Everything I love, hate, and changed about my Westfalia
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
- Sid sold his Sprinter to buy a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia?! Sid gives us a tour through his personal rig and shows us what he loves, hates, and has changed on it.
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The vw van has more soul that a sprinter in my opinion. Love the video
Oh yes.........weak head gaskets and noisy engine (petrol 1.9) and seam rust. Going down hill sideways if you touch the brakes on a slippery surface and getting stuck on slightly damp grass. I'm sure I could come up with some more "soul" but I try not to remember the time I spent money having the heads done only to have the gearbox pack it in only a few thousand miles later. Smooth and economical in use but I'd advise an electric conversion the minute the engine goes bad
@@xtc2v and yet here you are.
@@ApexHerbivore Talking helps my PTSD
@@xtc2v lol I think there are support groups you could join
@@xtc2v also next time get a 2.1i syncro. Mine kicks ass
I have owned Katie a 76 bay window Kombi for over 35 years, have done over 700,000 km in her with my wife and family. She is still my daily drive and wouldn’t have it any other way. What you say about that intangible vibe is absolutely true. I disagree however with the always breaking down / reliability thing. My girl has rarely let me down in all the km I have done. You just need proper maintenance. Learn to do it yourself and you’ll develop a relationship that you would never have with any other vehicle. I know when the hand brake needs adjusting for instance. More than 10 clicks and it’s time to but that on the todo list. In short you’ll only get my Kombi keys when I’m dead and buried.
Love to hear this, thanks Julian!
@@CampoVans How do you climb up to top bed / tent area? Did VW have an OEM hook ladder or was it customers job to buy a step ladder? .....
Then could you *PLEASE* let me know when you're dead and buried? Haha. Volkswagen's of that era (pre-1980-ish) have a very tactile, visceral, quality to them. They're almost like a big 'Meccano' set. The aborigines love to drive them here in the Australian outback, because if they break down they can usually get them going again just with some rubber bands and a bit of sticky-tape! Haha. Anyway, best of luck with your travels, and don't forget to give me a hoy as you're floating up to heaven! Have a great day, mate! 🙋🏻♂️
Живи долго, умирать не надо🎉
The dinosaur comment and his reaction, plus laughter......priceless!!
Oh man I feel everything about this video. I have a vanagon myself and especially the part about the vibe is true. Also I'm always happy to see another one on the road and give them a virtual high five!
Is yours unreliable also?
Having owned busses, the "never know if you're going to make it or not" is definitely part of the experience. I was a real trooper and left mine 6V, which required a crew in the bus at all times to assist in the push start! My 89 Westy fridge still works great, holds 40F all day, not ditching it yet!
6V? You mean the 1960s T1 split-screen version?
So cool, you are so right about the vibe, anyone and everyone can drive a sprinter, just look around, but theres nothing like cruising down the highway at 55! The smile on your face, and your pride in ownership is unmatched. I drove my 1980 Vanagon off the showroom floor 40 years ago, and have had every experience you mention, but today cruising along the ocean I couldn't have been happier!!
You're 100% right about the vibe and the feeling of arriving at your destination in a Westfalia.
Yesssssss I was totally digging how he said it
So glad to see you are a TRUE Westy enthusiast. I was watching someone else’s Westy channel for a very long time until he switched to a brand new 2020 Mercedes Sprinter... so sad.
Oh my God, if there was a "love" instead of "like" button, this video would deserve it! I LOVE your Westfalia, every mod you did looks awesome. Wonderful job!
True dat!!
The VW's are modern day classics. Your video, mods, and honest acknowledgement of it's historical reliability issues, has made me change your mind about them. Happy trails to you.
Hey, thank you!
I so agree with the fun aspect and the vibe. I find myself laughing and patting the dash whenever she's running well and we've managed to get from point A to point B. Really enjoyed your video!
The floppy stock mirrors can be fixed easily with a washer made of scotch brite inserted into the ball and socket adjuster. You can still move it around, but it adds enough friction that it takes deliberate effort. Mine haven't moved out of adjustment for a couple of years.
Replaced mine with the power mirrors but never tried to hook up the power. Those do not shift in the wind and get all loose and frustrating.
you are so spot on in your explanation of why "I" love my 81 westy, especially 'will it make it" great video
Thanks John! -Sid
If it's an 81 Vanagon and it has a radiator grill in front then it's a diesel, at least originally. I hope he put something with more power in it, like a Subaru. In 81 and 82 and halfway through 83 the gas engine was air cooled and there was no radiator grill in front.
