Volkswagen T2, type 2, drive, ride, review, advice, help, split screen, bay window, camper

[@blondeshela1284]

This video really helped thank you! I’ve always wanted a type 2 and been saving for 3 years, a few months ago I was able to afford one (1977 twin slider) and it is in mint condition the only issue i am faced with is the gear stick clash’s with the handbreak so when I engage it it will knock it out of gear ( has made hill starts very difficult) but after finding a decent mechanic i am getting it all sorted out. I recently passed my test a week ago and this will be my first vehicle, people think i am crazy but I am very passionate about them and I am willing to put the money into maintaining it. My dad was shocked when I manged to pull away first time with no issues when I drove it for the first time. But The transition between my instructors car I learned in and my camper has been alittle different but I’ve been practicing by driving in the evenings when the roads are less busy, you really have to listen to it and it will tell you what it needs. Once I’ve built up my confidence i can’t wait to take it on its first road trip, it’s a beautiful drive. Thank you so much for the information and advice it’s helped a lot !

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Omg that's such a nice story. Your a hero. I also had read alot about them being hard to drive and it's just not true. Driving is driving. I'm so pleased for you. Sadly I had to sell mine but I plan on getting a beetle at some point if I can.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

I just bought one , being delivered next week 👍🇬🇧 1973

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Sounds great. I loved mine but sold it in the end as I broke up with my partner. I want a beetle next.

[@wrekabuddy]

Thanks for the Low Emission Zone penalty exemption info. They're bringing it to Edinburgh soon; good to know my T2 will be exempted👌. I had no idea before this Vid. Cheers🤩

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thats great news, just double check that historic vehicles are exempt on your specific zone. Thanks

[@keithskelton5596]

Nice one I have a 1975 T2 Bought it last year

[@ggolds5]

Our Bus camper is currently having some work done on it so watching these videos makes me feel less separation anxiety. LOL. I'm in the US. Watching you drive with a right hand drive on the left side of the road makes me feel a need to take an anti anxiety pill. Wholly crap, how would I ever get used to that. I don't have to, but just watching this is a bit nerve racking cleary. Love the videos. Can't wait to get ours back so we can go camping. West River Westies in Vermont is about 2 hours away from us. Should be fun during the big camping event in July. Enjoy and thanks.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi golds, I've never known any different really. I drive left hand sometimes when I'm on holiday so can just about do both. But right hand feels normal for me. I think your brain naturally gets used to it normally after a hour or so of doing it. My bus has gone now sadly but in the future I would like a beetle. I live in central London so the bus was to big for here really. Thanks for watching

[@ggolds5]

@@motorcyclerescuer Why did you sell your Bus?. I think it would seem odd at first to use my left arm to shift rather than right. It turns out that our Bus is an automatic. Hope you're having fun with whatever machines you're playing with.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I had a relationship split and felt it was to big for on my own. I wanted something smaller in the end. I did regret selling it though. Hopefully I'll get a beetle at some point.

[@ggolds5]

@@motorcyclerescuer Get another Bus, you can always hang out in it when you need some get away time. I remember an old 70's VW Bus TV commercial. It was 1979 I think. Doesn't feel all that long ago. This mother is in her house and the kids and husband are driving her nuts. So she goes outside, gets in the VW Bus. Cream top over orange, opens a book, smiles and starts to read a book. Then you see the line saying, when you just need a little me time. I remember all those old commercials. I had an obsession with Bus's since I was 6 years old.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

My camper arrived today , needs front wings , steps , inner wings , front valence & front panel & deformation panel . Front corners , OSR sill repair and some bits and bobs . Other than that it’s pretty good and drives really well . 🇬🇧👍

[@motorcyclerescuer]

That sounds great. Sadly I've not got mine anymore but I do plan on getting a beetle in the near future. Enjoy your bus. Charlie

[@DanTheManIOM]

71 and up, in N America, have discs in the front....they also make vinyl paint if you wanted to paint the front seats....or just rebuild them, it's pretty easy to put new covers on and new padding...

[@motorcyclerescuer]

It's gone now I'm afraid.

[@GrantKify]

Great video. I really enjoyed our commentary, very nostalgic. I’ve owned two type 2s, a 1600 1969 early and a 1979 2 litre. I’ve currently got a Toyota Granville, fully fitted camper, and although it may be hard to believe I’ve just bought at auction a 1970 early Type 2. I’s being delivered from Mathewson’s classic cars in Yorkshire on Saturday this week. I’ve got it for all the reasons you’ve given. ULEZ coming next year, no MOT and no Road tax and although the last time I owned one was in 1985, I love them. I love that floating feeling you get from sitting over the front wheels. I’ve subscribed 😇👍 Grant

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi Grant, wow you have had some brilliant vans. Sadly I sold mine for peanuts just before the pandemic but I would like to consider a beetle at some point in the near future. This is one of my favourite videos I've done. Cheers mate, appreciate the kind words. Charlie

[@mra2957]

Thanks Mate. Nice tour of north London. Keep the original oil bath cleaner. It does a better job and it’s original!

