BUYING a WESTFALIA CAMPERVAN | What to LOOK FOR

[@heynadine]

Are you a fan of these older vehicles? Check out all of our Westfalia videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLBmF7uPtI-4GkxXAjQ53SnIdIdhmKKW2i

[@michaelibey6700]

Good presentation. As a 67 year old lifetime VW mechanic I can say this .All are very useful and it will depend on the strength of your wallet and family size as too what you will purchase. My opinions are as follows. In regard to the bay windows, 1968-1979, the last 3 years are the best. I like the 2.0 engine with MECHANICAL LIFTERS the best because all the motors I saw that had valve seats loosen were hydraulic lifter engines .The last 3 years also have a super transmission geared for the interstates. With a little work you can put a 76-79 transmission in a 1972-75 baywindow. Vanagons are nice, I would buy an early one with the air-cooled engine and just live with the power it makes. BECAUSE, the water-cooled flat 4 was one of the worst engines EVER made by an automotive company. Years ago, a Canadian mechanic in New Brunswick told me they considered that engine their retirement ticket. They will blow head gaskets for no apparent reason and the only people who will touch it are the dealers $$$$. Eurovans are super and it's too bad they stopped making them, nice rig. I have personally owned a 1976 Westy since 1985 and recently drove it 2400 miles to New Mexico and back. It has had one engine change over all those years and still loves to hit the road. I cruise at 70 usually and on the upgrades semi's sometimes try to pass me and usually they find out that was not a good idea as I am doing 70 at the top and they aren't. Oh, the fuel injection, either bay window or Vanagon, is terrific. Some people put a holly/weber carb centermount outfit on these. It SUCKS bigtime. Twin solex kits work much better. Enjoy.

[@atlantaogatlantaoh3546]

If I got a westfali van couldn’t I just swap engines with something so it is more reliable? Or is it way to small

[@yourfuture5756]

The vanagon flat-4’s don’t blow head gaskets for no reason. They blow because of the whollu moronic choice to only have a 4-speed transmission, incapable of temaining cool in the 65+ mph range due to rpms. Imagine if these had a 5th gear, and better non-aluminum heads. Problem solved. Another deeper cause of engine heat in these happens due to slowly weakening internal oil pumps. I had to rebuild 2x in a row because the rookie mechanic who insisted he knew what he was doing (0 vanagon knowledge) failed to swap out the old oil pump when he rebuilt after the first overheat/cracked head. Lesson learned. Oil change more often is the answer to that one-“Too soon old, too late schmart!” And a more powerful oil pump installed would also be a wise move. But no 5th gear-DUH VW!! What were you thinking???

[@Igeltod]

​@@yourfuture5756 5th gear transmissions were produced for the vanagons but had to be ordered and installed for an additional fee. they came stock with a 4 gear transmission thats why you will find these more often.

[@briancunningham2155]

Nadine you are such a great communicator. Pleasant and to the point. Your personality always shines through. Full of great info for starting ones own search.

[@orcaflotta7867]

What she called the Ti is known as Split Window, VW named it T1. And what she calls the bus is in fact a T2, the Bay Window. Vanagon is actually the T3 generation.

[@CringeTheGinge]

I got my van just out of Calgary for $9,900 and have had it for just about a year. The only issue so far has been the coolant tank (cracked, cause of old plastic) but other wise runs like a dime. Obviously all the rubber pieces, like bushings, etc could be replacing but I got extremely lucky with my purchase!

[@TypewriterCollector]

I have a 91 vanagon and I love it. This is the best video breaking down all the van models.

[@mattofstie9298]

Awesome! 91 is the best year 👌

[@Fitforacting]

Vanagon is from 1979 @2 min mark. 🤩 I still loved watching this video thank you

[@vclamp]

Thanks for taking us through your cost-benefit analysis. 😁 I hope Clifford has a long happy life with you two.🐶

[@heynadine]

thank you :) glad you enjoyed the breakdown! We are hoping the little one likes him as well! haha that'll be the adventure for next year

[@s0upra536]

8:58 reminds me of my dad on our trips when I was young.

