I routinely drive my 83 Bus here in Germany at 140kmh......swapped the motor to a 2.0 out of a 95 Golf gti and installed a 5 speed 3H gearbox.....check my RUclips channel Lukas Garage
Hi Ron from the U K 71 years old have an 84 bus which I've owned for 17 years. Just watched this video, you guys are mental but great fun, have just subscribed to your channel keep up the good work.
As I qualified VW mechanic, and an owner of a 62 Kombi, which I circumnavigated Australia in 1984. I had many breakdown experiences in the 5 months it took me. I had a wonderful trip and would do it again. You guys kept me entertained the whole time watching your video. I only wish I had videoed my trip, but videos were not invented in those days, except to have had a camera crew with me. My Kombi was the result of a accident, and was parked outside of this gas station I had purchased in Sydney and was waiting for the owner to come along to get it repaired, who never showed up. So I got it registered in my name. From then on I had it for five years and finally sold it to a Flower shop in Sydney used to deliver their orders. One time during the trip the crankshaft broke in half, I was able to drive to this town that had a wrecking yard. They had a motor in a wreck, so I took out the crank shaft and installed into my motor. I was parked across the street on the lawn of a drive in theater on the grass. I was the talk of the town, when they found my motor all in parts on the grass as I assemble it back together, to their amazement. I then said good bye ! and thanks to the wrecking yard as I set off to Sydney.
The raspberry juice, the zip ties, the deer face print, the miniature horse, the ice cream, watching this is the best hour in a long time. Yep, I’ve got one too. Thousands of miles and thousands of smiles. Thanks for the video. Made my day and I learned a lot!
I had a Westfalia Joker (the European equivalent) for 12 years in the 1980/90s and still miss it. If I had had such a load of people around me with that kind of compounded knowledge, I might have not sold it, but all that is history. Amazing how you managed to get the van going again, even with all the ups and downs. I have to say, I was surprised that you would be allowed to drive a vehicle on the public highway in such a condition. Dodgy brakes, exhaust about to fall off, engine emissions. I don't think that would have been possible in Europe! Still wishing you every success as you continue with the restoration.
Nothing at all was dodgy about the brakes- they were fully replaced and thoroughly tested. Brakes are the one thing we wouldn’t have driven home without. Yep, you’ve got ten days from when you buy the car to get it inspected, so in that grace period….. anyways, if promptly got a whole new engine, whole new exhaust, etc- it just had to make it home, we’d never drive it around like that.
So nice to see some other great people besides myself who LOVE the bus! Best car ever. (Except not on the highway. Or on a windy day. Or in heavy rain. Or when you need a vehicle whose engine won't blow the head gasket). I really miss my Vanagons...'89 Carat, followed by 2 '87 Syncros and another '87 RWD. Also had 2 '93 Eurovans both 5 spds. Love 'em.
My favorite part is how optimystically you carefully placed the cushion back over the engine cover every single time before you drove it. Firmly believing you wouldn't be moving that thing again too soon!
I found this to be one of the more compelling RUclips videos I have watched in a while. Well done! As a Vanagon owner who is NOT mechanically inclined (😬😬😬) it was awesome to learn more about the systems. If you ever find yourself in the Northeast again and want another Westy owner to help (and laugh at my sheer mechanical ignorance), hit me up. Would love to absorb the teams knowledge. Subscribed to your channel. Keep it up!
You made an inquiry what my favorite part was, and I honestly couldn't think of one that stood out above all the rest. The whole video was enjoyable except for one minor issue, which was beyond your influence, and by extension beyond your responsibility. I do possess a healthy grasp on classical mechanics, alongside the most rudimentary of basic knowledge regarding electromagnetism, which permits me the capacity to perform basic maintenance on a vehicle. Nevertheless, my car mechanic awareness quotient is quite low. The video made me realize how much I do not know, and in that realization, a want was reborn to have the know-how required to resurrect a vehicle that has not been started, let alone driven, for two full decades, and then proceed to drive it several hundreds of miles back to my abode. You claimed I was a part of "this", and welcomed me to the team. For such a kind, unselfish, and noble gesture, I shall bestow upon you a thick, viscous slathering of gratitude. I am honored to be a fellow team member. The utmost, deepest degree is with which I appreciate such acts, which are anything but! However, as a teammate trying to hold the importance of the team on a significantly higher level than where I place myself as an individual, I am reminded of the concept of synergy, concerning the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, and it is within this quick flash of expanding awareness where something has conjured a wave of guilt, for I began to feel as though I was not pulling my own weight on this team. Therefore, if you truly care about this team, which I believe you do, and you still want me to be a part of this team, help me to become worthy of such an esteemed position, gift me the power of resurrection and repair, fill my noggin with the esoteric knowledge for which I yearn! Learn me all the things!!! Then, and only then, shall I command the capacity to pull more than just my own weight! Realizing that my thoughts had wandered off on a tangent while reflecting on the request to comment upon which part of this video was my favorite, I readjusted my focus upon the now of the video in a fashion akin to the stylings of Ram Dass, and in a manner that was more precise, and less tangential than I had allowed it to become over the past eighteen seconds. As my focus upon my focus came back into focus, I noticed the shirt, and finally realized which portion of this digitized recording was my favorite part, it was beyond all doubt that last shirt!!! CLEVELAND NEVER ROCKED
Well as a original owner of a 1980 Westy, I have to say this was a amazing journey! I think the best part for me was that nothing deterred you guys, complete brake system rebuild in the field is pretty damn impressive! Not to mention every other fix! You guys have a wealth of knowledge between you all! Ive been driving and fixing my ol girl 42 yrs, and the last 7 years just about everything! My latest accomplishment was hand forming and welding in the inner and outer lower windshield channel. I drive it almost every day now, and still take it camping in upstate NY. Thanks to you all, it was very inspiring!
