Volkswagen Camper Commercial 100 - 2016-02

Volkswagen THE ORIGINAL & BEST VW CAMPER MAGAZINE
&Commercial
THE 100 ISSUE! TH

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PACKED WITH THE BEST VOLKSWAGEN BUSES

FROM EACH GENERATION, AS WELL AS TRAVEL,
SHOWS, LIFESTYLE AND LOTS MORE…
February 2016 ISSUE 100 £3.95
PLEASE MENTION VW CAMPER & COMMERCIAL MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS.
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
Centre Poster
T
o issue 100! 15 years on and the magazine is Simon Coke
going from strength to strength—and some Cover
of you have been with us on this journey for Eric Arnold
all that time! We were the first magazine Contributors:
Simon Baxter
to be devoted to the VW bus—a brave venture back then.
Steve Leatham
Initially we were subscription only and just four issues per Rob Hawkins
year, but over the last 15 years we have gone to bi-monthly, Richard Copping
then stocked in shops and newsagents, then monthly, then Mike Clements
increased up to 100 pages, and what started out for me as a Paul Bussey
sideline hobby has somehow turned into a full-time job. I Simon Cooke
can’t believe that until 2010 I was a Head of English but still Eric Arnold
Cameron Hughes
found time to do the magazine!
Jarrod Walsh
Ben Hayes edited the first four issues of the magazine and I Emma Leask
was just a contributor before taking up the editor’s mantle in
2001. That very first issue set the tone for what was to come,
written by enthusiasts who own and are passionate about
buses and covering the whole of the bus scene. The first issue
cover bus was Phil Ralph’s mint Sealing Wax Red SO 23
camper (where is that now?) and the commercial side was
represented by Steve Nolan’s immaculate 1964 Single Cab
pick up and Kev Edwards’ 1979 Panel Van. Simon Baxter (one
of our Bus Doctors) told us about his 1980 T3 Panel (which
ran 20 seconds on the quarter-mile drag strip) and there was
also a feature about syncro action in Australia. BBT Bob’s 1951
Temp Matador was also featured. Shows included a very wet
Brighton Breeze (only on its third time) and Vanfest, which
was hit by the fuel crisis that saw Britain grind to a halt,
whilst Travel took us round Snowdonia in a Split Dormobile. Panel Van converted into a custom camper. Enjoy!
There was even an article about bus websites on the internet, To mark and celebrate 100 issues we have a very special
a relatively new thing back then! prize for one lucky reader—a mega bundle of goodies worth
This mix of gorgeous stock and customised campers over £800! It could be you—remember you have to be in it to
and commercials, shows, travel, lifestyle, new products, win it. Full details of prizes and how to enter on page 18.
readers’ letters and columnists is still the at the core of what
Drive your bus;
Volkswagen Camper & Commercial magazine is all about,
enjoy your bus
now enhanced by the regular How To guides, Bus Doctor
advice, the Barefoot Chef’s recipes and musings, archive
brochure materials, workshop and business profiles, and
stories from readers.
Issue 100 continues that successful mix and variety of
buses with a stock ’65 sunroof Microbus from the USA, a
editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk
highly modded custom paint ’63 Panel, an Australian-built
Dormobile with Westfalia interior, a fully original 1979 twitter.com/vwcampermag
Westfalia Berlin, a ’91 syncro Panel Van, and a former T4 facebook.com/volkswagencamper
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 ADVERTISING SALES SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES

David Eccles Justine Hart Ext. 235 Karen Hall Ext. 301 Katy Cuffin 01244 881888 Ext 501
editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk justine@jazzpublishing.co.uk karen@volkswagencamper.co.uk magazines@jazzpublishing.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT ACCOUNTS & ADMIN MANAGER DEPUTY PUBLISHER
Dave Richards Gareth Williams Ext. 302 Emma McCrindle Ext. 274 Fergus McShane
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DESIGNER EVENTS DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION MANAGING DIRECTOR
Sarah Barnes Shelley Bond Ext. 303 Jan Schofield Ext 219 Stuart Mears
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CREATIVE MANAGER ADVERTISING MANAGER CREDIT CONTROL DISTRIBUTION
David Gamble Mark McCarthy Ext. 304 Pam Coleman Ext. 215 Susan Saunders Tel: 0207 4294073,
david@jazzpublishing.co.uk mark@jazzpublishing.co.uk pam@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 100— January 2016
10
40
Feature Buses
10 Summer Bay
When you need a bus to tow a boat, a two litre is a
clear winner.
18
20 Syncro Surf Bus
An unmolested four wheel driver, still without windows.
20
40 Two, Twenty Five
An eleven window with a ragtop - rare?
60 Caramac Camper
It’s not an Early Bay and it’s not been slammed either…
what went wrong?!
74 ‘Humbus Rides Again’ 72

Curious, a bus that looks like a big ol’ humbug!
60
88 Sticker Bombed Show Winner
Cameron couldn’t understand what his dad was
thinking... and then suddenly, all became clear!
74 88 54
CONTENTS
8 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Issue 10
1
on sale
Februa
ry 25
34
Also in this issue

34 Morocco by bus: Part 3
Regulars The Blue Ridge Mountains have nothing on this!
56 Volksfling Mk 2
16 News & Products Subscribe
The second Volksfling event of 2015.
And our biggest ever giveaway! from only
66 Berkley Castle
26 The Bus Doctor It’s been said before, but that’s a stunning backdrop for a
Turn to page 25 for more information
A problem shared is a problem VW show.
halved.
46 Brighton Breeze
29 Camper Mail Still the brightest and best?
A Silverfish discovery?
80 Isle of Arran
30 How to It’s like Scotland, but much smaller.
This month Rob shows how to
replace a clutch. 84 Behind the scenes
46 This month David visits Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers.
70 Brochure Line
Is it a boat?
54 Barefoot Chef
Cooks a badger from
Buckinghamshire.
98 Dock of the Bay

Are you covered?
84 80
CONTENTS
1975 DORMOBILE
Summer Bay
“We specifically wanted a two-litre to tow
our classic motorboat and it had to be
right-hand drive...”
WORDS: DAVE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
The rubber
anice and Keith times when we have thought that
J
mats are retained
Burgess visit many a larger motorhome might be in the front to
maintain a degree
Classic Motor Boat better, but they just don’t have the
of practicality
Association events convenience in terms of size that whilst jumping in
throughout the UK and felt that the Volkswagen does, particularly & out, launching
boats!
a Volkswagen camper would tick when launching and recovering the
a good many boxes for them. Not boat down a slipway!” The colour
coding is done
only would it provide them with It was back in November 2009, with a degree of
a bit of a base, somewhere to stay that they saw ‘their’ camper subtlety, the green
from the bellows
overnight. It could also be used to advertised for sale by G’Day continues into the
tow the boat to the meeting and it Kombi’s. A recent import from cab door logo.
was also becoming something of a Australia it fitted the bill precisely.
And you
classic in its own right. “We chose A two-litre type 4 engine and thought that
the VW because of its convenient right hand drive. “We also wanted Summer Bay was
the location for an
size, its iconic status and feel. a full-width bed and liked the Australian soap!
It would also fit nicely into one layout that the Westfalia interior
of our garages. There have been provided; a sink, hob, refrigerator,
We chose the VW because of its convenient

size, its iconic status and feel
1975 DORMOBILE
hanging wardrobe and various other
cupboards and storage areas”.
It turns out that the bus had
been imported a year previously.
The bodywork, coming from
the Antipodes had not been too
bad, but any problem areas had
been addressed properly and the
vehicle repainted in Banana Yellow
and Pastel White. It was also
undersealed thoroughly to prepare
it for its new life in the hostile
Northern Hemisphere.
The mechanical side of things
had not fared too badly either,
but the bus was over thirty years
old and many components were
simply replaced as a matter of
course. New wheels and tyres, brake
discs, suspension arms, bushes
and window rubbers. The tatty
1975 DORMOBILE
1975 DORMOBILE
flooring was replaced with a sharp

black and white check and the
louvred windows were removed and
replaced with more secure sliding
windows. The bus was completely
re-wired, the dynamo replaced
with an alternator and fitted with a
leisure battery and a 240 Volt mains
hook up. Billy and the rest of the
G’Day team took a close look at the
ageing Dormobile interior, before
removing and burning it!
At that point, they had a number
of Westfalia Continental interiors
in stock that they’d removed from
buses destined to be fitted with their
own brand new custom furniture
and by combining parts from a
selection of these used interiors,
they managed to put together a
really nice combination which they
1975 DORMOBILE
The bodywork, coming from
the Antipodes had not been
too bad
The Westfalia
fitted to the Burgess’ camper. interior, whilst of
They designed the new upholstery excellent quality
has a degree of
and door/side cards using the colour industrialism
of the new roof bellows and a pair about it…
of Dunlop Green Flash trainers as
… but clever use
inspiration. As you can see, it has of pretty fabric adds
been re-upholstered throughout a very feminine
touch.
in white with ‘Green Flashes’ on
the door cards, the piping and, on The interior is
ideal for a couple,
the seats themselves in a style very but an awning is
reminiscent of the once ubiquitous essential when the
family come round
EMPI stripes.
to chill out too!
The cab features a ‘purpose-made
ebony steering wheel’ which bares
more than a passing resemblance
to a very early Bugatti steering
1975 DORMOBILE
1975 DORMOBILE
All in the detail...

Let’s take a closer look
The Dormobile
wheel. There’s also a proper modern roof is arguably the
radio, a cigarette lighter and an oil best looking pop
top ever made.
temperature gauge to worry the
driver when going up long hills! Crockery and
The couple have left the seats and cushions from Cath
Kidston.
interior exactly as when purchased,
but have changed the curtains, and Dunlop Green
Stripe inspired
have co-ordinated the bedding, upholstery…
cushions and crockery within the
… is again
existing colour scheme to give it a softened in the rear
very soft and feminine feel. by the addition of
more Kath Kidston
“We love the camaraderie that we
in the curtain fabric.
get from other VW owners and it
is a great talking point for its many
admirers and would-be purchasers.
“Since buying the vehicle, we have
discovered that a drive-away awning
Top An unusual reinforced step plate on the back
is an astonishingly useful addition. It
bumper helps with access to the roof rack. works as a place to store all manner
Upper Middle The tow-bar sees regular boat towing action.
of essential boat items as well as
Middle Separate gas compartment with external opening door
Bottom Replacement two litre type 4 engine. somewhere for our toilet. It’s also
somewhere for the family to sit, as
1975 DORMOBILE
An interesting interior, takes a pair of Dunlop
Green Flash trainers as its inspiration
they always insist on coming along

to enjoy our VW lifestyle.
“We spent two glorious weeks
touring Brittany in 2012 on its
original engine and it never missed
a beat, covering 850 miles. In one
particular town, a sullen-faced trio
of French gendarmes (two men
and a woman) suddenly became With thanks to...
animated and had smiles all over
their faces. They were pointing
Janice and Keith would like to thank The AA
and nudging each other, obviously (more than once)
pleased to see us. We had no trouble G’Day Kombi’s for finding us such a fantastic
vehicle (www.gdaykombis.co.uk 01865
parking that day! 409910)
“On the flip side, was the journey Kombi Klassics who do all the servicing and
MOT work (www.kombiklassics.co.uk 01929
to a boating event in Cardiff, just 50 553336)
miles from home. Without warning, J&S Upholstery for the curtains (www.
volkswagencurtains.com 01302 709926)
the engine decided that enough
Just Kampers for supplying all those little bits
was enough and dropped a valve. and pieces so promptly (www.justkampers.
It dumped us into a bus stop for com 01256 862288)
Cath Kidston for interior fabrics, bedding
the best part of six hours whilst we and crockery (www.cathkidston.com
waited for assistance.” 08450 262 440)
1975 DORMOBILE
News and Products
Updates, offers and deals for you and your bus
Cool4campers Photobooth
Looking for your own portable Photobooth to use at weddings,
birthdays/anniversary parties, festivals, corporate events, proms,
Christmas party or charity functions? Cool4campers are the only suppliers
of purpose built Photobooths for Campers and Caravans. Our compact
Photobooths can be used free standing, on a table or mounted inside your van.
The quick set up, plug & play units are easy to use and can be fully customised
(hardware & software) with the ability of having instant social media upload,
green screen, sounds and video capability.
For more information contact:
Mobile +44 (0)07914 015540
Web Cool4campers.co.uk
Email enquiry@cool4campers.co.uk
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
SHOW DIARY
THE MONTH AHEAD
FEBRUARY APRIL
21 February 02–03 April
DUBFREEZE VOLKSWORLD SHOW
Bingley Hall, Stafford Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher,
www.dubfreeze.co.uk Surrey
www.volksworld.com/volksworld-
show
MARCH
06 March 02–03 April
SPRING DUB DUB SHED
Great Yorkshire Show Ground, Har- The Kings Hall, Belfast
rogate gtini.com/dubshed
www.springdub.co.uk
15–17 April
06 March BUS TYPES VW SHOW
DORSET SWAPMEET Oswestry Showground, Oswestry,
Wood rim Steering Spetisbury, Dorset Shropshire
wheel for your Bus! www.dorsetswapmeet.co.uk www.bustypesvwshow.co.uk
13 March 22–24 April

Bus owners looking for a luxury upgrade in the FREDDY FILES: THE HAPPY CAMPER BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS SHOW
steering department have, up until now, been a little Ninove, Belgium Santa Pod Raceway
forgotten about. Having to make do with small sporty facebook.com/freddyfiles-2016-the- www.big-bang.co.uk
happy
wheels that quite simply are too tiny to control your
camper at slow speeds. 29 April–02 May
VW Heritage are pleased to now offer an 18” wood 13 March VW TOMIE
rim wheel from EMPI, with sculpted finger grips on the ULTIMATE DUBS (THE ONLY MEET IS ESSEX)
Telford International Centre, Telford, Orsett Showground, Essex, RM16 3JU
underside to steer your steed in style. The wheel features
UK www.vw-tomie.co.uk
polished chrome spokes and a subtle 1 ½” dish. www.ultimate-dubs.co.uk
Also available is the billet aluminium boss kit, to fit
55-67, 68-74 and 75-79 models. For full listings visit www.vwshows.
To get behind one of these beautiful wheels give the good 18–20 March com. Please check details/ dates with
DUB AID 5 organisers before setting off! If you
guys at VW Heritage a call 01273 444000, or look them Towcester Racecourse have a show and want it listed please
up online under part number AC4004055. The wheel www.dubaid.co.uk
contact:editor@volkswagencamper.co.uk
retails at £199.00 and the boss kit for £89.00.
It’s Brass Monkeys!