[@jenbarry5340]

Ken and I Jen have a 1980 VW westfalia pop up camper van we are restoring! We cant wait to take it with us camping @ the Drive in! Right now its like a cream color on the pop up and body is a burnt orange terracotta color~ Ken wants to paint it like the color of the foam on root beer soda, cause our seats are a milk chocolate brown! Safe fun magical journeys with love and peace ya all! Jen and Ken! 🧡☮️

[@nikodewolf8840]

Great presentation style! Lots of information on a balanced tempo. Top video!

[@stevebroyles7150]

Replace your Fuel lines... It's a known issue. You can also get suppression system for a few hundred

[@heynadine]

Check out our previous video 😜

[@johnhudson1965]

Had a 1995 VW Combi (T3) for 10 years before my brother in law wrote it off, I literally cried. Best vehicle I ever owned, a Golf 1,8 L motor, never any problems, had done almost 500 000 km (that's 300000 miles), before he wrote it off. No issues whatsoever. Took out the middle row of seats so our 4 young kids could play and sleep (yeah, I know, safety wasn;t a big issue in the mid-90s), had a strengthened bullbar in the front with a winch to pull our rubber ducky from the beach, dams, it could quite comfortably tow a 1 ton trailer-the gear ratios and gearbox was superb Have had a few really nice vehicles, the Combi was by far the best. Hoping to souce a T3 Combi in the UK, and install an electric motor- there's a great conversion shop in Wales. What fantastic vehicles!

[@jeffnoviello8316]

Good stuff. I’ve owned 5. 4 Vans and 1 67 bus. Loved them all. Looking for a Westy right now. Loved your video. ✌🏼

[@natalie4969]

AMAZING job on this video! As someone who knows a lot about these vans. Very well presented.

[@heynadine]

thank you :)

[@daves5445]

Just got your video in my timeline. Thanks for doing this one! I am seriously considering buying a Westy, and you gave me very useful information. Now to get out there and find the right one for me! Happy and safe travels!

[@RicardoRoams]

Very informative video! I owned a '71 VW camper bus longer ago than I care to think about. It was slow, had no A/C and needed much TLC. But I loved it. I travelled over most of North America in that thing in the 5 years I owned it. I only sold it because I got tired of driving around without A/C. With the prices they are going for today, I wish I'd kept it. Volkswagen still makes new camper vans. But they haven't been exporting them to the USA and Canada since 2003. VW claims they don't think they would sell here because North Americans are too in love with their SUVs. Ironically, they are called the California Camper. Continued safe travels.

[@scottman895]

Clifford is quite expensive! I think you made a great investment on getting one in very good quality. Although the ones in less fair of a condition are a lot cheaper, I feel that the costs to refurbish it could possibly be more than buying one in the condition you and Matt bought it especially if you rely on external help. I'm glad the Westy has been very reliable with your local trips so far!

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Agreed good investment on a better conditioned one.

[@DanTheManIOM]

The cheapest vanagon, never is !

[@thecaffineman]

Really appreciate the great audio in this video :)

[@mattofstie9298]

We appreciate the comment 👏

[@pbnak]

What to look for?! You should look for a new van, unless you want to be an almost full time mechanic for that VW. Rust, lethargic engines that have a host of issues that constantly plague them, not to mention the cost is ridiculous for what you get. With that said, I love em! Good luck

[@ruffypoo]

Wow you havent popped up on my page for years. I'm glad you're still doing it!!!!

[@danielplumtree366]

for Canadians, we have as vendors: Dr.Bjorn auto CIP Werke 1 Concept 1 frank condelli we have had a 90 vanagon for 11 years and its taken us every where. our kid was 3 when we got it and he grew up in it. now at 14 he's talking about getting his own. good run down of the vanagons.

[@mattofstie9298]

Thanks for the list 👍 Happy to hear about your family adventures!

