Things we LOVE & HATE about our Volkswagen Westfalia

[@heynadine]

If you enjoyed this, check out more of our Westfalia videos here!: kzbin.info/aero/PLBmF7uPtI-4GkxXAjQ53SnIdIdhmKKW2i

[@jaybarak1548]

As someone who has been living in a Westy for 6 years, I think you nailed the pros and cons. As for it being cool - its the baddest ride on the planet Man ✌️

[@heynadine]

hahaha it's pretty darn cool!

[@johnhudson1965]

I had a 1996 vw microbus with a golf 1.8 lt motor, an amazing vehicle, could tow a 1 ton trailer no problem thanks to its brilliant gearbox. Had it for 10 years before my brother in law wrote it off,never gave one moment's trouble, super reliable! Most useful vehicle I've ever owned , removed the middrow of seats so the kids could sleep and play ( it was their fav vehicle) on long road trips. Had a roll out tarp attached to the side roof, and a large family tent with a separate shower tent and toilet tent with a camping toilet. Space was never an issue, we had a mobile fridge/freezer . I had a strengthened bull bar in the front with a winch which I used for my rubber ducky for lakes/ dams and beach launches . I never had a problem driving on beaches ( admittedly firm beach sand) , or on rough roads and camp sites . Have to point out that independent safety tests conducted in the 90s showed that occupants were not injured in 75 kph frontal tests, could withstand multiple rolls from off a steep 10 meter (33 feet) bank , in fact the one test involving a head on collision at 75kph with a volvo showed the vw occupants ( test dummies) ininjured ,minimal cab intrusion,windshield intact, doors could open, vehicle still drivable - unlike the volvo whose test dummies indicated fatal injuries to all occupants and the volvo a complete write off . All test dummies had seat belts. They are simply brilliant vehicles , I'd love to get hold of one and do a tesla electric motor and battery conversion - imagine a 450 hp electric motor with a 300 mile (500 km ) range ! There's a place in Wales UK that does such a conversion. My dream!

[@maxplanck9055]

Always a joy to hear Nadine again with her cheerful personality,such an amusing cat, i can see why she's married with children , much love to all 3 of you ✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@WTC_2U]

Pretty right-on list of Pros and Cons. I had a bus in the '70s, loved it but sold it, and finally got a Vanagon ('87 tin top Vanagon converted to a full camper with Westfalia cabinetry, including the pop top) a couple months ago.Here's what I tell me friends and family who ask about it: "It's not a car, it's not a van. It's a HOBBY". In fact, her name is "Hobbi". And to me, that is the attitude you have to have. I love the old thing. I expect issues, I expect to be working on it in some form or another as long as I own it. But to me, that is part of the adventure.

[@waynesitarz424]

I put a Subaru 2.5L in my tintop in 2003 (myself for about $7000). Decent horsepower (165) and much more reliable. No more going slow up hills and I fix anything myself.

[@thomaspeterson6941]

Our 88 Vanagon Camper has propane heat under the fridge, solar and a porta potty for off grid camping

[@vonwesty3544]

Some bolt-on mods for the 2.1L waterboxer can give modest performance gains. Nothing like an engine swap, but a fraction of the cost. Diesel heaters work great in these vans! I can keep the inside around 65-70F, even in low-teens outside temps. A roll of reflective foil insulation can be used to make panels for the pop top and windows to retain some heat, and act as blackout curtains if you're a light sensitive sleeper. Window unit air condoners can be used when at a camp site with electric power, mounted in either front door window or the luggage rack with a canvas cone attached to the front tent window. I have a portable toilet and a tent to pack if I'm at a primitive camp site with no facilities.

[@kimhorton6109]

One thing I did for the heat was get the GoWesty screens for the sliding windows and a small battery fan that I’ve rigged in front of one side. It’s very quiet but does move air through the downstairs.