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks. Sadly I got rid of it at the beginning of COVID. I got 8.5 grand. It would be worth closer to 15k now just 3 years later.

[@QFIhawkman]

Really cool video, I enjoyed this a lot! It's the best "driving experience" clip of the T2 I've found in the UK. Many thanks for sharing.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thats great news, thanks for watching. Sadly I had to sell it in the end but I desperately want a classic beetle in my near future.

[@bring_everything]

Buy yourself a Gene Berg Gear Shifter, the difference is night and day, downshifting becomes subconscious as it's just so tight and well engineered. Good sounding engine, I used to work on Bayham Street so it's fun tour of my old stomping ground.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Oh really that's nice that you know the route. I've not got the van anymore sadly, but in the end I kinda got used to the shifter and it was 9ln for me. I wish I could have kept the van and a car but the van ended up sitting around and I felt sorry for it.

[@sureshot8399]

Nice video. I have a '74 westy and a '72 westy and I had the same problem with my indicators not cancelling. The solution was to pull the indicator stalk housing sleeve around the steering column up snug with the bottom of the steering wheel. There is actually a cam or notch in the steering wheel which connects with the indicator stalk assembly to cancel the indicators. I pulled mine up snug and then kept it in place with a hose clamp. Cancels itself every time without fail now. Also, with regards to a Boxster I would say go for it. Porsches are one of those things where you don't really get what all the fuss is about until you drive and own one - then the penny drops and you get it. My first Porsche was a Cayenne and it was wonderful and such a different car to every other SUV I have driven. I have a 911 now and love it.

[@sureshot8399]

Oh, and the dashboard levers for your heating look like they are put on wrong. Maybe that is stopping you operating them properly and why your heating doesn't work.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I would still love a Porsche at some point but it hasn't happened yet. Sadly I had to sell my van a couple years ago so now have a modern car. But I'm considering a classic beetle in the future. Thanks for watching

[@chrisdavies7491]

Very helpful advice and video. Thank you

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks Chris, it was a stunning van. Shame I couldn't keep it

[@garethmurch8826]

Thinking of getting one of these soon, your video was most helpful so thanks!

[@motorcyclerescuer]

That's great Gareth, I'm glad it helped mate. Don't be scared of them just check that they are structurally safe and then enjoy the ride.

[@silvioalgieri6218]

Great video. Thank you. 🇮🇪👏👏

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks Silvio

[@wrekabuddy]

Great vid! I bought a T2 a couple of years a go, so kinda know my way around them but it was cool to go on your wee tour round London.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I wish I kept mine i really do. It just sat around too much sadly. It deserved to be used. Thanks mate

[@neilshearer283]

Bro, great video. Loved hearing your thoughts while driving. Super helpful. But bro... those streets look like pure chaos- how are people parking going either way! I can't make any sense of it haha

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Its central London mate, that's the reality here sadly. The slower vehicle is helpful here actually lol.

[@Morrisons6969]

I have got one of these and I have to say they are amazing. Well preserved and drives like a treat I love this informative video and for anyone to get one of these.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

They are, sadly I sold mine after a break up. But I'm considering a beetle if the 70s now for the same experience in a smaller shell

[@Justin-uz3rj]

@@motorcyclerescuer nice they are bouncy though so you would feel like your on a bouncy sofa LOL!

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Lol that's kinda true

[@LdnLady]

You just gotta love a bay ❤️ I’ve a 73 automatic

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I did but sadly I had to get rid of it. It was just to big for London. I would love a beetle now.

[@LdnLady]

I’m in London too though & work locally so I can drive it to work still thanks to the ULEZ exemption. The automatic transmission helps too

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I also had a break up so felt it wasn't the best vehicle for a single person at the time. I'm thinking a beetle will tick all boxes for what I want. As soon as I save a few pound I'm sure I'll get hold of one.