[@iosch]

Thank you for this comment. I have a 91 Vanagon and often use Condelli. It is always good to know about other suppliers in canada tho. Could come in handy 👍

[@bluerallyes2]

Love the T3 but they are quite rare now and like soluble aspirins here in the U.K. We ended up with a clean Japanese imported T4 Eurovan Westfalia with an auto box. Much better for us with the sliding rear bench seat and two young kids in tow, means we can reach them easily enough and it also creates a ton more rear load capacity.

[@LonelyPickle-m4r]

I have an early 68 Westfalia, love it to bits (there's a video of my bus on my youtube). I'd argue early Westie Bays are getting as collectable as Splits. Also worth noting the the Vanagon in the rest of the world is known as the T25, and aren't worth as much generally as a Bay or a T5 or T6, as they aren't as sought after here, and the Eurovan is known as the T4 in Europe, we also get the T5 and T6 here, which are hugely popular (and expensive!), and are a bit bigger.

[@CharlesRevis1]

I thought t25 was just in the uk, thought the rest of Europe was t3. Im new to the older vans and its very confusing online

[@pauloshea3741]

The T25 is actually a T3. They are mistakenly called a T25.

[@CharlesRevis1]

@@pauloshea3741 well no t25 isn't wrong, from my understanding it's what Volkswagen called the T3 in the UK for a while

[@doices2nd]

I'm pretty mechanically inclined, I'm just taking baby steps with a VW Golf in general to get a feel on what tools they use and how they tend to lay out parts.

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

Never seen a video of yours that I don't like. Keep going to offer us amazing videos!!!!!

[@heynadine]

why thank you very much :) will do

[@derricktremblay5603]

Had to recently replace the oxygen sensor on the exhaust and now working perfectly... Loved 😍 your information video 📹

[@therealjetlag]

10 years ago, I inherited my mum’s 1984 vanagon from California which we shipped home to the UK. My husband rewired it, fitted new fuel lines, a leisure circuit, 3-pin sockets, USBs and a new fridge. I made new curtains and reupholstered her. Two years ago, we fitted a Fiamma F45s 300 awning. This year she’s getting power steering. She’s beautiful and I love her. The 1984 still has the cupboard door that is blocked by the table so I’m considering chopping it, but I fully agree that the T3 t25s have the best layout and internal size that neither the older nor newer vans have beaten. I am tempted by something more modern and reliable (although our girl has never let us down yet), but no van sized camper has an interior as good as the Vanagon.

[@garyp.7501]

The 1980 to 1983 1/2 vanagons are either diesel, or air cooled (oil cooled) engines. The diesels had the rabbit diesel engine which are even lower power than the air cooled vans. The air cooled engines last about 125,000 to 150,000 miles. You can add an extra oil cooler to the air cooled vans which helps with heat issue. Also the air cooled engines supply heat to the cabin by having a casing around the exhaust ie reuses that heat. So in hot weather there is plenty of heat, in the winter there is almost no heat. The water cooled engines have been known to have leaks in the gaskets, which requires a rebuild. This is why people have put subaru engines in those vans. oh yeah, I had Peace Vans in Seattle do a complete rust/repaint repair job on my van. They are an excellent shop AND they rent vans, you can fly into Seattle and go van camping for a week and see what you are getting into before you go buy one. I have an '81 which I have owned since '96 and love it. But as you say, I have dumped money and time into it to keep it going. It is an antique at this point.

[@MattHuusko]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your experience. We’re just starting to plan. This was perfect.

[@krishkrush]

Looking at a Vanagon this week in southern Alberta and this was very helpful. Thanks! I prefer the manual transmission. All I’ve ever driven.

[@williampellegrino1764]

Well Be you are very right with most of your observations but as a Westy and VW van owner since summer of 67, and VW mechanic I'll add this. The auto tranny's on the Eurovan are very undependable. Many people convert them to 5 speeds.. VW stills makes these vans but doesn't import them to America. I personally never owned a Vanagan but my son has one in MD.. Almost as complakated(sp) e to fix as my 93 Eurovan weekender.. and the electronics are a expensive nightmare on both.. The busses are the simplest but very tempermental and none except the 6 cylinders are very fast..but the bus or van is the best all-around vehicle ever made..Choose wisely my friends but choose one..Mine is a 76 Westy and a 93 Eurovan weekender and the bus is my choice.and very dependable..Good luck and see you out there Bill Vt & PR

[@allrounder779911]

The "Eurovan" being a T4 California started being produced in 1991 :)

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

great overview and good advise. I'm happy with my 1969 Westy, but it is not for everyone. My goal is to drive across America, but I have a long way to go in terms of mechanical reliability.

