in it, ensures oodles of
stretching room, while, darting off at
a tangent, the standard and ‘useless’
door mirrors have been replaced
by Landrover Defender items, the With thanks to...
brackets, which fit in the same holes,
coming via Brick-yard.
Always eager to tell a new story, All the boys from Autosave ( Bamber Bridge )
courtesy of Mick at Northwest VW, The club 8090 forum for all their help
Mick and Bill from VWNW
Barry will have a Westfalia pop- And, of course, Gill and the kids for the
top in place ready for 2017. He’ll endless cups of tea and financial handouts
1987 CUSTOM T3
SHOWS
DUBS AT THE CASTLE
Storm the
Castle
One of the highlights on the VW scene: it’s time for this year’s
Dubs at the Castle
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
I
remember being quite excited
about going to my first Dubs at the
Castle show a few years ago now.
A VW show in the grounds of a
haunted castle - that sounded really
cool. And I wasn’t disappointed.
To be honest its still gotta be one of
the best locations for a show. Now,
having been a regular visitor for the
past couple of years, for 2016 it feels
like I’m coming home; not that I
actually live in a castle obviously.
As ever the event took place over
its usual mid-July long weekend -
this time the dates falling on July
15/16/17. As has become the norm
with this show, weekend camping
tickets (£26) were sold out well in
advance, 250 people were actually
allowed to camp from the Thursday
although you could still buy day
tickets for £10, or free if you were
under 16. And dogs, that essential Held in the grounds of a haunted castle, this has
part of any VW show, were also free.
So all roads led to Caldicot Castle,
got to be one of the best locations for a VW show.
which is in Wales, just over the
1: Soaking up the sun
border / Severn Bridge if you are with Wimbledon, any silly football on the showfield little as half the numbers that I’ve
driving from England. Support matches or a Grand Prix, so why did 2: Safaris and a witnessed in the busiest years, and
Cyclops light add
for the show this came from IRV’s it not seem as busy as in past years to period custom styling the same could be said for the air
Restos, Early Bay.Com, AutoCamp me ? To be honest it wasn’t just me to this Doka cooled and car Show & Shine field.
and AH Schofield. that noticed, a few traders I talked to 3: Check out that And even the day car park had a lot
stance!
There was a brief shower on the reckoned that footfall was down on more space in it than I remember
Saturday, but the forecast for the previous events. There was certainly 4: An intriguingly from other shows. The lack of
different take on a
weekend was pretty good (I was in a district lack of vans in the T4/T5 pop top roof numbers for Show & Shine might
shorts + T Shirt), and it didn’t clash Show & Shine displays, maybe as 5: Full length roof rack just have been an indication that for
and full on patina some reason more people this year
6: Bakewell the talking decided to just come to the show to
dragon – well we are
in Wales! enjoy it, which meant they left their
vans/awnings scattered around the
7: Crazy custom
Beetle pick up with camp sites rather than having to
tipping load bed
move them to put them on display.
One of the great things about this
show - from a photography point of
view - is that it gives you the chance
to climb up the tower in the castle
and get some great overhead shots of
1
the entire main Show & Shine / tent
SHOWS
2
4 5 6
SHOWS
8
10
11
SHOWS
SHOWS
DUBS AT THE CASTLE
/ kids entertainment field, but alas

this year the main tower was closed
so I was unable to do that. If I had,
I’m sure it would not have looked
as crowded as last year. That being
said, quality-wise the Show & Shine,
supported by O’s Mobile Coffeevan,
still put on a good display from
Splits, Bays and Beetles right up to
T6s and even Crafters.
Dubs at the Castle is also a great
place to buy things - the range
of goods and services on sale is
always very impressive; you can
buy anything from a full camper
conversion down to a £1 tub of
chewy cola bottles and everything
in between from T shirts to tents.
And this year you could also grab a
Pokemon in a Beetle!
Aside from the established
funfair rides for the kids, this year
there was also Bakewell the talking
dragon, and I also discovered to Oasis. Even a bit of Bloodhound I also discovered another
another somewhat more unofficial Gang and Andy Williams thrown in
entertainment out in the campsite for good measure. For a bonus point
somewhat more unofficial
where a rope was swinging from a can anybody name more than one entertainment out in the
tree, and by that I don’t mean there Bloodhound Gang song?
was a Midnight lynching. This year’s chosen Charity was St
campsite where a rope was
There was a bike competition David’s Hospice. Jaci Thomas, who swinging from a tree
on the Saturday and the dress up is an active member of South Wales
theme for the evening was Heroes & Dubber’s, and her husband Ralph,
Villains. Music in the marque on the (who has been in the VW scene for
Friday was provided by Mafia 4 from more years than he would probably
Devon while on the Saturday the care to admit), are currently being
crowds were entertained by Kaiser supported by them, as Jaci has been
Monkey Killers and Men in White diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Coats a Welsh band playing a wide Date for 2017? July 21/22/23 and it
range of covers and originals, ranging will be their 10th birthday! I will be
from indie/rock/punk music such as there for sure (with my camera) and
12
Foo Fighters to Stereophonics, U2 hope to see you there.
8: Beautifully
presented original
interior in this T4
Westfalia
9: Double Door
camping
10: Rusty Ratter
11: The old games

are still the best
12: Bays on display

inside the castle walls
13: Though quieter

than previous years,
there was still an
impressive array
of show and shine
entrants
13
SHOWS
CAMPER ARCHIVES:
THE HOLDSWORTH STORY
The Holdsworth
Story - Part 3
It was 1978 before Lucy had joined our ranks, she was almost
immediately put to work as a model in our brochures and was as pretty
as a picture – just like her mum!
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: RICHARD HOLDSWORTH
1: Another bright
It was 1978 before Lucy had joined
A
nother initiative was idea – Open
Weekends brought
Open Weekend; we
advertised it well and
customers en-
masse to the our ranks and almost immediately put
Holdsworth factory
my Press Releases
always earned excellent coverage.
and dealers sold
many vans.
to work as a model in our brochures
Journalists were kind to us. We and as pretty as a picture – just like her
invited representatives from our
best dealers to the Open Weekend mum!
– a new wave of dealers had come
into the market – we laid out the fire while a couple of ponies gave woodworking kept the community
factory for inspection, mowed kids a ride. Dare I say that Richard in work. We paid well and had no
the grass and hoped it wouldn’t Holdsworth Open Weekends were trouble in recruiting good men.
rain. We displayed at least two the forerunners of all these motor We all worked like stink – even
models of each van for the general caravan shows up and down the through the Three Day Week when
public to pore over and dealers country of today? I had risked being banged up for
were invited to bring second-hand But you can do none of this breaking the law! Heather had
Holdsworth vans. Balloons, flags without good staff; when we arrived been with the company for some
and lollipops, said Steve Pike of in Woodley it was a quaint country time by now and ran the accounts
West Country Motorhomes. A village and traditional crafts such as department keeping a tight rein on
friend sizzled sausages on an open coachbuilding, motor trimming and spending. We never had time to add
CAMPER ARCHIVES
2: VW approval
brings Kombi vans
flooding into the
Holdsworth factory.
A sight for sore
eyes… how long
had we waited.
3: It can snow
all day – Heather
Holdsworth peeps
out to see what VW
approval looks like!
2 3
to the Holdsworth family – if we

