'I CRASHED IT...' | VW Camper Van Restoration | Episode 2

With the engine running on my classic VW split screen camper van, Jon and I need to carry out some minor improvements! However, as usual, it doesn't all go to plan... I can’t believe I crashed my classic VW!
Thanks to www.justkamper... for helping me find the parts I needed.
Thanks for watching! If you're enjoying my journey, please subscribe for free! You'll receive notifications when I upload a new video - every Sunday at 5pm (GMT)!
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LINKS:
www.dominicchinea.com
Dom's Instagram: / dominicchinea
Ranalah Ltd's Instagram: / ranalahltd​​
Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@daveflatters4981]

When you bought this I distinctly remember you saying this wasn’t a project 😂😂😂

[@philpullan8595]

This is merely minor tinkering 😃

[@daveflatters4981]

@@philpullan8595 😂😂

[@craiglaing2417]

Minor tinkering, but when tinkering is in your blood it can be hard to stop at servicing 😅

[@daveflatters4981]

@@craiglaing2417 😂😂

[@jornmettenvanderveen822]

Great episode. Please put your van on the correct ride height. Looks better, rides better and much safer!

[@allmyownvideo]

i agree, VW spent a fortune designing it to work , when we change things it makes them worse and even dangerous

[@matthewsimkins]

I had mine put back to standard recently and its a joy to drive now! 😀☮

[@wimhunting6236]

Noooo. Low looks just much better. Rack&pinion then..!?

[@stevehaynes2857]

+1 for return it to correct ride height. Great episode.

[@pre67vw]

There’s a reason VW made them the ride height that they did 😉🤙

[@DominicChineas]

Haha so true!!

[@smudgersmith1786]

Apologies for stating the obvious but the van is too low - that's the perils of having them slammed... Not very good with speed-bumps either!

[@brycechessum4684]

Lowering those vans may make them look cool but they become almost useless on the road.

[@warbirdwf]

Just an fyi- It appears you have an SVDA distributor matched to a 30 series German Solex 30 series carb. That's a mis-match due to the SVDA canister requiring 200 mm HG of ported vacuum to fully vacuum advance that vacuum canister. The 30 series carbs only produce 100 mm hg of ported vacuum. Usually single port engine run a SVA distributor like a 113905205K, M or T. Those canisters fully vacuum advance around 80MM of ported vacuum.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Well done guys at least as far as the tuneup goes. Not a big fan of dropped suspensions as I've seen these upset the string geometry and well ... bang. Be interesting to see the rebuild 😃😃

[@alanbeckett4]

It's almost as if VW had an idea about how high the ride height ought to be....

[@johnsholian4318]

It was going to happen sooner or later with that lowered stance. Form over function got the better of you. Good thing you’ve got Honest Jon to help straighten it all out.

[@heraliogomez2463]

tbh - I always thought the dropped suspension looked a bit ridiculaous. Turns out it's impractical as well . . .

[@piphawk]

Later that night...... Raphael from the Ninja Turtles arrived at the local hospital with quite the bump on his head.

[@BangersandFaff]

Another great episode, enjoying this and the 356 build - but how is everything in the workshop not covered in overspray!

[@sydscrace9046]

Dom, you two are a couple of comics but you work together very well. I was really laughing at your antics in this episode! That what makes your vids so enjoyable and exciting and I really look forward to them each week. Keep up the good work and keep smiling! (Sodding manhole covers)

[@kjgouldstone]

Great video, think the van needs to be a bit higher, takes me back to my beach buggy days

[@oldschool1993]

Takes me back to the 70's when I ran a British car shop. We didn't do much VW stuff, but at least twice a week one of these VW vans with a couple guys like these would show up at the door, usually pulled in by another car with a rope or chain. The most common failure was overheated motor due to a backyard rebuild where they failed to replace the air deflector between the cylinders. We used to compete who could pull a VW motor the fastest. I did it in 6 minutes- I think it was the 1962 which was the easiest- had the spade type electrical connectors and no fresh air controls. I still have my Weaver jack that I bought in 1968 for 300.00. It lifts just high enough to drop the motor out and clear the rear sheet metal.

[@mikerobey5953]

Time to restore the height to spec. Would look better and won’t be a danger. Say a prayer over the the rust bucket and restore the van!

[@TheEmbeddedHobbyist]

The charge warning light bulb provides 12V to the alternator when the ignition is switched on to provide some power to increase the magnetic fields within the alternator and get it charging as soon as it’s spinning. Once it’s spinning and charging the battery the voltage produced on this connection is now the same as the battery so the light goes out. Same voltage on both sides of the bulb so no current flow and so no light. Without the bulb in circuit you may be lucky to have enough residual magnetism to get it to start charging the battery. so it can start to charge if you spin it fast enough and the residual field is strong with you.