And it’s cold enough to freeze them when
this new twice yearly event takes place! It’s a
meeting to start and finish the festival season.
The inaugural gathering took place early in
November with over 400 super cool dubs in
attendance and raised more than £1,000 for the
British Legion.
The next Brass Monkeys will again be held at
the National Diving & Activity Centre, just outside
Chepstow on March 6th.
For more information, follow the Brass Monkeys
on Facebook.
Dominic King
NEWS & PRODUCTS

Camper & Commercial’s
Colossal Issue 100
GIVEAWAY
Win all these prizes—worth over £850!
To celebrate Volkswagen Camper &
Win
Commercial’s 100th edition we have a
mega prize draw giveaway of goodies
for you and your bus worth over £850,
with a range of items kindly donated
by various companies including show
tickets, DVDs, books, T-shirts, cool
!
goodies, vouchers and magazine
subscription! It’s easy to enter, but
you have to be in it to win it! We wish
to thank all the companies who have
donated prizes.
NEWS & PRODUCTS

What’s in the goodie mega bundle?
CAMPER JAM SHOW TICKETS CAMPER CALLING TICKETS

Weekend family tickets to Camper Jam: 2 adults, 3 children A pair of adult tickets for the new show Camper Calling
plus a vehicle pass www.campercalling.com
www.camperjam.com
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION £100 VW HERITAGE VOUCHER

1 Year subscription to Camper and Commercial magazine A voucher worth £100 to spend on any items from the VW
PLUS 1 x 2016 Camper Calendar, 1x T shirt Heritage range of parts and accessories
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk www.vwheritage.com
KLUDOMAN MUSIC & ART VW UK GOODIES

CD box set: Campervan Radio Anthology plus Kludo’s latest Official VW items courtesy VW Commercial UK: Campervan egg
colouring book cup, campervan keyring, and VW UK’s commemorative book 60
www.kludoman.com years of the Transporter.
DESIGNER T-SHIRTS COOL FLO GOODIES

Three exclusive officially licensed and Cool Flo Goodie bag: 2 toiletry/washbags, 2 Cool Flo T shirts, 2
approved by VW T shirts from Tees DVDs The Bus Movie, lanyard and keyring
UK: Explore these Lands, Take the Bus www.coolflo.co.uk
and Vintage VWs designs. Very cool
and stylish!
www.teesuk.com CAMPERVAN GIFT
Stylish Volkswagen Lighter and Cigarette Case Gift Set in
special presentation case: Fold away picnic blanket with
waterproof backing and own carry case.
www.campervangift.co.uk
MEGUAIRS CAR CARE KIT

Meguairs Boxed Car Care Kit: Wash and Wax, Ultimate Wax,
Endurance Tyre Gel, Microfibre wash mitt. Water magnet and 2 x
soft foam pads
www.meguiars.co.uk
PLUS: The History of the Campervan DVD set (the

complete TV series); The Campervan Cookbook; The Long and
Whining Roadbook (round the world in a T3) and two camping
chair clip on wine glass / drinks holders.
Thanks to our sponsors:
HOW TO ENTER
To enter the prize draw and win this mega bundle of goodies is easy!
BY POST
Simply send your name, address, phone and email on to: VW Camper Great Giveaway, Jazz Publishing, The Old School, Higher Kinnerton,
Chester, CH4 9AJ.
ONLINE
Go to www.volkswagencamper.co.uk/competition to enter your details online. Mark your entry ‘GREAT GIVEAWAY’.
Jazz Publishing will never share your details without your permission. Please note this prize draw is only open to UK and NI residents.
CLOSING DATE IS MONDAY FEBRUARY 29th.
NEWS & PRODUCTS

1991 T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN
Syncro
Surf Bus!
Geoff had heard through the local VW club
about a syncro, he knew where it was kept
and he’d even asked about it a few times
WORDS: DAVE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMERON HUGHES
Original front
S
“But the owner, a local panels and the near side step. It was
door cards,
landscape gardener had nothing serious and as I already own seats and sun
always insisted that his a T3 Komet I knew what to look visors were good
enough to be
4X4 was not for sale. out for. The inside was completely simply cleaned.
Then following a chance conversation, standard, a ply-lined panel van. The
As tall as it
he suddenly asked if I was still owner insisted that if he was to sell looks, this is a
interested as he might be selling it, the bus, there should be no windows Syncro running
at standard ride
and he would like it to stay local. cut in the panels as there are very height.
“I couldn’t resist taking a look. few original syncro panel vans left
It had been stored undercover and and he wanted it kept that way.”
unused for 11 years, however first It turns out that the vehicle was
impressions were not too bad as bought on 24th October 1991 by
it started and stopped, and both Her Majesties Forces, possibly
diff locks engaged. The bodywork one of the Scot’s regiments and
appeared solid and from what I was consequently not taxed
could see, only had issues on both until January 1997. It was then
rear arches, the small lower rear brought over to Northern Ireland
There were plans to bring in legislation requiring all

trailers to be towed by four wheel drive vehicles!
T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

where it was used by a painter in

Randalstown, Co Antrim. It was
sold on as it only had three front
seats and was no good for his family.
Finally it was purchased by the
gardener who bought it because at
the time, there were plans to bring in
legislation requiring all trailers to be
towed by four wheel drive vehicles!
“I saw the opportunity to buy
a very straight Syncro which I
could work on and make into a
day/surf bus without too many
problems. I bought the bus in
June 2013 and had it delivered to
Stephen Mawhinney Motors, my
local garage. I’d arranged for them
to complete the majority of the
mechanical work. They were also
happy to keep the bus on site and
work on it in between their other
jobs, this suited me as it helped me
to spread the build costs.
Top The ’Autocube’ was an accessory for the
Mazda Bongo - try finding another! “The brakes were completely
Upper middle Wheels are from MWS and are 15 inch OZ Pluton. renewed; discs, drums, bearings,
Middle Powder coated tow-ball and bumper.
Bottom Remember Cassettes? Oblong pads, shoes, cylinders and
things with two holes in them! callipers. They also changed all
of the fluids including draining
T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

IKEA drop down
buddy seat! the stale diesel from the fuel tank. also removed the top section of the
They replaced the cam belt and bulkhead behind the front seats
Surf pictures
brighten the
pulley and fitted new shocks, ball together with all of the windows and
windowless joints and track rods. competed an excellent respray for an
interior. “While all this was being carried excellent price.
The ’Autocube’ out, I was also able to do some work “I finally got the syncro back
is a very rare on the van myself and removed home in December 2013 and was
accessory for the
Mazda Bongo.
all the under body protection, I able to make a start on the interior.
Paired with ex cleaned it all down, applied rust The front door cards, seats and
airline galley
treatment and repainted it. I then sun visors were good enough to be
trolley—it makes
a very clever and removed all the interior hard board simply removed and cleaned. The
different kitchen and old insulation and cut new rear has been kept very simple, I
installation
plywood panels using the old ones sound proofed the new ply panels
There’s a raised as templates. The front and rear with flash band and insulated them
section built over
engine. The lid bumpers were removed and sent to with bubble foil insulation before
is held up with a be blasted and painted along with covering them with smoke grey
tailgate ram.
the tow bar. A local body shop HT lining carpet. I also made matching
Motors in Doagh, completed the head lining panels and fitted round
required bodywork repairs and LED lights from IKEA with a remote
I saw the opportunity to buy a very straight

syncro which I could make into a surf bus
T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

dimmer control. Finally there’s a in April 2014, Geoff took it to

three-quarter width rock ‘n’ roll bed Dubshed, the largest VW show in
built from a set of Reimo plans. Ireland and was really thrilled to
Geoff has managed to source a be awarded runner up in the water
very rare Mazda Autocube kitchen cooled van section.
pod which was ideal for his plans He loves everything about owning
for a day van as it contains two his Syncro which always gets lots
gas burners, a sink, a 12V cool box of attention wherever he goes. He
and fresh and grey water tanks. It and his wife Nadeina also have a one
can be easily lifted out of the van if owner, full VW service history ‘89
needed. He has twinned this with an T3 Komet which they bought five
aircraft galley trolley which provides years ago and continue to use for
storage and can also be removed holidays and weekends away.
as and when required. These are His final tip? “Before you buy a
both secured to an Unwin cargo rail syncro, do your homework, Don’t
attached to the bulkhead. buy the first one you look at and set Stainless back
box should last for With thanks to...
Although the van was not finished a realistic budget—then double it!” ever.
A Mazda ‘Autocube’ kitchen pod is ideal The Autocube

in action.
for a day van New rear vinyl

floor and ratchet
straps to hold the
galley and cube in
place whilst on the
move.
Geoff would like to thank;
Brickwerks
brickwerks.co.uk
Camper Van Culture

campervanculture.com, 02084 011044
(Great videos)
HT Motors (bodywork)
02893 323314, htmotors@hotmail.co.uk
Stephen Mawhinney Motors

02893 323999
stephenmawhinneymotors.co.uk
Alan H Schofield Ltd

alanhschofield.com, 01457 854267
VW Heritage Parts Centre

vwheritage.com, 01273 444000
And finally Nadeina for her patience and Daniel

his 10-year-old son and body board partner
T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

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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
fluid, which in itself can cause issues. Make

sure you bleed them correctly.
Rods or Cogs? Ian Hall You will find drums ‘terrible’ if you are
Dear Bus Doctor, The most common thing to go wrong is comparing them with feather-touch, power-
A bit advice please needed please... I’ve got the mounting bracket for the gear selector assisted modern vehicles’ brakes. Discs
a ‘71 bay and the gears have been fine since assembly. It breaks and gear selection is usually have a heavier pedal feel; maybe you
I got her about 3 years ago, however over lost. You can replace it without removing need to install a servo, which will give you
the last week or so, I have noticed the gear the engine and gearbox. You just disconnect a much better brake performance. Also note
stick requires some force to select a gear the selector rod, support the transmission that drum brakes need adjustment every
rather than being able to do it with fingertip and remove the front mounting. Then 3,000 miles and this is often overlooked. Try
pressure. I’ve had a look underneath and remove the nosecone to reveal the all the above and you will be much happier
the selector rod runs through a tube with a mounting bracket. You need to remove the with your drum brakes.
rubber boot on each end before it disappears coupler, an 8 mm spanner will do this, the
into the gearbox. Nothing seems amiss, is selector shaft in the box should rotate a Leaking Tubes
this the beginning of a gearbox problem? Or little freely, if the bracket is broken it will Dear Bus Doctor,
maybe it’s just something simple? not usually move. I’ve taken the heads off my ‘78 bay. I want
to stop my push rod tubes leaking, what
is the best/cheapest way to do it? I know
you can get new ones fairly cheaply but are
Low and Smooth? left of the engine near the door, and the VIN they any good? I’m on a bit of a budget, but
Dear Bus Doctor, tag is near the right seat. But for a Split I don’t want to get cheap ones if they will
I’d like to lower my early bay. I don’t want have no idea! just leak again.
it slammed, just ‘tastefully’ lowered. Can Bob Kerr Alan Thomas
you recommend anyone? I would also like a The VIN should be stamped into the tray The tubes shouldn’t leak, unless they’re
rough idea of cost. I’ve not got a lot of garage next to the battery tray on the RHS of the really rusty and have pin holes in them.
space so I’m looking to pay someone to do engine bay and on the side of the fresh air If yours are in decent nick then re-stretch
the work for me. box in the cab. But if you want more info, them. Give them a good clean and refit
Paul de Hayes the Samba forum has many pictures of the properly with decent quality seals. Make
I had a friend who had his Bay lowered various VIN plates for Split-screen buses. sure the block and heads are clean where
by a company called ‘Type 2 detectives’ by they fit. Also, whether you are using new
about 3 inches with smaller tyres on the front, Drum Brake Dilemmas or old, always position the seam at the
turned beam and rear spring plates wound Dear Bus Doctor, top. That way, if it does fail (I’ve seen it
up a couple of splines, it cost about a grand I have just bought a split which obviously happen), you won’t lose all the oil so quickly.
four years ago. They replaced a load of bushes has drum brakes on the front. They are If using the sprung two-piece aluminium
and boots as well, and got it level which it terrible! It has a 1600cc engine, which I type, be sure that the inside bore where the
wasn’t when they started. The ride is hard might upgrade in the future, but I definitely O-ring seal is, is free from burrs. I’ve seen
but acceptable, the bus tracks better, corners want my brakes sorting first. What are my that too, ripping the rubber seal as they are
better and handles better in windy conditions options for upgrading to discs? I have tried assembled. I would also use a top brand/
and it fits into the garage! And it looks great. to read threads on numerous VW forums, supplier too.
It’s 30 mm lower at the front than the back. but there is so much info that I am lost…
All in my opinion of course. I have seen the Starting with the cheapest please! What a Shocker!
work, and they have done a great job. Howard Bosworth Dear Bus Doctor,
The cheapest option would be simply to Can you recommend a set of shocks for a
Splitscreen VIN? keep your drum brakes. It sounds like they ’74 Bay. The bus is lowered, cut and turned
Dear Bus Doctor, just need a proper overhaul. It would be (old school) on the front and two splines
I hope to buy a split project and have started good to start by changing the flexible pipes on the rear. I assume that because it’s been
looking around. Can you help me with the as they deteriorate over time and constrict lowered, a standard shock won’t be any
location of the chassis number/VIN tags internally, causing all sorts of weird brake good or am I wrong?
on a split? In particular the location of the issues. They may look OK on the outside Joan Womack
stamped chassis number. I saw a ’67 with a but will have expanded restricting fluid No, you’re not wrong. On that drop,
chassis number stamped on an aluminium flow which can cause reduced brake feel standard shock absorbers will have next to no
VIN tag, but I could not find a chassis and efficiency. No matter if they look new, if travel. Look in the ‘Heritage bay’ catalogue,
number in the cab. The vin tag in the engine they’re even a few years old, change them as the shocks are listed with their open and
bay is on the engine surround, so it would part of a brake overhaul. While you are doing closed lengths, just match some up for
be easy to swap… I know for a Bay it’s on the that, you will need to replace the old brake your application.
BUS DOCTOR
Camper Mail
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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
Silberfisch
Hello David,
I have a question concerning a magazine about the VW type 2
Silverfish. I have found out that you had a special edition of your
magazine in 2002 about the ‘Silverfish Limited Edition’. Is it
possible to get a copy of the article or the whole magazine? Do you
know more about this limited edition? Because we have bought a
unique version of the Silverfish with a Westfalia roof and interior
and want to find more information about this special camper. I have
read in another magazine that there were seven special versions of
the Silberfisch with the Westfalia equipment built in those days. But
I don’t have any proof for this. That’s why I am still researching on
this issue. I will keep you updated on our restoration but it will take
a while before it will be on the road again. there were also two black pinstripes running around the beltline.
Thank you for your help! The interior was trimmed in Azure Blue cloth velour with matching
Regards, carpets. It was fitted with a host of top end optional extras including:
Natascha Lührmann, Germany chromed quarter lights for cab and passenger windows and chrome
window trim, rubber inserts strips on bumpers, jailbars, foglights,
The Silberfisch (Silver Fish) article was published in Issue 7 heated rear window, padded dash, headrests, anti-dazzle rear view
(Summer 2002)—one of my first features as editor! The Silberfisch mirror, Braunschweig radio, lockable glove compartment lid, trip
was a Special Edition commemorative model produced near the end counter and clock, lockable fuel cap, halogen headlights and reversing
of Bay production in June 1978 and sold exclusively in Germany. Only lights. The one we featured is especially rare as it was a one off
1600 were built and I believe only six are known to survive. It was special order seven-seater for a disabled customer with a swivelling
basically an eight-seater walkthrough Microbus with a sliding steel passenger seat. It is still with its same UK owner and as perfect and
sunroof and gets its name from the unique silver metallic paint finish. original as it was back in 2002!
As well as Deluxe chrome trim pack, chrome bumpers and front badge, Your M plate confirms this was originally a genuine factory
Silberfisch complete with all the optional goodies (M766 is the
designation for the special edition called
Silberfisch) . However I have checked
back with contacts in Germany and
they have no records or knowledge of
Westfalia converting any Silberfisch
into Campers. So we think someone
must have converted this Silberfisch
with Westfalia roof and interior at some
point in time? Please keep us informed
about the restoration and we’d love to
feature it when it’s on the road!
Meanwhile we have found a copy of
#7 which we are sending you.
CAMPER MAIL
How To
Renew a clutch cable
Tools
Needed
■ Electric drill and Herbie Hospital shows how to renew the clutch Difficu
lty
Rating
tap and die set
■ Multi-purpose cable on a Bay window
grease
■ Penetrating fluid WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB HAWKINS
■ Spanners/
sockets: 8-13mm
■ Trolley jack and
axle stands
With the engine and gearbox in the rear to renew the clutch cable because it has probably
Thanks to:
Herbie Hospital
Tel: 0113 242 0029
L and the clutch pedal as far to the front
of the vehicle as it can possibly be fitted,
the long cable that links the two is one of
stretched. There may also be problems with the clutch,
but a new cable will help to narrow down the cause.
The work involved in renewing a clutch cable isn’t
those components you don’t want to fail, especially particularly complicated, but it can be awkward. In
Web: www.
herbiehospital.com if you need to be somewhere in a hurry. Fortunately, brief, the cable needs to be detached at both ends and
Supply and fit a there are a few precautionary measures to ensure fed out from the front of the Bus. The new cable is also
new clutch cable it remains reliable. Check the biting point and the fed in from the front. On left hand drive vehicles, the
from £60
amount of slack at the clutch pedal—this can be clutch pedal mechanism needs to be removed, whereas
adjusted at the opposite end by winding a wing nut on a RHD Bus, it can be left in situ. However, this
further along the threaded part of the clutch cable. If mechanism is known to seize and in some cases break,
the clutch judders when releasing the pedal, this may so it’s worthwhile removing and inspecting it.
be caused by the cable dragging through the guide Set aside one or two hours to renew a clutch cable,
tubes, or by the cable guide that’s bolted to the side of especially if you are new to this sort of work. The
the gearbox being unsecure. following photographs were all taken at Herbie
If you find you’ve wound the wing nut on the end Hospital using a LHD Bay Window, which is more
of the clutch cable all the way to the end, and there’s involved than a RHD version. The information can also
still a low biting point on the pedal, it’s a good idea be applied to Split Screens and air-cooled T3s.
HOW TO
1 2
3 4
5 6
Detach the cable Clutch pedal mechanism