wanted pictures of children in our
brochures, we borrowed them from
friends or staff! And Heather was
our model from the very beginning
– can’t beat that. It was 1978 before
Lucy had joined our ranks and
almost immediately put to work
as a model in our brochures and as
pretty as a picture – just like her
mum! And another “baby” was our
computer aimed at costing each van
down to the last Farthing. We were
the first in the industry to use such
technology. Bills of Material became
the new by-word in the Holdsworth
factory, every assembly and sub-
assembly had its own code, a BoM,
and these brought a new dimension
to costings and the knock-on effect
of stock control.
4
All in the garden seemed roses!
4: A little bit of
publicity goes a The annual rent on our vast ex-
long way! aircraft hangar had started at just
4: Lucy Holdsworth £6400 and although it went up yearly,
and friends show the increases were manageable
off cab dining in
the Variety. It was a
despite the fact that the Thames
winner. Valley Corridor was becoming ‘High
Tec” and specialist companies were
moving in pushing up rents and
wages at an alarming rate.
We had always put the customer
first with quality as well as style;
now well into the 1980’s, new buzz
5
words stated to have real meaning,
CAMPER ARCHIVES
CAMPER ARCHIVES:
THE HOLDSWORTH STORY
Product Liability, and manufacturers

from coat hooks to complex motor
cars were held responsible if
anything went wrong and in a motor
caravan lots of things could go
wrong; law firms started to spring
up with the claim, “No win – no fee”.
I took this on board in an industry
where a number of our competitors
gave little heed to where we were all
going. The wearing of seat belts in
cars became mandatory - how long
before motor caravans followed?
We started down the road of finding
out what would happen to our seats
in the event of a front-end impact…
Middlesex Polytechnic offered a
test in which the seat was hurled
down a track and stopped dead as if
the vehicle had hit a brick wall. We
loaded our seat, two “dummies” and
strapped them in with lap belts and
then sheltered behind inch thick
reinforced glass as we watched in
awe – looking back now, it was a
pretty elementary test but you have
to remember it was over 30 years
ago. At least we learnt the steel
frame and lap belts attached stood
up to the test. A good start.
By now we were well and truly under
the “wing” of VW and instruction
was sacrosanct. We gathered our staff
in our workshops one evening while
we watched a VW presentation that
brought home our responsibilities; we
6
were to imagine the scenario of our van
6: Front cover
“The bang” we were told, “is the treatment with hitting an immovable object at 30 mph.
a leading motor At that moment a blank from a shotgun
force of a tin of beans bursting caravan magazine
for the Holdsworth was fired – “the bang” we were told,
through a weak cupboard catch and Villa Mk 1. “is the force of a tin of beans bursting
through a weak cupboard catch and
7: Holdsworth
hitting a passenger on the back of stole a march on
the competition
hitting a passenger on the back of
the head.”
the head.” with crash tested
seats and lap belts. Me and my team chewed over
This is the sledge the consequences. There was more
test at Middlesex
Polytechnic in 1991. to come. It would be one thing to
use a quality catch (we did) – and
similar attention to detail in the rest
of the conversion – but we had to
demonstrate it was not only one van
built in that manner, but the next
van and the next… “That’s where
the Quality System BS5750 comes
in,” our man from VW insisted. “All
our approved converters are to work
towards that goal…” If I remember
rightly, it was a good man, Kevin
Varey, at Volkswagen telling us. He
was serious!
Next issue: new contracts, new
owners and the end of Holdsworth
7
Conversions.
CAMPER ARCHIVES
1971 MICROBUS
1971 MICROBUS
A whiter shade
of pale
Rich Honey skipped the light Fandango when
his 1971 tin top came out of the paint shop
resplendent in Arctic White over Pearl White.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY: RICK DAV Y
The subtle use

It had been two years of chrome accents company in 2009, who replaced
M of hard graft getting

the bus looking how he
wanted, a process he
with two shades of
white makes for a
very understated
custom look.
the home made kitchen side unit
with an updated version which
conformed to all safety regulations.
likens to the old joke “How do you No more For the next four years it was hired
eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” reaching or out to many happy campers, but
searching for the
The story starts in 2013 when Rich gear stick with Bug
time and hard use / abuse took
acquired Hank (check out the Tech’s Big John its toll and by 2013 the paint was
shifter
number plate) from the father of faded and rust was starting to show
his then girlfriend (now his wife), The interior through. Hank had always had a
is light, airy and
who ran a camper hire company spacious.
special place in the heart of his wife
in Cornwall. Originally built as a and her family, so when they retired
The rear deck
RHD Microbus in 1971, it had been has been clad in him Rich jumped at the chance to
restored around 2005, repainted in wood panel and a restore him and give him a new look,
custom built sub
Savannah Beige and converted into woofer is housed
and still keep him in the family!
a camper. It was bought by the hire on it. Rich sat down with good friend
Rich wanted to do as much work as possible

himself, partly to save costs but importantly
because he wanted the satisfaction of something
he had built himself
1971 MICROBUS
1971 MICROBUS

