Advice needed on potential purchase

[reidsta]

Hi,

I have always wanted to by a VW camper and have recently been looking, but must admit my techncial knowledge is none existent. I have found a van that I am interested in. So far I have only seen pictures and I wanted to check if the picture attached of the side sills is anything to be worried about. Can anyone give any advice?

 

[mjknight71]

yep you got belly pans :evil: ......... removed mine £1.5k welding later (all four outriggers/jacking points/major chassis sections/ inner sills and crossmembers) and I have a nice chassis... :wink:

this may not be the same but I'm not buying another with them on :lol:

The centre should un-bolt..........if they look like they have been off and put back on ask why :?:

 

[Clem]

From the pic I can see a patch on the belly pan, so we'll assume its never been off, but plated? The bodylines indicate some previous repair work.
It genuinely depends upon the price/history of the van, and your needs and plans for it.

These days Id suggest buying a dryish import anyday over a repaired van, but I also understand thats not always an option. Whats your budget, where will you keep it? Work on it? What will you use it for? etc etc

 

[reidsta]

Firstly, I just want to say thanks for taking the time to reply.

The van is a 71 pop top with an original but old looking interior. It is just over £7000. I plan to use it at the weekends for running around, day trips to the countryside and f I can convince my wife and daughter a few camping trips!!

What do you think?

 

[faux]

I think it would be best to put some more pics up. You should get quite a bit for 7k, especially on a private sale.

Have a look at FBI, KK and Keift n Klock to get an idea.

 

[reidsta]

Here are some other pics to show overall quality

 

[reidsta]

and finally

 

[analord]

body is difficult to assess really from that piccy. the engine bay has a fire suppression kit in it (good) and that gene berg bus shifter will also help you change gear a lot easier (good) interior looks like a danbury and looks ok.

have you checked the roof? open it up and see if you smell damp, then check there are no leaks and that it goes up an down ok - it costs a lot to rebuild a leaky roof.

Have you driven it? does it start and stop ok? fuel gauge works, heating work, brakes ok, any oil leaks or can you smell fuel?

hope that helps as a start...

 

[steve92]

also worth considering is the imported bus.but i would say that cos iv got one!. seriously though 7k would buy a very nice import. we searched for about 6 months for ours but it was worth the wait. start with a real solid bus,it will save you a fortune in the long run.cant really tell much from your pics,but has it been sprayed? if so get a magnet out so you can see whats under that paint.also as someones already said,what under those belly pans?if i had 7k id find a totally origional bus with origional paint.it may not be as shiney as a respray,but you know exactly what youve got. oh and lhd a doddle!

 

[aogrady]

hi!

have a look around for people selling usa imports, for 7k you should get a pretty much rust free one? Is it a factor that you need rhd? Mines lhd cali import and no rot (aside from battery tray needs doing) and i pay just over your price for a 70 pop top westy...

If you go for a import it's more likely not to be rusty, but you can get rhd aussie and south african imports rust free, but that may be a little more money??

Mine has belly pans (being a pop top) and dont think mine have been took off, but as the bottom of my sills etc is solid, i guess it's ok behind.

As your sills have had signs of a repair maybe - it makes you wonder what may be lurking???

Is this bus your looking at a import or a uk bus?

Alistair

 

[Shaggy]

WHS take the mans advice, about 3 years ago I jumped at a bus because it was in the area, I spent way to much on it as after a year it started to show signs of how much they had covered up, the key is to just take your time and find a solid bus. Unless you like to waist money like me

 

[Araon]

Ask the seller if its possible to use a starrat cutter on the side pans and get a torch into it....he may well let you as no doubt a few people will like to look in side there too.....if you drill two 20/25mm holes per pan and get someone to shine the light through one whilst you have a look in the other it will give an indication of the chassis conditions...

If you dont ask you wont get....

 

[reidsta]

Thank you to everyone who has replied. I think I will pass on this oppurtunity and look for an import or slightly more solid van.

I really apreciate all your advice.

Thanks

Russell

 

[halfpint_fighter]

Where abouts are you/the campervan?

My local mechanic is always willing to check over a van and give advice, you might have a vw specialist near you.

 

[reidsta]

Hi Halfpint_fighter.

The bay I was looking at has now sold. So I will not need the assistance of your mechanic for now, but this is a great offer. As I know nothing about mechanics (but will obviously have to learn) I may well take you up on your offer when I find another bus.

 

[steve92]

good luck in the hunt. take your time,you will know when you find the right one.