Ive had two of these, and sold them for more reliable rigs… and I miss them all the time. This makes me want to re-up.
Everywhere I go in our '84 I hear two comments: "I used to own one of these and I wish I had never sold it." And, "I used to own one of these and oh god, I'm glad I sold it." We've had ours for 16 years and counting.
Oh, other mods: I've made two (or more) mods not mentioned here. I took a "refrigerator" (i.e. "coolerator") door from a donor and installed it on the inside wall of the clothes closet for easy access and put in a couple of shelves. And I used the small donor door from under the 110 outlets and put it on the far left side of the under-seat storage for quick access to things like a basic tool kit, a quart of oil, etc. so I wouldn't have to left the seat for access.*
When you re-up and it leaves you stranded somewhere you will be reminded as to why you got rid of the last one. I guess you just have to accept the fact that they will leave you on the side of the road often if you actually drive it often.
I cant believe I watched this entire video. hysterical comments, well done.
Thanks Tim!
I have been a Westfalia owner since my first carr (1977 Westy green) and have owned a 1982 Westy blue since 2001. Have so many memories with my wife and son. There is nothing like a VW Westfalia.
Love this video especially the 'why' at the end. I've had my '73 Westy for 25 years and anyone that travels with me knows they might need to push when necessary! :)
😂😂😂
I've added a thin eggshell foam mattress that I can fold for the top bunk in mine and it's game changer on the confort.
Ooooo....that is a GREAT idea.
Cool. I like your enthusiasm! Thank you for showing me around.
some days before i had my first trip with an vw t3, i had a video with that trip..
cheers from Greece!!
Would you really like to know how to turn around your driver seat (180 degrees)? There is a little lever on the left side of the seat rail, that would let you slide de seat forward to complete the turn. We also have 2 batteries, they are behind each taillight, with a manual switch hiding behind the license plate to isolate each other. We also moved the rear bench seat 5' forward to make room for the porta-potty, because we are still using the original Dometic refrigerator. We have the same water faucet! We will study your heater suggestion since we really don't have one, we use an electric heater when we go to campgrounds. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Westfalia!
I just attended the VW ID BUZZ world premiere in Huntington Beach, CA, on June 2. I drove my 84' Vanagon, Charlie, there from the Salem, OR area. I've only owned him for about a year so this was an adventure for sure. Other than having to replace the input shaft bearing, clutch disk, and rear main seal, about 200 miles in, the engine did GREAT! Drove 65-70 on the flats and 40 up the mountains. Never overheated and got about 20 mpg! Couldn't be happier! 🤙🏼✌🏼
We bought a 1985 Vanagon in 1991, the air conditioning never worked we, had to replace the engine and fuel tank and make a few other repairs within the first few years. We sold it in 2000 because it needed too many repairs and we had 4 kids and needed reliability. I have never stopped missing it. Wish I was driving one again 😎
Thank you for sharing and confirming how those of us who have owned a VW have felt and most likely still feel ♥
I just bought one on a whim over the weekend really good deal. And you have made my worries go away weather it was a good buy.
Alex, congratulations. A 4+ decade VW bus driver, present an 86 Westy, I know you will learn to love it with just a bit of hate. Get it in the best condition you can, buy a decent towing package and enjoy the road. Impossible to explain to others the joy I get just driving a 35 year old bus down the road but my smile says it all. Enjoy and best wishes. Doug
In 1992, I took a long drive across Canada in my Aswanne Brown 1983.5 Westfalia that lasted 11 years. Let's say I met a lot of people on the way and it kept me busy.
I am currently preparing for a second adventure. Now 59, I'm aiming to cross Canada a few times once again. I may get another Beagle to accompany me on the trip.
Your tips on upgrades currently available is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing our passion.
We had a Westy for 15 years. Loved it! But it had it's shortcomings. We traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast and back. The main issue we had at the time was trouble going over mountains. But we managed. Besides from that 2 month trip we used it mainly on weekends and day outings. It was perfect for that. Although I never felt crash safe in it. But alas - no more. We are now outfitting a Dodge Promaster 136 with all the bells and whistles (like a toilet, solar, etc.). Looking forward to getting back on the road. Enjoy it while you have it!!!
Great to hear you had one! Good luck on the Promaster!