(pictures 1–3) (pictures 4–6)
Raise the driver’s side of the Bus and support with axle stands. At At the front of a LHD Bus, undo the nut and bolt that secure the
the gearbox, look for the wing nut on the end of the clutch cable, bottom of the clutch pedal to the clutch pedal mechanism. This
spray over the thread with penetrating fluid and wind it off. Move mechanism is fitted to the chassis leg with a couple of bolts—undo
forward a little and undo the two bolts that secure the clutch cable both of them. Once the mechanism has been removed, detach the
guide to the side of the gearbox. Remove this short cable guide. clevis pin that secures the end of the clutch cable to it. On RHD Buses,
Picture 3 shows one of the bolts has sheared off and the remains are there’s room to detach the end of the clutch cable without removing
in the gearbox. This must be drilled out and a new thread tapped— the mechanism. Check the condition of the clutch pedal mechanism,
the guide must be securely fitted with two bolts to prevent the risk making sure it’s not seized (lubricate it with multi-purpose grease). If
of clutch judder. you have time, clean the mechanism and rustproof it with metal paint.
HOW TO
7 8
9 10
11 12
Renew the cable Check and adjust

(pictures 7–9) (pictures 10–12)
Pull the old clutch cable out from the front of the vehicle. It’s routed Feed the end of the new clutch cable through the clutch arm and refit
through a series of guide tubes and holes in the chassis. Compare the wing nut. Refit the two bolts that secure the clutch cable guide to
the old clutch cable with the new one, making sure it’s the correct the side of the gearbox. Check the clutch pedal to see if there’s any
length. Fit the new cable, starting at the front of the Bus. Apply some slack. Avoid winding the wing nut on too far as this may cause the
multi-purpose grease to it before feeding it through any guide tubes. clutch to slip. Remove the axle stands, depress the clutch pedal and
Don’t forget to feed the cable through the guide that’s secured to the try to select the gears. Run the engine and check them again, followed
side of the gearbox. At the front of the Bus, secure the cable to the by a test drive. After a few hundred miles, the cable may have
clutch pedal mechanism and refit this assembly (if it was removed). stretched, so adjust the wing nut again to take up any slack.
HOW TO
TRAVEL
ACROSS MOROCCO BY BUS
Across Morocco by bus

R T T HRE
PA
E
MOR
CC
O
O BY B U S
On our last night in Tata, we found a bar that sold beers for the very first
time
1
on the trip
WORDS: JARROD WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMPERVAN CULTURE LTD
W
e were sorry to leave, it was a strange little
place where the Moroccan people ignored
us and didn’t try selling us anything! It
wasn’t a tourist town and I guess that was
one of it’s charms. Camping at the side of the main road
near the town centre might sound odd, but it didn’t really
feel that unusual by now. We left town on an asphalt road
heading west towards the coast then north up an off road
section which involved driving along the dry-bed of a
river. This fills up in the spring when the snow from the
Atlas Mountains melts and finds it’s way down to the sea.
A few crops were growing on the track, so we
assumed we’d be safe for a while. This was another
amazing drive which headed higher and higher into
the mountains. High up on the sides of the gorge were
houses and mosques. People looked down on us as we
1: By this point, drove through the narrow opening in the ground. It was
easy terrain like this tricky in parts where the track had been washed out in
barely counted as
‘off road’! the past, but it was a great experience in an amazing
place. After climbing hundreds of feet we eventually
2: Looking back
towards Africa from
crested the top and headed down the other side into
2
Gibraltar. Tafroute. The landscape all around was made up of
TRAVEL
3
giant boulders, all piled on top of one another into what

would be mountains in the UK. These boulders ranged
from the size of cars to the size of large buildings and
just balanced on top of each other.
The Belgian artist, Jean Verame painted many of
these rocks in 1984 in glowing blue colours. It is said
that he used 18 tons of paint! We camped right out in
the middle of them and spent the evening sat around
the fire, trying to decide if it was tacky or artistic. I
never really did get the art thing in the past, but the next
day when we woke up we were still talking about the
painted rocks and then the penny dropped. The whole
point of art is to get people discussing the concept and
without realising it, that night we finally ‘got’ art.
4
We headed for the coast, but we took a wrong turn
3: ‘Stunning’ is barely
adequate description down a track and found ourselves too far along a very
for scenery like this. narrow section to turn around. This was the most
4: Blow holes that frightening time of all my driving adventures and is the
could blast huge jets nearest we have been to overturning the buses. It took
of seawater up to
100 feet into the air!
everything we had to get through it.
The following day we arrived in the coastal town of
Sidi Ifni and dipped our toes into the Atlantic Ocean.
After weeks of travel in desert, the coast was a totally
different place to be. There were European people
in motor homes and many gap year, University types
wandering around slumming it for a few weeks in tie
dyed shirts and baggy trousers with the crotch about a
foot from the floor. The town was lively at night and the
market area was a good place to eat out in the evening,
but we were happy to leave it to the tourists.
Camping at the side of the main road

near the town centre didn’t really
feel that unusual by now
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
The landscape all around

was made up of giant
boulders, all piled on top
5
of one another
5: Camped amongst
After stumbling upon the Souss-Massa National Park a landscape of
by accident, we drove along a coastal track for 50 or 60 boulders.
kilometres. We passed blow holes that would blast huge, 6: An original work
wave powered jets of seawater up to 100 feet into the air by Belgian artist
Jean Verame—but
through small cavities in the rock floor. Fishermen had is it art?
cave houses in the cliffside and as we drove further into
7: Is there a better
the unknown, we found the perfect spot to camp for the way to spend your
evening. There was no-one around for miles, apart from fortieth birthday?
a couple of overland trucks on the other side of a large
bay. That didn’t stop a cat from finding us in the darkness
and tearing the rubbish bags open. There is one thing you
can be sure of in Morocco; it doesn’t matter where you
are, there is always a cat near by. We liked Moroccan cats,
they were all streetwise, a bit feral and most lived like a
Pride of miniature lions.
We travelled north for the next few days and hung
out at the coastal town of Taghazout for a couple of
those, after all it was now my 40th birthday! It was
a great day and our friends Ollie and Heidi bumped
into us by chance. The drinks began to flow as we all
7
camped together on the beach. It was on that sunny
TRAVEL
8: Another day,
another narrow,
rocky ravine.
9: “I can see the

sea!”
commitments and could stay longer, but we were ready

to leave the carnage left by the floods and headed back
inland. We spent some hours rescuing a young French
couple in a Ghostbusters style camper van that was stuck
10km down a piste and had been caught out by the floods.
Those guys were in a real state and we were the only
thing small enough and capable enough to tackle the
narrow cliff side track to get them out.
From there we journeyed to an amazing campsite
with hot showers where we could clean up properly.
January day that an extraordinary thing happened.
The Atlas Mountains reach the sea just behind There were University types
Taghazout and there had been some heavy rain far
away in the mountains, but what happened next took wandering around, slumming it for a
us completely by surprise.
It started with Louise thinking that the bus was
few weeks in tie dyed shirts
leaking water as a little trickle ran from under the bus
and through the middle of our camp. Within 5 minutes
this grew to about a foot wide, then a couple more
minutes it was wider still. We jumped into the buses and
drove them to higher ground as the small stream turned
into a torrential flash flood and a raging torrent ripped
through the camp. Further down were a couple of two
wheel drive campervans that were taken out to sea
together with a big VW LT with a family on board.
We used both Syncros and the recovery equipment
we had been using in the desert. We hooked up and
recovered the family in the LT first then dragged a couple
of old Mercedes trucks out of the flood waters. I was in
my element and had the best 40th birthday ever. Doing
what I love the most, camping with my friends and family
while getting covered in mud in my Syncro camper.
The following days we were stranded because all of the
roads had been washed out and blocked by overturned
cars. With the floods came the flies and then a rotting
smell and people started to get sick. We only had 10 days
before Isaac was due back at school and we were still a
very long way from home. The next day the two Syncros
9
split up. We had to get back but the other bus had no
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
10
10: The Barbary

The sun came out again over the next couple of days and macaque population
we continued north along the coast visiting Esiara and in Gibraltar is the
only wild monkey
Oualidia. This was a breath of fresh air and the only place population in the
we really felt it safe to let Isaac take his shoes off along European continent.
the parts of the coast that were populated. Moroccan 11: “Left hand down
beaches near towns are pretty grim and full of rubbish, a bit…”
but Oualidia was a pristine sandy beach with a lagoon
12: 18 tons of
right behind where we camped up and had fresh fish, blue paint were
cakes and all manner of delicious food offered to us while used to create
this… Sculpture?
we sat, living the campervan life. Installation? Artwork.
The ferry crossing and the customs formalities were
13: The sun came
not so onerous on the return to Spain and after a brief out as we continued
visit to Gibraltar, we camped once again, on the beach. north along the
coast.
We drove half way across Spain the next day and
stopped off at a town whose name I can’t remember but
there were orange trees along the main road through it.
We drove to higher ground

as the small stream turned
into a torrential flash flood 11
12
TRAVEL
13
We spent some hours rescuing a young French couple 14: This is Oualidia
where we camped
wild on the beach.
who were stuck 10km down a piste 15: Cleverly painted
15
Union Flag on steps
in Gibraltar.
14
We were not prepared to take thev ferry from the north

of Spain to the UK again after our previous crossing, so
we spent the last few days driving across France with
no real incident apart from camping next to a river that
burst its banks in the night. We woke up with water
coming through the side door and the bus sits really
high with a suspension lift! The only way I could only
find my way out was by following the tops of bench
seats that were bobbing out above the water line. I
quickly got up onto higher ground.
We were now 400 miles south of Calais and the syncro
was beginning to look very mean in civilised French
places, it was showing its battle scars from the trip. I had
been under the bus yet again to fix the snapped exhaust
with some wire and as we looked around the rest of it,
with its cracked windscreen, broken front lights, orange
Saharan dust all over it and a whole raft of other bush
15
repairs made from improvised parts. The three of us
looked at each other, we looked no better and Isaac was
See more in the free, eight part video series on the CampervanCulture.com website.
missing our cat, it was time to go home.
TRAVEL
1965 MODEL 225
Two,
twenty five
In 2004, Kenny was looking for a Deluxe Samba
and found this bus on TheSamba.com
WORDS: DAVE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY: ERIC ARNOLD
I
“ thought how cool, an listed as 225—Standard Microbus,
11 window bus with a Cargo Doors Right, Sunroof, LHD.
sunroof. I didn’t know These were special order buses and
at the time exactly what very, very few were manufactured. I
a rare bus it was. It was located in have been told by the old timers that
Southern California, close to where I on the dealers’ lots, they always tried
live and the guy I bought it from had to sell what was actually on hand.
almost completed the restoration. The salesman would try to steer
He claimed that the bus was an customers away from the special
original California vehicle. The order book and take them to a bus
information I have subsequently that was on the lot already.
found does confirm that it is a USA “I was looking for something
delivered bus but I am unable to with a sunroof because I love the
find anything verifying it as being idea of a folding fabric roof and
originally sold in California. when I saw the quality of the paint
“The rarity comes from the fact and interior along with the Ragtop
that this is a model 225. Actually I said to myself, ‘I got to have this
Split window buses without safari windows

just don’t make sense
1965 MODEL 225

Three abreast
seating - for close
friends!
Sealing Wax
Red and Beige
Grey
The paint is
an astonishing 11
years old and is
very, very close to
the original factory
colours.
1965 MODEL 225