This is just epic! like how a vanagon rescue is meant to be! and i like that phrase, "reliability has to be earned. it cant be bought." if i may tho, we are buying reliability, one part at a time :)
I can so relate to this. I have an 85 Vanagon just like it except it's dark brown and has a manual transmission. It's a lot of fun when it works and if I'm in the mood to get greasy it's at least fixable.
@@TheBarefootForge I relived most every mechanical issue I've ever had with mine, in your single video!🤣 Except for some reason, your CV axles never gave out! WTF???😂👍
Some years ago, my son and I went to buy a bay window camper being sold as a non-runner needing completely new wiring (so the seller was told) my son did the deal and went into the seller's home to write up the paperwork. While both were In the seller's house I climbed under the rear end of the VW and with the ignition on jumper wired the starter so the engine ran, and ran very well, the seller and my son came out of the seller's house, my son had a huge smile the sellers just looked and said ITS RUNNING! - my son drove that VW home about 60 miles and it ran perfectly just pulling into a petrol (Gas) station to give it some fresh fuel..The full wiring loom problem was a broken wire that goes to the solenoid on the starter - that's all. LOL.Always an adventure with VWS beetles and vans.. So, a great road trip guys, I enjoyed it immensely thankyou...So,, I am Ian, now only 75 years old and still loving great stories told. - thank you all.
What a great video love the attitude of everyone "this has broke let's fix it " these vans are getting rare here in the UK nice to see another one saved
That was an awesome adventure, a lot of folks would have thrown in the towel way back at the second shade tree, I'm glad y'all had the perseverance to push on, great job. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞
When you own a Vanagon, it's good to travel with other Vanagon owners because as a Vanagon owner you are automatically a Vanagon mechanic. 😂 I'd love to take mine out with you guys.
Fun fact- we did catch it very much on fire a little after getting it back and swapping in the rebuilt motor, but such is life…. It’s got a new wiring harness now, and all is well!
Let’s hope so! I’ve had quite a few, and they certainly have the ability to leave ya stranded these days, especially as they’ve gotten older and parts are harder to find. It’s very possible to be on a road trip, break down, and have a part fail that takes 3-6 months to get a replacement for, often requiring the vehicle to be shipped home.
You guys have inspired me to drive my Vanagon further away from home. One of the best videos I’ve seen on RUclips, EVER! Need to find a Vanagon crew like yours to learn from. A big thank you for this video from Tucson, Arizona!
Brilliant video had a Vanagon for 8.5 years here in the UK imported from Germany loved that van, what a great trip well done to all involved and well done to the van itself great to see it alive again
Great video and Great adventure! You guys are amazing! I'm just felt part of your adventure because I own a westfalia just like yours and I'd been strugeling those same issues for many years since I bought it! Greetings from Paraguay!
Awesome vid...love how realistic it is! Makes me think twice about traveling cross country with my 06 Touareg!! Even though I have to say it's been fairly reliable but its not a car you can easily fix on the side of the road. But I absolutely love that truck.
That was very ambitious especially in the heat. Well done, and apart from the one improvisation, you all kept to the script. Thanks for posting the adventure.
I only discovered your videos in the last 48 hours. It’s now 4 am because I can’t get enough. I own an 84 Westy and will now pack way more spare parts…. :)
Music to my ears. Cheers to your ingenuity, patience, teamwork, perseverance-as this quote describes: If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." Antoine de Saint Exupéry (1900-1944, pronounced Sant-Exoopairee), was a French writer and aviator.
What a great adventure and video. You guys are champs. I have an 87 and am learning all about the quirks of these vans. Not often I watch an entire hour video.
This was awesome. Thank you for taking us on your adventure. This is definitely a video I’ll rewatch again. I learned so many little things about my bus just from the variety of breakdowns on this trip. 😆
Thanks. This inspirited me to work on my 83 WC West y. Great video. Remind me of my first trip after buy my van. Flew down to Florida bought my van from a dead guys wife. My mom and I drove it back to Michigan. Stop fort souvenirs fuel pump in GA, and master clutch cylinder at l-80 truck stop at 2:00 am. It hand been sitting sence Covid waiting for the new fuel tank to levitate into position. It's just sitting there. You guys really inspire me that it is more than the ride, but camaraderie while sitting still.
Awesome! Now get to work, it's not going to fix itsself! Quit slacking! We brought one back from the dead having sat 20 years in just 24 hours...... yours just needs basic repairs- what's your excuse? Drive it tomorrow! : )
@@TheBarefootForge went out this morning and sat in it for the first time in 8 months. Next task is to get everything leaning on, sitting on top of, or in that should not be there... Next is to buy a new fuel tank sending unit to go with my new tank sitting in the floor
Love all your guys attitude. Great to see camaraderie with Volkswagen’s bus group doing what you guys did in are dune buggy club I see it ever weekend we all get together and help each other out enjoy your videos retired US Army, Sergeant, Major Gamsby
In a weekend this would have not been possible without a good team. It's awesome to see the individual people making something bigger than each person on their own can do. Wait for it... synchronicity.