[@jamesw288]

Awesome love you Nadine been watching your channel since 2011 when you used to do skits with Olga Kay lol 11 years ago you are my first ever KZbinr I watch back in March 2011

[@Canleaf08]

it still amazes me how many Westys are around in western North America. Often in a better condition than buses here in Germany. Keep care about your bus and it will drive for a long time!

[@iosch]

I also have a westfalia, and I absolutely agree with all your pros & cons. Well done 👌

[@heynadine]

Why thank you!

[@rrtds9378]

It has been 8-years of trying to buy one. It is very hard to weigh-in between "dreaming to have one/really want one" vs "expensive to buy for something that breaks down a lot". But yes I believe it when you said it is fun to drive. My dream may not happen if I don't find a reasonable one in WA State. Anyway, I did bought a shorter motorhome but it is still much larger than a Westy.

[@michelbackus]

He Nadine, nice video! We had ever been looking for a fine VW-T3. But after three test drives we decided to change to our recent and beloved Mercedes MB 100, which was build in 1990. Even a bit smaller, but with lots of PRO's which you considered as Con's. Very reliable engine, never any problems with that. More space and lots of technical advantages compared to the T3. Made for the wintertrips, separed toilet room and outside shower. Maybe something to know if you buy a next one! Michel

[@tlister67]

Vanagons drive a bit different than other vehicles, being you are right over the front wheels. There are many engine swaps that are not unreliable and slow. Except the gearing will require high revs at higher speed limits. I stay 65 and below. They are perfect solo and ok for 2.

[@mayinnlin1879]

Awesome thank you so very much for sharing. Love VW. 👍❤️

[@garyp.7501]

If you are worried about fires in your Westy, be sure to #1 Replace those old fuel lines. #2 Install a passive fire suppression hose in the engine area. It's cheap insurance that may save your van. Also carry a fully charged fire extinguisher.

[@jamesolsen5353]

My 1971 wesfalia never broke down ...25 yrs second motor.....I went over all systems as if it was the space shuttle........4700 lbs....64 hp only 2 and one half litres oil.......kick pedal down to set auto choke.....start every time.bought for 2000 dollars vancouver Canada.....71 was the first year with front disc brakes...thank god......The door hinge had an oil well right in the hinge...self lubricating....not a squeak ever.

[@vclamp]

Thanks for the deep analysis of the Westy. A Westfalia was out of my budget, so I got a Eastfalia. There is a reason you have never heard of it... Happy April Fool's Dayafter.! 😋

[@NickiAfsari]

I learnt to finally love my van going sooo slow up hills 😂😅 You guys have done a lovely job with your van 😊 wish I had a pop top!

[@peteratutube]

Love your honest assessment. I own a similar T3 as we call the Westy over in the Netherlands, same awesome color but I have the turbo diesel and it is not original Westfalia, an aftermarket but cool nevertheless. Yours looks amazing, so original and in great shape! For lack of space in the rain: a permanent pull out awning is awesome, I totally recommend getting one. Easy to use and also doubles as a sunscreen, I almost always pull it out when camping.

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Nadine

[@maxplanck9055]

Such a nice personality,easy to like Nadine, hope the new van works out,get a sprinter that's insulated with air con and have a happy family adventure, much love ✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@paulevans3522]

Hi nadine have u both thought of buying a bigger camper now wot with a new little one an something with good heating in and toilet and shower.

[@Blackfilmguild]

How often is it actually clean? Seems like when you are living in it, it is hard to keep clean.

[@don-dspid2404]

Not the best camper, but a classic worth having. It's a do it yourselfer vehicle for sure. I know you get waves, but is a Westie one of those vehicles that other Westie drivers wave at you when you pass by? I've had two vehicles like that, Jeep Wranglers and a old Mustang. Kind of miss that with my last few vehicles. Yours is in such great shape. Gotta love Clifford!

[@mattofstie9298]

Yes it is. It's an unwritten rule that all Westy drivers wave to one another on the road.