[@LdnLady]

@@motorcyclerescuer yh go for it. Love the beetle too 👍🏾

[@seantw79]

Bloody good video mate. Sound bloke

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks mate, glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and please subscribe

[@robertadams4415]

It's in the design

[@mattmiles8895]

Love it

[@BusesJourneysMore]

Really interesting video about the T2. Also interesting watching where you were driving around. Will you be doing anymore videos featuring the T2? Wayne

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi Wayne, unfortunately I sold the vw as it just wasn't getting enough use. I kinda felt sorry for it so sold it on to someone who would use it more. So no more vw vids for now. I've built basic day campers and am considering doing one again soon that something like that may be filmed. Thanks for watching.

[@keithskelton5596]

Had a dropped valve on cylinder 1 last year Due to a rocker shaft circling failure. Repaired it ok Engine done about 1600 miles since then Not sure if I should do a complete engine rebuild Or swap to get a totally reliable bus. Any advice. Oh had an electrical problem on the leisure battery So my local garage disconnected it That a job for this year. Any advice Cheers I share the VAN the VAN with my son Keep the vids coming ✌🏼

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi Keith, if you were to keep the van a good 10 years then I would do whatever I wanted to it. Power steering for example. I would definitely rebuild but to a slightly higher spec engine to get a little more power.

[@danielleekirkpatrick8579]

In rust wr trust 💪🏻🤙🏻

[@ClassicOilyMotors]

Helpful advice. I'm surprised how cheap the Insurance is. What insurance company do you use?

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I can't remember if I'm being honest, I had a couple of bad companies before I found a good one though so changed over 3 times until I was happy.

[@michaeltoney2277]

First gear in mine is really more of a Granny Gear or Hey bailing gear.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Lol yeh mine was similar. Sold that van to early though, got 8.5k for it 2 years ago but it would be worth 15k now

[@davidcottam7431]

Great video. Well filmed, informative and I learnt things even though I have a 1969 Early Bay. Thank you. Did you manage to find a product for cleaning the seats? I have the same waffle vinyl on mine and they're dirty from 52 years of use. I've tried soapy water, vinyl cleaner and products like Vim but no good. I think I'm lucky with mine as you can literally change gear with one finger, the box is so smooth. I've added a gear stick extension as I get a bad back and found leaning in to get first would strain on a longer drive. I'm not sure mine would make 70mph! It feels happier at 55 on the motorway. I did 1800 miles to and from Brittany in 2019 and managed 32.5mpg. Mines the same in 1st. It will go in but doesn't like it and can be clunky. My brakes are OK but you're dead right. Adapt. I just drive a lot slower than I do in my car and that's part of the fun and the whole experience. Relax and you'll get there. Just maybe not as quick, but then you have longer to drive it so more fun! Great being up high too. I fitted a Retrosound radio to mine. Modern with blue tooth etc but looks like a 60's radio. I love the way they turn heads. I usually realise I'm driving with a stupid grin and love the way children who don't know anything about cars, still recognise that it's different and they wave and point.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks for your kind words and feedback. I never found any product that cleaned the seats well in the end. I tried a magic sponge which helped a bit though. Sadly I had to sell mine in the end and now prices have gone through the roof. I sold mine in great condition for 8.5k. Crazy.

[@davidcottam7431]

@@motorcyclerescuer £8k! 😬 I was looking last night and decent, standard ones are fetching £20k now.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

@@davidcottam7431 I know, I messed up and sold it too early. I should have held onto it really.

[@qwerty1990119]

Great video, thank you for posting! I also have a late bay and live in central London, do you have any videos or sources of information about improving the performance/ efficiency of the engine?

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi, thanks for the comment. There are a few great companies in the country that will do anything you need however it all ads up to a fair amount of money and sometimes de values the van. For example you can get power steering for around £1000 fitted but when it comes to sell people want original. So I kept mine in great order and completely standard. Saying that if I bought another one I would have the sabaru 2.5 engine put in which is better all round including MPG, I would also get power steering put in. It shouod be around 6k for both and will be worth it if you plan on keeping your van for a good few years.

[@DanTheManIOM]

Wait, what engine do you have ? I'm in North America, and we have the Type IV, 2 Liter engines. If you still have fuel injection and 2L, you are kinda of stuck. As soon as you go with carbs, you devalue the van. You could build a bigger engine 2.2 or 2.4L, work the new heads and valve, cam, maybe forged crank (?), and dual carbs.... I'm in the same boat, I have a tired 78, starts all the time, let it sit all winter, connect battery, turn the key and go....maybe your engine is tired ? Maybe a rebuild ? New heads are made in Spain. The Type IV cases are stronger.