Just come across you boys, and that was an absolute pleasure to watch. I love artisans who can fix stuff, but with great personalities and crack, that's a bonus. Ya do'nt know when ya beat !!
One of the greatest things I've watched on the internet. Well done guys! As a 2.0 T3 air cooled owner, I understand this mission - and loved every minute of this journey :)
Those old VW vans to me are some of the finest cars ever built. They are not hot rods, but they are very fun to drive and handle very well and ride very smooth. Good old cars.
So much fun to watch! Favorite part was the driving around with the fella holding a spot light out the passenger side! A crash course in vanagon maintenance for sure.
like your channel it took me down memory late when I bought my vw kombi and experienced some of the challenges you also faced, am thinking of resurrection it again.
Ya, they can certainly be frustrating if you let them be- accept every frustration as part of the journey and a new opportunity to learn, a new opportunity to make memories, and a new opportunity to build a relationship with the vehicle- you’ll go far further then any other car will ever take you!
Thanks Jon! We intend to continue to make these wild adventures, and it all starts with the support of folks like you! Thanks for the comment, I’m glad we could share a smile with you!
I just stumbled on to your channel, I enjoyed this adventure so much, you dude's rock , y'all never gave up, and I love that. You have a New!! subscriber.
Am a t3 camper owner in Australia have watched that whole video with much enjoyment, have just had my camper re panted and ready to reinstall all cabinetry and bed backing to get read a big vw get together a beach called Valla in nsw, great fun video keep em coming.
Fantastic video guys, I like your cuts, your lingo and the mission is just totally up my alley 🤩 Go save more Vanagons please 🥳 Also learned a lot about the quirks on a T3, which might come in handy some day 🤞
Well, it costs a bunch to just keep buying cars and fixing them up- but I appreciate the engagement! Hopefully, that'll help us continue to grow and share more adventures!
Amazing!...how you and your team of mechanics got that van up and running...and how, despite numerous breakdowns on the way home to Pittsburgh, you were able not give up, depressed, and call a tow truck, but patch it up and persevere on!
Very entertaining. You guys are all so positive. Reminded my wife and I of our 82 diesel vanagon. Gutless going uphill. Lots of room for all the kids. Good stuff for sure.
Hilarious group effort! I’m considering buying a westy and this video is a great model of everything that need repairs and is likely to need fixing - and it didn’t discourage me at all. You guys are definition of the “Vanagon vibe” I love it!
Loved watching, learning and laughing. I live in Dana Point, California.There is a local mechanic shop that sells and works on a wide variety of V.W.'s Performance Haus, Dana Point, Ca. My first car was a Green1969 bug, Westfalia Vanagon Camper & Vanagon Van.
You boys are WAAAAAAYYYYYY under subbed!!! A great adventure movie...and I know even non Vanagon enthusiasts would agree!! Wish I was there with my '90 or '82!👌🤙
Thanks Robert! Be sure to share the video to your favorite vanagon groups to help us grow- we love and appreciate the support! We’re planning more rescues!
That made me laugh n smile a great deal n reminded me of many such adventures. I did think the trip was a little ambitious to start but u got did what u went there for and then made it home with the new van, well done, thanks for the smiles.
@@TheBarefootForge The fun u guys had along the way, how u all pitched in together, everyone helping and the way u took every problem in your stride with nobody getting bent out of shape about anything even when things didn't go so well. A great adventure n road trip which ended in success, beautiful.
1:21:24 thoroughly enjoyed this video. You are very talented being able to fix on the go. It also showed the reality of keeping old vehicles on the road going. ❤
Awesome! I’m glad we could spread some joy and get you excited! What did you like the most? We’re going to make more bus videos, but we want to learn what people want.
This video was just recommended, and glad I watched it, great bunch of likeable guys with no fear of a challenging road trip, great to see you all get along and sharing your wealth of knowledge, patience and skills with each other for a quality cause, saving a westy :) I'm now a subscriber
@@TheBarefootForge the whole video was enjoyable and well edited, the comical exchanges between you all was awesome, when you first got to camp and started accessing and doing the repairs to get her on the way down the road and of course finally getting home was awesome to see, I was routing for ya's lol.
Really enjoyed this. I also have a many year long Vanagon project that is now totally dependable so it was so easy to relate to each and every issue you encountered and the creativity it took to get it home. Really, really good job!
"GMRS", the modern version of CB, but ya- it's a GREAT way to communicate while on the road! We now work with Midland Radios, they make some great radios that make it really easy for us to stay in touch on these adventures!
Great video, as an amateur T3 kind of mechanic, i've been much more under the car than in the car. I'm planning to make a trip from Belgium to Spain with my last van (Syncro) witch i fixed good enough to run, but not revised. This video encouraged me to make the trip one day!
You guy’s are awesome 😎 I just picked up my VANessa from Oregon and drove her home to San Diego. She needs a little TLC but I’m looking forward to bringing her back to life.