Arctic White
Dave at Westcoast VW to discuss roof and bumpers
options and possibilities. Rich combined with
Pearl White body
wanted to do as much work as brings a subtle
possible himself, partly to save costs two tone twist
but importantly because he wanted
Comfy full
the satisfaction of something he had width rear
built himself. Initially they thought seat bed.
they would only need to replace Using a middle

the front panel n/s front step, o/s twin seat bank
from a LHD
rear corner and a rear jacking point Microbus to face
but it soon became apparent that a the rear means
the armrest is on
lot more was required before any the correct side!
thoughts could turn to paint and
interior and the list expanded to Clear glass rear
flashers mean no
include new drivers tub, new o/s obtrusive orange
step, n/s step, cab floor, o/s outer to spoil the lines
sill and short sill, both battery trays,

one out rigger and a n/s cab door!
Undaunted, Rich kept smiling and
repeating his mantra “One bite at
a time.” Two months later than
planned, the body was ready for
paint, at this point Dave intervened
and strongly advised Rich to paint
Top Polished Porsche Fuchs replica wheels are set off by chrome the roof and bumpers in Arctic
headlight brows, cab door striker plates, chrome window
surrounds and Deluxe beltline trim White to complement the planned
Middle Interior panels have been trimmed in White with a new body colour of Pearl White – a
contrasting fabric centre section on the cab doors
Bottom The new Vege 1600 unit has had twin carbs fitted since combination that is very subtle but
the shoot works really well. This is set off
by chrome headlight brows, cab
1971 MICROBUS
The specially
mixed version door striker plates, front badge and
of Kasan Red Deluxe beltline trim along with
combined with
Bright White
polished Porsche Fuchs replica
makes for a very wheels and clear lenses for the front
modern take on
and rear indicator lenses.
the original 70s
VW colours The original engine, now with
enough end float to accommodate
The light oak
Devon style granny’s skirts, was replaced with
interior was built a Vege 1600 TP AD code, all stock
using plans found
on the internet with the addition of a flame thrower
coil, electronic ignition and pancake
The bulkhead
folding buddy seat
filter. The tinware was blasted and
has an extension coated in metallic black along with
flap to seat four the dash, exhaust and various other
at the table
bits by Powdertech for a subtle
difference.
From the outset Rich had never
planned to have a camping interior,
instead wanting something light,
airy and sociable which retained a
nod to Hank’s Microbus heritage.
This has been achieved by using
an original Microbus full width
rock rear seat and the fitting of an
original twin middle seat from a
LHD seven seater Microbus against
the bulkhead and facing rearwards.
Being a LHD version, when fitted
it still has the arm on the correct
side by the sliding door – a small
1971 MICROBUS
1971 MICROBUS
A 4” narrowed
but significant detail. These, and The cab remains basically stock adjustable beam
Big John shifter to replace the Empi
the cab seats have been trimmed in looking, a retro Bluetooth stereo keeps sets the stance version, which Rich loves saying, “It
with a slight rake
white, creating a sense of light and Rich in contact with modern driving really does reduce the throw of the
space. New headliner and white needs, and a wood rim steering wheel Headlight gears and the Big John puts it right
curtains add to the effect. Rich also provides a retro custom touch. The eyebrows always next to you instead of reaching all over
give a bus extra
upholstered the interior panels finished look and the hard work from character the place!”
and door cards to match, adding a Rich and his friends paid off when Hank won again at Cornwall
contrasting fabric centre section on Hank was awarded Best In Class Jamboree last summer, this time for
the cab doors. Scott Penhaligon (the at Cornwall Jamboree in 2015 but Best Modified Bay, and Rich says,
Acme bus) was then enlisted to help Rich did not stopped there. He then “The best and worst experience was
with the front kickboards, wood fitted a 4” narrowed adjustable beam without doubt the whole resto. The
flooring and wood decking in the and set the stance with a slight rake, uncovering of horrors, the despair
rear and with making the sub box upgraded the front brakes to run late that it will never be done but on the
that sits on the rear deck. A Retro bay discs, fitted stainless single quiet flip side, when it is done and it goes
style colour coordinated coolbox pack exhaust system and since the on to win Best in Class at a show,
sits by the sliding door for those shoot has changed to twin carbs. A you can’t beat it. Also the pat on the
essential cold beers while relaxing. very recent addition is Bug Tech’s back you get from people who see
him and ask did you do the work
From the outset Rich had planned an interior that yourself? And you can say yes! With
a little help from my friends.”
was light, airy and sociable and which retained a
nod to Hank’s Microbus heritage
With thanks to...
My mate Dave Catchpole and Matthew “Moo”

James at www.westcoastvw.co.uk
07762 422330
Graham Morse at www.powdertechcoatings.
com 07795550863
Scott Penhaligon (The Acme bus)
And of course my wife Sarah Honey ‘cos if I
didn’t meet her I never would’ve got Hank in
the first place.
1971 MICROBUS
THIS MONTH IN THE WORKSHOP
LORUM IPSOM
This month in
the workshop
This month in
the Workshop
Andy heads off to Greece on a Bus Hunting expedition and comes
back with a Barndoor and a Bay!
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDYBUGS
W
e have been working
on a really solid
and straight 1956
Wolfsburg panel van
that was going to be the shop truck
but when a good friend of mine from
North Germany wanted to buy it I
decided to sell it and he duly drove
hundreds of miles with his trailer to
collect it. He arrived on the Saturday
morning early and the van was
loaded on his trailer, wrapped in a
waterproof cover and ready for its
journey to its new home, after we
had all had a few cheeky beers to
cement the deal.
Earlier this year I had been told
about a ‘52 Barndoor panel van that
was for sale in Greece but hadn’t 1
been able to agree a deal with the
seller. I haven’t got a Barndoor panel
1. The 1952
and with the sudden departure of for us to hunt and buy old rusty Barndoor Panel
the Wolfsburg panel van there was buses, travelling all over the world, Van has been dry
stored and stood
a space in the garage that needed to but whenever you speak to non VW on blocks for
be filled! people they think that we are mad, over 25 years
The seller sent me a load of and they are probably correct. 2. Some would
keep the rusty
photos and after a lot or emails After a night in a luxury hotel barn find look!
and discussion on the price, a in anticipation of the next day’s
deal was eventually done. It is
normally straightforward to buy
and ship a vehicle but try sorting
it from Greece! When you look at
the amount of Eastern European
countries that you have to go
through to get there it’s not a
journey that I would want to make,
and with the seller wanting a cash
sale it looked like a little flight was
on the cards. Two days of internet
searching and I had flights, car hire,
hotel and a big envelope of Euros 2 3
sorted out. It is just a normal thing