1965 MODEL 225

bus!’ It was about 90% complete, the

price was right and I drove it home,
knowing when I purchased it that
the only things I wanted to add were
Safari windows. Split window buses
without safari windows just don’t
make sense.”
Shortly after buying his bus back
in 2004, Kenny spent a while finding
the correct middle seats, “I wanted
it upholstering to match the existing
interior, I discovered that Octovio
at Custom 1 in Orange County had
originally worked on the bus and I
had him complete the middle seat
using identical fabric”.
He then bought and fitted the
safari front windows that he’d
Top Not even a radio in the dash. promised himself. At this point he
Upper middle There’s a column mounted ignition switch. considered his project complete and
Lower middle Stock wheels.
Bottom And a 1600cc single port engine
indeed since then it has not been
with a 30 pict carburettor. modified any further. Two years ago
however, he rebuilt the ‘top end’
1965 MODEL 225

of the motor and fitted new front has been driven in the rain a couple
brakes. “I have also replaced the of times, but when that happens
worn ragtop. The only thing that as soon as I get home I go to work
had not been rebuilt in the original getting all the water off using a sham
restoration was the transmission, towel and then the spray polish
so in May 2015, I had the gearbox cleans it up.”
rebuilt. To keep the bus looking good It was back in 1980 that his
and to keep rust at bay, I never use affinity with old Volkswagens
water to clean it. I use a California began. Kenny was in a high school
duster and Honda Motorcycle auto bodywork class when they
spray polish. The bus has only been wheeled in the project vehicle; a
washed with water one time when 1959, 11 window bus! Astonishing to
I had it professionally detailed. It us today, but thirty-five years ago,
I never use water to clean it, I use a

California duster
Creative
Engineering Safari
windows.
A Californian
blue sky.
Upholstery is
by Custom 1 in
Orange County.
It’s unbelievable
to think that this
bus has only been
washed with water
once in the last
eleven years!
1965 MODEL 225

1965 MODEL 225
We encountered a roundabout and some

60 odd VWs kept going round and around!
it was simply the equivalent of a shows. Everybody has a Volkswagen
‘95 T4. For him, “That was it, love story and when this bus is parked
at first sight. It wasn’t until 2001 anywhere, I get to hear all of them.
that I managed to acquire my first I also get a lot of peace signs thrown
bus a ’70 deluxe which, after many at me when driving...
adventures including an engine fire “My best experience so far was
in my garage one day, I donated being part of a Caravan from our
to Vintage Transporter Owners VTO campout site in Blackstar
(VTO), to give away as a raffle prize Canyon to the Anaheim Stadium in
at the SoCal Bug-In. This ’65 Bus SoCal. We encountered a Roundabout
is my first split window bus and I and some 60 odd VWs kept going
will never get rid of it. I love the round and around before heading on
attention I get no matter where I go. to the show. In the USA we don’t have
I have even won awards at Hotrod a lot of roundabouts.”
Kenny spent a
while finding the
correct middle
With thanks to...
seats.
The only other

interior accessory
is the Hulu Hand
on the dashboard.
Is there
anything better
than open safari’s,
a rag top and a Kenny would like to thank, “Eric Arnold for
summer breeze? the spectacular pictures. Johnny Salazar,
President of Vintage Transporter Owners for
helping me keep this bus in top shape.
I wish to thank you folks at VW CAMPER AND
COMMERCIAL. It’s the first time since the
restoration (11 years now) that my bus has
been considered for an article in a magazine.
Thank you again.
1965 MODEL 225

SHOWS
BRIGHTON BREEZE
Brighton Breeze
Despite the proliferation of new events, Brighton remains the last
of the big Shows
WORDS: DAVE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY: CEE ECCLES
I
’ve said it before and I’ll say
it again, Brighton Breeze is
my favourite show of the year.
There are people who I never
meet up with anywhere else and
it’s a great way for a fair weather
camper like me to wind up for the
winter. It’s been a few years since
I did the Breeze ‘properly’ with
a night on the park at Hook Road
and the cruise down to Brighton. In
the dim and distant past there have
been slightly chaotic scenes as the
caravan of buses arrived and ended
up parked so far away from the
traders and the awards that they
were practically in Eastbourne! All
seemed to get sorted out back in
2014 and so rather than camp up at
the Caravan Club site in Brighton
on the Friday evening, we did it
properly and it was fun.
There is never a great deal to On arrival, the sun burst through the clouds
do on the Friday, but it was a
1: Rikki takes control!
pleasant, sunny and dry evening It’s a cracking experience, 280 and the bus in front turned left, I
and it remained warm enough to odd buses all with a common 2: VW’s as far as the knew bad things would happen.
eye can see…
sit outside until the sun dropped destination, but sadly there was We followed the bus to the
below the trees. (Top tip: Don’t thick fog and it wasn’t really 3: Unusual rear sea front via an unofficial but
wheel spats make
forget it’s October and without suitable for taking photographs changing a rear
entertaining route and then on
the sun, it is bitterly cold, so of the cruising vehicles on the wheel challenging. arrival, the sun burst through the
think ahead and don’t park in the motorways. The SSVC always clouds. We were marshalled quickly
4: Hook Road, all
shadow of the really tall trees on supply comprehensive directions assembled & ready and effectively into a parking space
the western edge of the field.) for the journey, but I’ve been a few for the off. on the sea front. In the past we’ve
We were up with the lark, lined times and I know that following 5: Slammed had a look around the show and
up in the queue and enjoying coffee the bus in front is fun and strangely ambulance. then pottered into Brighton for a
and croissants in the bus… and then hypnotic, so when the fair wife 6: Who needs a bit of a nosey around and a swift
at 8.30am sharp, we were off. shouted, ‘Right at the roundabout’ proper camper half. This year however, it really
conversion?
was cracking weather, so we just
7: Arriving on the chilled out on Madeira Drive in the
sea front as the sun glorious sunshine.
came out.
In a slight change to previous
years, the trade stands were all on
the side nearest the sea rather than
under the famous and spectacular
Victorian Arches. After 120
years these have recently been
declared dangerous and fenced off
completely. Brighton wouldn’t be
Brighton without the arches, but
apparently a ten million pound, two
1
year restoration should be underway
SHOWS
2
6 7 SHOWS
8
10 11
SHOWS
BRIGHTON BREEZE
8: ‘55 Westfalia,
Best in show.
9: It’s grey &

murky, but ‘we got
ourselves a convoy’.
10: `Spot’ the dog!
11: Pieter and Janie

Grabijn receiving their
prize from Suzy.
12: Its sad to see

the historic arches
like this.
12
12
The spectacular Victorian Arches have recently been

declared dangerous and fenced off completely
by the time you read this. the one hand and Andy Williams
If you haven’t attended this with his ’98 Custom T4 on the other,
remarkable event previously, the it’s not an easy decision to make
photographs struggle to convey but after their usual deliberation
quite how big it is. Volkswagens fill and sharing of bribes… their choice
the seafront completely for as far was unanimous and went to Pieter
as the eye can see, both East and and Janie Grabijn for their 1955
West. There were actually about Westfalia Camper in its original
a thousand, the vast majority of Westfalia yellow/ tan colours.
them buses. Following the prize giving, the
Amongst the endless lines of VW, lines of buses began to break up.
were ‘special displays’ arranged by There is camping at Brighton
both the ‘early’ and ‘late’ bay clubs Racecourse for just three hundred
and by the SSVC themselves, but it’s vehicles and there’s an evening
interesting that there is the chance party in the bar underneath the
for absolutely anyone attending to grandstand. It’s a very laid back
pick up an award here. affair with a live band and that final
Throughout the course of the day, chance to say goodbye to the friends
the judges pin rosettes on to ten old and new from this years season.
vehicles. These specially selected Sadly we couldn’t stop this
Volkswagen are brought together year as we had to return home
towards the centre of the promenade to experience extreme internet
in the mid afternoon and a vehicle frustration the following morning
is selected as ‘best in show’. The when we failed yet again to get
judges agreed that as always, this tickets for Glastonbury.
years top ten was an astonishingly
varied mix and choosing the best Next year’s Breeze will take place on Saturday, October 1st.
was difficult. With shortlisted VW The price is per vehicle not per person and includes a Regalia Pack containing: T-Shirt, magnetic plaque,
windscreen sticker, pin badge, programme and large tie on rally plaque. Camping at Hook Road and Brighton
as diverse as Debbie Newman and Racecourse are optional extras.
her slammed 1958 Ambulance on
SHOWS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
THE BAREFOOT CHEF
HUNTERS CHICKEN
G
OO
D FOO
D
The Barefoot Chef
N
It’s grey outside, the bay is still SORN’d and we’ve not
DAM
T
OO had the planned winter work done yet
R EF
BA 200
9
S!
WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE RICHARDS

CE
SIN
ES
NO IN
PONC
A bit about
the chef
The ‘Barefoot
Chef’ started life
as a photography
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!
B
ut 2016 is well under way I can’t remember the last time I broke a
and it’s that exciting time
when we start planning glass—I’d broken two within minutes!
a season of holidays,
festivals and VW shows. This year is called Vanfest back in 1996. Amazing selection of glasses from home, “I’m
a special one for us, since we bought to think that we planned only on an adult, I can’t remember the last
our bus at a little bash that used to be keeping it for a year. “If we don’t like time I broke a glass?” I’d broken two
camping in it, we’ll be able to sell it within minutes of sitting down in my
on and get our money back!” deckchair. We spent the rest of the
As you may have guessed, we week drinking from the remaining
did like it. I’ve not been out of this tumbler and the surviving elegant,
country in more than a decade and stemmed wineglass.
we haven’t taken a package holiday It’s not just us who have changed
this century. We once drove it down though, the whole attitude to the
to the South of France, but that was old VW camper is so dramatically
a long, long journey in a bay when different. Back then, we were the
we’d only given ourselves a fortnight poor relations, tucked away in a
to get there and back. corner and looked down on with pity
Camping in this fair country has by the legions of caravaners with
changed beyond all recognition in their bowls of fruit displayed in their
the past two decades. Back then front windows. How times change,
we were absolutely hopeless at now that same old bus is a fashion
it. I vividly remember our first icon worth far more than many of
expedition to Minehead. We took a the ‘vans and it is still appreciating.
THE BAREFOOT CHEF

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BACON BADGER I was planning to ‘finish it off’
This recipe is the sort of thing that it becomes smooth and elastic.
on a hot barbecue, but it was
is possible to make from start to Flour a surface and roll the pastry lagging it down with rain
finish in the back of beyond if you out to a long thin rectangle about
need to prove that you can. Frankly, ten inches wide and as long as you
I’d rather spend my time people can manage before the pastry gets
watching, with a beer in my hand. I too thin. Leaving a border an inch
heartily recommend that you make wide, spread the bacon rashers over
it at home and simply heat it up on it and cover them with the diced
the campsite. Serves four but sadly onions and herbs. Season it with
there’s no badger in it. more black pepper, you don’t need
any salt, there’s more than enough
INGREDIENTS; in the bacon. Then spread the diced
■ 7oz Self-raising flour potato along the middle and roll the
■ Freshly ground black pepper whole thing up, sealing the edges
■ 3.5oz shredded beef suet by simply pressing them together.
■ Cold water Wrap this tightly in greaseproof
■ 14oz back bacon rashers paper and then with a clean tea
■ 2 finely chopped onions towel to ensure that it keeps its
■ 1 tsp herb de provence shape. Boil it gently in a pan of
■ 1 finely diced potato water for three hours.
Unwrap it and cool it on a rack.
METHOD Cut off and discard the ends and
First make the suet pastry; sift slice it into four thick slabs. I was Green Hill Farm
the flour into a bowl and grind in planning to ‘finish it off’ on a hot The lead picture was taken a very long time ago at a
lots of black pepper. Add the suet barbecue, but it was lagging it campsite we’d stumbled across previously. It was a
(Atora brand is widely available) down with rain so I put it under the brilliant, if odd little site and I phoned up to book a
and mix it in with a knife. Add the grill for a few minutes each side pitch to be told that they were completely full, all week.
cold water, a bit at a time and to warm it through and to make Undeterred we turned up anyway and were welcomed
mixing constantly to make a nice it a more appealing crispy, golden with open arms. Not only that, we were the only people
gluey dough. Now use your hands brown. Serve with a generous on the field! Sadly it was sold on a few years later,
to work it, binding it together until dollop of wholegrain mustard. became very regimented and was never the same again.
THE BAREFOOT CHEF

SHOWS
VOLKSFLING MK2
Volksfling Mk2
A wee trip north of the border—far from the biggest,
but one of the best…
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD COPPING
A
ugust Bank holiday
weekend, Scotland,
guaranteed to be wet and
windy, but it wasn’t. The
show, which is held on the sports-
field of the Scottish Lowlands town
of Biggar, is 130 miles from home for
us, but 130 miles of very easy driving
with sparsely populated motorways,
increasingly beautiful rolling
scenery and on a dry, sharp, blue
sky morning, what could be better?
Why Volksfling Mk2? That’s easy,
Mk1 is held over the Spring Bank
holiday weekend at the end of May,
which this year was attended by
and reported on by that well-known
Scotsman, David McEccles.
The objective planned for the day,
was to scrutinise and snap every
Concours van, find a personal best in
the car park, search out tidy vehicles
in the camping area and with a little
bit of luck, unearth some hidden
gem on which to report.
Bumping into long-term
1
enthusiast, Ron Brown revealed that
gem in the form of a remarkably
original early Bay Dormobile. Until
1
Volksfling Mk1 was attended by and reported on
two years ago, the Camper had just
one owner. Advancing in years, that
by that well-known Scotsman, David McEccles
owner had driven to Ron’s house
1: A credit to its
nearby and asked if he would like to been used and spent many a happy owner, an early coordinated bonnet bib with a
buy the vehicle. Amazing! Original holiday on the continent - hence the Bay Campmobile. Scottish theme. Amongst the
paintwork, original pristine cabinets slight fading of both curtains and 2,3&4: They don’t healthy ranks of the T5, we came
and appliances, original carpets upholstery ... but no discolouration come more original across the stunning good looks of
than Ron Brown’s
and upholstery and even original of those light coloured vinyl basket early Bay Dormobile.
‘The Surfwagen’; the cleverest of
curtains, window rubber that shows weave cab seats. And the secret to concepts and beautifully executed.
no sign of cracking and so it goes on. such splendid condition longevity: 5: ‘Dumbledore’ ‘Dumbledore’, a ‘T’-reg Bay, on the
the Bay.
Oh, and before you ask, yes it has a handsome dose over the years of other hand came under the ‘bit of
TLC, supplemented by a purpose- 6: Winnebago fun’ category. This one, complete
The camper had built garage to shelter from the
Rialta - total length,
6,299mm. with its newly refurbished engine,
just one owner. excesses of a northeastern climate.

