New engine question

[Heebee_GB]

Thank you everyone for your advice. the only person I have spoken to about this is a neighbour of my friend (I don't know them but decided to be brave and knock on the door!) anyway, his comment was that if I wanted to take the kids to Cornwall etc then the chances were that if we got stuck in traffic, the engine would overheat and we would have to get used to being stuck by the side of the road. Obviously this is what I would not be looking for with two kids in tow, his suggestion was to get a modern van, but that kind of defeated the object!

We live in Widnes (Cheshire) and I am hoping to have the funds to go looking in a few weeks, hence the research now.

Is over heating a common problem in traffic jams etc?

Is basic car maintenance something that I will need to think about?
P.S. I am a member of the RAC!!

Again, thanks for all the advice

If you can get over to the Wirral Sunday you can have a look around mine and a few others off here. Its the Liverpool VW Club meet http://www.liverpoolvwclub.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .
Really freindly bunch (like everyone in the scene) who will try and answer any questions you may have.
If you cant make Sunday next months will probably be in Liverpool so a little closer.

 

[Jem]

Hi thanks for all the help, I live in Widnes, Cheshire, just next to Liverpool. I've looked around and so far have not found any clubs etc in my area.

 

[Jem]

Sorry about that, somehow I missed the last post.

I will try and get over to the Wirral on Sunday, although I will have two kids with me, will that be OK?

Thanks

Laura

 

[Heebee_GB]

Of course. I'll have mine in tow.
I don't think a time has been set yet so keep checking the website for details.

 

[james_stan]

Hi there

Just read through the thread. One question, have you driven one before ? Not a big problem
but nothing like a modern vehicle especially the brakes.

Most folk on here will undertake their own maintenance, as otherwise it can get expensive.

If, once you have driven one, you are still keen then you must get the best you can afford. Please also take a club member with some renovation experience with you to view some possibles - really, there is someshocking stuff out there - shiny on top but rotten as a pear underneath. Bodywork and running gear (brakes, wheels, steering etc..)should be a priority as the engine can be renewed quickly and easily - perhaps even (dare I say it) a late bay or T25 might suit better.

Prices are also scandalous to be honest so if your budget is less than 10,000, then I might be inclined to look outside this now rather fashionable 'scene'.

Good luck and keep posting.

JS

 

[sparkywig]

^^^ Wise words.

 

[maddog]

Both choices of engines are fine if done/built/fitted properly.

Personally id stick with an air cooled engine and if looked after/serviced etc will serve you well.

I run an aircooled engine, ok its a bigger cc than standard and is used on track but is very usuable everyday too. Been to Belgium last year, raced and drove back with no probs and 2 yrs ago drove to Norway, raced and drove back, 2500 miles in total, again all good

Good luck with your venture and welcome 8)

 

[pottinger]

james_stan hit the nail on the head.

I purchased a year ago and cant beleive what a part of your life these things become.
You will spend money on it regardless but the rewards for this are ten fold.

buy the best standard example you can afford and make 100% sure you get it checked out by someone
in the know 8)

Dont be scared of left hand drives, adds to the driving pleasure imo
but as said before drive one and make sure it is what you want.

cheers
potts

 

[Jem]

Thanks again for the help. Driving one is this weekends challenge!

I have not yet worked out the difference between an early bay and a late bay other than the age? If that is not correct, sorry!

I will definitely take on all the advice given. And won't purchase anything without advice from someone who knows what they are doing.

Thanks again for being so helpful.

Laura

 

[pottinger]

I have not yet worked out the difference between an early bay and a late bay other than the age? If that is not correct, sorry!

early bay = the half moon shape air vents (back of bus after the last window)
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice small rear lights
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice rounded bunmbers with side steps at the front
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = indicators are low down at the front near the bumper
late bay = indicators are up near the windscreen next to the air intake thats a straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice and rounded like an uncut hovis loaf
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

there is a load more too but you get the gist.

there are some cross over models (when the shape went from one to the other approx 1971) that have the early front end and the rear is a straight old rectangle shape

only jokin late bayers and crossies, all are 8) just buy a gooden.

cheers
potts

 

[lobie]

cross overs are cool :mrgreen:

 

[ZedBed]

I have not yet worked out the difference between an early bay and a late bay other than the age? If that is not correct, sorry!

early bay = the half moon shape air vents (back of bus after the last window)
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice small rear lights
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice rounded bunmbers with side steps at the front
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = indicators are low down at the front near the bumper
late bay = indicators are up near the windscreen next to the air intake thats a straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice and rounded like an uncut hovis loaf
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

there is a load more too but you get the gist.

there are some cross over models (when the shape went from one to the other approx 1971) that have the early front end and the rear is a straight old rectangle shape

only jokin late bayers and crossies, all are 8) just buy a gooden.

cheers
potts

:lol: Very good Potts.

Late bays have servo assisted brakes with discs on the front and big engines that don't slow down on hills. And a hatch so you can get at the engine.

 

[pottinger]

I have not yet worked out the difference between an early bay and a late bay other than the age? If that is not correct, sorry!

early bay = the half moon shape air vents (back of bus after the last window)
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice small rear lights
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice rounded bunmbers with side steps at the front
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

early bay = indicators are low down at the front near the bumper
late bay = indicators are up near the windscreen next to the air intake thats a straight old rectangle shape

early bay = nice and rounded like an uncut hovis loaf
late bay = straight old rectangle shape

there is a load more too but you get the gist.

there are some cross over models (when the shape went from one to the other approx 1971) that have the early front end and the rear is a straight old rectangle shape

only jokin late bayers and crossies, all are 8) just buy a gooden.

cheers
potts

:lol: Very good Potts.

Late bays have servo assisted brakes with discs on the front and big engines that don't slow down on hills. And a hatch so you can get at the engine.

:lol: I know, total jealousy on my part :msn4: actually there are some lates at t2d that are in the serious cool look . Em maybe a second bay for me then