activities I was up early for breakfast of solid and largely original bay
then off to meet with my Greek windows of every type and age and
contact about an hour’s drive all for sale. I’m not into bay windows
away. The Barndoor I had bought but couldn’t resist buying a really
blind from just a few photos was solid 1971 panel van running, driving
more than I could have wished for, and in original paint to use as the
being sat on blocks in the dry arid shop truck while the Barndoor is
conditions on the Greek Turkish being built.
border since its scrapping in the We did some miles of driving and
90s. Even after working on splits for we drank some beer and we found
more than 25 years, it never fails to some buses and it didn’t rain, so
excite me when you actually get to what a great few days!
see a bus in the flesh and know it’s Back in the workshop we have spent
coming home with you. a considerable time working on
Then it was off for more bus two fire damaged splits and even
hunting! There was a government though we have both rebuilt and
scrappage scheme brought in 10 restored a lot of these vehicles, fire
years ago resulting in a massive damage brings its own problems
number of air-cooled VWs going to and challenges. The first thing
the crusher, only saving the ones that has to be considered is the
that weren’t drivable. We went to contamination from the burning of
one yard where there was a sea different materials that can cause
It never fails to excite me when you

actually get to see a bus in the flesh
4 and know it’s coming home with you.
3. Andy loves
a project! 6
4. The chassis looks
not too bad for a
65 year old bus
5. Gutter is solid
with only surface
rust .
6. Andy could not

resist this 1971 Early
Bay Panel Van
7. Original paint and

still running and
driving

LORUM IPSOM
damage to the repairer and the , the area was etch primed and
environment also some of them are then primed and painted in gloss
cancer inducing. “Turkis”.
A vehicle that has suffered a fire This bus has a patina to the 10
will have both visible damage as in paintwork that has worn over the
the obvious burning but also damage years of use and the challenge
from heat transfer in the metal that we had was to return it to the
and possibly from the extinguisher silicate look that it had before the
used. The paint around the seat of fire. The bus had originally been
the fire will lift from the metal and Turkis but had been painted with
this can be seen by micro blistering a light blue in later years and with
and cracking, this paint needs to the sun and general wear and tear
be completely removed before any there was primer and older paint
repair can take place. The engine showing through. The work started
bay in this vehicle was stripped with some old rust, holes and impact
completely and sand blasted in the damage being taken care of and then
areas to get us back to bare metal the areas were painted with a high
11
8. 1967 Split
panel waiting build primer. The next coat of paint
to be rescued was in the gloss Turkis and then
9. Solid and this was overpainted with the light
largely original bay
windows of every
blue top coat colour, with each coat
type and age and all being baked in the oven and flatted
for sale
before the next one was applied.
10. The challenge This would have been the time to
was to return it to employ an artist to paint some fake
the silicate look
that it had before rust and dents but we went with the
the fire. 800 grit paper and lightly sanded
11. The repainted away some of the colours to match
area now merges the aged look of the original paint.
perfectly with the
original faded
With the paintwork finished we
patina had the daunting task of fitting the
new wiring loom and all the extra
12. The 56
Wolfsburg Panel wiring that was installed for the
has gone to happy split charge, electronic ignition,
new owners in
Germany to finish ancillaries and gauges. The majority
off. of the work being completed we
are now waiting for the engine
and ignition components to arrive
9
12 by air freight from Powerhaus in
California.

Please mention VW Camper & Commercial Magazine when responding to adverts.
Behind the scenes Tak
closer le a
ook!
Vale Restorations
Vale Restorations in Worcestershire is a family business run by passionate
VW lovers for VW owners.
WORDS DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON COOKE
evin and Fiona Jinks
K have turned their hobby

and love of VWs into a
thriving business with
an established reputation and a
growing loyal customer base. They
actually own and run two buses – a
1978 Westfalia called Worthington,
which they restored eleven years ago
and a 1971 tin top camper, restored
eight years ago and about to have a
full interior refurbishment, so they
fully understand the special place
these vehicles have in people’s lives.
Kevin has been working on classic
cars for over 30 years, his first
vehicle was a 1968 Mini which he
stripped and rallied as a stage car.
He progressed to Beetles and very
soon was helping out friends with
maintenance and repairs on their
Beetles. As time went by this hobby as Girl Friday. Since the time of
grew to such an extent that 2006 he our visit they have just moved into
and Fiona set up Vale Restorations, expand into new, specially designed
initially running part-time and facilities including an engine shop
taking on both minor repairs and full and new paint booth for high top
on restorations of predominantly vehicles, giving them more scope to
on VWs but also a variety of classic take on more restoration and repair
cars from Minis and Morris Minors work as well as bespoke projects.
to Lancia and Land Rovers. This As well as minor repairs, full
proved so successful that by 2014 engine rebuilds, body repairs and
they decided they decided to go restorations they also provide
full time with son Lewis Neale now an airbrushing, bespoke artwork
looking after body work, spraying, service, roof lining refits, pop top
airbrushing and Stephanie Morris repairs and fabric replacements
1. Custom
airbrushing and its
inspiration
2. Prepping the
bodywork on a
Karmann Ghia
1 2
BEHIND THE SCENES

3
as well as summer and winter 3. Lovely refurbished

case ready for
maintenance and servicing and re-assembly
MOT work. They also do interior 4. Kevin enjoying his
refits including furniture and beds, work 6
internal electrics and headlinings 5. Rebuilt Type 4
and painting of interior units to motor ready for
refitting
match exterior paintwork for clients and every project is different as each and Fiona love being part of the VW
6. Bespoke cabinet
who really want a bespoke finish . work and trimming
customer has a unique vision of how scene and helping clients build their
Even jobs like converting tin tops to in progress they want to spend their time with dream vehicle as well as keeping their
pop tops can be taken on. their vehicles, so we get to do some cherished classic on the road. As well
Kevin says, “The best thing about amazing things.” as using their own buses for holidays
my job is meeting a sad vehicle and When we dropped in to see them in Europe they also love going to
making it new again. Giving it a new they were still in the former premises, shows, catching up with customers
or an extended life is very satisfying and planning for the move to a bigger and swapping stories and adventures.
purpose built unit. At that time As bus lovers and proud bus owners
they were busy working on five Bay themselves they fully understand the
Campers that required various body, passion the VW Bus engenders, and
engine and mechanical works as well love being able to combine work
as a fire truck Land Rover, a Karmann and pleasure.
Ghia and a T3 with accident damage So if you are searching for
for repair. The move has gone someone who will care for your
successfully and already they have bus as if it’s their own, give Vale
lots of projects booked in for 2017. Restorations a call!
The personal service and quality
of workmanship offered by Vale Vale Restorations Ltd, Bennets Hill
Business Park, Long Hyde Road, South
Restorations means many customers Littleton, Evesham WR11 8TB
return for their summer, winter and T: 07855 384536
pre-MOT maintenance work, as well W: www.valerestorations.com
f: valerestorations
as bodywork maintenance. Kevin
BEHIND THE SCENES