[@Andrewhawkes-w2g]

You can get a power steering from eBay brand new for about £250 and with some tools you can fit in your self as there is a nice video on you tube 😎

[@stevenpaul3585]

Nice wagon only getting into Vw campers.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi Steven, yes it was great, if you get one as rust free as possible and treat any rust yearly then they will keep well. Undersill is a must on these frames. If I get another soon I would consider a bigger engine with the power steering just to make it a touch easier to drive, I'd also upgrade the gear shifter for comfort. Thanks for watching.

[@stevenpaul3585]

You thinking of a 2.0 litre.am looking to buy frame only. start from there if possible.i live in Northern Ireland so not to many Vws over here.

[@XORTION]

Thank you for the video, I’m looking at buying my first t2 camper, I have always loved to own one and am looking forward to have many years of joy in one. I have around 12k - 15k do you think this is a good price for something solid and good condition. And could I daily it? I do around 6000 miles a year around 450 miles a month

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi, at the moment you will get a good one within your budget. Mine on the video had no rust at all and was always undersilled and I sold it for 8.5k. You have to be harsh when viewing, get on the ground and poke around underneath for rust. If it's rusty it needs welding which is expensive and takes weeks to complete. Good luck with your search. Thanks for watching and please subscribe

[@davidkelly831]

Great video. Did you do anything to make the van more secure?

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi David, I sold it in the end because it was a touch big and heavy for central London. My hope is to get a beetle at some point. I didn't secure it at all no, it was parked on a private estate although that was still open to the public. If you have concerns about yours I would look into modern trackers. They are bow cheap, reliable and can track down to a square meter. Some even come with back up batteries incase someone disconnects your main one.

[@ianmoore322]

That's crazy. I didn't know '73s had a type 1 engine. Did you or a previous owner swap it out or was it specced for that in the UK?

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Hi, that was the original engine I believe, I think 73 was when they started the late bay so this had some features of both the early and late bay. Sadly I've not got it anymore. Thanks for watching.

[@ianmoore322]

@@motorcyclerescuer I hope the bus is in good hands!

[@borislicina455]

Europe and the UK had the 1600 ccm motor as standard in the T2’s and the 2000 ccm Type 4 motor mainly in America in hope to keep up a bit more with other vans. Nowadays you see more 2000ccm motors in Europe because many American spec bays get imported.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

@@borislicina455 yes your right. Honestly I found the 1.6 to suit my needs just fine, 65 to 70 on a motorway and slow in town as its slow in towns anyway.

[@gentibici]

why do i have the feeling that the window seals are installed in the wrong way? the cut must be in the top.. so the water will not enter inside ...

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I'm not sure you know. I don't have it anymore sadly but they didn't leak if I remember rightly. Thanks for watching and please subscribe

[@gentibici]

@@motorcyclerescuer i am on restoration process in Albania with the last vw t2 left in the whole country... i just finished the epoxy primer and I am watching many videos online to teach my self how to do it properly :) ..

[@motorcyclerescuer]

@@gentibici that sounds like fun. Sorry mine isn't more helpful. It was in great shape actually so I rarely needed to do anything to it.

[@kubaczaja9027]

😍🤩🤛

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Cheers buddy. Thanks for watching

[@DanTheManIOM]

Nice ! Rust and engines are the weak spots, but aren't they fun ?

[@motorcyclerescuer]

The best. If I could justify having 2 vehicles I would have kept it. But sadly it wasnt being used enough.

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@motorcyclerescuer I hate seeing them sit too....the goal this year, finish the 85 westy - painting a vanagon is a HUGE project, bay windows are easier

[@motorcyclerescuer]

@@DanTheManIOM sounds like a nice project though Dan. People are going to need to keep themselves busy this year with all the rubbish going on. Good luck with it

[@ozzyv3419]

I found a T2 on eBay for £8000 and it only got a few minimal problems with it but it has a leaking exhaust manifold do u think it's worth to fix and how much would that be? Thanks

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Definitely worth fixing and a very easy fix. Definitely worth buying at that price. Just check fully for rust issues especially under the sliding door.

[@ozzyv3419]

Ok thx

[@tartantony08]

Great vi d

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback.

[@JAMGODZILLA]

I bought one for 500 pounds 🤣

[@motorcyclerescuer]

What? You bought a van for £500?

[@davidcottam7431]

Good luck with that!

[@stevenhoelderich9490]

Hello, you have a burnt out lightbulb in your Hazzard lights red left Please check it out I don't want you getting a ticket. Thank you.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Thanks Steven but my camper is long gone I'm afraid

[@sim6699]

White van man would do well selling his junk modern transit for a mk2 transit with the 2.5 di banana diesel engine.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Them engines are the best.