Gonna echo alot of other statements here. What a great video this was. I'm also not super mechanically inclined but determined to become that for the sake of my Vanagon. I've been diving in with the easy things so far. I'll definitely be watching this video two or 3 more times just to hear how you guys approach some of these things.. and how you approach breakdowns on the side of the highway. You just made a subscriber out of me. Thanks for this!
@@TheBarefootForge Keeping it pretty local up here in Ontario Canada. Want to feel really confident in the mechanics before I take it cross country with the family. It's a 91 Syncro Camper!!
Really enjoyable. You guys were like a MASH triage team, working together to save a nearly terminal patient. A fantastic adventure and a real education for me, a 25-year owner of a fairly pampered 1985 Westy. Amazing how much sh*t can go wrong. (Preventative maintenance, baby!) I subscribed to your channel!
74mph on the flat bed. “That’s probably the fastest that Vanagon is ever gonna go”. Awesome.
Heck Ya- that tow truck driver was WILD!
I routinely drive my 83 Bus here in Germany at 140kmh......swapped the motor to a 2.0 out of a 95 Golf gti and installed a 5 speed 3H gearbox.....check my RUclips channel Lukas Garage
1:12:50 to 1:13:14 the most beautiful sounds 👍
@@TheBarefootForge that was crazy to watch
Hi Ron from the U K 71 years old have an 84 bus which I've owned for 17 years. Just watched this video, you guys are mental but great fun, have just subscribed to your channel keep up the good work.
As I qualified VW mechanic, and an owner of a 62 Kombi, which I circumnavigated Australia in 1984. I had many breakdown experiences in the 5 months it took me. I had a wonderful trip and would do it again. You guys kept me entertained the whole time watching your video. I only wish I had videoed my trip, but videos were not invented in those days, except to have had a camera crew with me. My Kombi was the result of a accident, and was parked outside of this gas station I had purchased in Sydney and was waiting for the owner to come along to get it repaired, who never showed up. So I got it registered in my name. From then on I had it for five years and finally sold it to a Flower shop in Sydney used to deliver their orders. One time during the trip the crankshaft broke in half, I was able to drive to this town that had a wrecking yard. They had a motor in a wreck, so I took out the crank shaft and installed into my motor. I was parked across the street on the lawn of a drive in theater on the grass. I was the talk of the town, when they found my motor all in parts on the grass as I assemble it back together, to their amazement. I then said good bye ! and thanks to the wrecking yard as I set off to Sydney.
EPIC!
The raspberry juice, the zip ties, the deer face print, the miniature horse, the ice cream, watching this is the best hour in a long time. Yep, I’ve got one too. Thousands of miles and thousands of smiles. Thanks for the video. Made my day and I learned a lot!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I had a Westfalia Joker (the European equivalent) for 12 years in the 1980/90s and still miss it. If I had had such a load of people around me with that kind of compounded knowledge, I might have not sold it, but all that is history. Amazing how you managed to get the van going again, even with all the ups and downs. I have to say, I was surprised that you would be allowed to drive a vehicle on the public highway in such a condition. Dodgy brakes, exhaust about to fall off, engine emissions. I don't think that would have been possible in Europe! Still wishing you every success as you continue with the restoration.
Nothing at all was dodgy about the brakes- they were fully replaced and thoroughly tested. Brakes are the one thing we wouldn’t have driven home without.
Yep, you’ve got ten days from when you buy the car to get it inspected, so in that grace period…..
anyways, if promptly got a whole new engine, whole new exhaust, etc- it just had to make it home, we’d never drive it around like that.
So nice to see some other great people besides myself who LOVE the bus! Best car ever. (Except not on the highway. Or on a windy day. Or in heavy rain. Or when you need a vehicle whose engine won't blow the head gasket). I really miss my Vanagons...'89 Carat, followed by 2 '87 Syncros and another '87 RWD. Also had 2 '93 Eurovans both 5 spds. Love 'em.
My favorite part is how optimystically you carefully placed the cushion back over the engine cover every single time before you drove it. Firmly believing you wouldn't be moving that thing again too soon!
And yet, often…. We drove 100+ miles before having to access it again!
I found this to be one of the more compelling RUclips videos I have watched in a while. Well done! As a Vanagon owner who is NOT mechanically inclined (😬😬😬) it was awesome to learn more about the systems. If you ever find yourself in the Northeast again and want another Westy owner to help (and laugh at my sheer mechanical ignorance), hit me up. Would love to absorb the teams knowledge. Subscribed to your channel. Keep it up!
Awesome! What year is your westy?
Best way to learn is to just jump head first into it!
Best part was y’all never give up. Excellent crew, my respect for y’all
You made an inquiry what my favorite part was, and I honestly couldn't think of one that stood out above all the rest. The whole video was enjoyable except for one minor issue, which was beyond your influence, and by extension beyond your responsibility. I do possess a healthy grasp on classical mechanics, alongside the most rudimentary of basic knowledge regarding electromagnetism, which permits me the capacity to perform basic maintenance on a vehicle. Nevertheless, my car mechanic awareness quotient is quite low.
The video made me realize how much I do not know, and in that realization, a want was reborn to have the know-how required to resurrect a vehicle that has not been started, let alone driven, for two full decades, and then proceed to drive it several hundreds of miles back to my abode.