[@don-dspid2404]

@@mattofstie9298 This may be sacrilege, but if you don't use the top bed, have you thought about removing the mattress and use that space for storage? However that may be acting as insulation so that is a consideration.

[@SaanichtonMinistries]

Thanks for talking me out of buying a westy :)

[@s.a.stewart2743]

The mindless adventures refurbished a 70s camper built on a chevy van chassis. I dig that thing, they did a good job with it and just bought a Suzuki Samurai to tow behind it. Its larger than a Westy, but once it is parked just unhook the Samurai and off you go.

[@cherobinson6371]

Chevy way more reliable and 100times cheaper to maintain than Anything VW. VW parts are ridiculous exspensive.

[@heynadine]

Yeah I’ve been watching the Reno, they did a great job, but also a lot of work and money went into refurbishing that!

[@leilal8053]

A small cassette toilet placed between the front seats with a curtain to separate the cab 4 privacy is the way 2go.

[@KevinLaswisis]

A iPad Pro 13 on a mount would make for a great TV & movie watching a Macintosh car audio with some great speakers would make the tunes bump better I find one with the gas stove was removed sink icebox is still there it’s in good shape most likely sleep upstairs as my boyfriend wakes up early can be downstairs

[@ralphwiggum250N]

Hey Nadine - watch lou corona's video of how he got rid of a tumour by drinking his famous lemon-ginger blast every day. Another smart thing to do is eat some dandelions, which heal the liver and do other good things. every day.

[@Vangriff]

Hey Nadine, could be the best pro-con video out there, I have 81 westy and think its slower than yours.

[@garyp.7501]

When I replaced the transmission on my '82, they put a slightly taller top gear in it. It keeps up on the freeway just fine. Climbing hills is another matter, and while you can bring everything you ever dreamed of, if you keep the load a bit lighter the van will climb better.

[@dannydanny9875]

install a Bump / Safety Guard on the Front / Back if you can!

[@gabrielbohiltea6206]

Sincerity appreciated

[@superflycookie8652]

Love these vehicles and I want one so bad but you said it. They expensive!!!!!!!!!! 😭 one day

[@Linh_2606]

Hi, I love traveling and learning English, so I hope your channel will have specific English substile so that your fan (not speak English as mother's tongue) can understand. Always support you.

[@DiMK_46]

No comparison with an RV…! RV’s are big, so ugly and cannot go off-road as well..!! It is a miracle that this “small” van fits all these inside and suddenly becomes so warm!! And regarding the engine just a simple engine swap from golf 3 2.0 8v, 113ps! Also when it comes to shower you can have by placing a curtain at the back door and connect a tube-pump in a small water container! I bought mine got 15k and i dont think i could be able to buy an RV on that budget! Cheers♥️

[@Torsee]

Synopsis: You better like each other!

[@heynadine]

Haha yup

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very beautiful

[@mcgaugh57]

You ever want to sell, Alex at Curiosity Inc. in Edmonton would buy it.

[@heynadine]

Good to note!!

[@cindyreddeer]

I think if I had one I'd invest in a good electric fan for cooling and heating when there is electricity available. haha And perhaps a portable toilet that has a privacy tent..... heck, my idea of roughing it is a hotel without room service. ;)

[@BasicMemory]

Great video.

[@kanuckster1]

Great video! Greetings from 1986. i see you have the chrome, well kinda chrome, strips in your windows. i am hoping, like you said, Westy owners help one another, you or someone could tell me where I could find replacement front door window seals with these chrome inserts. I find it would be sad to have to replace them with the full rubber seals. Would like to keep it original.

[@mattofstie9298]

Check out The Bus Depot - www.busdepot.com/details/vanagonrubber I think that's what you're looking for.