Loved the tour and your mods. Westies are classic; will be fun to be along for the ride. 🌿
Thanks for watching!
Oh man, I spent my childhood ('93-'04) riding this camper van with my grandparents all over Europe. It was brought from California in the early '90s and it replaced an RV that my grandpa made out of Mercedes 406D. Every year (Except for '99 and '00) I'd go with them for a month so I basically spent almost a year of my life living in it. I love how you changed it but it still has familiar sounds (the screech of your bamboo table and the unfolding upper bed). Uncanny.
Thanks for uploading the video (a year a go to the day). This was an excellent trip down the memory lane. I still plan to restore the car as my grandparents still have it (albeit it hasn't left the garage in a few years) and maybe take it out on one last adventure :)
“Limp dinosaur” 😂
Yeah, it made me wonder if marrying a _ girl_ was the right thing for him…….??
Well it is California
That's true, you're always engaged listening to the engine, watching your gauges, listening for anything wrong - a real "Grapes of Wrath" experience!
When I graduated from university and got full time job, I bought a westfalia diesel converted to 1.8l gas for $2400…it was slow! so I decided to make it 2.0l and swap transmisión as well… my project was stocked for 7 years… now, I got hands back on it. And I am excited to start driving it once again. Thanks for the inspiration !
Yaaasss! Love how you explain why we do what we do to have our Westies. 🚐💕
I’ve owned 9 different Westfalia Vans. It’s all I every drive. Even with their issues they are absolutely wonderful
Loved the video, full of great advice. I've just bought a 1986 T3 Westfalia here in Italy. Had her a week and have a little extra to spend on getting up to spec, so really useful to learn all these hacks. Thanks Sid!
Love it. My ‘90 has been pretty reliable these past ten years, but yeah fighting the wind, ridiculously relieved to have made it.
Wohoo! Thanks Eric! - Sid
One of the most enjoyable videos I’ve watched in a while.
Ya got me sold (even though I was just checking these out cause I was following one on the highway ;-)
Was practically “born” in a 60’s Kombi in Rhodesia (before it was Zimbabwe ) so somehow the honest advemtyre and “vibe” based attitude you share from sneaks right into my soul man.
Love that you and your lady are lovin’ life with your “Westy”
I like this guy, you nailed dude. Stay Groovy
Had my '84 about ten years now, so true being on the road many miles from home and not knowing if I'll get you home is all part of the Westie adventure.
@Matchstick Publications I bought towing insurance through my auto plan and AAA. That has covered all my tows so far. Also I have a good mechanic and have kept up on all the repairs. But yeah, I have also been lucky.
Amazing sell! On the hunt as we speak. About to venture out this October from BC Canada. So appreciated all the tips and upgrades.
Mary, you'll love it! Enjoy the journey! -Sid
I love my vanagon SO much! The vibe is something special. Thanks for sharing!
You're a good Man to have in life. Thank you for your refreshing personality and detailed video.
I love CampoVans! FYI - limp hands like dinosaur was a definite euphemism.
Sid did an awesome job here ...makes me want to run to pick a part to find a pathfinder tomorrow ! oh wait, better get it running first.... will start a list of add ons for mine, thule, and side window delete....solar and portable fridge...hi lift jack ?? I'm running 16" e class wheels, no need for a lift kit...
"no need for the lift kit" Depends on the clearance you need. Those dirt roads in Utah have a lot of rocks on them.
You are so spot on w the westy vibe. I bought my 1987 westy last summer and I LUV LUV LUV it. You're so right I don't know if I'm going to make it to where I'm going but that is part of it! It's an experience like no other.
We loved our Westy so much we shipped it to Australia with us since it never got exported here. Best decision ever, it’s just different once you own one. Like you said it’s emotional lol
Lol your humour is the best. Great review too.
So pleased you pronounced Thule correctly. Love the Westie, an awesome appreciation video.
Thanks David!
I saw one for sale that didn’t show the inside so I found your video. Super fun to watch! Thank you!
WOW, such a great video. You summed it up so well the VIBE and the people who drive them are so cool. Favorite part of the video is when you talked about the relief when you finally get some where n you didnt breakdown. Im on my second van 85 Westy that i just bought last year.
Sigh. I really miss my Westy! We moved up to a Rialta because the Westy bed just wasn't working any more with our aging bodies. But the Westy was The Best!
Ikea memory foam topper did the trick for us. Super comfortable bottom bed now, but also some lost space in the back.