You claimed I was a part of "this", and welcomed me to the team. For such a kind, unselfish, and noble gesture, I shall bestow upon you a thick, viscous slathering of gratitude. I am honored to be a fellow team member. The utmost, deepest degree is with which I appreciate such acts, which are anything but! However, as a teammate trying to hold the importance of the team on a significantly higher level than where I place myself as an individual, I am reminded of the concept of synergy, concerning the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, and it is within this quick flash of expanding awareness where something has conjured a wave of guilt, for I began to feel as though I was not pulling my own weight on this team. Therefore, if you truly care about this team, which I believe you do, and you still want me to be a part of this team, help me to become worthy of such an esteemed position, gift me the power of resurrection and repair, fill my noggin with the esoteric knowledge for which I yearn! Learn me all the things!!! Then, and only then, shall I command the capacity to pull more than just my own weight!
Realizing that my thoughts had wandered off on a tangent while reflecting on the request to comment upon which part of this video was my favorite, I readjusted my focus upon the now of the video in a fashion akin to the stylings of Ram Dass, and in a manner that was more precise, and less tangential than I had allowed it to become over the past eighteen seconds. As my focus upon my focus came back into focus, I noticed the shirt, and finally realized which portion of this digitized recording was my favorite part, it was beyond all doubt that last shirt!!!
CLEVELAND NEVER ROCKED
Well as a original owner of a 1980 Westy, I have to say this was a amazing journey! I think the best part for me was that nothing deterred you guys, complete brake system rebuild in the field is pretty damn impressive! Not to mention every other fix! You guys have a wealth of knowledge between you all! Ive been driving and fixing my ol girl 42 yrs, and the last 7 years just about everything! My latest accomplishment was hand forming and welding in the inner and outer lower windshield channel. I drive it almost every day now, and still take it camping in upstate NY. Thanks to you all, it was very inspiring!
Awesome man! I’m glad we could inspire! They’re fun vehicles and they’ll take you on wild adventures if you let them!
These guys are awesome and hard-working! I loved their attitude during the entire trip.
Keeps it fun!
Great work guys, respect has been earned!
Thanks man!
This is just epic! like how a vanagon rescue is meant to be! and i like that phrase, "reliability has to be earned. it cant be bought." if i may tho, we are buying reliability, one part at a time :)
@ 30:44. I hear raspberry water is a surefire way to revive an old Vanagon and provides top performance! ;) Nice work!
It's the good stuff- that fizzy bubbly coolant!
These guys are amazing. They know everything about the VW bus.
I can so relate to this. I have an 85 Vanagon just like it except it's dark brown and has a manual transmission. It's a lot of fun when it works and if I'm in the mood to get greasy it's at least fixable.
They're all fixable!
Man, I wish I still had my vanagon, you guys make working on it look super easy, I'm glad I found your channel!
They are easy- get another one!
@@TheBarefootForge I relived most every mechanical issue I've ever had with mine, in your single video!🤣 Except for some reason, your CV axles never gave out! WTF???😂👍
@@robertmuckle2985 cvs are simple enough when they do fail- we had a loose joint or two and a used boot with us, maybe even some grease.
@@TheBarefootForge Hopefully you now carry a Funnel 😂
I’ve ALWAYS loved and wanted a Westfalia! And then I watched this video
Well if you get one that’s being sold as “a car” and hasn’t sat for 20 years, you may have better results! Lol
Some years ago, my son and I went to buy a bay window camper being sold as a non-runner needing completely new wiring (so the seller was told) my son did the deal and went into the seller's home to write up the paperwork. While both were In the seller's house I climbed under the rear end of the VW and with the ignition on jumper wired the starter so the engine ran, and ran very well, the seller and my son came out of the seller's house, my son had a huge smile the sellers just looked and said ITS RUNNING! - my son drove that VW home about 60 miles and it ran perfectly just pulling into a petrol (Gas) station to give it some fresh fuel..The full wiring loom problem was a broken wire that goes to the solenoid on the starter - that's all. LOL.Always an adventure with VWS beetles and vans.. So, a great road trip guys, I enjoyed it immensely thankyou...So,, I am Ian, now only 75 years old and still loving great stories told. - thank you all.
Wow. Thanks man!
What a great video love the attitude of everyone "this has broke let's fix it " these vans are getting rare here in the UK nice to see another one saved
That was an awesome adventure, a lot of folks would have thrown in the towel way back at the second shade tree, I'm glad y'all had the perseverance to push on, great job. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞
Can’t be a shade tree mechanic without breaking down under the shade of some trees!
When you own a Vanagon, it's good to travel with other Vanagon owners because as a Vanagon owner you are automatically a Vanagon mechanic. 😂
I'd love to take mine out with you guys.
When it comes to the bus world- you may come for the car, but you stay for the community!
I'll be honest, I half expected it to burst into flames 🔥 as soon as you got it home. One helluva a wrenching adventure.
Fun fact- we did catch it very much on fire a little after getting it back and swapping in the rebuilt motor, but such is life…. It’s got a new wiring harness now, and all is well!
This van will give you years of enjoyment my family had several and they always go me home
Let’s hope so! I’ve had quite a few, and they certainly have the ability to leave ya stranded these days, especially as they’ve gotten older and parts are harder to find.