To date, Ron has resisted the
7&8: A Fridolin from
was up for grabs at £6,500, the
owner suggesting a bit of a body
Advancing in
Aberdeen courtesy
temptation to do anything other of Russell Ritchie. makeover was required.
years, that owner than use the Bus.
Quite a few of the Camping
9: ‘Something
interesting in the
Notable amongst the perfect paint
Campers was a High-Roof ‘Kombi’,
had asked if Ron area Buses caught my eye. For back.’ which seemed very familiar, a lovely
would like to buy starters, there was the T4 with
‘Tartan Terror’ graphics adorning
10&11: The T4,
‘Tartan Terror’.
original spec early Bay Campmobile
with gleaming paintwork that didn’t
the vehicle the elevated roof and a carefully and an eye-catcher of a lime green
SHOWS
2 3 4
5 6
7 8
10
9 11
SHOWS
13
12 14
15 16
17
18 19
SHOWS
VOLKSFEST WALES
chrome bumpers, subtly understated,

it won’t come as a great surprise that
the judges must have held a similar
view and this was the only Bus to
claim Concours winner status.
Moving down the line once more,
the next Bus, an early Bay, carried a
paint finish that was both unusual
and worthy of points. The roof
and upper panels were finished in
‘white-white’, the lower panels in
one of the shades Volkswagen and
other manufacturers opted to call
white, but which were decidedly
off white (but none the worse for
it). Somehow, although such a
One rarely seen camper was the 12: A winner
partnered by combination shouldn’t have worked,
Winnebago Rialta—a monster of a bus two entrants. it did… perhaps a thought or two for
your own next project.
13&14: California
Coach and A few steps further and we could
distinguishing
and white Split that attracted hordes get too much of a look in, but a graphic.
admire the mirror-gloss polish of a
of fans dedicated to custom looks commercial of sorts grabbed a prize. black T5 Sportline with additional
and performance. Owned by Russell Ritchie, whose 15: The T5 bright-work and tastefully selected
‘Surfwagen’.
One rarely seen Camper was the collection of air-cooled rarities interior enhancements. Finally, we
Winnebago Rialta - a monster of a is near legendary, the Fridolin 16: Unusual colour alighted upon an Auto-Sleeper of
combination Bay…
Bus with a total length of 6,299mm he brought drew the crowds and latish T3 vintage. If you notice a
(or 20’8” for old codgers like me richly deserved the prize the owner 17: Concours Bay. certain coyness, it’s intended. Quick
who struggle to visualise anything couldn’t collect, as by 3.30pm he was 18: T5 Sportline. as Yorkshireman’s wallet snaps shut, a
other than rods, poles and perches). already on his way back home. photo-shoot and article was planned
19: A personal
It was also interesting to see a very First in the line up of Buses was award—Van of the
with the owner and guess what,
tidy T4 California coach in the a tidy and lightly customised Bay car park! when the vehicles could be moved, it
metal. This one was up for grabs and carrying the personal plate LUV 71 was still dry with more than fleeting
could have been yours on the day for B. Next ‘door’ was a final-year Split glimpses of Scottish sunshine.
an offer in the region of £10,500. (As with an updated Westfalia SO42 Finally and it was, we headed back
an aside, the Coach has a total length interior. Opening side windows and to the partially deserted car park and
of just 5,189mm.) Safaris ensured everyone could poke snapped the Camper of the Car Park
To the Concours; Volksfling offer their cameras where it mattered. winner. Hemmed in before, a picture
a judged Concours on the Sunday Someone with a keen eye for colour was no problem now. Whoever you
with just two classes - air-cooled and co-ordination had clearly been are, at least two interlopers from far
and water-cooled. A huddle of four at work and had cleverly given distant Cumbria liked your Bus!
judges, select the top five from each a contemporary look to a classic
category and points lead to prizes. conversion. Perhaps when we say that
In all honesty, the Buses present, the external paintwork was glossily
which weren’t that numerous, didn’t perfect and the additions, such as the
Volksfling - Scotland’s premiere VW

shows both take place on English
bank holidays. For more information,
check out the website at http://www.
volksfling.co.uk
SHOWS
1979 WESTFALIA BERLIN DELUXE
Caramac
Camper
Around seven or eight years ago, the
popularity of camping was expanding
at a rapid rate…
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL BUSSEY
Seats are from

nd with two youngish met with a positive response, so I arrangement would only sleep one
A
a Porsche 924
boys James and Lewis, started to research what vehicles and have been and as I had two young boys, a late
re-upholstered in
Neil Howard was were available, their individual Bay with accommodation for two
Westfalia fabric.
musing over the idea of layouts and prices,” explains would be much more practical. I
taking the plunge, buying a tent and Neil. “I spent around 18 months US spec reluctantly agreed with Paul’s words
number plate
taking his family on their travels, deliberating and then spotted an and possibly ’the of wisdom and he just happened to
as it seemed an ideal way to see early Bay Westy on a forum that most expensive have a ’79 Westfalia Berlin Deluxe
over-riders in the
the UK relatively inexpensively. was owned by Gary Dunlop. It world’. for sale! It was an extremely sound
However, Neil’s wife Jo declared was cream in colour, slammed to example, very clean and didn’t look
The exhaust
that spending her holidays under the floor and looked to be exactly for the fridge and
like it had seen an awful lot of use, so
canvas wasn’t at the top of her what I hankered after. It still is, my the electric hook I bought it.”
agenda! Neil put his thinking cap ultimate dream Bay.” up may ‘spoil’ the The Bay had slightly lowered
lines, but they
on again and came up with a plan Neil’s intentions of buying a make the bus a suspension and it is Neil’s intention
to purchase a motor home or more cream early Bay didn’t go quite whole lot more to lower it a tad more at the front
practical.
realistically a campervan. He’d according to plan. “I contacted my in the future. There are also front
attended the Bug Jam shows in the local Volkswagen specialist VW and rear anti-roll bars fitted
late 1980s and ’90s with a pal in his Downunder and explained to Paul that help to enhance the overall
Golf GTI and knew a little about Mullinger exactly what I wanted,” handling qualities. The engine is a
Volkswagen campervans. remembers Neil. “Paul’s response 2.0 litre fuel injection with manual
“Convincing Jo that purchasing was that an early Bay wouldn’t be transmission. Naturally with any
a campervan was the way to go was suitable as the elevating roof bed newly purchased vehicle, a good

many owners like to make their
own mark and Neil was no different
as he set about implementing a
few upgrades and improvements.
While the body and paintwork were
sound overall, paint was beginning
to flake from the sills which Neil
had repainted. The Bay’s paintwork
is said to be Mexico Beige, it has
been repainted at some point, but
Neil has suspicions that it was done
in Dakota Beige which he actually
much prefers. The running gear
was all very serviceable and didn’t
require any remedial work, though
he has fitted an Empi shifter.
The check pattern seat trim was
extremely well preserved, and a
previous owner had gone to the
trouble of fitting Porsche 924 seats
that they had re-trimmed in the


original material. This makes for a

most sensible upgrade, in keeping
with the rest of the interior, not to
mention ultimate comfort! A new
cab floor carpet was purchased
from Mad Matz, while Neil made
up his own carpet at the rear. This
has freshened up the floorspace
and the kick boards have been
carpeted to match. Completing
personalising the interior includes
fitment of a bamboo dashboard
under-tray and an MCJ wood-rim
steering wheel that are currently
incredibly popular.
“The most expensive ‘add on’ have
been the bumper overriders,” points
out Neil. “The supply of early Bay
overriders is plentiful, but for late
Bays they are quite scarce. I saw the
odd ones for sale on eBay, but not a
full set. I eventually tracked down a
full set via The Samba, which were
being offered for sale in the USA.
The vendor was reluctant to send
Top The incredibly popular MCJ wood-rim steering wheel.
Middle Clear indicator lenses. them internationally, but many
Bottom The 2 litre Type 4 engine even has an electric fan! months later they were still for sale,
so following an email, the vendor
agreed to post them to me. With the

cost of shipping and import duty, etc. a riveted metal plaque on the door
they worked out at a mind boggling that refers to a California Housing
£400 for the set! Authority. “I was told by someone
Neil doesn’t know an awful lot that camper-vans were once used
of history about his Bay, only that to temporarily house Mexican
it was imported from California immigrants,” reveals Neil. “I’m not
around 2007–2008, the previous sure if that was definitely the case,
UK owner ran it for about four or if my Bay was indeed used for that
years. However, going through the purpose?” More investigative work
scant vehicle documentation, he is needed.
did find a receipt for a campsite I asked Neil if the reality of
in Idaho, using the name Henry owning and using a campervan
Sarrouf, which he presumed was a on a regular basis has lived up to
previous owner. Further research the initial dream? “Yes, it has,” he
found that there appeared to be just enthused. “In the early days when
one family with this surname living we set off on a two week camping
in Garden Grove, a city in Orange holiday, we did worry a little, and
Fuch alloys and
American side County, California. It’s hoped to the question of overall mechanical
marker lights. trace Henry and to confirm it was reliability was always at the back
Rear seatbelts
his Bay, in order to build up some of our minds. Our first week in
fitted. information on previous history. Cornwall it rained everyday. We
Contact via Facebook has not yet discovered a few leaks from missing
Period suitcase
& picnic basket been successful! Neil has also found screws around the canvas bellows
add charm.
Neil’s wife, Jo, declared that spending her

holidays under canvas wasn’t at the top of
her agenda!

The Westfalia
and from around a window, but furniture in later
mechanically the Bay hasn’t missed bays is of far
superior quality
a beat. All that’s been required so to that found in
far has been regular servicing and a contemporary
new battery. The Berlin interior has Devon
conversions.
an impressive specification, the only
thing missing is a heater, but with This is far
better thought out
four people aboard it soon becomes than the separate
quite snug. When I first purchased sink and Fellows
hob fitted to the
the Bay, I wasn’t really looking to vehicles coming
own a show bus, but over time, I from Sidmouth at
the same time.
can’t help but make improvements
and upgrades here and there and I
guess it’s quite natural to want to
The Bay’s paintwork is said maintain everything to as high a
to be Mexico Beige, but standard as possible.

Future plans include replacing the
Neil has suspicions that it is door-cards with alternatives which
Dakota Beige incorporate Westfalia fabric, and
possibly having the roof repainted.
Through Bay window ownership
we’ve made many new friends with
whom we enjoy attending shows
and camping weekends away.” Neil
has certainly got a Bay that he can
be extremely proud of. It’s very
sharp both inside and out. He and
his family remain enthusiastic about With thanks to...
their camper which has really grown
on them over the years, though the
dream of owning a cream, slammed
Photographic location by kind permission
early Bay hasn’t totally gone away. of Jim Gallie, Battlesbridge Antiques Centre,
Watch this space... Essex, www.battlesbridge.com
1979 WESTFALIA BERLIN DELUXE,

SHOWS
BERKELEY CASTLE
Berkeley Castle VW Show

Shades and T-Shirt on for a show which is getting bigger
and better each year
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
S
1: Spectacular
potting a bright yellow weather always Berkeley Castle—in their rather nameless because they were from
T5 en-route was the first helps a VW show large back garden. Tickets were £5 well before my era of expertise—yes
to look its best.
clue that I was going the for adults with under 16s being free I’m younger than I look, even in my
right way for the Berkeley 2: A couple of early and the doors to the public opened VW Camper & Commercial T Shirt.
bays demonstrating
Castle VW Show. Or should I say ‘Narrowed an
at 10am. And as you’ll also gather September was a very busy month
the ‘Berkeley Castle VW Show plus Slammed’ and from the full name, it’s not just for me, and this was my second
merely lowered.
Vintage & Retro Fair’—to give it its VW’s on display, there was also a show of the weekend!
full, and not quite so catchy, title. That 3: Is it still called large variety of different cars from a So what did we have in the
indication was followed by signs from pin-striping when pair of retro Rolls Royce to a Mini. shadow of the Castle, under a blue
it’s as extensive
the A38, which for those who don’t as this? There were also several vintage sky and a very pleasant 17 degrees
know their geography, runs between cars which will have to remain once the sun appeared? A wide
4: Body Art.
Gloucester and Bristol, that’s junction
13/14 off the M5. Unlike many VW 5: Jason Williams
took home
shows these days it’s all done and both Best T4 &
dusted in the same day, with no Best in Show.
overnight camping, which inevitably
6: A Baja, which
means that the majority of attendees I suspect is a lot
are local-ish VWs. of fun to drive…
For a very short
As you may have gathered from distance!
the title of the show, it takes place at
7: Winner of
the historic, haunted, and oft used Best T3.
TV location (Wolf Hall, Galavant)
There were also several