Классный у тебя бусик, не продавай его🎉
Nice conversion, co-owned a T2 Westfalia in the 90's. The community is great, VW campers from all over Europe greated us on the road and campsites in France.
We got our 1st T 5 long wheel base
Which we adore
And broke down on our way back from our 1st trip
Great post
Thanks for sharing
"Burnt up on the side of the road" brings up some bad memories of my dad and I losing our 86 Syncro that he just fixed up after like 10 years
We have had a 1990 Westy for 18 years. They are on another level.
We sold Stella. On to new adventures for her. 20 years own happy ownership.
Nicely done. Nice mix of original and upgrades.
Well done video! I miss my 85' SOOOO much. Your description of the drive down the cost was spot on. That we me giving you the SHAKA! Peace Brotha
Dude👍 you're making me realize it's just like sailing. I'm getting one of these very soon. Land yacht. I can't wait. I knew I was onto something you're cracking me up
I had a '72 westy for a decade. Almost all my travel photos include one at the repair station when I would inevitably break down. Years later I missed it so much, but I bought a 90s Eurovan because I still had PTSD from driving 28mph on some freeway with a slight incline.
Always wanted one, but never followed through. Yours is a beautiful story.
❤️❤️this video I have a 1985 VW westfalia weekender and I bought it for my 50th bday almost 3 yrs ago. Has a lot of mileage on it b4 I purchased him but I’ve been up some pretty steep roads though slow my van makes it and these are well made camper vans with alot of character I love mine sooo fun to drive. Live your van and I have a friend that has a shop that all he does is rebuild these vans keeps them original and sells them for a lot of money cuz they look brand new when he is done he also puts in a Subaru engine too. He says he gets slit of customers that sell their VW like you and your wife did and buy a sprinter but then end up getting rid of their Sprinter and going back to VW westy for the same reasons you mentioned. I don’t have a Subaru motor but that’s ok I love my VW Westfalia one of the best gifts I’ve bought for myself ✌️
Great feedback, guys. We feel the same way about the Westy platform.
I used to own an '82 air cooled Westy. I ended up selling it to a friend in 2005 after dealing with years of it failing CA emissions, he was moving out of the state so it wasn't a big deal for him. That things was slow, down right scary to drive in any kind of wind, and... did I mention slow? BUT, I miss that thing and wish almost daily that I still had it. I find myself scanning the classifieds/marketplaces every once in a while hoping to find that perfect replacement van but, between how popular Westies have become and the whole "Van Life" thing, prices have gone WAY out of my comfort zone.
I have T3. ..This is amazing car..I have to drive this machine 5 years and no problems. Only basic stuff what i must to need to. Oil change and stuff.!
Great van, I envy your potential for travel. However, in Europe a fair proportion of these would have had a diesel or turbo diesel engine from new. Easily upgraded to the 1.9 TDI you could reasonably expect 300 - 500k miles from an engine, nearly twice the range/MPG as your petrol engine and as much torque and bhp as you want. I would also try to live without the roof boxes and put more solar on the pop top but that's just my preference of course. Love it.
We managed to take a 14000 mile trip around North America without a roof box... Just 2 of us and 3 dogs... never used the top bed, so we removed it (now under our bed in the house) and use the space for storage (campstove, chairs, outdoor rug, solar fan, etc., etc.). Bought a nice piece of oak wood to span the top between the two brackets (bolted into the brackets) so I can protect items from flying forward during a hard stop, and still get into the space by folding the wood panel down when the poptop is locked in the down position. Works really well! Credit to my friend Lew who turned me on to this "reversible" mod.
I have a 87 Westy …. But my 2004 airstream sprinter Westfila is pretty sweet !! Different kinda camping … great mods thanks for the look … keep rolling man
Love it! I just bought my
# 2🤙🏽
My favorite van
Man...I had an '85 Westy that I acquired in '97 for $2500 cash from the original owner in NY. I put about 60,000 miles on her following Phish around the states for a few years and had to put her down in 2001 (RIP Prudence) and there is not a day goes by that I don't miss that ole water boxer. An incomparable and utterly fucking cool way to travel. Cheers! (that $2500 Vanagon now will probably run you $11000+....WTF)
this dude is stoked!