It’s very possible to be on a road trip, break down, and have a part fail that takes 3-6 months to get a replacement for, often requiring the vehicle to be shipped home.
You guys have inspired me to drive my Vanagon further away from home. One of the best videos I’ve seen on RUclips, EVER! Need to find a Vanagon crew like yours to learn from. A big thank you for this video from Tucson, Arizona!
Thanks man! Glad we could inspire!
I have this exact van. Same year. Same engine. Same transmission. Love this video
AWESOME! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Greetings from Germany. I own a passat 35i G60 and a T3 syncro. Good stuff. VW is simply the best.
Gota love a good syncro!
Brilliant video had a Vanagon for 8.5 years here in the UK imported from Germany loved that van, what a great trip well done to all involved and well done to the van itself great to see it alive again
they're fun vehicles, designed for adventure!
All these guys are working together. It's great. Thanks
Great video and Great adventure! You guys are amazing! I'm just felt part of your adventure because I own a westfalia just like yours and I'd been strugeling those same issues for many years since I bought it! Greetings from Paraguay!
that's awesome! Thanks man! I'm glad we could share this experience with you! What's the greatest trip you've taken with your bus?
As a new vanagon owner trying to work out the bugs, I love how the fun for you is the fixing. Keep up the videos.
Good luck buddy! You’re going to learn a ton, and you’ll have a great adventure along the way!
Awesome vid...love how realistic it is! Makes me think twice about traveling cross country with my 06 Touareg!! Even though I have to say it's been fairly reliable but its not a car you can easily fix on the side of the road. But I absolutely love that truck.
I mean, if it hasn't been parked for 20 years.... it should be fine.
a great adventure, is not only about mechanic problems and campervan, it is about friendship and support.
Its hard to beat traveling with a great group of friends!
Dude. I had a great time. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks buddy! I'm glad you could be part of the adventure! What was your favorite part?
Y’all are the best! Wish I have all y’all knowledge everytime I need it. Good luck on the next adventure
That was very ambitious especially in the heat. Well done, and apart from the one improvisation, you all kept to the script. Thanks for posting the adventure.
It sure was a fun challenge!
Super charged adventure. Labour of love. Patience and Perseverance. Thanks and Praise to The One ☝️❤️🌍🙏
I only discovered your videos in the last 48 hours. It’s now 4 am because I can’t get enough. I own an 84 Westy and will now pack way more spare parts…. :)
Awesome man! I'm glad we could inspire!
Only YouTUbe vid over 15 mins I've ever not skipped any. fantastic. thank you for this.
Awesome dude! What was your favorite part?
My favorite part was… all of them? 🤔 I seriously could watch hours and hours of this. Brings back so many memories of my old 76 and 82 Westys
Awesome man! Well, time to get another one and relive those memories!
Awesome job guys!!!! Had a great time working with you guys, thanks for inviting me to be part of the journey.
Music to my ears. Cheers to your ingenuity, patience, teamwork, perseverance-as this quote describes: If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." Antoine de Saint Exupéry (1900-1944, pronounced Sant-Exoopairee), was a French writer and aviator.
One of my favorite authors for sure!
Thanks for sharing in the adventure!
Fantastic! What an adventure and a ton of team work! Well done guys, really enjoyed watching! ❤
What a great adventure and video. You guys are champs.
I have an 87 and am learning all about the quirks of these vans.
Not often I watch an entire hour video.
You lads deserve a medal for pulling that off
Thanks buddy! This is what we do, and we will do it again soon enough!
Congratulations, you never gave up and found for every problem a solution - awesome
Heck ya, we brought no plan B- it’s the right way to roll!
This was awesome. Thank you for taking us on your adventure. This is definitely a video I’ll rewatch again. I learned so many little things about my bus just from the variety of breakdowns on this trip. 😆
Life is about experiences, and it wouldn't have been fun if the bus ran well!
Thanks. This inspirited me to work on my 83 WC West y. Great video. Remind me of my first trip after buy my van. Flew down to Florida bought my van from a dead guys wife. My mom and I drove it back to Michigan. Stop fort souvenirs fuel pump in GA, and master clutch cylinder at l-80 truck stop at 2:00 am. It hand been sitting sence Covid waiting for the new fuel tank to levitate into position. It's just sitting there. You guys really inspire me that it is more than the ride, but camaraderie while sitting still.
Awesome! Now get to work, it's not going to fix itsself! Quit slacking!
We brought one back from the dead having sat 20 years in just 24 hours...... yours just needs basic repairs- what's your excuse?
Drive it tomorrow!
: )
@@TheBarefootForge went out this morning and sat in it for the first time in 8 months. Next task is to get everything leaning on, sitting on top of, or in that should not be there...
Next is to buy a new fuel tank sending unit to go with my new tank sitting in the floor
Great to see everyone working together .... awesome adventure !
Thanks man! More to come I hope!
What an awesome recovery, loved the video and the awesome crew! Thank you for sharing greetings from Spain! ✌️✌️ T3 2WD owner
My all-time most favorite will always be the Volkswagen westfalia know what it is about these camper vw's but they are so unique and beautiful
They're fantastic adventure vehicles!
