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

[@justkampers]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@BrittCHelmsSr]

Wendy is such a good helper. My home office assitant, Holly (a cocker spaniel), was quite interested in whatever Wendy was saying during the video and kept running around the office trying to find her.

[@mobiledevto]

I'd watch a show with these two lads bantering back and forth while working on cars.

[@WestHamBubbleBoy]

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!

[@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 .👍

[@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

[@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.

[@malcolmdastur4411]

Wow! Just realised you have an Italian Spinone. I had a very good friend who also loved VW's and had an Italian Spinone. Love your video's. I've been up since 5am and on my third cup of coffee. I'll be watching you all day as it's a cold, rainy & windy day today. Your video's are really interesting and full of information. It makes me want to get out there and strip the VW engine down, but I can't because the weather is too bad. Keep up the good work. ☺☺

[@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.

[@thegentlemanmaker]

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

[@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

[@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

[@pre67vw]

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

[@DominicChineas]

Haha so true!!

[@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....

[@Madcaplaughs76]

I love how you're still so positive!

[@TR4zest]

What a laugh, so enjoyable seeing you both work away. I think Wendy needed a walk.

[@autouniontypeA]

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

[@sventvicktoristvan9606]

Great Comedy Twins Plus Percistent Wendy Classic😂😂

[@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.

[@meirionevans5137]

Your dog seems quite fond of your pet mechanic. Food, play, sleep, keep them both happy.

[@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 🤭

[@richards7909]

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

[@garypoland5288]

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

[@BangersandFaff]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@busterboy7505]

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

[@stewartcowan5886]

Dom I love the videos and Wendy is an absolute star. However, it is an absolute joy to see Jon share his knowledge and experience. What a great team. Thanks for sharing this journey with us.👍

[@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.

[@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 😎

[@KyushaStyleTuning]

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

[@R.Craig.Collins]

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

[@frances7243]

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

[@peterhofmann8292]

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

[@thenovascotiabarndoor1954]

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

[@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

[@whatdoyousaymrwilson]

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

[@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 !" 😆😆

[@atoieno]

My cousin John and I have spent many enjoyable hours working on Land Rovers. He knows what he's doing and i help. It's an excuse to have a good time and look as though we are doing something useful.

[@timjohnson67]

Fascinating vid, thoroughly enjoyed, Wendy is a star!!

[@rogerdavis5914]

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

[@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

[@besenzon1]

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

[@metrixsweden]

Lovely episode Dom 🙂 The center pin is a weak point on lowered buses with link pin beams. My advice is to shorten the length of the center pin and the sleeve, it will give you at least 20mm more clearance. Another option is to mount a bracket from a ball joint beam, that’s pretty easy job but the clearance of the gear linkage may need to be adjusted. Good luck !

[@eddyd8745]

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

[@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.

[@JB-ze3yf]

Fantastic Don great watch. Can’t wait to get my splity on the road now after seeing this

[@ejharrop1416]

Oh my Dom from victory to disaster in a nanosecond. Such is life when you own a VW camper. Thank you , take care and peace out!

[@karenbrabin1004]

Love John ... "we'll be doing the steering next week" 😄

[@adrianhagerty6905]

Well done boys ! Don’t you just love old cars ,vans 😂. Great that you keep smiling . Looking forward to next episode. 👍🏻

[@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

[@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

[@markdaugherty6378]

Smooth seas never make a skilled sailor, looking forward to the next episode.

[@joeetheridge1471]

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

[@jonathanb3458]

Enjoyed that video, and good to see Wendy back 🙂

[@gintonicmunich]

thank you for taking us to that adventure...and that bus is so coooool would love to have one, too ....a little bus as a brother van to my dodge b300

[@fransgeers7400]

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

[@DominicChineas]

It’s coming back soon don’t worry!

[@brianthoresen8475]

Dom- love this video! Love the project, love when you and Jon work together. Your dynamic is truly a demonstration of a long friendship! Thanks for sharing! -Thor

[@richardwhatton1249]

An excellent video Dom, you and Jon make a great team. Very sorry about the steering box but at least you got it back to the workshop in one piece. Kind regards, Richard.

[@PhilG0BVD]

Jon is multi-talented with some brilliant work. Great banter. Such a sad ending the joys of dropped suspension :( going to be costly. Look forward to watching the rebuild.

[@DominicChineas]

It’s happening next week! It’s a big one, I hope tot enjoy it

[@dartmoormancave]

Oh no! Good luck with the steering!

[@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 ?? 😊

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Can’t remember another vid I’ve enjoyed this much. We had a Type II for over 22 years and I’ve done that routine so, so, many times. Still remembered which feeler gauges, too. Can’t wait for the repair video.

[@hpevans9041]

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

[@besenzon1]

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

[@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.

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Dom, Glad you got the wagon going, ( but pissed myself laughing, fixed one problem and find another) don't forget the coffee, All the best Brian 😃

[@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

[@deanmarskell1518]

Well done Dom and honest Jon and of course Wendy thing we're going great brilliant content and video as always you will probably have the steering and brake's sorted now all part of classic ownership ♥️

[@colinsmith6280]

Great video and follow up on your VW van , I think Wendy want's her own channel ha ha.

[@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

[@mikeparker3865]

enjoyed the episode. one step forward two steps back this week. Next week it will be better. I promise!

[@deancoley7987]

I can remember years ago when I had a beetle, it would never start first thing in the morning without crash starting it, once it was going it ran fine, and would start up through the day if there was no more than three hours between starting it with the key. Anyway long story short, after changing everything that never needed changing, plugs, points, leads finally found that the little pipe from the bottom of the fuel tank was solid with rust, how it worked like that at all was a miracle lol

[@russeldavis1787]

Jess from the Tank Museum got her own merch on the back of her appearances in their lock down videos. Perhaps Wendy had similar stardust waiting for her.

[@heraliogomez2463]

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

[@rorypower544]

real keep em coming!

[@Doubleodude]

Loving still. Hello from Texas.

[@williambramer8217]

When it rains etc. Hard to bear! Just when you thought you’d cracked it.

[@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! 😜

[@johntisbury]

The joys of a late night test drive!

[@stephenblaze4571]

what beautiful video great stuff thanks to you and Jon

[@stefantrnacek1394]

Seems like a good time to fit the after-market steering rack conversion kit.

[@mikestrang6229]

Hi Dom well Iam the Alaskan variation of John---------------without the dreads LOL Iam the last of the pro air-cooled vw mech here and I still drive a 1971 westy year-round I was just out in the ice and snow today hauling my rubbish trailer to the tip. I could never drive a bottom dragger like yours here you would be stuck just getting out of my drive way. Iam also a Porsch-a mech so I love the 356 work. the carb looks like a Bocar 34 I just did the throttle shaft bushing on my 34 it now works like new.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

The joy of a slammed vehicle on UK roads.

[@stuartmoles843]

We all need a Jon in our life😂

[@FabShack]

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

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

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

[@Qspecialman]

It's all in a days work Dom. If we all want old vehicles we have to put up with "interesting" times. Just Kampers are my go-to company for VW parts, a terrific company. I have to ask, when are you going to reset the suspension to the original height? She does look a bit silly as a low rider. Just think man hole covers!

[@jasperdemann5936]

What a rollercoaster of emotions! 😄

[@glendebruyn6041]

I love the bus content! So fun to watch

[@gethind-j2390]

Bonkers, keep it up!

[@deancoley7987]

Will it be possible to do a compression test on Jons headwear lol, seriously great work a team made in heaven

[@DominicChineas]

Haha!

[@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!