[@nyqer6636]

I ain’t no car mechanic but I love people that can do this(Jon) and it’s a pleasure to just admire the knowledge I’d get on to the council about the protruding manhole cover Nice bud again Dom .👍

[@garypoulton7311]

That's because you have lowered the suspension, which I think is daft, but I know the VW fraternity feel it's cool If you had it at the correct height, you would not have smashed the steering.

[@theroomofrock6456]

Great video and you achieved an awful lot of work in it. I do think though if a manhole cover has done that much damage you might want to raise the ride height a bit for future safety.

[@kentmckean6795]

You do pay a price with a lowered vehicle...

[@justkampers]

Thanks for the kind words Dom! We're glad the package arrived on time & we're looking forward to seeing the progress!

[@neilkennykenny4113]

I agree with the other commentary here, the suspension is too low and if your going to use the bus to carry heavy ranelagh parts then you'll definitely need more clearance. It's a minor set back.

[@PeterJewell2]

That's a very good point. Low-riders are designed for smooth tarmac, free of pot holes, speed humps, and neglected manhole covers -- not terrain that is plentiful in the UK these days! Now, I wonder if someone does an air-suspension kit that can give him variable ride height?

[@boogiewoogiebubbleboy2877]

What can I say Dom. Campers are the Mutts Nutts, and I love them. Depending on which way you look at it, they are a love afair or a lifetime project. So it turned out to be a project, after all. Keep the vids coming, fella, love the content. Don't forget the Porche!

[@samrodian919]

Now if you didn't have it sitting on the bloody floor, that probably wouldn't have happened! I hate them when they've been lowered like that Dom, they look so flipping ugly! Get the arms back where they should be on the torsion springs before you have another steering disaster!

[@jolive3743]

didn't realise you were a VW guy Dom. Are you doing modifications professionally or should i watch more than just the 2 episodes and decide that statement for myself? ;)

[@jimdrake9528]

Well if your going to f*** it up,you may as well do it properly 😉 and if John's got a spare lunch break ,I got a pair of weber 40's need a rebuild

[@kelvinhealey9907]

Might have to raise him up a bit dom , I had a 64 split camper years ago done France Spain and Portugal with him 😎

[@mikeraymond6822]

Oh no, my bug was the same years ago, fix one thing and then lo and behold another job 😂 I’m rebuilding a classic mini and thats going the same 😳 roll on Goodwood

[@crescentcoachworkscollecti378]

ive had lowered vans in the past but i wouldn't slam one again, My 72 panel drives really well as standard and is probably more rare than one in the weeds. i think low vans have had their day

[@matthewhibbs9602]

You might want to wind that bus up a few notches and make it more user friendly. They look cool lowered but are a nightmare for functionality. Love the video made me giggle 🤭

[@sventvicktoristvan9606]

Great Comedy Twins Plus Percistent Wendy Classic😂😂

[@richards7909]

That Porsche build has not only progressed since last week, it’s doubled in size! :)

[@magomat6756]

Is the town consul not responsible for the road. The should pay the damage to your car ?

[@Stephen.C.]

I thought you would have fixed the suspension first!😆

[@dg1294]

Too cool for school and this is what happens. Get it back to original, much more cool.

[@sewe66]

Go for original ride hight much nicer

[@whatdoyousaymrwilson]

Need an ultrasonic cleaner for doing carbs, they come up like new!

[@thenovascotiabarndoor1954]

Roof and rack look much better. Front beam probably needs rebuilding anyway :)

[@robrockatansky5905]

When will the mystery of what is under that hat be revealed?

[@DominicChineas]

In the next video!

[@busterboy7505]

I would steer clear of those manhole cover’s Dom , well you guys get another video out of it, see you next week 👍👍

[@sarahlangwith7620]

Maybe the next job should be to restore the suspension to its proper height? A least next time you drive it you wont rip the bottom off

[@besenzon1]

Have you got drop spindles ? Fit them then the beam doesn't need to be as low. Or raise it a little 😔

[@robames1293]

Oil pressure light should stay on until pressure builds up, it looks like it is connected to ignition light

[@robames1293]

ignore my last comment, of course the light will follow ignition with engine stopped---silly me

[@peterdanson9408]

Great video Dom it was so interesting. Hope you sort the steering gear out soon, cant wait for the next episode with you and Jon.

[@garrymatthews4430]

Man what a bang that was, I thought the front wheel had come off. You two do work well together and Wendy just keep you on your toes

[@keithsquawk]

The 'notaproject' van is doing well as a series of bits of work instead 🙂

[@DominicChineas]

Definitely not a project…

[@keithsquawk]

@@DominicChineas They never are, not if they are a runner, that is.

