Forgotten 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro Westfalia- Will it RUN AND DRIVE 600 Miles after 22 YEARS?

This 1987 VW Vanagon Syncro Westfalia was parked in 2001!! Do you think our team of vw enthusiasts can get it running and driving, and make the 600 mile journey home? WATCH AND FIND OUT!
We drove 600 miles with a crew of 5 VW enthusiasts in 4 VW Vanagons to go rescue and drive this rare 4wd Camper-Van home! This mission came together pretty quickly- so we packed our tools, our knowledge, and our team- but will we get it running and driving?

[@hooh125]

I love this videos of recovering old vans, keep it up! thank you guys

[@TheBarefootForge]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’ll be a great bus, fueled by memories once she’s back on the road.

[@user-ht1xu4gv2u]

​@@TheBarefootForgeadd some mothballs 4. Interior

[@leostevens8589]

Another great video, I don't own a VW any more, I Had a 67 Beetle and a 72 Type 2 Camper. But these videos are tempting me to dip my foot in again... Keep up the great content. Perth Australia

[@TheBarefootForge]

Thanks buddy!

[@pauljefferies9087]

First step in a restoration, vacuum ALL interior surfaces and spaces, compartments, cabinets, storage boxes, storage areas, under all seats. Under back seats, bottom of pockets in trunk, inside of door panels, inside yes in the bottom inside, glove box. Check behind inside of dash board and any other place where a space exists out of the rain. That is where the mice would live. Remove cardboard trim decoration panels, vacuum inside lower areas at bottom of all body spaces.

[@TheBarefootForge]

How does that compare to what we did?

[@michaelraleigh-co7og]

Oh to have a crew like you!! Great bunch of guys, working for the greater good! Van a go go gone, Westy and away! Syncro and away!

[@TheBarefootForge]

It should be a reliable vehicle before ya know it!

[@glendebruyn6041]

Great job! Keep the videos coming! You’re lucky to have great friends to hang out with, while working on these old vw’s.

[@TheBarefootForge]

It definitely keeps it fun!

[@theslyrylan]

Anxiously been checking your page for part 2 every day. Love your videos!

[@TheBarefootForge]

Why not just enable notifications by smashing the bell icon?

[@pertjarnstrom1330]

Really nice to see your channel again, never see any new vids latest 7 months, thats fixed now. Hope to see this VW Part ÌI soon.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Heck ya! The next part should be up very soon.

[@petebuttons210]

The whole concept of getting it drivable to bring home is what I think makes for great content.

[@TheBarefootForge]

I agree. Why tow it home and fix it there? Repair and restore all vehicles in primitive conditions hundreds of miles away- or you took the easy way out!

[@user-gf4xr7kb9k]

Great job guys

[@TheBarefootForge]

Thanks friend! It’s not over till it drives home…. But we will get there, soon!

[@fishhead1844]

Loving the video can’t wait for part 2 🇬🇧🚐

[@TheBarefootForge]

Coming soon! What was your favorite part?

[@joostspikker]

Love your vids, keep up the great work !

[@TheBarefootForge]

Thanks buddy! Chapter 2 soon!

[@vDC2me]

I like the videos because of the way you guys stay positive and use humor to keep things alive. It's almost like a bunch of young boys playing make-believe and enjoying their time together.

[@TheBarefootForge]

It’s supposed to be fun, so we try to have fun. At the end of the day- the sign in the shop reads “failure is absolutely an option”, and it is…. We don’t HAVE to drive it home, and we don’t have to drive it home at the end of this video. Heck, we’ve made 4 trips back on this one, and if it doesn’t make it back on the next trip…. Maybe it will on the following one. That’s fine. I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Chapter 2 soon!

[@blyhigh4199]

Great vid. Can't wait for Chapter II.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Coming soon!!!

[@bearpits]

The only channel that still posts long form factor Vanagon vids. 6 years later, I bought one ! Btw Craig I’m in NY we should chat !

[@TheBarefootForge]

Awesome man! Well, send me an email!

[@slimpickins3425]

Good to see you guys back in action! I cant beleive how nice the interior looked when you finished cleaning it up! Disappointing with the motor, and hey you got a go-cart going too! Cant wait to see the next chapter. Wouldnt it be easier to tow it home now that its so much lighter? But ive watched all your rescues, and know how you guys roll. Its a amazing crew you have, love seeing that camaraderie !!

[@TheBarefootForge]

Towing it home is giving up- it’s a fine option, but we’re not there yet. It’ll drive!

[@leejensen7550]

I get to sleep in my van down by the river AND there's a new Craig video? Now this is living.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Sounds like you’re living the dream!

[@pauljefferies9087]

Crud decency also forces me to add, wear gloves on your hands, disposable gloves, and wipe down all surfaces with Lysol type disinfectant cleaner. Allow interior to ventilate and dry. Crud. If possible, use a vacuum with a second exhaust hose, which could be attached to the vacuum, and directed outside, this will carry dust away and outside of the vehicle.😮 Buy this second hose, if necessary.