Love all your guys attitude. Great to see camaraderie with Volkswagen’s bus group doing what you guys did in are dune buggy club I see it ever weekend we all get together and help each other out enjoy your videos retired US Army, Sergeant, Major Gamsby
Thanks man! Working as a team makes these adventures possible!
In a weekend this would have not been possible without a good team. It's awesome to see the individual people making something bigger than each person on their own can do. Wait for it... synchronicity.
Heck ya! It was a great team effort- a truly memorable adventure!
Just come across you boys, and that was an absolute pleasure to watch. I love artisans who can fix stuff, but with great personalities and crack, that's a bonus. Ya do'nt know when ya beat !!
Thanks Bob! It was a fun adventure with a great crew! What was your favorite part?
Absolutely Epic journey, How you stayed so positive throughout was amazing, One of the best RUclips videos ever!
HECK YA! It was a wild adventure, and that bus is now happily and reliably on the road!
One of the greatest things I've watched on the internet. Well done guys! As a 2.0 T3 air cooled owner, I understand this mission - and loved every minute of this journey :)
Thanks dude! What was your favorite part?
I still come back to this video, as it is one of the most amazing Videos ( next to the Polish Doka ) on your Channel. Greetings from Germany buddy.
Thanks dude! I like sharing the stories!
Those old VW vans to me are some of the finest cars ever built. They are not hot rods, but they are very fun to drive and handle very well and ride very smooth. Good old cars.
ABSOLUTELY! They're cool old cars, iconic!
So much fun to watch! Favorite part was the driving around with the fella holding a spot light out the passenger side! A crash course in vanagon maintenance for sure.
Plus- that dude is NUTS. He's a local, we like him....sometimes.
The Checklist Done as Pieces of Tape with each Task on it was Excellent Idea and List never gets Lost
EXACTLY! and it makes it easy for everyone in the team to recognize and chose between tasks.
SCRUM planning saves the day!@@TheBarefootForge
I love the way you guys all look after each other that's so cool
Thanks man! It takes a community to keep these busses on the road!
You are a joy
I'm here to spread it, I hope I shared some of my joy with you!
like your channel it took me down memory late when I bought my vw kombi and experienced some of the challenges you also faced, am thinking of resurrection it again.
I just bought a 1986 Westy and I have no idea what I’m doing. Lol Your video gives me some idea how much fun this will be! Lol
Ya, they can certainly be frustrating if you let them be- accept every frustration as part of the journey and a new opportunity to learn, a new opportunity to make memories, and a new opportunity to build a relationship with the vehicle- you’ll go far further then any other car will ever take you!
Loved it guys, I watch a lot of RUclips but by far my favourite video lately. Jon, Wales. UK
Thanks Jon! We intend to continue to make these wild adventures, and it all starts with the support of folks like you! Thanks for the comment, I’m glad we could share a smile with you!
I just stumbled on to your channel, I enjoyed this adventure so much, you dude's rock , y'all never gave up, and I love that. You have a New!! subscriber.
Thanks Steve! We love a good adventure!
That was a hell of a feat. You have a lot of patience and a good attitude through out. Keep the videos coming
Thanks Thomas! That's the plan! We love saving busses- check out some of our other videos!
Am a t3 camper owner in Australia have watched that whole video with much enjoyment, have just had my camper re panted and ready to reinstall all cabinetry and bed backing to get read a big vw get together a beach called Valla in nsw, great fun video keep em coming.
Awesome!
More videos coming for sure!
Fantastic video guys, I like your cuts, your lingo and the mission is just totally up my alley 🤩
Go save more Vanagons please 🥳
Also learned a lot about the quirks on a T3, which might come in handy some day 🤞
Well, it costs a bunch to just keep buying cars and fixing them up- but I appreciate the engagement! Hopefully, that'll help us continue to grow and share more adventures!
The miniature horse 😂 great video! Its all up there with Mustie’s epic road movie. And you look like genuine good guys. Cheers from Norway 😊
Thanks man! It was a fun adventure!
Amazing!...how you and your team of mechanics got that van up and running...and how, despite numerous breakdowns on the way home to Pittsburgh, you were able not give up, depressed, and call a tow truck, but patch it up and persevere on!
Awesome .. this bus nice and you did well.
Subscribed, this was the best video I've seen in a month. Gosh I miss my '87 Westy. This video should have a million views.
Hey Guy! Thanks for the support, welcome to the team!
Well, share it, let's get it to a million views together!
Very entertaining. You guys are all so positive.
Reminded my wife and I of our 82 diesel vanagon. Gutless going uphill. Lots of room for all the kids. Good stuff for sure.
Awesome man! I’m glad we could bring back some memories! Thanks for joining in as part of the story and adventure, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hilarious group effort! I’m considering buying a westy and this video is a great model of everything that need repairs and is likely to need fixing - and it didn’t discourage me at all. You guys are definition of the “Vanagon vibe” I love it!
Awesome! It definitely takes a village!
Loved watching, learning and laughing. I live in Dana Point, California.There is a local mechanic shop that sells and works on a wide variety of V.W.'s Performance Haus, Dana Point, Ca.
My first car was a Green1969 bug, Westfalia Vanagon Camper & Vanagon Van.
Niceeee! I’m glad we could share some smiles with you!
Brilliant stuff thats the best of mechanical engineering without all the tools
We make it work!