Friendly & fun, a family VW bus event for all types
T S O N S A L E N O W
TICKE
7-9 July 2017
For more information call 01244 881895

DRAISINE
RAIL BUSES
Rolling stock
Of all the special body conversions on the VW Bus, the Railway
Bulli has to be one of the most unusual.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREAS NEUGEBAUER
1: Restored and
I
n 1955 thirty very special Bullis fully functional
were commissioned by the Klv20 1510 now
takes passengers
German Railway to be converted on special outings!
into maintenance and track
2: All Draisine
inspection vehicles that would run were Barndoor
on the railway tracks. Known as models. Note the
Draisine, they were a development special rear lamp.
from the motorised trolleys 3: No steering

currently being used and were built wheel needed.
A new specially
by the firms Beilhack and WMD calibrated speedo
Waggonfabrik, who produced fifteen was fitted however.
each. The Draisine had fixed axles 4: No steering
and the specially adapted wheels wheel needed.
A new specially
were lined with rubber to increase calibrated speedo
traction. Forward facing travel was was fitted however.
the usual mode with a maximum
speed of 45mph (70 kph); reverse was
only used for shunting. To change
1
direction a hand operated hydraulic
pump lowered a steel frame down Draisine Klv 20 1510 is now

between the rail tracks and raised part of the working museum
the bus up; it was then rotated by collection belonging to the EFG
hand and lowered back onto the rails (“Eisenbahnfreunde Grenzland”),
facing the other way. As the vehicle an historic railway preservation
runs on the track there is no need society just over the border near
for a steering wheel in the cab! Most Aachen in Germany. It was one of
were decommissioned into the 70s the fifteen Beilhack built models and
but one was in use right up to 1997 had been rescued and restored in
2
and only eight are known to survive. 2009. It still runs on tracks to attend
One of these, still in full working special events, such as the one here
action, was spotted by Andreas in Limberg, and demonstrations of its
Neugebauer at a Steam Weekend ability to rotate through 180 degrees
hosted by the South Limberg Steam always fascinate the crowds! On
Railway Company, a heritage special EFG open days it even takes
railway operating in the south of the passengers for rides and is a star
Netherlands and into Germany. attraction.
4&5: A steel frame
is lowered, which
raises the bus up
3 so it can be turned
by hand to face the
opposite direction.
4 5
SPECIAL BODIES
SHOWS
UTAH VW CLASSIC
Utterly Utah
September sunshine greeted over 240 Volkswagens that had filled
Riverton’s City Park for the annual Utah VW Classic.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: ERIC ARNOLD
1: Totally gorgeous
stock Samba
2: Bay Way
3: Rail Baja in Herbie

livery
4: Some of the 40
proud award winners
5: This lucky raffle

ticket holder took
home a fully dressed
and running engine!
6: Porsche parade
One lucky raffle ticket holder took home a fully
T
he great thing about
this event is it’s all free,
with the aim of bringing
dressed and running engine!
together VW lovers to
raise money for charity. This annual 7: Star spangled came and went as it suited their was a breeze with the direction of
event is going strong, now in its 7th buggy schedules, and all had a good time. the host club. Before you knew it,
year and each year this event raises 8: Utah Transporter Early Saturday, the park began the park was nearly full of show
money for a program called “Bussin’ Crew with their “Utah to fill with VWs, old and new. The cars and swappers. Walking through
Dash” award
for Santa”. The Utah Transporter grounds are cleverly marked with the area, you could find just about
Association chooses a family to 9 How low can road signs to show each area; Bug everything. Kombis, campers, panels
you go?
sponsor during the holidays. They Haven, Bay Way, and Type Three and deluxes were plentiful for the
use the proceeds from the show Street to name a few. Show parking Bus lovers. Beetles of every sort
to purchase gifts for the deserving
family, and deliver them with a huge
caravan of vintage Buses. It’s a very
unique and rewarding cause!
Folks in town early were
treated to an open house event at
SouthTowne Volkswagen. More than
forty VWs lined the street outside
the dealership, and the attendees
had the chance to relax, meet new
friends, and even grab a bite to eat
from Bumblebee’s KBBQ & Grill
1
food truck. As a casual affair, people
SHOWS
2 3
9
SHOWS
SHOWS
UTAH VW CLASSIC
10
10: Open house at

were well represented, as were and finally, they had to pick up an the South Towne
Things, Type 3, and water cooled egg from a carton, and smash it on dealership before the
main event
cars dating from the 80’s to today! the head of one of their clubmates.
About midday was the ‘Club Race’, Half of those eggs were hard-boiled, 11: Unlucky - you
got a real egg dude!
or as it has become to be known, and the other half raw; it wasn’t
the ‘Utah Dash’. Any VW club in until the egg was cracked did they 12: Love the colour
of this ragtop Oval
attendance can compete in a race know what they had picked. Some
featuring a few different skills to see teams came away clean, while others
who can complete the tasks in the literally had egg on their faces! For
shortest amount of time. Stage one the first time, the host club, the Utah
was to put a series of VW photos in Transporter Association won the
order of manufacture date, while Dash and the prize is literally
blindfolded, with help from their a Dash!
11
teammates. The next step was a As the day drew to a close, more
three-legged race, with two club than 40 awards were distributed
members racing down to a certain to the top rides, as voted on by Arizona. The top Water cooled
point and back, with their legs in a the attendees. Aircooled Best of prize was Becki Jo Fisher’s 1986
sack. The stage three participants Show was Aaron Swinney’s 1956 Carbio. The festivities culminated
had to roll a tyre down and back, Euro Ragtop Beetle from Phoenix, in an engine giveaway, provided by
Blackline Racing of Murray, Utah.
One lucky raffle ticket holder took
home a fully dressed and running
engine!
Soon after, everyone packed up
and began their exodus home. In all,
it is certain everyone enjoyed their
day at the Utah VW Classic. On the
heels of such a great show, I am sure
we’ll be seeing an even bigger event
in 2017!
The Utah Transporter Association
would like to give special thanks to
KCW for sponsoring the show, and
to Blackline Racing for building the
12
raffle motor.
SHOWS
1958 SINGLE CAB
Two Tone
Truck
While an individual vehicle will always
represent a huge amount of interest,
sometimes the people who have owned it,
also take a high degree of relevance.
W O R D S A N D P H OTO G R A P H Y: PAU L B U S S E Y.
Simple, stock
his is very much due to its faded original colour,” cab – no fuel
T the case with Chris