vintage cars which will have
to remain nameless 2
SHOWS
3
4 5
6 7
10 11 SHOWS
67
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
SHOWS
BERKELEY CASTLE
8 9
10
selection of traders to start with, Live music was a new addition to the show and
where you could check out the latest
conversions that Moore’s Campers seemed to hit the right note
had on offer. There were several
8&9: Best Split of
customer T5s on their stand. Then Naturally there was a great selection of the show, exterior including the iconic Italian Job.
there was the usual selection of retro Volkswagens and local clubs on display. and interior. The Show & Shine was
signs, T-shirts, assorted goodies and The vehicles ranged from Beetles and 10: Castle in sponsored by Woodward Motors,
stickers, etc. There was a wide and Buggy’s to Splits and T5s and it was the back ground an independent local VW/Porsche
look familiar?It’s
varied selection of food and drink. also good to see several VW’s which often used as
specialist. When it came to handing
And for kids was a fun fair with rides have previously been featured in the a TV location, out the prizes at the end of the day
including Tea Cups, an adventure pages of this very magazine. notably Wolf Hall Rob Veysey won Best T5, Kev &
and Galavant.
house and mini Go-Karts to stop In fact we spotted another two Dawn Ply Best T3 and Jason William
them from getting bored. potential features which will took home the awards for both Best
Entertainment for the adults be appearing in future issues; a T4 and Best in Show for his totally
came in the form of a bar—sitting custom T4 and a rare double door bling red T4. Best Club was awarded
in the back of a T4 aka Beer Buz, as Split panel van—I can’t remember to Wilts V-Dub Club.
featured in VW Camper a few years ever seeing one before, unless my
ago, and a live local band, The Blues memory is letting me down. For more information and further
Breakout who were rocking out Also on site was Dick Sheppard details of the 2016 show, check out the
website at
the back of a trailer; the live music from Gloucester, a retired stunt
www.vwshow-berkeley.com. The date
was a new addition to the show and driver who was signing copies of his for this years event is September 25th.
8
seemed to hit the right note. book. He’s appeared in over 50 films
SHOWS
Restorers of Classic Cars
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restoration and repair services to classic car
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www.181classicmotors.co.uk
181 Classic Motors, Unit A6, Enterprise Business Park,
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Brochure Line Origin
VW sal al
literatu es
‘Is it a boat?’ re
Not one, but two of Volkswagen’s most iconic brochures from the
early 1960s and with their quirky covers and enticing interiors, these
non-identical twins are hot stuff for all Campervan enthusiasts.
WORDS: RICHARD COPPING
esigned to sell the
D latest Westfalia
Camper to an
increasingly eager
audience, ‘Is it a boat?’ appears
to have debuted in January 1963,
undergone several printings in
a variety of languages, the last
possibly being for the Spanish
market and printed in January
1964. To complicate matters a
little further, ‘Is it a boat?’ was
available in two formats. First,
there was a foldout poster-style
affair, which, before opening,
measured a comfortable 293mm x
200mm, but, when fully extended
was virtually unmanageable
at 586mm x 485mm. Second,
there was a 16 page traditional
brochure, which measured a
near-identical 290mm x 200mm.
Perhaps inevitably the content of
BROCHURE LINE
Left:
the brochure was more extensive Cover of the
than that of the foldout poster 16-page classic
brochure.
and it may be that it was a slightly
later introduction, which included Cover of the
foldout poster
additional options—read on. style brochure.
The eye-catching covers, Above/Right:
matched by the brochure’s first two A sidewalk cafe?’
pages (material that was included ‘A playroom?’
in the fold-out poster) qualify
The answer, it’s a
as the quirkiest official Camper VW Camper and
material ever, the closest parallel in it’s available in
four versions.
general VW terms being the near-
contemporary brochure dedicated
to the VW 1500 Karmann Ghia.
(Curiously, there’s another link, for
BROCHURE LINE
the female model draped about the is available as four different
Karmann Ghia is the self-same lady models’). Perhaps a little text
who appears in various carefully spells it out even more clearly...
staged pictures in ‘Is it a boat?’) ‘It’s a Volkswagen Camper.
What does the cover statement, The Volkswagen Camper isn’t a
‘Ist es eine Jacht’ and for that boat. Obviously. But it can take
matter, ‘Ein Terrassen-Café’, you down to the sea. Or lake. Or
in US phraseology ‘A sidewalk river. In fact, the VW Camper
café’ (image on page two in the will go right out on the beach and
brochure), or on the next one, become your private cabana. Very
‘Ein Clubraum’, in strangulated exclusive. (The rear engine presses
English ‘A playroom’?, all mean? your drive wheels down harder;
Is there significance in the gives you firm traction.)
pelican with its fish alighting on The VW Camper isn’t a sidewalk
the Camper’s roof, when one of café, either. But it does have
the hallmarks of the SO34/SO35 atmosphere. Seated under your
(the models under discussion) awning - with a little candlelight,
was the submarine hatch style wine, cheese, and a few stars - you
roof opening? Sadly, apparently could (and can) be anywhere in the
not, for the main purpose of world. Very cosmopolitan.
the foldout version is to present Of course, the Camper isn’t a
the browser with a massive playroom. But it does have plenty
picture of exactly what is being of room for a good game of cards.
talked about. And, as far as the Or dominoes. Or mah-jongg. Or
traditional brochure goes, that scrabble. With the front seats
same image, of a Camper by reversed, there’s elbow and sitting
night, follows immediately after room for two, three or even four card
the pages of questions; ‘Es ist ein players around your 30” x 20” bridge
VW-Campingwagen ... und es gibt table. Very fun.
ihn vier verschiedenen Modellen’ As for the rest of the brochure,
(which roughly translates as (we have already covered just about
‘It’s a VW camper van and it everything in the foldout version)
BROCHURE LINE
The eye-catching covers,
matched by the brochure’s
first two pages (material
that was included in the
fold-out poster) qualify as
the quirkiest official Camper
material ever
Left:
there’s a mixture of detail shots, dining room and
text and, inevitably, decent layout bedroom.
plans and as the strap-lined editor VW-Camping

had already announced, details wagen 33 and VW
Camping Mosaik
of four models, SO34, SO35, plus 22.
SO33 and the Camping-Mosaik Shave, set up the
SO22. Oh, and as a bonus, there’s table, and look in
the larder.
the ‘Polyester-Faltdach für VW-
Campingwagen’, which to you Above:
Wash, nosh and
and I should suggest the newly snooze-time.
introduced Dormobile roof option,
Right:
courtesy of Martin Walter. Familiar territory,
Valuing the series of ‘Is it a Dormobile and
Martin Walter
boat?’ brochures isn’t plain sailing cross the channel
(pun intended). Highly desirable, to Germany.
definitely, you could easily be Clever way to
heading (just) into three figure illustrate roof-
snoozing extras.
territory. On the other hand, I have
just replaced a tatty foldout version
with something crisp and pristine
for £57 including postage from far-
flung parts.
BROCHURE LINE
1963 CUSTOM PANELVAN CAMPER

Humbus
Rides Again
Aware that Split Screen vehicles are
commanding quite high valuations these days
WORDS: DAVE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
Upholstery
A
nd knowing that many ago in 1975. Eventually, a good few by Gary Clark
people play it safe with years later it was found and returned of Newport.
the paint and bodywork, to its real owners, the Swedish Army.
That is an
Caroline Gregory was By now completely obsolete and interesting place to
thrilled to discover that her old unwanted, it was just parked up and position the radio
arial, I’ve not seen
friend Clive was planning to sell left unused in a warehouse until it that done before.
‘The Humbus’, a split panel van was bought by Clive Barzillia who
that he’d owned and constantly brought it back to the UK (again).
re-invented for the past fifteen “It was acquired by us in May
years. “It was great to come across of last year. We originally saw and
something completely different, committed to purchasing the bus
so many people opt for an original in December 2014, whilst Clive was
paint scheme or keep them in their still building it.”
original paint.” There’s a few of you who will
It turns out that this bus began its have been looking at this vehicle
long life as a Swedish Ambulance quite recently in it’s previous guise,
back in 1963. Apparently it was as it was our ‘Calendar Girl’ for
originally ‘taken’ from a Swedish December 2015!
airbase and brought back to England Clive tells me that, ‘The Junction
by a British serviceman, 40 years Bus’ as it was previously known,
This vehicle in it’s previous guise was

our ‘Calendar Girl’ for December 2015!


was being restyled and re painted to

accompany his business, “...called
the Pudding Bar, which featured
brown and white as its logo colours.
However I sold the business half
way through the build but kept
the colour scheme as it was a bit
mental... The bus was designed to be
a great big humbug!”
Unusually for one of our feature
buses, “It was in this condition
when we bought it, except that the
rear seats hadn’t been upholstered.”
And what a condition, The vehicle
is completely rust free and the
shell has been sound deadened and
insulated throughout. The rear
quarters contains a Devon styled
interior, built with 12mm hardwood
marine ply, topped with 4 mm
oak ply. Satin yacht varnish has
been applied to all of the wooden
Top The shape of things to come? Original pulleys painted to
co-ordinate, rather than badly balanced, cheap alloy versions. surfaces. The headlining is from
Middle A Devon style interior, but built from Marine ply. T2D and the floor unusually is
Bottom A wood-rimmed wheel, and you can just
see the column mounted ignition switch. made from Altro. This flooring is
a tough, commercial quality vinyl
that will probably last for ever and

Rather than the now ubiquitous IRS,
this bus has an old school straight
axle conversion
which boasts first-rate dirt-hiding unprecedented luxury of a combined
properties—it always looks clean! steering lock and ignition switch!
“We enlisted the services of Mike Even to just a casual glance
Hussey of Chepstow to upholster this bus rides very low. This
the rear seats in brown vinyl. To has been well thought out and
these he has fitted 3 point belts to executed properly to maintain
the cab and front facing rear seats near stock drivability and a degree
and 2 point belts to the rear facing of ride comfort. At the front is
seats. All of the belts have Wolfsburg a Slamworks 4 inch narrowed
logo’s on the buckles. and adjustable beam with raised
The front seats were upholstered kingpin and flipped spindles from
previously in brown leather and VWJim. Shortened KYB Gas
tweed fabric. The remainder of the shock absorbers help to smooth
cab is nicely bare but features the things out. To enable this degree
The front and

rear pinstriping
and scrolling is by
Billy ‘Flathead’ Gill.
Who also wrote

the overhead
cab sign.
The masking is
reputed to have
taken Clive 60
hours to do.
Wolfsburg
emblems on all
of the seatbelt
buckles.
“The bus was designed to be a great big humbug!”

Wheels are
of lowering to work effectively the matching, larger rear drums. Empi sprintstar
correctly, they work perfectly well”.
steering box has been raised and The engine is a mildly tuned, 4.5J front 165- It’s the paintwork though, that
the column shortened and re-built Adrian Martell built 1641cc, breathing 50-15 and 5.5J makes this panel van stand out from
rear 185-65-15.
using parts from Type 2 Detectives. through a 34 pict3 carburettor and a the crowd. The colours are RAL
T2D parts also feature at the Turbo Trip exhaust. It’s interesting ‘Baby Bunting’ cream and RAL Brown and after a
strikes again!
rear where their adjustable spring to see that the lump is ‘dressed’ using And some rebuilt claimed sixty hours of masking by
plates are utilised together with a standard, painted parts rather than Devon style Clive, were skilfully applied by Ben
cupboards.
two spline drop. Rather than the the usual cheap, cheerful and badly Duberly of Scuff Solutions. The sign
now ubiquitous IRS, this bus has an balanced aftermarket shiny bits. “This writing, pin-striping and scrolling is
old school straight axle conversion engine has loads of torque and grunt, by Billy ‘Flathead’ Gill.
in which the reduction boxes are we don’t need to change or upgrade “We enjoy the attention that it
removed and the transmission is that. We did think that we’d have to draws almost everywhere we go in
replaced with the high ratio gearbox change the brakes from drums to it. I got into the wonderful world of
from a VW Type 3 Fastback/ discs, but have found that as long as Volkswagen via my husband Phil,
Squareback/Notchback and it’s the drums are adjusted regularly and who bought a split a couple of years
ago. He had always wanted one,
It’s the paintwork though, that makes this panel but despite owning many other air-
van stand out from the crowd cooled vehicles, including an early
911, never had.
With thanks to...
I am really enjoying the VW Shows, the

camping and weekend & day trips with the
family in the campervan. It feels like we are
going on holiday, even when we just nip out
for a drive in it.”

TRAVEL
ISLAND ADVENTURE
Island
Adventure
With two young children and a bright

orange VW T2c called Tango, Emma
Leask took a ferry to the Isle of Arran on
a child-friendly road trip
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: EMMA LEASK
O
ften referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’
the Isle of Arran has it all; mountains, cliffs,
forests, wildlife and white sandy beaches.
The island’s idyllic campsites have jaw- Arkvendor Campervan Hire. As we watched the ferry
dropping views and the chance of spotting deer, seals and cruise into the quay, bright orange Tango got a fair bit of
otters just metres away from your campervan. attention with families waving and our children’s faces
Our family are Campervan converts; we love the beaming with pride.
freedom and spontaneity, the children (aged 5 and 3) The beauty of the Isle of Arran is its accessibility – the
adore the brightly coloured bus and sense of family fun. crossing took just under an hour. Surprisingly spacious, the
This trip, we were breaking new territory, our first time ferry has several cosy lounges, a bar, café, toddlers’ toy room
Idyllic. taking a Bay window camper on to a ferry. and plenty of wide decks to soak up the sea views. Calmac
We think that There’s something about travelling by ferry that makes runs a tight ship, driving on was effortless and quick. We
the children a long weekend feel more like a holiday. The children were impressed at how easy and comfortable the crossing
enjoyed their time
were beside themselves with excitement and already was (disembarking was even faster) and we’re already
in the campervan!
attached to Tango, a modern VW T2c we had rented from planning our next trip to some more Scottish Islands.
TRAVEL
Red deer
practically
within touching
distance.
The view
across to the Isle
of Pladda and
it’s lighthouse.
So far, our 2012 T2 campervan had been put through its Our family are Campervan
paces. Our journey began in Edinburgh, travelling along
the busy M8 to Glasgow, then turning south to the ferry converts; we love the
terminal at Ardrossan. With less than a year on the road,
the van handled the busy motorway traffic and misty
freedom and spontaneity
conditions well. Arkvendor Campervan Hire is owned by
Mike Devlin, who rents a fleet of three T2 campervans folding bed, pop up roof, cooker and a preferred layout
including one of the last 2006 air cooled T2’s from Brazil. of cupboards to suit their needs.” With two bases in
“The new T2c are ideal for families, they have the cool Berwickshire and Edinburgh City centre, it’s the first
classic shape but they are so reliable, we’ve never had a time we’ve been able to pick up a camper and pack it at
breakdown. They sleep four, you’ve got all your cooking home the night before we set off on a trip. This proved
facilities and they are such a fun vehicle to drive,” says hugely helpful and, despite the fishing nets, buckets and
Mike, who previously had a sports car rental company spades and other beach toys, we managed to pack light,
and also imports T2 buses from Brazil to sell. “Buyers can no mean feat with two young children.
spec their own vehicle exactly as they want, choosing a For a 55-mile round trip island, Arran is surprisingly
packed with beautiful scenery, activities and attractions.
First stop was the Heritage Museum, just outside
Brodick. The cluster of traditional white-washed
cottages with milk house, bothy and farmhouse depicts
a bygone way of life. With a café, shop, waterside
gardens, lawn, tractor, children’s quiz, play hut and
waterside gardens with ducks and a stream, it was an
ideal place for the children to run around and explore.
Run by local residents, it’s well worth a stop. Next we
drove on to Arran Aromatics (the island’s own soap
and body cream manufacturer) and the Cheese Factory,
sampling some famous Arran Blue which won Gold in
the World Cheese Awards.
We headed north, hugging the shoreline. As we passed
through Corrie, arguably one of the most picturesque
villages on the island, with old stone cottages and fishing
boats bobbing in the tiny harbour, the campervan came
into its own as we pulled over for an impromptu brew to
soak up the sea views and watch a bit of island life.
Crossing rugged rust-coloured moorland and glens, the
The new T2c are ideal for families, scenery changed dramatically on the way to Lochranza
Campsite. Appealing to wildlife lovers, golden eagles,
they have the cool, classic shape but deer and red squirrels are spotted here regularly. The
they are so reliable loch is home to otters and seals, which can be seen
basking along the Newton Shore.
Kathryn Wells, a Yorkshire English teacher and her
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
ISLAND ADVENTURE
For families with a A picnic lunch