[@TheBarefootForge]

So now that it's clean..... would you say we did all the cleaning "wrong"?

[@marclandry4175]

Keep em coming!

[@TheBarefootForge]

Heck ya, there’s a whole lot more to this story to tell, I can’t wait to share it all!

[@danacataldi5119]

I found I had to keep watching the screen because I couldn't detect your sarcasm. Totally enjoyable. I busted out laughing at the acorns. We have had that problem too... it accompanied mouse damage to a new Carmaro. $7900.00. Hate those buggers.

[@TheBarefootForge]

The mice will always win!

[@jackmehoff2961]

I enjoy watching you save a VW .

[@TheBarefootForge]

Thanks man! Lots more to come!

[@daviddesantis7872]

Love your videos, your crew, your content, skills and demeanor! I would love to take a week of vacation and hang with you guys on the next barn find! Keep them coming. I might have to consult with Craig for help on my next Vanagon.

[@daviddesantis7872]

oh, by the way, what do these barn finds cost you?

[@TheBarefootForge]

That may be possible! We’re thinking of selling spots to be included on a rescue to help fund these projects- “vanagon summer camp”! Email me for more info! Each rescue consumes about $3-5k in parts and 200-500 hours of labor. (Plus their initial cost).

[@Turboxantia]

This is just so well made. This is better content that I can ever dream of from Netflix or whatever. Keep it coming guys ❤🎉! I do have a westy high top with the biggest boxer (DJ 112bhp), you deserve to experience a Vanagon with that setup. Look for european import. And to respond to what you wished: Best part is where the engine changes status from resurrectable to dead when the spark plug plug decided to stay 😅. Really painful.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Ya, it was a real bummer to see that spark plug seperate! : / Oh well, the show goes on! I’ve driven a few 112 DJs, they’re cool. Not all that great, I actually prefer a well built bored out MV, as the injection system is far superior.

[@Joesrustbuckets]

nice find guyz,

[@TheBarefootForge]

They find me!

[@pauljefferies9087]

Hey guys, the entire purpose and reason for vacuuming the interior of the vehicle is to remove large loose dirt and debris, before trying to perform a finale super duper detail and polish action. Vacuuming mouse debris first will reduce the exposure of the crew to dust inside the small space inside . See next post.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Thank you for the detailed suggestions- did you not see the first two videos where we….. did that already?

[@VanaConn]

Rare find for sure. Solid too.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Heck ya- there’s a whole lot of potential there!

[@duncanpage1556]

My 87 looks brand new after seeing this! lol

[@TheBarefootForge]

I’m glad I could help boost your confidence! Lol. This one’s rough, but far from dead!

[@Tom_in_Alaska]

Don't tell anybody but I may or may not (but definitely) used HVAC tape to cover over a couple of rust spots in the foot wells of my van, too! Love it!

[@TheBarefootForge]

It’s the correct way! That’s proper, full metal body repair! That’s a “restoration”!

[@HubertusSchaper]

Hi Barefootguys.Great job done a lot of hard work is so far done🛠😓 respect you are a great team🤙👏🏻. looking forward to the next ep😊🇺🇸.Greetings.Hubertus👍🏻🙏🏻🇳🇱🇳🇴☮🍀🛠😊

[@TheBarefootForge]

Chapter 2 soon!

[@oonami]

I like all the speed holes

[@TheBarefootForge]

They’ll definitely increase horse powerssssss

[@djambrosia]

I snapped a plug on a 1.9 wbx back in the 90's. Such a gut wrenching feeling when it's your daily car. I quite fancy owning a Vanagon but they're getting pricey these days in the UK.

[@TheBarefootForge]

They’re pricy here too- but they totally should be. They’re 35 years old.

[@JackStolz]

Another great one. Thanks so much for making these videos for us!

[@TheBarefootForge]

I love telling the story! Thanks for being a part of the crew!

[@oldgadfly8398]

The FEMA jacket was a good choice for this one!

[@TheBarefootForge]

Naturally- he just owns this.

[@richardroos5965]

Great video! But I was wondering why you didn't run up to New York in your daily driver (Doka)? Because you needed a place to sleep at night? Yes...amazed how much work a team of guys can accomplish in a day or two!

[@TheBarefootForge]

The doka burns a quart of oil every 36 miles. Realistically, it would take 33-35 quarts of oil to make that trip round trip. That’s horrible. Lol.

[@chrishomel9558]

My favorite part is seeing it all coming together. Nice work. Can't wait to see the new engine go in. Keep the videos coming guys.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Thanks buddy! Yep, it’ll be pretty cool once it gets an engine and drives!

[@colleenkidwell5820]

Baking soda? Good work.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Could be!

[@YoshiSIX39]

amazing work. I wish I had this amount of help, I would not have a Westfalia in my garage for 3 years now :)

[@TheBarefootForge]

Get out there and get after it dude! You’ve Gota make it happen.