[@julianroberts7116]

Mate that's an arse about the manhole cover - but as has already been said - that's what you get with lowered cars! I love my bugs and campers, I'm just waiting for the fashion to move away from low suspension to whatever comes along next. If I can offer a little constructive advice... It's quite off-putting that you do your chats to camera whilst looking to one side of the lens. Maybe you're watching yourself on the screen next to where the lens is? It's like if someone was reading the news on telly but looking off to one side of the camera! I find it really uncomfortable. It's a great video though - you and Honest John get along so great and he obviously REALLY knows his stuff. You're lucky to have him! Def looking forward to the next one. Cheers.

[@DominicChineas]

Yeah I am filming myself so I need to keep an eye on the screen to make sure I am not cropping my head off! Not really sure about a solution for that sorry

[@davidcoombe1811]

It does seam a bit low

[@jakejakejake978]

Why does it have so little ground clearance?

[@Subgunman]

Hit a manhole cover? Why was it sticking up out of the street? Sounds like a law suit against the municipality for failure to maintain a safe roadway. No excuses.

[@DominicChineas]

It was sticking up a lot aswell!

[@darwinsfish]

Felt sorry for Wendy - surely you mechanical maestros could knock up a gadget that flicks out a ball and has a hopper that Wendy drops the returned ball in to be flung out again. Hours of doggy fun!

[@DominicChineas]

That is such a good idea!

[@R.Craig.Collins]

I was a little worried about the low stance… but a really fun (for us) episode…. Thanks

[@thegentlemanmaker]

Gosh Dom! I’m amazed that happened on our silky smooth roads 😆

[@eddyd8745]

A fun episode, Wendy was the star of the show!

[@rogerdavis5914]

Oops, hope you get it sorted Dom. Another great video really makes my Sundays

[@mrpault681]

how about getting the council putting the manhole cover flush with the road surface as it should be,

[@DominicChineas]

That would be really nice!

[@PeterJewell2]

You can't say we didn't warn you about that low suspension, Dom, although I must admit I didn't realise it was this vulnerable! Really enjoyed this episode (not that you broke the van) as it made a nice change from dismantling the rusty Porsche. You and John make a great team.

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much, I know I know it’s Very low! We solve the problem in next weeks episode

[@TR4zest]

I am sure Dom understood the risk of a lowered suspension.

[@peterhofmann8292]

Maybe a higher ride height would help. But I do so appreciate you showing the triumphs and losses in your videos.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jncg2311]

Not a criticism, more of an observation: I have noticed in the last few years that every car I've owned or had pass through my hands has either stayed at the factory ride height or been un-lowered by me. Perhaps others might think they look less hip but my enjoyment of the cars has increased and I have fewer problems. Maybe a sign of age, 20 years ago I was lowering cars and doing all that stuff. Having a couple of old Citroens now helps of course, they slam themselves after a few days so my driveway often looks pretty hip...

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

I wonder if SBS crew (Steering Box Scrapers) are still around? I think there were from your side of the pond.

[@bandiflip]

Oh the joys of slammed rides…. I’ve got air ride on my bug,I drive it low and it’s always a case of ‘should of lifted it up for that bump’ 🤦🏻‍♂️😆😆😆… good job they’re easy to fix eh ?? 😊

[@KyushaStyleTuning]

Very cool video again. Lots of VW info. The dog is a great addition to the team. 😂

[@Madcaplaughs76]

I love how you're still so positive!

[@harrytuttle0]

I thought it looked like the previous owners had lowered it too much, time to lift it back to original height 😆

[@fransgeers7400]

Nice episode...but the 356....I miss it dearly

[@DominicChineas]

It’s coming back soon don’t worry!

[@brianmcelvogue3370]

Thanks Domonic I’m really enjoying this channel I like the fact you get your hands dirty which means you can talk about what your doing , keep up the work on the Porsche what a complicated little car

[@hpevans9041]

Great episode, it had everything, technical content, drama, excitement and more to come……………😀

[@johndavey72]

Hello Dom & Jon . aka Laurel & Hardy !! I think you 2 have no regard at all for H&S 🤣🤣 but it's a riot ! The damage to the steering ? You need to enquire about compensation ....you have clear evidence it was poor road maintenance . Jon is a saint , nothing seems to faze him , And Dom , how's the spot welder ? Can't stop, l'm off to watch "The Repair Shop !" 😆😆

[@autouniontypeA]

Loving these videos Dom! John really knows his stuff, what a top bloke to have helping you.

[@GARDENER42]

How high was that manhole cover?!!!!

[@DominicChineas]

Very!

[@timcorso6337]

I thought we were only getting Porche build vids this month. This is worse than project Binky. .. maybe that's a bit harsh.😁

[@michaelbrind9222]

blimey you actually hit the steering pin, its usually the box that gets punished, mine has drop spindles on so prob 3" drop . have a steering guard fitted to the steering box that takes most of impact and lift and slides over as it hits most obstacles , i ended up fitting adjustable coil overs to lift it slightly as to low with passengers, how is yours lowered is it adjustable beam ?