at Blackwaterfoot
beach.
campervan and young Back on board
children, Seal Shore is the Calmac Ferry.
idyllic, easy and safe
husband Nigel run the place, living on site in their

caravan. Six years ago Nigel took redundancy from
British Aerospace and the couple set off on a sea kayaking
tour of Scotland, living in a small tent, when they fell
in love with the Lochranza landscape and moved there
for a lifestyle change. “We’re in a rugged mountain glen,
it’s a campsite for people who like the outdoors and
adventure. We’re enormously lucky to be surrounded by
wild creatures so often,” says Kathryn, who has noticed
an increase in the amount of small camper-vans coming
to the island and owns one herself. “The island is not
commercialised, it’s a heavenly place”.
With plenty of green space, a field full of lambs to
watch, a stream to throw stones in and deer-watching in
the hill beside us, there was plenty to keep the children
entertained while we cooked dinner. With gas hob, grill,
small fridge and a removable table, it was easy to feed a
family of four. There’s also the campsite’s own nine hole
golf course with golf clubs available for hire. The Isle of
Arran Distillery is just across the road and it’s just a short
walk to the loch-side village with dramatic ruined castle.
A full width rock ‘n’ roll bed and roof bed provided
plenty of sleeping space and we slept soundly, waking
to blue sky and warm sunshine. Our journey continued
at a leisurely pace, cruising around the West coast of the
island and stopping for a picnic lunch at Blackwaterfoot
beach before arriving at Seal Shore Campsite, Kildonan.
Situated on a private beach, with views of Pladda
Island, Ailsa Craig and the Kintyre Peninsula, Seal Shore
is a special place. Wildlife enthusiasts come to watch the
TRAVEL
The little bay
gannets, porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks, grey seals is dwarfed by the
and otters. Small campervans can park on the grassy ship in the bay!
strip right on the beachfront with uninterrupted views. The later T2c
It’s a dream location; the children stepped out of the van has a slightly taller
straight onto the beach to play while we relaxed with a (10cm) roofline
than it’s forebears.
glass of wine in the sun.
Owner Maurice Deighton, bought the land several Wine for
the adults and
years ago and built the campsite himself. A passionate a beach for
philanthropist, Maurice also runs a charity which is the children
to play on.
building a new nursery school for children in Gambia. A
registered fisherman, he often has a fresh catch of lobster,
crab and fish available to buy from the campsite shop. It’s
a well-equipped campsite with 10 electric hook ups, a TV
room, under cover barbecue area, picnic area, power showers, Tango non-stop to his nursery teacher ever since). As
fridge-freezer, laundry room and a basic on-site shop. a treat we stopped at Auchrannie Resort in Brodick, a
For families with a campervan and young children, Seal child-friendly luxury hotel which allows day visitors
Shore is idyllic, easy and safe. While the children played access to its restaurants, spa, swimming pools, outdoor
in the sand or rock pools in front of us, we could cook adventure centre and huge play-barn with outdoor play
in the van allowing them the freedom to roam. The area. As the children let off steam in the soft play, we
Kildonan Hotel and Restaurant is just a stroll along the reflected on our trip and how we’d definitely return to
beachfront for a meal if you don’t fancy cooking. A grassy Arran. With ancient stone circles, mountains, waterfalls,
track along the shore leads to wide white sandy beach wild swimming, castles and sandy beaches, there was so
with children’s swing. It’s the kind of place we could park much to do, we didn’t manage to see half of it and would
up for a relaxing week’s holiday. certainly return.
The next morning, we reluctantly left. Now officially
campervan-mad, the children were tearful about letting
Arkvendor Campervan Hire
Tango go. (My three-year-old has been talking about Arkvendor has two handy pick up points in Edinburgh and
Berwickshire. With a fleet of three modern VW T2 campervans,
Now officially campervan-mad, the each 5-seater sleeps four people and has a gas hob, grill, sink,
mains hook-up, CD/DVD, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.
children were tearful about letting From £250 for 2 nights or £655 per week.
01890 870619, info@arkvendor.co.uk, www.arkvendor.co.uk.
Tango go Lochranza Campsite

60 pitches, hard standing & electric hook ups. Campers’ lounge
with fridge, microwave, kettle. Drying cupboard, grey waste
point. Restaurant next door and Isle of Arran Whisky Distillery
with café opposite. Free putting, nine hole golf course. Prices
from £13.
01770 830 273, enquiries@campingarran.com,
www.arran-campsite.com.
Seal Shore
10 electric hook ups. Day room with TV, undercover BBQ area,
power showers, fridge freezer, laundry, baby change, hair driers.
Onsite shop with BBQ kits, basic foods, children’s games and
toys, breakfast rolls. Kildonan Bar and Restaurant opposite, private
beach. Prices from £13. 01770 820 320,
www.campingarran.com.
Isle of Arran
Things to do:
Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, www.arranmuseum.co.uk
Brodick Castle, www.nts.org.uk
Auchrannie Playbarn and leisure pool, www.auchrannie.co.uk
Machrie Moor Prehistoric stone circles
TRAVEL
Behind the scenes Take a
closer look!
Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers
Set up in 2001, Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers, now known

as BAT, has become one of the leading VW trimmers
with many award winning and magazine featured
buses, and countless satisfied customers
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID & CEE ECCLES
1. Pete and Ange

he minute you walk in
T
discuss the day’s
schedule. the door you know this
2.This Ratty is the home of people
Barndoor has just with a passion for all
had rear and cab
bench seats things VW and retro. Posters and
re-upholstered. metal signs and adorn the counter
3.One of the little and walls, along with pictures of
finishing touches
they provide to
customer’s fully trimmed buses and
personalise campers shelves brimming with retro goodies,
is embroidered logos
and designs.
models and accessories.
Run by Pete and Ange Golding,
4. It’s not just
classics BAT work BAT started life in 2001 when, after
their magic on! nearly twenty years in the auto
trim trade, Pete set up on his own
business trading as Bromsgrove Auto
Trimmers and specialising in classic
VW trimming, both original style and
bespoke. Initially Ange looked after “Each interior is custom made and as
the books, but as the business began
to take off she joined Pete in working VW owners we know how folks cherish
full time to cope with the growing
demand. Over time they have been
their vehicles and how important they
joined by Stewart and Nirmillia, and are to them”
recently by Richard and there is a real
sense of family in the team. All the
work is hand cut and finished, and by
just focusing on what they are expert
in, they bring the finishing touches
to a newly restored bus, adding that
wow factor, or completely revitalise
a tired interior with new fabrics
and colours.
BAT offer the complete trimming
service—headlinings, door cards,
upholstery and seats, carpets,
dashboards and even custom pop
tops, and there are usually two
buses or cars in the workshop
undergoing full or part trimming.
A full bus re-trim takes about three
weeks, and jobs are booked in for
up to six months in advance, such
is the popularity for BAT’s quality
and workmanship. Each job is a
one off, individually tailored to a
customer’s ideas and designs. When
1 a customer arrives for a consultation
a comprehensive range of fabrics,
BEHIND THE SCENES

2 3
leatherettes and material swatches owners turn ideas into reality.”

is available, as well as numerous When we visited the premises
examples and photographs of they had just completed trimming
the various stitch patterns and the front and benches on a very ratty
combinations, and a lot of time and 55 Barndoor Kombi (featuring wind
care goes working with the owner up side windows) and also awaiting
in choosing and advising on what collection was a 78 green / white
works best and different options. Bay that had new door cards and
As soon as a customer has finalised interior panels, seat upholstery,
finish and colours, the rolls of cloth headlining and embroidered
fabric are ordered in immediately butterflies and VW logos and the
and stored ready for when the bus bus name on the cab seats. There
comes in – and any leftover fabrics was also a stunning T5 showing how 4
are given to the customer, so that the BAT touch works on modern
the end result is a happy smiley
5. A long awaited
face when the customer comes to delivery of seat pads
pick their finished vehicle up. One finally arrives!
of the little finishing touches they 6. BAT’s own Panel
provide to personalise campers is Van has been fully
trimmed inside with
embroidered logos and designs such cloth headlining and
as names, hibiscus flowers or VW features various
stitch patterns for the
emblems which can be incorporated seats and interior
into headrests or seat etc. and which panelling.
adds something very distinctive to a 7. All work is sewn

on industrial
customer’s bus. Ange says, “As VW machines and hand
owners we know how folks cherish finished.
their vehicles and how important
they are to them, and we pride
ourselves on our reputation for 5
quality workmanship and helping
6 7
BEHIND THE SCENES

9
vehicles as well as classics! For the cab was waiting to come into the
past five months BAT (and others) workshop to receive a similar look.
has struggled to get hold of original Having sold their Barndoor, which
spec repro cab seat pads; on the day had also showcased their skills and
of our visit however the Postman designs, Pete and Ange have just
delivered a long awaited supply of acquired a 1955 Wolfsburg Palm Green
these and it was like opening presents / Sand Green Microbus, complete
at Christmas! Ten minutes later the with Microbus interior seating. Rather 10
first seat frame was being re-stuffed than camperising it however, this
and rebuilt prior to trimming!
8. Note embroidered
In order to showcase their work, pin striping design on will remain a Microbus and we look
their own 1961 Panel Van has been the cargo door tops. forwards to seeing how that looks
fully trimmed inside with cloth 9. Newly arrived seat when the interior is finished!
headlining, various stitch patterns pads. Commitment to customers and
for the seats and interior panelling 10. Some is leather, pride in workmanship is what the
some faux leather—
and an embroidered pin stripe design but which bit is which team at BAT are all about – and they
on the load door. Pete was especially on the bench seat? also attend many shows where they
interested gauging responses to the 11. A comprehensive are always busy chatting about their
new faux leather vinyls coming onto range of fabrics, work and displaying customer’s
leatherettes and
the market, so the cab bench seat has material swatches is finished buses. Whether you are
been trimmed in authentic leather, available. looking for the finishing touches to
with some sections finished in a 12. Rolls of fabric are your bespoke interior, or returning
ordered and stored in
matching colour faux version—we advance once a
your bus to original look, or simply
could not spot which was real and 11 customer has chosen. freshening up your tired interior,
which was imitation! A bay single BAT are the people to talk to.
BAT
Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers
Unit 9 Sanders Rd Industrial Estate, Bromsgrove, Worcester B61 7DG
01527 576643, www.bromsgroveautotrim.com
Facebook: search for Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers
BAT also do wrap round covers for front and rear screens for all
12 bus models, www.batvw.com
BEHIND THE SCENES

2000 CUSTOM T4 CAMPER VAN
Sticker Bombed
Show Winner
Back in 2010, eleven-year-old Cameron
couldn’t understand why his dad had
bought a broken old van that was about to
be scrapped
WORDS: DAVE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMERON HUGHES
Once the
he vehicle had been was stinking and the ride height
T
Sticker Bombing
owned by Mike’s was just awful! It was just an old Bug Bites, there is
no going back!
employer and it was he van to me then and I thought my
who had driven it for dad was crazy until we started Black bull bar to
most of it’s ten year working life. working on it together.” make the front look
meaner.
Now it was due to be disposed of The rear was insulated, fitted
and replaced. But plans were afoot with sound deadening and then
to convert it into a camper van and the panels and door cards were
after a period in a local garage, the carpeted. Side windows were
mechanics were sorted, a new MoT installed and vinyl flooring added.
issued and the bus came home. The double bench front seat was
“It was very run down, the replaced with a single and both cab
bodywork was no longer shiny or seats were fitted to revolving bases.
even one shade of white, the wheel Cupboards were built from MDF
arches were rusty, the doors dented and then covered with matching
and the front stone chipped. The carpet, the worktop and doors
wheels were scabby, the interior came from IKEA and help to give
It was just an old van to me and I thought

my dad was crazy…

We re-painted it by hand using a half inch

brush, a 4 inch roller and Rustoleum. I
thought it might look a bit rough
a clean look. A SMEV double hob an awning rail and the camper was
/ sink was fitted together with beginning to look a whole lot better.
a 20 litre gas tank and there’s Some Duosleep decals were applied
a leisure battery to provide the and stayed on for nearly two years.
power for LED lights and a fridge. These started the whole sticker
Mike then fitted a Cannon’s Forge bombing thing. “It began on the
rock n roll bed, which provides rear windows and just spread…”
somewhere for Cameron and his A set of Eibach 45mm lowering
sister to sit safely whilst travelling. springs and 4 Gaz adjustable shocks
“It also gave my mum and Aimee were fitted and the front was
somewhere comfortable to sleep wound down. For the next three
overnight—Best of both worlds”. years, “We just enjoyed using the
The headlining and curtains were camper, but then winter 2013 saw
made from a duvet cover whilst the its big transformation. It retired
cab headlining used to be a fluffy into our garage for two-and-a-half
towel. A Fiamma bike rack, clear months whilst we re-painted it
indicators, pressed number plates, by hand using a half inch brush, a

The Monoblocks come off and it gets raised back up
for camping, which lets my dad drive normally for once
The sticker-
bombing four-inch roller and Rustoleum. I added red & black cushions and
continues thought it might look a bit rough, seat covers. The following month,
throughout!
but my dad knows his stuff and I father and son were aboard ship
A subtle side exit was pleasantly surprised.” for a 300 mile round trip to
exhaust system. Cameron tells me that it Vamoose Camper Conversions to
Rear wipers transformed the bus. Considering have a pop top fitted. “They had
were deleted… that it has been painted with the whole thing done in about
there wasn’t much
point in having
a roller, it looks very good, it 6 hours. We couldn’t have been
them with this shines well and has good, even happier with how the van looked
many stickers!
reflections. Window deflectors, and we returned home to complete
diesel flap and cupboard doors the rest of the transformation.
were sticker bombed. Cameron “We are both into the ‘scene’
got into cleaning and detailing and seeing all these decked and
and they discussed showing their ‘stanced’ cars made me more and
bus, they painted the dashboard more determined to up our wheel
and door cards satin black and game and lower the van further.”


