Best upgrades

[Neil_in_Belgium]

I am buying a 1979 T2b. Right now it is in multiple pieces and so the right time to ask "what are the best upgrades"? All suggestions considered but mainly thinking on running gear and electrics for the moment.
Many thanks
Neil

 

[ozziedog]

I am buying a 1979 T2b. Right now it is in multiple pieces and so the right time to ask "what are the best upgrades"? All suggestions considered but mainly thinking on running gear and electrics for the moment.
Many thanks
Neil

On the electric stuff, a hot start relay is a no brainer. The name isn’t truly indicative of how good it is. Primarily it relieves a load of strain from the ignition and starting circuits and switches. <<< Mostly correct. Resisting the urge to lower the suspension is a toughy for most. Correct C rated tyres is a fab bonus. And head and taillights are lacking a bit in the modern world but Halos don’t necessarily look that great. While it’s mostly apart, might be an idea to replace the loom with all those old connections. What are you looking for ? A stock look, or a custom thing, or a show winner trailered van ? Patina and originality are sure winners. Anyway, welcome to the forum, what motor you running in there .?

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,,,gets some pictures up Neil

 

[Ben72Bay]

What he said!
Plus I’d fit a new loom throughout.
Gives peace of mind, you can configure it to include whatever you might want (such as a hot start relay, auto fire extinguisher in the engine bay etc) and it gives the existing things like headlights the best chance of working to their potential.

 

[Bluesnailman]

Lots!

Soundproofing (everywhere + fire proof foam soundproofing in the engine bay)
Replacing plastic body filler with steel seems a popular upgrade (fingers crossed you don’t have hidden rot)
Wiring as above plus fire extinguisher.
A fuel filter that sits outside of the engine compartment and modern ethanol resistant hoses
Convex door mirrors
Sticky backed card table foam on Westy louver windows to stop rattles

Best thing is to make sure it drives and stops like it should do. Gears should move easily, braking should not pull to one side or another, engine should be slow but equally “powerful” through the rev range, steering should have no dead spots or slack.

Priory?
1 Fuel lines and filter
2 get it running like it should

Big spend upgrades I wish I’d done earlier?
Bigger better engine
Gearbox final drive change to suit engine
Litesteer

Things i needn’t have bothered with….
Radio and subwoofer.

 

[redgaz54]

I am buying a 1979 T2b. Right now it is in multiple pieces and so the right time to ask "what are the best upgrades"? All suggestions considered but mainly thinking on running gear and electrics for the moment.
Many thanks
Neil

Hiya, upgrades, hmm
1) Anti roll bar kit = thicker front arb, rear arb and KYB dampers. Difference in handling and motorway driving, vast improvement.
2) Installing thermostat, flaps, flaps, oil cooler bracket, hoover bracket, basically all correct tin ware and associated cooling bits and the later vacuum operated oil bath filter if your engine is stock.
3) Diesel heater, game changer for me whan camping .
4) Led light bulbs, especially headlights preferably from ClassicCarLEDs, plus extra, higher led brake light.
5) Empi gear shifter, other brands available.
6) Don't lower it !.
7) What everyone else has suggested