[@DominicChineas]

It’s got dropped spindles and an adjustable beam, the steering box has already been raised so that has plenty of clearance now

[@michaelbrind9222]

@@DominicChineas you could alway lift it slightly on the beam adjusters maybe make it more user freindly.

[@russelblackwell6041]

Well done guys seriously VW engines are so well designed id love to see your van with the extra windows in the roof but its your vehicle check out MIKE BERGSMA HIS vw project is amazing could of been worse a man in the manhole

[@everestyeti]

1 step forward, 5 steps back. Me thinks the steering was not 100% before you hit the manhole. Mind you those things are dangerous, back in 2010 was on my 49cc moped and skidded on one in the wet. Bike went one way and I went the other, I ended up with a broken and fractured spine and the moped was written off. On the bright side I was going to trade it in on a new one and would have go £100. The write off value was £200 so I made a profit. 🤗

[@garypoland5288]

Thanks for the great videos, I have enjoyed watching them all. Best wishes from Ohio!

[@besenzon1]

Awesome !!! Split Bus time ❤️❤️❤️🤙👍 Safety first ?, no coffee first ☕☕👍

[@philspencelayh5464]

As soon as I saw that vehicle I thought it needs the ride height fixed as a priority. You mustn't have many "traffic calming" measures down there. It wouldn't have survived a day where I live.

[@hrg5010]

Great camper content. What a dog. The poodle genes and love of the "fetch" game come through very strongly. A former standard poodle owner. Such great dogs.

[@BIBIWCICC]

Why do we pay road tax? Councils need to get rid of cowboy road maintenance companies.

[@danheason8569]

I don't want to worry you, but there's a Jawa hiding in your dash😅This probably explains why everything is bust😂

[@kingcal53]

#notaproject

[@theadventuresoflario]

What a stunning van Dom, you are my favourite on Repair shop, now I know why!... only just noticed your channel from the advert on Type 2 detectives😎 needles to say, new subscriber.

[@frances7243]

An absolute classic. We have all been there. Glad to see you kept laughing. Cannot wait for the next installment. Best wishes. Paul

[@classicvolvorestorations3848]

Your dog looks viscous and dangerous. Be careful she might turn on you at any time. :-)

[@itsayesfromme2669]

With the dreadful state of the roads now with pot holes you will be repairing this wee van every single week, Dom. Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall...

[@redgrittybrick]

Long before the manhole cover arrived on the scene I was thinking, if it was mine, I'd want to put the suspension back to the original ride height.

[@davemurton736]

Enjoyed that and reinforced why I’m not going to be tempted to lower my 67 Split 😂 looking forward to the next one 👍

[@DominicChineas]

Don’t do it!! Haha

[@ricobass0253]

In the words of Arthur Lowe, "Stupid boy!"🤣🤣🤣

[@rdgk1se3019]

Poor Wendy, she just doesn't get enough love and attention does she?

[@joeetheridge1471]

Not a project project continues 😂bless you, I hope you get it running next week

[@FabShack]

Great video, shared to me as you have our stealth USB charger fitted, hope you like it.

[@hanssprenkels8566]

Are you sure you not gonna put the van in a higher position? It will drive much better also!!

[@richiew3184]

I feel for you Dom. I’ve got a bay window myself and ownership has not been without some issues. Love the video and love the way you film it. Please keep it nice and real like it is now. Don’t go chasing slick tv type production. It all just works so well as it is. Keep it up.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you I really appreciate the feedback, nice one

[@TheDjcarlos67]

Lowered is a pain in the ass unless you're on air ride. VDubs are cool enough without being lowered in my opinion

[@judithbarnett2966]

Oh Dom 1. Jon is a total star 2. How come Wendy isn't spray painted grey/oily black? 3. I nearly cried except you both made me laugh!

[@gavmungus824]

I always worried about the wisdom of a lowrider works truck... but glass half full now we get to see how the steering gear works! 😜

[@anthonygrodecki7968]

Great episode but have to say van looks good but it maybe better a little higher from the tarmac. If parked at some of the shows I go to you would not get in or out due to the surfaces. 😊

[@bruceyoung1343]

You guys crack me up. And I love it. What a stroke of luck that man hole cover doing that much damage. Enjoyed watching

[@douglasrogers3918]

Love it! My VW camper van broke down two times - once the steering box tore away and left me to drive it to the garage with limited steering capability. The second time one of the rear wheels came off just as we were parking up to spend the night - so it was 3 nights and getting a friendly mechanic to fix it for us.... But I still wish I had one of those vans again!

[@michaeldebrou8767]

That's what you get with lowered suspension, time to go normal ride height?