Top Clever Longboard Spotlights are much

brighter than people expect.
Upper middle The wheels are 17-inch AMG Monoblocks.
Lower middle The gear lever and window
winders are fitted with skateboard wheels.
Bottom The Iron Man isn’t as tough as
the Norn Iron steel behind him!

The show side of it hadn’t even occurred to The pop
top is from
us at that point. My mum wasn’t even very Vamoose Camper

Conversions. With thanks to...
keen on camping Fiamma Bike
rack and clear
indicator lenses.
After much pestering Mike ordered It is cleaned all the time and loved
a set of 17inch AMG Monoblocks in like it is part of our family. It was Black & Red
cushions and
a staggered fitment and following originally bought for us to spend replacement seat
a test fit, they knew the bus had to more time together, somewhere covers bring the
exterior colours
be lowered still further. Shortened to dry off or eat lunch when at the
inside.
Gaz shocks and adjustable Bluebird beach or out on our bikes. It is a
custom springs made the back sit way to relax and have some fun.
lower than ever. The front was The show side of it hadn’t even
wound right down. occurred to us at that point. My
Cameron’s best experience mum wasn’t even very keen on
was when it won it’s first awards, camping at first!
runner up custom van and winner “Then we began going to the I would like to thank my mum and dad (Susan
classic van. “I have never smiled shows and now I’m crazy for and Mike) for being cooler than the average
parents and buying the camper as it has
so much. I was ecstatic as my mum anything with a Volkswagen badge.
opened up so many new things to me. My
and dad never thought it would win I cannot drive it yet as I’m not old sister Aimee for being so supportive even if
anything, never mind two categories. enough but I can share why I like she’s not too bothered about what the bus
looks like. Vamoose Camper Conversions for
“We love the new look. The owning one so much. Being able to the great job they did on the pop-top, and
Monoblocks come off and it gets jump in and drive somewhere or go again my dad as if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t
have got into the scene or photography and
raised back up for camping, which camping without tons of planning is wouldn’t have got to spend so much time
lets my dad drive normally for once. very special.” with my best friend—who is my dad...

Bus Trader
VW campervan classified adverts.
VW T4 CARAVELLE/CAMPER LWB 2000 T4 2.5 TDI 1978 T2 BAY VW DEVON 2009 VW T5 CAMPERVAN
CAMPER
£17,750 52000 2009

£11,750 52000 1997 £10,500 73000 2000 CHESHIRE 07738810802
HINCKLEY 01455220174 SALISBURY vdubcampervan@mail.com
rodvaughan@hotmail.co.uk 07720167603/01722 327081 £9,750 1978 FRIMLEY, 2009 t5 new conversion with 52000
amazing condition inside and out Converted by Calypso Campers. SURREY 01276 506736 miles on the clock fsh 1 owner 3
electric f windows and mirrors,central 18” alloys/side bars/MoT/windows/ surrey.garrards@virgin.net months warranty new 20 inch alloys/
locking,cruise control lowered 50mm foldout doublebed/kitchen unit with 1.6 ltr petrol engine replaced 2008. tyres limo tint glass colour coded
18”audi alloy wheels with as new 9222 hob/sink/compressor fridge/ MOT Oct 2016. Hammocks, 3/4 carpeted/insulated 12/240 volt supply/
tyres + original 15”alloy wheels with slide table & pullout worktop/3 top Rock & Roll bed, Table, Roof light, lighting smev cooker/sink split charger
2 new and 2 as new tyres recent: lockers/2 wardrobe style cupboards/ Gas cooker, Sink, Electric submersible leisure battery leather interior with
belts and water pump,brake discs full mains electrics with pms/12 pump, Tow hook, Roof rack, Pioneer matching rock and roll bed we have
and pads,exhaust riemo pop top with sockets/13 led’s with dimmer remote/ CD player, Thermal blinds, Drive- a selection of other camper vans tel
roof bed 240v electric hook up, 3 bright green & graffiti grey ply units away awning. Replaced Exhaust, Seat vdubcampervan 07738810802
sockets,smev combination hob with grey trim.Currently sorned covers, Curtains, Floor, Track rods,
Tyres, Suspension bearings, Battery,
Distributor, Seatbelts, Brakes. T5 FULLY CONVERTED 4 BERTH
1974 BAYWINDOW WESTFALIA VOLKSWAGON T 4 CAMPER
SURF VAN
2001 T4 TRANSPORTER
DEVON MOONRAKER
£11,490 29700 1974

ROYDON 07977423634 £5,995 41000 1994 £7,000 144000 2001 £33,000 2000 2013
howard@keeling54. RUSTINGTON 07767862924 HUCCLECOTE 07340250461 SWANSEA 07786973020
orangehome.co.uk info@sussexoakcraft.co.uk donnie.egan5@gmail.com Jasonharris39@gmail.com
1974 T2 Westfalia LHD and tax For Sale Volkswagon Caravelle 2001 T4 Transporter Campervan New Professionally converted & fully
exempt, recently imported from 1896Cc Diesel Exchanged Engine bespoke conversion with black gloss certified. Pop top, roof bed, R&R
Canada, mot’d, registered and ready From Clacy’s Garage 4 Belted Seats units grey trim, black and lime green bed, Bluetooth, DAB, DVD. Electric
to go. 1800cc engine on twin carbs, 2 Folding Rears,Ample Space For leather seats,new glo plugs with full windows, Air-con, privacy glass,
manual gearbox, white with original Mountain Bikes,Surf Gear Etc Tailgate service incl timing belt.Full lime green fitted Curtains,fridge,hob, sink, leisure
green interior. Inner and outer Rear Door Also Allowing Shelter Led respray lovely smooth bus to drive. battery, Inverter, loo, BBQ point.
cills on the drivers side have been Lighting Is Plentiful With 3 Zones For Smiev hob sink,waeco fridge,zig unit Reversing sensors, side bars, splitter,
replaced, very solid underneath, Various Moods Complete With Power leisure battery,rock and roll bed with spoiler, 20inch low profile wheels,
minor surface rust on the front. Converter,Stainless Sink/Cooker belts.£7000ono van can viewed in Remapped, Serviced, Dry stored.
email me for more info. Cupboards New Battery Clifford Alarm Hucclecote gl3 3sp Number plate negotiable.
CLASSIC VW BAY T3 TYPE 25 HI TOP CAMPER

CAMPERVAN VR6 LWB TWIN SLIDER
07920030388
michael.lee433@ntlworld.com
Very rare VR6 LWB TWIN SLIDER :-)

has just had the cam chains replaced
which is the one major issues with these
engines so no worries with the dreaded
rattle. next on the to do list is the auto
box which is functional but does have
issues when cold with the reverse gear,
£3,800 115000 1998 also the van has the usual t4 sills to tidy
£9,000 141000 1989 STAFFORDSHIRE up. Other than this not a bad van.
£8,950 62800 1976 CARMARTHEN 07770477463
penrithkim@kseymour.plus.com coles641@btinternet.com Create a classified ad in volkswagen camper & commercial,
Right hand drive Bay 1976 A very good example of a Type 25 she completely FREE OF CHARGE!
standard 1600cc engine MOT till is 5speed turbo diesel, refurbished Visit: www.volkswagencamper.co.uk/for-sale
October 2016 just had all new inside and out (stripped, de-rusted
rear brakes done. Lots of parts not and re- sprayed in 2014/15 lots of new
and follow the instructions, selling your bus has never been so easy!
fitted will sell with van. As new parts, cables, new diesel tank, gear Or if you’d like a PREMIUM LISTING,
tyres all round including spare. linkage and lots more, fully serviced contact Wendy at:wendy.lennon@jazzpublishing.co.uk.
40,000 miles on new engine. 4 and mot until 2016 ready to go sleeps
berth with 2 bunks in pop top. four, easy to drive and runs very well The information in this section is provided without warranty of any kind. Anyone is allowed to
Solid wood interior looks great to include awning and lots of other list their vehicles for sale on this website and no checks have taken place by us, you should
double burner and grill fitted. camping bits always take care when buying a vehicle from anyone.
BUS TRADER
ing
is unmpers
Where ‘your imagination
is our only limit’
R S Ca
For all your
T4 & T5 bespoke
conversion and
modification
needs
Call 07900 697 492 or 07889 817 533

or visit www.risingsuncampers.co.uk
Unit 5, Shilton Industrial Estate, Shilton, Coventry CV7 9JY
To Advertise in It’s time to convert!

Individual camper conversions.
REVO ECU remapping, REIMO & SCA
Roofs. RIB & REIMO crash tested beds.
Window fitting, line outs, diesel
heaters etc. Wheels by VW, Autec,
Borbet, Ronal, Lenso.
Call Karen
01244 881888 EXT 301
or email Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5HR
Tel: 01935 321564 or 07760 888916
karen@jazzpublishing.co.uk www.eclipsecampers.com
Dock of the Bay…
Sitting on the
Are You Covered?
insurance broker, we discussed rising

values of Volkswagen buses and how
insured values should be reflected.
I have always considered that the
insured value should reflect the
replacement cost of a vehicle whilst
the guy I spoke with maintained the
value should be its resale price. On
the face of it, there shouldn’t be too
much of a difference, but in the event
of a total loss, many owners simply
wouldn’t be able to ‘buy another’. As
us owners know, the individuality to
every bus is such that they cannot be
replicated. Whether that is the rare
accessories you have sourced and
fitted, the bespoke interior you had
designed and fitted, or the radical
engine or suspension modifications
(all declared of course!) that have
been carried out. Sure, a wedge of
cash means you can start again,
but for any long term sentimental
owners, replacement will always be
Whilst recently undertaking some seasonal tough. And anyway, what price are
your blood, sweat and tears and of
shopping in a busy city shopping ‘mall’ what value are the memories you
have made? It realy doesn’t bear
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE CLEMENTS thinking about.
I don’t wish to dwell on negativity
My attention was ask—is your bus adequately insured? so please just make sure your policies
M distracted from the

boutiques, coffee shops
and pop up Christmas
shops by a pair of Bay window buses
My insurance policy recently came
up for renewal and I realised the
value was set at the level for which
are up to date and relevant, and so,
to finish on a positive note, as I write
this it’s just a few days away from
I insured it years ago and this meant the winter solstice, on a practical
parked up surrounded by shoppers. that the rising prices had left my bus basis, it’s the shortest day of the year
Mike Clements is
a long term Bay I naturally abandoned my wife and considerably under-insured. To raise and that is the ‘tipping point’ of the
window owner, daughter for a look and found two it the previous year I had been asked winter. For all of us either not using
www.earlybay.
com administrator,
relatively new Bay window buses to send through new photographs to our buses, or using them with gritted
and DIY mechanic. surrounded by and covered in justify the raise and I had never got teeth in the cold and rain we will
“I love setting off reproduction art canvases. None of round to it, so this year I was sure be past the midway point of the ‘off
in our ’68 Westy
Campmobile for the art seemed to be relevant to the to take and send the pictures and season’ and can start looking forward
weekends away buses, just ‘Banksy’ style copies, but increase the value. to better times. Anyone fancy a sunny
or on European
road trips… as the presence of the Volkswagens During a conversation with the barbeque?
long as my wife meant that people were attracted to
has packed the
kitchen sink.”
the stall, much like moths to a flame.
None of this is surprising of course,
the attention that is forthcoming
simply by driving about in any old
bus these days is proof of this, but it
seems the public’s desire for the bus
as an aspirational lifestyle vehicle
Above: They used
shows no sign of abating.
to say that ‘Sex The downside of this? Well,
Sells’ but now it’s rising prices is one and affects new
Buses!
buyers of course, but also means the
Right: Relevance to
actual Volkswagens
possibility of your bus being stolen
not mandatory! regrettably rises, which leads me to
SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY


Volkswagen Camper Commercial 100 - 2016-02

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Volkswagen THE ORIGINAL & BEST VW CAMPER MAGAZINE

THE 100 ISSUE! TH

PACKED WITH THE BEST VOLKSWAGEN BUSES

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

EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER ADVERTISING SALES SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES

74 ‘Humbus Rides Again’ 72

Also in this issue

98 Dock of the Bay

We chose the VW because of its convenient

flooring was replaced with a sharp

All in the detail...

they always insist on coming along

NEWS & PRODUCTS

wheel for your Bus! www.dorsetswapmeet.co.uk www.bustypesvwshow.co.uk

13 March 22–24 April

It’s Brass Monkeys!

NEWS & PRODUCTS

To celebrate Volkswagen Camper &

NEWS & PRODUCTS

CAMPER JAM SHOW TICKETS CAMPER CALLING TICKETS

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION £100 VW HERITAGE VOUCHER

KLUDOMAN MUSIC & ART VW UK GOODIES

DESIGNER T-SHIRTS COOL FLO GOODIES

MEGUAIRS CAR CARE KIT

PLUS: The History of the Campervan DVD set (the

Thanks to our sponsors:

NEWS & PRODUCTS

There were plans to bring in legislation requiring all

T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

All in the detail...

where it was used by a painter in

T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

I saw the opportunity to buy a very straight

T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

dimmer control. Finally there’s a in April 2014, Geoff took it to

A Mazda ‘Autocube’ kitchen pod is ideal The Autocube

for a day van New rear vinyl

Camper Van Culture

Stephen Mawhinney Motors

Alan H Schofield Ltd

VW Heritage Parts Centre

And finally Nadeina for her patience and Daniel

T3 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

fluid, which in itself can cause issues. Make

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

Detach the cable Clutch pedal mechanism

Renew the cable Check and adjust

Across Morocco by bus

giant boulders, all piled on top of one another into what

Camping at the side of the main road

The landscape all around

9: “I can see the

commitments and could stay longer, but we were ready

10: The Barbary

We drove to higher ground

We were not prepared to take thev ferry from the north

Split window buses without safari windows

1965 MODEL 225

1965 MODEL 225

All in the detail...

bus!’ It was about 90% complete, the

1965 MODEL 225

I never use water to clean it, I use a

1965 MODEL 225