[@michaelg1805]

My opinion after 30 years of messing with VWs is the 68-71 westfalia/bay bus is the cheapest and easiest to maintain. Still has beetle style motor so parts are cheap and available. Can still be fixed with tape and a paperclip in a pinch. Yes its slow but can be made faster. Sure not as roomy as a vanagon or modernish but also far less to go wrong and leave you on the side of the road. I worked at VW when a vanagon came in the techs disappeared. 😂 none wanted to touch it.

[@sydnieleehoughton3935]

Well done! I’ve owned a few over my considerable life, and I love them. I think you got a great deal! I’m shopping for a used Vanagon or Eurovan cmeApril. Let me know if you hear of a good one. Thanks!

[@RBEmerson]

Forgot to mention... Bentley, Bentley, Bentley - do not attempt work without the Bentley shop manual. It's not quite the VW shop manual, and there are differences in procedures, but this is the core document for maintaining a Vanagon '80-91, "tin top" to Westy, 4-speed or auto, plus AC, power windows, etc. and complete wiring diagrams. It's a shop manual, assuming you have all of VW's esoteric tools, jigs, and gauges. However, much of the usual things owners work on are covered. Bentley isn't cheap (Amazon $92, Bus Depot $84, Van Cafe $92 and a free yummy cookie with every order!) in hard cover. Paperback? Only used or $125+!!!!

[@lukasgarage956]

Single best thing you can do.

[@RBEmerson]

No joke about the Van Cafe yummy cookie - darn fine chocolate chip at the moment. Just don't ask for First Class mail shipping = no cookie. Priority mail = cookie! Here it's "do you want to pay $8 a yummy cookie". :(

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Lots of great information! We love the van, so cute!

[@derricktremblay5603]

Looking to purchase a1984, can't wait to get on the road!

[@rceconomy]

Great video! Couldn't do a

[@heynadine]

why thank you! I'm glad, we tried to get in as much info as we could, without it being TOOO dry and info heavy.

[@brianmcmanus4690]

God, I miss my '85 Vanagon (RIP Prudence), never should have let her go. Cheers!

[@iantrott9152]

This is an excellent video, thank you :) I’ve had my early T25 (T3) 1.9 DG Automatic since 2003 and I love it... but so too does the rust :)

[@kgeorge-r3f]

Nice video, we had a 91 Vanagon Westy for about 10 years and sold it about 7 years ago, I still miss it. We owned a 2002 Eurovan Winnebago camper (EVC)for 1.5 years and sold it this years as prices are inflated and i didn't like it as much as my vanagon. I will correct you on the pricing of these vehicles, stock late model EVCs sell for about 10K more that late model vanagon westy's. I sold our stock 2002 EVC for 47K Canadian and that is about the going price for a 2001 - 2003 good condition EVC. I noticed the bubbling rust in the one shot in your video, that isn't a good sign especially if its been repainted. I will mostly likely go down to California to pick up a completely renovated one which may cost a 40K- 50K in a couple of years when the market has settled down, these are destined to become a classic collectors car, all the best!

[@davidse4486]

You can almost always get a newer van like a ram van for what you will put into a westy to make it reliable.

[@CringeTheGinge]

No one wants to drive a ram lol

[@garyp.7501]

There was a full camper Ram Van that I saw for sale locally for $60,000. They had marked it down from $80,000 so you pay's your money no matter where you go with a camper van.

[@davidse4486]

@@garyp.7501 many of these westys are 30 years old and need everything serviced. If you can do the work it’s not as bad if you have to pay a shop expect a huge bill. This why a lot of people sell their van breaks down most times they use it and they get frustrated over the large repair bills. They opt for a base model van do the conversion.

