First one, not a clue.

[Binks]

I have just picked up my first VW camper.
It's an '89 T25 tintop.
Currently has nothing other than a rock and roll bed in.
Have seen so many things I'd like to do to it.
Also, thoughts on possible colour change. I'm tempted to go with something bright and eye catching, like neon yellow. Good idea or not?
Really looking for your experienced suggestions so I can get myself a clear picture and plan.
Absolutely ALL ideas welcome.

[gtavalanche]

1. Get it reliable.
2. Get it as rust free as you can.
3. Get it used.
4. Get it painted if youre still having fun/ haven't had enough of spending cash on it.

[Ian and Lins]

Get it serviced.

[kevtherev]

I have just picked up my first VW camper.
It's an '89 T25 tintop.
Currently has nothing other than a rock and roll bed in.

Absolutely ALL ideas welcome.

Stretching the camper tag there..
Don't change the colour, it will only end up going back to original.
Properly restore the bodywork inside and out first or your "camper" will fall to bits, and your brilliant/expensive interior will be worthless

[blueangel]

Hi and welcome to the club

Chris and Ken
blueangel/kenwales

[wuddub]

Drive it camp in it just use it. You will soon realise what's more important to you.

[Plasticman]

first thing to do is stick some pickies up
mm

[Binks]

first thing to do is stick some pickies up
mm

It's an 89 but it came with that plate.

[dumbo]

well done nice van ...first get it serviced then curtains and enjoy it use it then see what needs doing... have fun soon be summer
simon

[Binks]

Thanks guys. Yes "camper" is definitely stretching it!
Will be getting the service done ASAP. Got loads of bills and receipts from the last couple of years so I know it's been looked after.
Drives beautifully, auto box and doesn't miss a beat. I've put about 500 miles on it since I picked it up and it's been incredibly well behaved.
Couple of minor niggles like rear wiper not working, stereo wired in wrong, have to pop the face to turn it off and radio don't come on, even though there are 2 aerials, side door takes a good slam etc. Like I say, nothing major.
Tempted with power steering but it's not essential and I'm definitely getting remote central locking.
Going to do the outside first, there's a few scabs etc, nothing serious and 99% of it surface.
Curtains will be the next thing and then I'm going to look at the 4 dozen different ideas I have for the interior and try to get it down to one.

[Plasticman]

99%surface ??? Best post up detail if these "surfaces" lol
mm

[Binks]

99%surface ??? Best post up detail if these "surfaces" lol
mm

Ha ha no. 99% of the scabs are just surface spots.

[Ralf85]

99%surface ??? Best post up detail if these "surfaces" lol
mm

Ha ha no. 99% of the scabs are just surface spots.

Those surface spots are rust coming through from the other side. Put up some pics and the experienced will tell you what that means in bodywork issues!

[kevtherev]

99%surface ??? Best post up detail if these "surfaces" lol
mm

Ha ha no. 99% of the scabs are just surface spots.

Those surface spots are rust coming through from the other side. Put up some pics and the experienced will tell you what that means in bodywork issues!

I bet they are on the seams and the PO told you it was "surface rust".....

I had a "surface spot" once, it turned into a night mare!





And it was fixed... photos courtesy of Metalmick8y

now this and the next bit have to be fairly good as they form the visible seam and I dont want to fill it with pod

first part of it gassed in

next is a very small bit that also forms the seam

now all welded in place


now after a touch with the disc

fairly happy with the line

just a little tweaking when the panal goes on and the curve in the corner to refine a tiny bit

A work of art

[psenorum]

Hi there Binks,

I am in the same position, just bought an '89 Caravelle, and am just starting out on the renovation, pretty much got it there now mechanically and starting on the body work this week, quite a few bit to cut out and replace!

Cant wait to start using it though!

I will get some pictures up soon!