Hansen’s 1958 Type
2 Splitscreen pick-up
truck, which has very strong family
remembers Chris. “At some point
it was painted in a white/eggshell
colour. My uncle was also a huge
Volkswagen fan and he and my
gauge (only
standard from
1961!)
Sealing Wax
Red under Ivory
links going back decades. The truck aunt purchased a Westy SO42, makes a perfect
was previously owned by Chris’ off the factory production line in mild custom
combination that
Uncle Steve and Aunt Maria, who 1964 in Germany. They toured all retains period feel.
live in Ontario, Southern California over Europe and the UK, prior
Lovely clean
and prior to that it was owned by to shipping it back to the USA. straight lines
Maria’s mother and father, who Unfortunately the SO42 was sold are the result of
painstaking body
used it as their shop truck in the before I let my aunt know that I’d be preparation
early 1960s. It’s not known if they interested in purchasing it. However,
purchased it brand new. Chris was I was lucky enough to be able to
born and brought up in San Diego, purchase their old 1958 pick-up
California USA, where he lived for truck in 2013. My cousin’s husband
the first 30 years of his life, before posted a picture of the truck on
moving to England over 17 years ago Facebook, stating he was selling it
and he now lives in Norfolk. for a family member. I immediately
“My aunt and uncle used to refer telephoned my dad in California and
to the truck as the ‘Old Tomato Can’ asked him if it was Uncle Steve’s
1958 SINGLE CAB

The drop sides were warped, bent,
ripped and required the removal of a
myriad of dents.
truck? He then called my Aunt far worse than he had been led to
Maria and confirmed it was and that believe! Much more work would be
I was interested in having it. She required than originally anticipated,
was overjoyed I wanted it and that as so often is the case.
it would stay in the family. This was “It wasn’t too rusty, but was far
before I had checked the logistics of more beaten up than I remembered
getting it to the UK.” from my youth, with lots and lots
For over a year (February 2013 - of dents,” points out Chris. “You
March 2014) the truck was stored could also see the road through the
in Chris’ grandfather’s garage in floor, my cousins loved that as kids,
Southern California. His dad would to be able to watch the road go by
send him photos and completed under the truck! It was important
some work in readiness prior to for me to keep the truck in our
the truck eventually arriving in the family and I have always been a
UK with Chris on 10th June 2014 Volkswagen guy. My first car was
and at first sight, the condition was a 1963 rag top Beetle, that my dad
1958 SINGLE CAB

1958 SINGLE CAB

and I worked on together. I always

remembered visiting my aunt and
uncle and this pick-up truck would
be in the garden, beat up and full
of all types of rubbish. There were
boulders, garden waste, tree trunks
and ladders hanging over the cab.
Between the age of 16 – 18 I was very
big into VWs and thought what a
great truck this would be if it was all
done up. I knew then how special it
was.”
Not long after the truck arrived in
the UK, Chris made a list of a good
many replacement parts that would
be required. A couple of weeks later.
he flew to the USA on holiday and
was able to purchase much of what
he needed. When he returned the
restoration of the truck commenced.
Luckily the only sections of the
bodywork that needed to be
replaced were part of the cab floor,
Top The truck just prior to be shipped to the UK
Upper middle Steering wheel refurbishment – as where all the water collected, the
much as possible has been kept original treasure chest doorskin and sill and
Lower middle Cab body prepped, primed and ready for paint
Bottom Ancillaries all sprayed ready for fitting about two-inches along the front
under the nose. In addition to this,
1958 SINGLE CAB

US buses had
bullet style front
flashers fitted as
standard from
1955
Stock 1600 twin

port has replaced
the original
1200cc unit.
Wood panelling
lines the drop side
recesses for extra
protection.
The bench seat

had already been
reupholstered in
the USA, using a
tan vinyl material
both ribbed bumpers have been “It’s all part of the truck’s history
replaced. The rear one was missing anyway.”
anyway and quite hard to source, as Once the bodyshell had been
they are a different shape to a Bus stripped, it was then sand blasted
bumper. to remove any corrosion and then
Perhaps the most problematic the huge job of dent removal
aspect of the bodywork restoration, commenced, Once it was a straight
was getting the drop sides straight, as possible, the huge task of sanding,
they were so warped, bent, ripped filling and priming got underway.
and required the removal of a Chris had help from two friends,
myriad of dents. They were so bad Paul Betts and Shaun Dunthorn,
that Chris even considered replacing both of whom work in the paintshop
them, but originality dictated they at Lotus Cars. The final repaint was
had to be repaired. VW restorer completed at Paul’s workshop, with
Pete Sennck was entrusted with the chosen colours being red for the
this job, which entailed making new bottom, very close to the original
box sections where necessary. Chris colour and the top half being L62
has filled the internal recesses with Ivory. “I wanted this two/tone
wood panels and should he ever scheme that would look correct for
transport anything large that moved the year, as if the truck was a special
about, there won’t be any dents order,” says Chris. “I believe the
poking out on the other side! The original red could be Sealing Wax
floor of the bed was straightened as Red as that was a 1958 colour and
best as possible, but some wear is we matched it by making a scan of
still evident and will remain. “We the original colour, taken from a
could have spent the rest of out vent cover in the cab, after polishing
lives getting it perfect,” quips Chris. it out. The bed was primed, stone
1958 SINGLE CAB