[@bb_xrp8195]

Na I think you have to be a mechanic for sure to own this 😩😩😅😅 I have an 84.5 with a Subaru 2.5 engine. Cool vid

[@alanbstard4]

you keep oil up to those air cooled engines they should not overheat. Excellent video

[@spaceantenna]

Awesome information 🏁 we are looking for one ! Blessings

[@troylouis162]

I don’t own one but I am in love with the look and layout of them

[@Nolsie]

This was concise and informative. Subbed.

[@gabrielbohiltea6206]

Thank you for this great video! Thank you for the details, I appreciate them. Good luck! Greetings!

[@ddee5833]

do you only use it in the summer months or all year?

[@mbuenon]

Great video Nadine! thanks for putting that together! cheers from a 1990 westy!

[@Classic-grid]

ahah 60km/h on stepper hills? we do 85 on flat with our 1969 and 25-30 on the Alps ;) but we love it

[@ewookiis]

I guess someone has already mentioned this, but, the popup-roof is more common in your neck of the woods. Here in europe, the hard-roof is more common. I actually have one myself fitting in the category of beater - since restoring / rebuilding it here in Sweden is... even more costly :p. However, I usually used it for track-days with my bikes, meaning it's been pulling a bike behind it, let just say that planning ahead several km's is a must for any hills. Especially when it is around 2,60m high ;).

[@Nomadicheadspace]

Great review thanks 🎉

[@terrymulcahy4068]

Thanks for the great video! Westy is my dream vicle!

[@trinifirst6702]

Hey (with all respect to your lucky husband ;-) ), I just love your animated charming personality! I'd just like to say I have a 1987 Vanagon Syncro and I'm in the Caribbean. Paid about $2,900 USD only because I'm in the Caribbean and people here didn't realise what a great vehicle it is. Unfortunately that 2.1L engine was horrible. You can't afford a burst water hose. After one burst coming down a mountain, I essentially coasted for about 2 miles - but the head went! Had a few years of great service before the disaster. I've had to replace the engine - with a Japanese engine...still not back on the road.

[@squid_fish]

Well sorted advice ✌🏽 We love our T3

[@ianwylie9064]

remember to change the belt at intervals 60 or 80 thousand miles I think. neglecting this can be a major engine failure, very expensive indeed if the belt snaps.

[@katekaos]

Great video but doesn’t say when you purchased. Just before the pandemic I got a perfect 86 for 20k. I also think the manual transmissions are better and there are definitely not a lot of places to fix these and I’m in SoCal where these are fairly popular. Especially in San Diego! I do love the charm. I was surprised mine got up to Big Bear at 8k elevation. It definitely isn’t perfect but they’re pretty classic 🙌🏼

[@Coleen_West]

Nice! -- QUESTION -- How does this compare to a Sprinter van (ignoring price)? This looks cool but I wonder if it is better to get a small Sprinter camper van of similar size?

[@ahmsokhbu4913]

Boxeer TDI conversion is fire.

[@jgfiseth3332]

Got my '92 T4 Westfalia 1,5 year ago. Paid $270 (guess I was rather lucky....) Running, but some oil leakage from oil cooler, little rust - changed frontdoor and tailgate + plus the two front wings. Interior = not much used, just cleaning. Guess its up to ca $2000, when finished this spring.

[@BattlefieldDoktor]

I totally love the first three generations of the VW Bulli (as we call it in Germany). Of course the versions with the Westfalia roof are the greatest. I had the chance to drive a T4 (Eurovan) but not a Westy ... was also cool to drive but of course the first three generations are much cooler because you're sitting on the axle. It's just a different feeling when driving around. And the T1-T4 vans/buses are really expensive even in a low condition and even without the camper roof and equipment from Westfalia. Totally envying you guys to have this amazing vehicle and it is also in such a great condition.

[@OleHippy]

What a great video - so informative!