You boys are WAAAAAAYYYYYY under subbed!!! A great adventure movie...and I know even non Vanagon enthusiasts would agree!! Wish I was there with my '90 or '82!👌🤙
Thanks Robert! Be sure to share the video to your favorite vanagon groups to help us grow- we love and appreciate the support!
We’re planning more rescues!
That made me laugh n smile a great deal n reminded me of many such adventures. I did think the trip was a little ambitious to start but u got did what u went there for and then made it home with the new van, well done, thanks for the smiles.
Thanks Adam! That was the goal! I’m glad we could share a smile! What was your favorite part?
@@TheBarefootForge The fun u guys had along the way, how u all pitched in together, everyone helping and the way u took every problem in your stride with nobody getting bent out of shape about anything even when things didn't go so well. A great adventure n road trip which ended in success, beautiful.
Man I loved this! I can relate in so many ways the issues you guys encountered. Can I go on the next adventure?!
Sounds good! Let’s find you a bus and plan the adventure!
1:21:24 thoroughly enjoyed this video. You are very talented being able to fix on the go. It also showed the reality of keeping old vehicles on the road going. ❤
Thanks friend! It takes a team, these vehicles build community everywhere they go!
Great documentary, seriously educational, entertaining and funny! Love it! K&K
Awesome! I’m glad we could spread some joy and get you excited! What did you like the most? We’re going to make more bus videos, but we want to learn what people want.
This video was just recommended, and glad I watched it, great bunch of likeable guys with no fear of a challenging road trip, great to see you all get along and sharing your wealth of knowledge, patience and skills with each other for a quality cause, saving a westy :) I'm now a subscriber
Hey Gordon! Welcome to the team! I'm glad we could put a smile on your face- what was your favorite part?
@@TheBarefootForge the whole video was enjoyable and well edited, the comical exchanges between you all was awesome, when you first got to camp and started accessing and doing the repairs to get her on the way down the road and of course finally getting home was awesome to see, I was routing for ya's lol.
Really enjoyed this. I also have a many year long Vanagon project that is now totally dependable so it was so easy to relate to each and every issue you encountered and the creativity it took to get it home. Really, really good job!
Keep at it, reliability must be earned!
Great video. Looks to be a great group of fellas....lots of skill. This whole video made me smile.
That’s the idea! Awesome! What was your favorite part?
Watching you guys from the beginning of this video has been a good ride!!
It took a lot of work to bring this baby back to life- and it’s been bringing lots of adventures and smiles since!
Stunning teamwork. Great adventure. You make me love this country, and German engineering. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Richard! It was definitely a wild story, so I’m glad we could tell it and share it with ya!
Inspiring! Just got a Vanagon of my own and I hope I’m resilient as you are…
Keep at It! How has your mechanical adventure been so far?
Great adventure !
I enjoyed how everyone worked together
to get the van up & running .
Thank You for sharing your video, and bringing us along.
We’re lucky to have an awesome team!
Car is looking good I like the change you made in back window keep up the great work
It’s been a very reliable and fun adventure vehicle a year later!
I love the fact that you guys went old school on your trip by using CB's.
"GMRS", the modern version of CB, but ya- it's a GREAT way to communicate while on the road!
We now work with Midland Radios, they make some great radios that make it really easy for us to stay in touch on these adventures!
Great video, as an amateur T3 kind of mechanic, i've been much more under the car than in the car. I'm planning to make a trip from Belgium to Spain with my last van (Syncro) witch i fixed good enough to run, but not revised. This video encouraged me to make the trip one day!
GOOD LUCK! Thanks man, you've got this!
You guy’s are awesome 😎 I just picked up my VANessa from Oregon and drove her home to San Diego. She needs a little TLC but I’m looking forward to bringing her back to life.
awesome! Keep at it- it'll be worth it in the end!
Great content! As a T25 owner from Scotland I loved the dedication to try and get the old girl to her new home.
She's been on the road and enjoyed some additional trips this summer!
Gonna echo alot of other statements here. What a great video this was. I'm also not super mechanically inclined but determined to become that for the sake of my Vanagon. I've been diving in with the easy things so far. I'll definitely be watching this video two or 3 more times just to hear how you guys approach some of these things.. and how you approach breakdowns on the side of the highway. You just made a subscriber out of me. Thanks for this!
Awesome Tyler! Vanagons are great teaching tools- you’ll get it! What adventures has it taken you on so far?
@@TheBarefootForge Keeping it pretty local up here in Ontario Canada. Want to feel really confident in the mechanics before I take it cross country with the family. It's a 91 Syncro Camper!!
Been there with a deer. It hit me, side of the vehicle, and left a partial face print as well.
What a find on that weekender.
It’s a cream puff!
Really enjoyable. You guys were like a MASH triage team, working together to save a nearly terminal patient. A fantastic adventure and a real education for me, a 25-year owner of a fairly pampered 1985 Westy. Amazing how much sh*t can go wrong. (Preventative maintenance, baby!) I subscribed to your channel!
Awesome friend! We've worked hard together to work well as a team, it's always a great adventure!
I followed you on my way home a couple of days ago. What a small world love your van too .by the way I've been looking them vans up ever since lol.
Well, we can help you find one!
I'm envious. What a find. Almost fully intact~😀 Fun video. Thanks!