[@kanuckster1]

@@mattofstie9298 thanks Matt!! Could have sworn I checked then out already and did not see this. I will however have to call them since I can't tell by the picture if they have the whole window seal with the groove for the chrome. I got the bottom piece, think it's two or three pieces, but not the upper seals. Do you know if these are the parts for the whole window? Much appreciated!!!!👍👍🤙

[@mallie35]

Yeah but at the end of the day a T3 Westy is an awesome Volkswagen which is very cool no matter the cons 😎

[@ice9phil]

no, they have strong engines, they just arent geared to go fast which is a good thing since the wheel base is small and the center of gravity is higher, going slower is better so you dont roll it. It looks like you have an automatic. Poor choice for a car you call underpowered. Manual transmission is the way to go .

[@debf564]

Unrelated question: When you guys stayed outside of Canada for more than the legal 6 months, did you not get questioned about the length and reasons for your absence upon your return? What about our public healthcare?

[@ricusserfontein1086]

The near perfect alrounder. Dont care about speed coz im never in a rush. I would be more concerned about engine reliability.

[@oldfarmshow]

👍👍

[@victorneiva6287]

Put a TDI motor in it

[@dannydanny9875]

fans, fans, fans! ask Kara & Nate!

[@telfus17]

I'll be curious what your thoughts are after a couple of years with the kid. It's kind of a pain having to pull the carseat out just to lay down the bed and then where does it go when camping? Makes the small space more of a con. Also, where will your kid sleep, say, when they're a toddler? Bottom, top with some sort of DIY safety rail? I bet you guys come up with a great solution or two!

[@mirandaalexis]

its def convenient

[@ndg9367]

Those vans are stronger than what you think. I would rather not have airbags that can kill you too.

[@derekcolman]

Obviously it will cost a fair bit, but it is possible to increase the power of the VW engine to up your speed to the legal maximum. You would also preferably have a disc brake conversion as well so that you can stop better at higher speed. Fire should not be a problem if the vehicle is properly maintained with particular attention to the state of the wiring and the petrol (gas) lines and carb. You could trade it in for a modern camper, but that would be so boring. I just remain envious.

[@garyp.7501]

Note the disk brake conversion for the rear doesn't really stop the van that much better as most of the braking force is on the front wheels. There is a larger brake conversion which will help, but you need the spindles from an '85 or newer van which are pretty rare these days.

[@derekcolman]

@@garyp.7501 It is normally sufficient to install disc brakes only at the front because as you suggest, most of the weight shifts to the front when braking hard. In fact discs at the back may caused locking up of the rear wheels without a suitable brake balance set up. I suppose that used parts from later models are in short supply because people are now restoring these vehicles instead of scrapping them. Best to join a club because they may have access to used parts supply and even after market new parts.

[@garyp.7501]

@@derekcolman I don't know what year they started putting disk brakes on the vans, but my '82 has front disk brakes as standard issue. That they are too small for long steep descents is the issue. I usually gear down when faced with such a road. I only mention the rear disk brakes because recently they have become available as an aftermarket add on. Last time I looked they were very expensive and when I had my drums replaced I elected not to upgrade. As the cost vs improvement wasn't a good ratio. Vs doing some other upgrade.

[@garyp.7501]

Oh yeah, I recently bought that fire suppression tube (12 ft) and installed it in the engine compartment. I've replaced all the gas line hoses but I now have enough improvements t o my van that it seem prudent to have one more safety feature in it.

[@garyp.7501]

Also no carb in these vans. The "vanagaon" versions have fuel injection and I think the older Buses do too. (late 70's VW converted to it.)

[@MoonRadio1]

Literally said way to much

[@wolfunplugged]

just a dream vehicle, also with all of these technical issues. is your westfalia still running?🚐🚐

[@jamesw288]

Awesome love you Nadine been watching your channel since 2011 when you used to do skits with Olga Kay lol 11 years ago you are my first ever KZbinr I watch back in March 2011

[@jamesw288]

Awesome love you Nadine been watching your channel since 2011 when you used to do skits with Olga Kay lol 11 years ago you are my first ever KZbinr I watch back in March 2011