Opinions on this van?

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Suki St James

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Jul 24, 2014
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Hello,
I'm going to look at this van tomorrow and I was wondering if any of you guys know it/have seen it about or have opinions on the photos on the listing?

I hope it is ok to post this direct link to it?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T2-Campervan-1971-/161375785920?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item2592bf13c0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place but I'm new and the majority of the research I've done up to now has been regarding later vehicles and I need a little guidence.
 
There is no mention of its MOT status in the listing. Has it got one or has it been laid up for a while?
 
No MOT. Expired 24 July 2014.
https://www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Caveat: if it was MOT'd in the last 5 days or so the website might not be updated. Ask for the paperwork to be sure.

Smells a bit funny this one.

Front panel has been smoothed out and smaller badge fitted, suggests replacement front panel.
Also has a later sliding door on it.
And has a late fuel cap (in the body rather than behind the cap).
Crossovers, especially '71s didn't have these features.

Can't see the VIN number in the engine bay (it should be on the LHS on the vertical face that the foam seal sits against.
If the VIN isn't there, personally, I'd run a mile.
Also, beware shiny paint. Take a magnet with you and test bits of the bodywork (put a soft cloth between the magnet and paintwork for protection. Looks like a recent, possibly quick blow-over. The reason I say this is that whilst the door shuts look okay, why haven't they painted the engine bay?

Even if it was legitimate :msn4: , it's not worth anywhere near £17.5.

Proceed with caution would be my advice, sorry!
 
Exactly for the reasons listed above - late bay all day without a doubt!
Not a 71 as advertised - its at least 1974!

Wrong written all over it!

Unless there is evidence ie photos of a full restoration being carried out - NEVER buy a shiny bus!
In my opinion walk away and keep looking - especially for that money

I would be interested to see what the m-plate says and what condition the vin no is in!
 
Mmm- this one is worth looking at for that sort of price - ive seen this one and its really nice and the seller knows his stuff ;)
 
Thank you all so much.
I'm so glad I asked because I leap with my heart initially and something smelt a bit dodgy with this when I took a step back.
My mate is going to go and see it for me because I've had something crop up tomorrow last min but thanks so much for your replies.
It is pretty scary starting down this road, isn't it?
 
I think it's safe to say no RHD bus should look this good unless it has had a lot of work done. Not necessarily a problem but something to consider, and if the seller says different - be suspicious

For example look inside the engine compartment behind the battery area - it's common for the entire lower 6 inches to be replaced on UK buses - but this is hard to see in most places.

For example:

 
Sorry, I'd be giving that one a miss.

It's first registered on 1st August '71, meaning it should originally have been be a '71 model year, yet it has been made up to look like a '72. In addition, the fuel filler cap suggests it's a '74 or onwards model year, meaning it's a late bay made to look earlier. They can probably get away with a '72 looker on a K plate as not many people would notice.

I'd be astonished if that van is the one that was first registered on 1st Aug '71...


Vehicle make VOLKSWAGEN
Date of first registration 01 August 1971
Year of manufacture 1971
Cylinder capacity (cc) 1584cc
CO₂Emissions Not available
Fuel type PETROL
Tax class HISTORIC VEHICLE
Export marker No
Vehicle status Tax not due
Vehicle colour ORANGE
Vehicle type approval Not available

Good luck finding something suitable though :)
 
I'd avoid it purely for the shocking panel fit.
Is the slider open or shut as it depends on where you look!
And the front door passenger door with the out of line paint...
Late bay all day also, sliding door lock in door, wrong indicator column and as others have said fuel cap etc.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
 
Indicator stalk says it's about 1974. The front panel has the lower lip so it's at least a 73 model year with an early style front clip.
It may just be that it was 'tax exempted' using the id of a scrap van, or it could be a lot more serious, either way it's a wrong un.
 
Looks a wrong'un to me. If going to see it take a magnet, cover it with some electrical tape so it doesn't mark the paint. If its been sprayed recently id be wondering why.
Its a big purchase, take your time and research it properly, try buying one off a forum like this if possible, that way you should be getting a bus that someone has cared for rather than whacked a load of filler in and sprayed over.
 
Thanks all so much for your seriously useful comments. It is fantastic that you've take the time to give me your honest opinion.
 
As already pointed out lots of things wrong with that bus, WALK AWAY :lol: :lol:

A 71 (well 74 on) masquerading as a Pop Top Westy in RHD. This bus has been built to meet what everyone initially wants when they start looking at buses,a RHD Earlybay pop top westy, bet it never ever saw the inside of the Westfalia factory and has a nice hole cut in the roof.

Plenty of nicer buses out there for that money, dont be fooled by the shiney paint.
 
Oh we've well and truly walked away!
Surely it is totally illegal to say (and presumably tax it/register) a car was made one year when it wasn't? I'm so naive when it comes to all of this. Every van I've looked at seems to be a massive scam or is SORN/no insured so we can even see if it actually drives.
Scam city or what?
 
Glad to see you taking this advice on board, Suki, and yes, there are a lot of scammers out there. :msn4:

If I was looking again, from scratch, this forum would be my starting point. There are always a good selection of genuine buses up for sale on here, and generally speaking the asking prices reflect real values and not some inflated figure akin to a small mortgage. More often than not, there will also be a load of pics in gallery threads etc. that give a good indication of what might lurk (or probably not) under the paint.

Good luck. :D

K
 
Oops - sorry

http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=60317" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not an early but very nice bus!
 
Just put his early up for sale too http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=61139" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
;)
 
Suki St James said:
Oh we've well and truly walked away!
Surely it is totally illegal to say (and presumably tax it/register) a car was made one year when it wasn't? I'm so naive when it comes to all of this. Every van I've looked at seems to be a massive scam or is SORN/no insured so we can even see if it actually drives.
Scam city or what?

Yep it's illegal. I think this happened a lot years ago when bays were still relatively cheap, so swapping the id with a tax exempt rotter before it was scrapped made more sense. Tax is so cheap now relative to the cost of vans that the only reason it's been done these days is to hide stolen vans I reckon :cry:
defo a '74-'76 van, avoid like the plague:)
 

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