1958 SINGLE CAB
The red we used was mixed from The new

style of circular on the back of the truck, which has
combined brake been named ‘Bity’ after him.
making a scan of the original colour, and tail lights was
Chris intends to keep the truck
introduced in
taken from a vent cover in the cab, March ’57 for US
buses, and from
forever and also has some possible
future few plans. “I’d like to build
after polishing it out June 1958 for
Europe. a deck on the bed, so I can play
with a band as I’m a drummer,”
Sealing Wax
chipped and then top coated. With The interior retrim has been Red and Ivory he enthused. “I’d also love a large
both Paul and Shaun being top simply finished using marine were factory drawer that slides out of the treasure
colours for Pick
sprayers at Lotus Cars, the finished plywood that’s been lacquered, for Ups in 1958 and chest. The idea of replacing the
paint job is seriously impressive, the head lining, kick panels and combining them marine ply doorcards, etc, with
into a two tone
considering it was done in Paul’s doorcards. The bench seat had scheme gives the
bamboo panels is also appealing. It
shed/workshop!” Indeed, the truck already been reupholstered in the truck a factory would be great to mount a round
now looks an absolute peach. USA, using a tan vinyl material, with special order look. vintage red Bosch light at the rear of
The next job was to go through the metal base being sand blasted the cab, making stopping even more
the running gear with a fine and then painted black. Other visible to other road users!”
toothcomb, renewing parts where original fixtures and fittings include
necessary. Originally a 1200cc the speedometer, steering wheel,
engine was fitted, but at some time radio block off plate and ashtray.
this had been replaced with a stock Re-assembly was completed in
1600cc twin port, and the original mid February 2015 just in time for
reduction boxes have also been Chris to honour his brother in law’s
retained. last wish, to be taken to his funeral
With thanks to...
“My dad John Hansen for starting me on this

crazy VW journey over 30 years ago. My Aunt
Maria and my cousin Alicia (this truck was
going to be hers, but she lives in Zimbabwe
now). To Paul Betts and Shaun Dunthorn for
their skill and know how. Also Paul Johnson at
the Mid Norfolk Car Company, for his major
help with keeping the project going and
offering regular advice (www.mn-aircooled.
co.uk) and to my wife Nicola, who let me
purchase the truck in the first place!”
1958 SINGLE CAB

Bus Trader
VW campervan classified adverts.
SOLD VW T25 CAMPERVAN 4 BERTH SYNCRO T25 CAMPERVAN T25 HIGH TOP, 1988 E REG
£10,000 1989 93564

£11,000 2010 81700 £8,995 1990 135000 BERKSHIRE 07899890666
HITCHIN ASHFORD, KENT hazel.wray@googlemail.com
07775578347 01303 814957 Left hand drive diesel 1.6 Syncro £7,000 1988 109000
chrismennie@btinternet.com vincemingay@btinternet.com campervan Westfalia conversion. EMSWORTH
Colour coded front and rear spoiler, VW Camper Van T25 High top. 1990 1989 Czech firetruck converted with 079801844180/
20” Range Rover alloys, sides and g reg. 4 berth 2ltr water cooled Joker interior and re sprayed approx 07999798307
rear tinted glass, electric windows, boxer (waterboxer) petrol. 4 berth 6 years ago, barn stored since. Rear Keldridge2007@yahoo.co.uk
remapped to 130bhp, ply lined, , rock and roll bed plus further diff lock only, rock n roll bed and For sale - Vw t25 high top 1.9dg
insulated and carpeted in dark double in roof. Has been subject pop top roof, (sleeps 4) sink, table, 3 1988 e reg, 109,000 miles,very
grey. LED day running lights. Just to restoration some years ago way fridge, great reliable van.. good condition so not had to do
been serviced and 12 months MOT. including full re paint, re trimmed any major work and non needed. 4
Excellent condition.T26. Cool van. interior. fitted body kit and set berth,mot till mid next year .3 way
of alloy wheels. White with blue T5 CAMPER LOW MILEAGE fridge,captains chair,table, 2 burner
upholstery. Fitted with grill/hob, sink, 156BHP gas hob and grill. Buddy’s seat.
T5 KOMBI AUTO FOR SALE fridge, Sink. Fresh water tank and waste
tank. Leisure battery. Weatherproof
cover.2 awnings -1 new vango air.
RIGHTHAND DRIVE BAY Gas bottle
FOR SALE
FOR SALE VW T4 LWB 2.4D
£28,000 2009 42000

£8,750 2005 99100 PORT TALBOT
BERKHAMSTED £8,500 1976 62800 07967049354
07751086151 PENRITH 07875238109 paul.bromhead@virgin.net
norman.groves@ntlworld.com kim@kseymour.plus.com Full conversion by Clearcut
My ownership since 2006, Tiptronic 1976 bay for sale owned for 20 Conversions in May with additional
auto, FSH, 2.5L, 99,100, metallic years, solid wood interior, double upgrades, remapped by Celtic £6,495 1994 181094
blue,17” alloys, 2 rear sliding doors, burner grill ,sink no fridge, poptop Tuning and show custom paint job. SALTASH 07774520412
tailgate, cruise, satnav, CD cassette, with 2 hammocks, tyres good all Low mileage 42000 miles from markbilly@hotmail.co.uk
air con, 5 VW seats (fronts covered round. Some bodywork needed at new, full dealer service history and For sale t4 lwb 12mths mot,carpeted
since new), rear heater, electric rear panels to do this sold with the receipts etc. I’m the second owner. interior with bed tv and storage
windows, alarm, immobiliser, parking van and doors need some work but I’ve spent £32k on this van since last ,electrics fitted for campsite hookup
sensors, lined, just serviced, new priced to reflect this. MOT till Oct December. Please email me for full with two interior sockets ,awning
MOT. 2017, engine done 35000 miles spec and additional photos. Paint for sliding door ,curtains fitted ,new
since replaced almost ready front tyres and rear shocks
SUPERB VWT5 TRANSPORTER