0:23 THAT INTRO IS EVERYTHING 😭
There’s just something special about these Westfalia Vanagons. For a compact camper travel van, you can’t beat the efficiency of the interior layout and of course the pop top that allows you to sleep 2 people. In addition these Westfalia’s just look slick. They do break down and you’ll definitely have to replace the engine and transmission at some point but they just have a certain charm that these new camper travel vans just don’t have.
the limp dinosaur comment sold me on this video :P
The antler in the front is sick, bro!
Sprinter is the best friend! 👌 your van it's nice l got to admit it friend!! Blessings
explained it perfectly. my eurovan caught fire and burned in phx last summer. im saving up to buy another one
This Rig is stunning 😍
Yup, On point! Most taboo topics are climbing a hill and a/c.
Great video! Longer ago than I care to think about, I had a '71 Westfalia camper. It was slow, with no A/C, but for the 5 years I owned it, it took me over most of North America. It's STILL the most fun vehicle I've ever owned!
Wohoo! Sad to hear you say, "had." Should have kept it around!
Couldn't agree more re: final comments from Sid... and I'm old. (on westy # 3)
Best tour ever!!!!!!
I bought a 85 last November and absolutely love it! having a ball!
Wohooo!
Awesome Westy and glad you got it back !!!
I am working on my right now, same color, but tons of upgrades!!
Wohoo! Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help if I can. -Sid
Sweet classic ride! Thanks for sharing!
No problem, Monica! It was fun to share :). Hope you are doing well! We all still need to go camping soon! -Sid
@@CampoVans Absolutely! Let's plan it!
A well-sorted camper, that everyone must want, now they've seen it!
nice care dude , hope someone selling the westfalia like your
Super !
We just acquired a Westfalia and you offered some great info for modifications! Cheers
High five from Volkswagen country!
Like your bus a lot, many great modifications.
Im still rocking the old fridge, but I know the comfort of a modern one, but I refuse to upgrade as of now :)
One thing that does bother me is the deer bones in the front, think about the person thats gonna run in front of your car by accident.
Thats gonna be a lot of unnecessary damage to them compared to a straight front.
See you all on the road :)
Cool. Very interesting.
He's adorable too. hahaha
Thanks for sharing
Peace
YEAA SID!!!
Ohhhhh THANKS Joe :)
I am buying 81 aircooled vanagon from the scrapyard for a work mobile mechanic van and learning tool for me,for welding rust etc.
Been camping in my 86 vanagon for over a decade now.
Thanks this was a kick back fun video. I love that the goal is" to get to your destination " always good to set goals . I love Sprinters but was laughing at the comments funny. Peace
I love it. Your video just gave me the inspiration to do something like your camper.
I want mine too look just as yours. Da Bad Ass.
I can not wait. I am in San Diego. Once I start my project. I will reach out to you for help and advice.
This is so impressive. I love it.
Thank you so much for making this video and bringing joy and inspiration to others.
Happy camping.
Yes you can take off the keys but as soon as you turn 30 degrees the steering locks so you were lucky you had a straight road man! anyways awesome video i would double like if i could
👀
I've had VW campers for well over 50 years now. I've made my current 86 Syncro Camper extremely reliable starting with an engine conversion. No plans for a sprinter upgrade. Great video except for the negativity on reliability!
Better to manage expectations though. Our 86 is very well maintained, and we are told it's in better shape mechanically than almost any other Westy our mechanics have worked on (T3 specific shop).... BUT it does break down from time to time. We cross our fingers and hope we are near a knowledgable mechanic, or within the 100 mile AAA tow range when it roles to a stop. :-) I now always carry the InReach as well, in case we are out of cell range. For those of us not mechanically savvy, I think it's a good idea to emphasize the breakdown history of most T3s and the overall high cost of maintenance (of older cars in general, I would think). It's the only "less than stellar" item about owning a Westy.
You rock, thank you
love this! i have a baby blue '82, and she's been sitting for a bit, a little unloved. (i set up a 2018 tacoma rig with a rooftop tent, to get to the hard to reach camping here in colorado.) but the VW is up for renewal, and needs some lovin; mechanically, to pass emissions. seeing your love for your rig has given me renewed vigor to give some attention to Maggie again.
Many States wave emission test on vehicles more than 25 years of age.
My T2 is just coming up for its final topcoat (having had a complete chassis rebuild - Swedish salt rust creates beautiful lacework - and a Westy pop-up roof welded on) and I am receptive to all ideas for the kitting out of the interior. Thanks for yours in your video.
Wohooo! Enjoy it! I'm sure it looks beautiful!