[@derekcolman]

I think you made the best choice from the different types, but I would not go for an automatic. I know Americans and Canadians only know how to drive an automatic so a manual change is off putting. However if you are used to a manual change, as I am, you know that you can only get the best performance from your engine that way.

[@photopicker]

I am an American and have been driving my manual 1988 Westy GL since '96. It turns out the automatic is better at distance driving and is certainly more convenient when dealing with tight turns on an uphill incline. After a long back road trip with a manual you wish for automatic. Remember, the Westy is an under powered tuna-boat, not a Lamborghini.

[@derekcolman]

@@photopicker I bow to your superior knowledge, having never driven one. My only experience was an automatic compact family saloon car which was the same type as a manual gear shift model I owned. By comparison it was crap to drive. Maybe if I had driven it for longer I might have grown to love it.

[@airship9637]

Another American here. My 77 camper was a manual. It took us coast to coast and north to south. Then I had a left hip replacement. I could still handle the manual but at 249k miles and looking at a third engine rebuild decided to move forward in years. The Vanagon body was a revelation -- it was so spacious and airy and the light just streams in. But because because of the steering wheel angle -- I'm a tall guy and my leg hits the steering when I went for the clutch -- I had to look for an automatic. And I've never looked back. I agree with photopicker -- distance driving, tight upward turns -- oh heck, it's just more convenient and easy and fun. Now my 87 Westy has 247k on the original engine, it has issues, and I'm looking at engine replacement. I'm leaning toward a Suburu 2.5L -- more power, a modern engine, environmentally friendlier. It's a costly thought but my wife and I love this thing and as we enter our 70s want to keep it and ourselves going. It also need some rust mitigation and the popup canvass needs replacing. The price Nadine paid for hers in that condition is an absolute steel -- that van body and paint looks great!

[@maxplanck9055]

I would recommend insulating your water pipes and fuel pipes to protect from cold and frost/ice, both drinking water and engine cooling! No-one wants a burst pipe job in springtime, hope this helps 👍❤️🇬🇧, hope the pregnancy is good 🙏

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Great tips!

[@RBEmerson]

Um... not needed unless operating in the winter in Alaska. For almost anything but, anti-freeze coolant is just that - anti-freeze. It takes a lot of cold to freeze up gas. At the most, a dipstick oil heater may make sense. Otherwise... not needed. If the Westy's in regular use in the winter (why??? salted roads are death for rust-prone Westys!), don't fret about potable water. In storage, drain the tank, of course. Running "pink pop" anti-freeze through the pump and delivery line is a good idea or... use the cheapest vodka you can find. Honest! BTDT. Flushing the system in the spring can bring a bit of a glow to the day. ;) Flushing "pink pop"? Not so much - not supposed to be toxic, but the remaining taste? BLECH!!

[@robertdavis5714]

Nice production, however no mention of 5 speed manual.

[@eldorado17427]

I have a blue 81 Vanagon Westfalia, love of my life.

[@anthonyklatt9483]

Great video!! How many kms did Clifford have when you got him ?

[@shakermaker6869]

Thank you - this was super useful. ✌

[@dannydanny9875]

She knows, she knows her stuff!

[@derricktremblay5603]

We drive our 1985 with a 1.9 water 💧 cooled engine and it is excellent 👌 👍 😀

[@mcmahon31619]

Can a vanagon be used as a reliable everyday vehicle or would it only be useful for camping trips

[@nealart]

Excellent information!

[@annexsnack7531]

hi Nadine i saw you guys install canvas for your westfalia. Did you purchase the canvas in BC

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very nice video ☺👍👍

[@contrabbasso76]

Very informative. Thank you for all of that!

[@jmapjayathunga222]

Its amazing Good one👍👍

[@jmdoutdoors5729]

Great information, thank you very much.

[@krath043]

Great info. Is there a part 2? more in-depth... I'm looking for a passenger van so wondering if you find most of the repairs and expense you talk about has to do with the camper or the van itself?

[@Olddeadleadfoot]

The best years are from the 1950's to 1971, but I'm an old VW guy. My '57 23- window is better than most any vanagon. Not into plastic-dashed VWs. If the dash isn't metal, I won't own it.