[@Gnarlodious]

Your backhatch strut is on upside down. The oil must sink to the bottom where the rod seal is when the hatch is closed, otherwise the nitrogen gas gradually leaks out the seal.

[@TheBarefootForge]

They don’t go on the other way. This is the way VW installed them in 1,289,572 vanagons throughout the production run. Did vw get it wrong on 1.2 million vehicles?

[@geepeerces]

re that 'rear squat' comment, most cars, the rear track is narrower than the front, it has something to do with stability. for an extreme case, consider the Citroen DS

[@TheBarefootForge]

Well, ya, but not the different tire widths. 7” on the front and 5.5” on the back is weird. Lol

[@dre4011]

3:39...bridge looks ALOT like The old ACL bridge here in Richmond from 1899

[@TheBarefootForge]

Nah, haven’t made it to Richmond on these trips- yet!

[@wkat950]

I don't get to see many "will it run" videos of minivans. I figure the poison dust was a furtive attempt to run the mice out. It's a good vehicle other than needing de-turdifying and having a straight shift.

[@TheBarefootForge]

All syncros are stick shifts- so it’s naturally a great vehicle. If anything, it takes a great driver to rise to the occasion. Not there yet? Time to learn!

[@abednegowiloso2064]

When the next chapter come out?

[@TheBarefootForge]

Today! Check it out!

[@user-jl4hj2tf1x]

I picked up a 1986 Volkswagen except 15 years I'm working on it right now I'm hoping to get it right right right right it's cool if you got any help comments or anything I can do to I don't know much about him so you must be appreciated I'm in Eureka California

[@TheBarefootForge]

Just start putting the time in, there are so many resources these days.

[@MikkoKalavainen]

I’m afraid that mouse ain’t gonna drive home. You guys can fix a little but that mouse was a goner.

[@TheBarefootForge]

I definitely feel like we’re due for a fresher mouse. That mouse is spent.

[@chrishomel9558]

Man. That's a holy grail Syncro. Well worth the work. Drink up boys.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Heck ya man, it’s the dream!

[@nealart]

Challenging!

[@TheBarefootForge]

It’s a tricky one, but we will get it together!

[@MrBertstare]

Is that the diresta go kart track?

[@TheBarefootForge]

Yep! Heidi was built at the Diresta Gocart track! : ) Many of these projects occur around there/in that town.

[@peteeaton8868]

Well? Did you make it home?

[@TheBarefootForge]

Coming soon!!!!

[@DC-bm7oz]

Guys I think we’re gonna have get the engine out lol

[@TheBarefootForge]

Well the engine is out! Looking forward to putting it back in soon!

[@rhiantaylor3446]

In Europe that Synchro would probably have been a 1.9 turbo diesel, great torque, power, gas mileage but most of all, reliability. And the spark plug wouldn't have broken off ....

[@TheBarefootForge]

None came factory with a 1.9TD, they came with a 1.6TD. And if you’d like a very accurate description of how horrible that engine is and just how much of a pain in the butt it can be- check out my series “I bought a doka from Poland”, where we put the third head on that engine (for the fifth time) in 2000 miles! I’ll be taking my chances with a known good wbxer. Lol.

[@oldgadfly8398]

The white stuff could be vanagon preservation powder.

[@TheBarefootForge]

That’s exactly what it is! Preservation powder!

[@oldgadfly8398]

@@TheBarefootForge I knew it! It works so well too.

[@oldgadfly8398]

@@TheBarefootForge But seriously, the videos are always good fun. Appreciate it!

[@achgffgh]

LETTTTTTSSSS GOOOO WE ARE SO BACK

[@TheBarefootForge]

New chapter dropped today!

[@billsmith1359]

Vacuum don’t sweep.

[@TheBarefootForge]

She’s all vacuumed out!

[@colingarner6175]

If you didn’t watch this but just listened you’d swear it was a load of twelve year olds .

[@TheBarefootForge]

You hang out with some very intelligent minors that curse like sailors. Why are you hanging out with all these terrible minors? Do their parents know?

[@Eaton332]

Grateful Dead Mouse. Face stolen right off of it’s head.

[@TheBarefootForge]

Ooooh, I like that! It’s a Grateful Dead mouse!

[@ginomenna1768]

mousicels🤣

[@TheBarefootForge]

Only the tastiest!

[@pauljefferies9087]

I am exhausted from explaining. WHEW!!😴😴. Dang it. Decency forces me to add, wear gloves, and at least a paper mask, over your mouth and nose.

[@TheBarefootForge]

As opposed to the N95 masks everyone was wearing?

[@roberthillyard4234]

SO BAD PLEASE PUT SUBS ON AS WE HAVE TO READ AS WE WE CANT HEAR OK ONE DAY YOU MAY BE THE SAME

[@TheBarefootForge]

Do you have any advice for how to better maintain my hearing?

[@gerpa24]

muy aburrido !!

[@TheBarefootForge]

What was the most boring part, and how can we make it more entertaining?