2.0 BLACK T4 2.5 TDI
T3 TRANSPORTER PANEL VAN
£1,800 1988 140000
LIVERPOOL 07928104115
johnimms@msn.com
T3 panel van for sale, green, new petrol
tank,new clutch pipe,new battery
all in last two months, good runner
used every day by joiner. MOT READY.
currently on a SORN. brilliant van for
conversion process. If its a van you
£12,500 2000 105000 want then this is a good cheap one.
HATFIELD 07956590365
jamesyoung@outlook.com Create a classified ad in volkswagen camper & commercial,
£19,600 2013 43500 Owned 16 years, 2.5 Tdi ACV completely FREE OF CHARGE!
YORK 07983149604 Ottinger 130bhp Factory electric
Visit: www.volkswagencamper.co.uk/for-sale
rascills@gmail.com pack, sunroof, mirrors, windows,
Very reluctant sale due to house Air Con, 2nd sunroof, Leather and follow the instructions, selling your bus has never been so easy!
move. Van is a real head turner. Full seats, steering wheel. T5 floor rails, Or if you’d like a PREMIUM LISTING,
service history, 10 months MOT, captain seats, fridge/heater pop up contact Wendy at:wendy.lennon@jazzpublishing.co.uk.
Viper Green, excellent condition, table Project two Front end, grill,
lady owner, new front tyres, engine lights, with HID upgrades on dip The information in this section is provided without warranty of any kind. Anyone is
mapped when purchased by beam. Rare Project two’s wheels & allowed to list their vehicles for sale on this website and no checks have taken place
Imperial Vans. 5 seats, 63 Plate. BFGoodrich tyres. Too much to list ... by us, you should always take care when buying a vehicle from anyone.
BUS TRADER
Sitting on the
Dock of the Bay…

Purchase Woes
Caveat Emptor: Buyer Beware
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE CLEMENTS
ith the large amount
W of relatively dry buses

imported from around
the world into the UK, I
had assumed the chance of someone
paying over the odds for a lashed up
Mike Clements is
a long term Bay
bus would be dramatically reduced
window owner, and I think it is, but it’s still going on.
www.earlybay.
A colleague had mentioned to
com administrator,
and DIY mechanic. me that his daughter and partner
“I love setting off were ‘shopping’ for a bus recently.
in our ’68 Westy
Campmobile for I gave some general advice and
weekends away offered to look at anything that took
or on European
road trips… as they’re fancy. I looked at a few sets
long as my wife of pictures that were passed onto
has packed the
kitchen sink.”
me and dismissed them for various
reasons and the last set of pictures
I was shown were promising but
insufficient, pictures taken from
a distance, under trees, or with
an awning attached are not really Their dream of tootling into the sunset
suitable to make an informed
purchase decision upon. After on an air cooled adventure took an
mentioning this it was with a raised
eyebrow that the next news I heard
immediate back seat
was they the van in question had
been purchased. A right hand drive them a European road trip, nor even into a local deal enthusiastically and
restored bus for around £15,000. a wet weekend at a UK pop festival. whose naivety was taken advantage
Alarm bells in my head automatically The bus had been taken into a local of. To any potential buyers who are
Above: Potential rang loud and clear, but maybe I’m garage for a check and had been considering such a purchase I implore
purchase? Get it
checked out. just too cynical? I wished them well, condemned. Belly pans made from you to get a bus checked out before
and hoped they would enjoy it. corrugated metal, floors created from finalising a deal. Some dealers, such
Below: If you’re not
sure what to look for,
It gave me no pleasure at all to hear flat plate, cross members built up as Type 2 Detectives offer a pre
ask an expert. the next part of the story. Not for from thick underseal and a steering purchase inspection service, or you
box fixed to a fibreglassed chassis could arrange for the bus to be given
section were some of the obvious an MOT inspection at a test station of
concerns. The bus had been recently your choice. Otherwise, simply ask on
mot tested which suggests either any owner’s club forum or Facebook
very lax testing somewhere or the group and there is usually someone
possibility of illegal testing, either of who can and will help you. Refunding
which cause great concern. The new somebody for their fuel costs and
owners now face a massive financial time will be a small price to pay if it
loss, paying out for a lot of repair saves you the cost of a bus restoration
work or possibly a legal battle and that you hadn’t planned for and will
quite feasibly all three. In any case, be money well spent. Buying a bus is
the dream of tootling into the sunset a major financial outlay these days
on an air cooled adventure took an and purchasing an old bus that’s been
immediate back seat. used, abused and in all likelihood
This isn’t the first time I have been kept outdoors for over forty
touched upon this subject, the years is bound to bring with it various
previous occasion I wrote about issues. Please don’t get the whole
a long distance purchase that had experience off to a bad start by being
gone wrong, in this case it was a hoodwinked. Get that dream bus
couple of new owners that rushed checked over!
SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY


Mercial TruePDF-January 2017

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mercial TruePDF-January 2017

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PACKED WITH THE BEST VOLKSWAGEN BUSES EVERY MONTH

Volkswagen THE ORIGINAL & BEST VW CAMPER MAGAZINE

A whiter shade of pale BUS DOCTOR

January 2017 ISSUE 111 £3.95

2017 WEEKENDER 1966 DELUXE 1987 CUSTOM T3 1958 SINGLE CAB

SUPER VW FEST ROLLING STOCK

The original and best VW bus magazine since 2000 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk

W Santa did not bring

and white seem to have taken over!

EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER ACCOUNTS & ADMIN MANAGER SUBSCRIPTIONS

36 Sound And Vision 14

64 A Whiter Shade Of Pale

82 Two Tone Truck

Also in this issue

42 Travel: To the End of the

25 Camper Mail 90 Column: Sitting on

48 The Barefoot Chef

70 This Month in the

The cab has

1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS

1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS

All in the detail...

First up is the motor – the original

1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS

Wine rack and

The roof has

1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS

With thanks to...

Sarah Taylor - the long suffering VW widow

If you want to talk about a restoration project

1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS

Flip And Sit

NEWS & PRODUCTS

Win Free Tickets WE HAVE TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY

From Tuesday 21 to Sunday 26

Solve Those Battery Charging Or Load Carrying Issues

NEWS & PRODUCTS

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

The pop top

M simply walked away

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

All in the detail...

interior I wanted!” and rear screens.

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

I’m lucky my wife is understanding as

1973 CUSTOM CAMPER

there doesn’t seem to be anywhere this wire

Camper Mail and each “Letter of the month” will receive a

Your chance to share a pic, story, a tip or even a grouse!

Crank sensor and timing Coil pack and throttle body

Fuel pipes and wiring Connect a laptop

Cab seats have

T nature of the UK’s VW

Subtle exterior custom styling tweaks

All in the detail...

The SCA high

lift roof is fitted with a further bed. Note the

navigation and entertainment

The van now

With thanks to...

Pioneer Audio System ﬁtted

Rolling Homes Camper Ltd.