[@frankrioshernandez3659]

we want more videos like these

[@djkenny1202]

Unless you get a Subie conversion, count on them costing as much as a room in a home every month in repairs and maintenance. I’m more interested in a tiny travel trailer knowing whatever I drive I can pull it, that I can buy a truly reliable and cheaper to maintain vehicle. These made some sense under $7000, common for an 86-90 in 2006 or prior. But $20 grand? Absolutely not. Get a reliable Japanese or American conversion.

[@gars1074]

You have a great voice to listen to. Should be in broadcasting!

[@steveburns6503]

As a vanagon owner for 30 years ...newbies that ‘name’ their van... it’s a wonderful mode of transport not a mascot or pet...

[@carlossaez3586]

Most Buses and Vanagon owners have been naming their rides since ever. I have owned many..we currently own 2. One my dad bought it in 88. And another westy 1990 i got in 2007, both have a name, it is just something fun to do, they are not regular cars, they are part of the family.

[@pete24p]

theres a beaut of a white westfalia for sale right by my house i wanted to ask if you dont mind helping me price this van... what is a good ballpark for the van needs some tlc but does drive and run and looks pretty clean, but i havent checked out the interior yet just wanted to know if i can afford this or if is a bad idea from the get go?? plz help

[@randphong]

Hey Nadine! New sub here. I am right here in a Vancity suburb & bought an 87 westy that was siting on a driveway for 7 years. Engine runs but leaks oil, and not yet driven it on the road. I am undecided if to rebuild the existing engine or have a subaru conversion. Mostly I was concerned about big hills and mountain passes, so thank you for posting this, esp the part on engines. I am also looking for a local body shop and would appreciate if you can point me to the ones that you have had good dealings. Thanks.

[@ChibaCityBlues]

Here in Germany it’s very common to engine swap a Subaru Boxer or a VW TDI to the T3. The T4 TDI California is the most reliable car you’ll ever have…

[@atlantaogatlantaoh3546]

What do you mean t3?

[@simonedwards5070]

Ah I had 7 apart from air cooled blowing up they’re cute if you don’t mind everything overtaking you

[@leonkowalenko]

great vid!

[@Alexandre-ed6oj]

Is the noise of the heating annoying to sleep ?

[@heynadine]

there is no heat :)

[@mustangfanatic95]

You should consider putting a Chinese diesel heater in! It’s such a game changer and very cost effective

[@paulevans3522]

Thanks that was very good advice

[@heynadine]

you're welcome! :)

[@CLAMshack]

This is litteraly my dream car. So hearing all this stuff and info about it has been the most helpful thing ever 😄🚐

[@hubertaumeier4558]

It’s not a car | it’s not a van | it’s a hobby (from a VW van fan and owner for 40 years)

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job. Nadine.

[@heynadine]

thank you!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

No problem.

[@brianmilligan1787]

AUTOMATIC I'M NOT LAZY BUT I LOVED THAT WHEEL CHAIR

[@icare7151]

Subaru intercooler turbo is the best option.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

This is actually very useful info! Or I hope it will be at least... Still trying to convince my better half that a travel van is a good idea :D

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Go for it!

[@RBEmerson]

Good luck. Either spouses are ready to be tipped over into vans or not. About your only hope is to rent a conversion van or a Class C (close to a mobile home built on a truck or van chassis). Moving to a Class B (such as the Westfalias) is a distinct step down, and a big adjustment. Here's hoping your spouse just needs a nudge to go with the idea. (Class A BTW are full-on purpose-built motor homes.)

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@RBEmerson I think renting and seeing if she gets a taste for it is a good idea either way! Well.. And prudent either way, I guess. Better to try travelling in one for a decent amount of time before diving straight into it.

[@Laters3]

Best vw dub cranker you can get. Iv a t4 westfalia multivan

[@Laters3]

I sold my t25 years ago bad mistake

[@Laters3]

Haha my t4 is like Swiss cheese but I love it that way my mate keeps telling me to get it done. But Na I love el rusty. The chassis is mint