Newbie looking for T25 Camper advice

Post by **NeilT25** » 04 Sep 2006, 17:54

Hi All

I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and picking up as much info and advice as possible on both 80-90 and Brickyard and have learned a lot. Thanks!!

I've just signed up and am looking for some guidance please. I apologise in advance for the rambling post ahead.....

I've been looking for a straight T25 Camper for a couple of weeks now as I quite fancy dipping my toe into campervanning to see how I get on with it.

I have about 2k to spend, maybe a bit more for the right van and am hoping for a bit of advice.

From checking out the various sites and Wiki, I've picked up a few bits and pieces about what to look for I guess

- Rust around seams, windows, sills where the fridge has dropped moisture, bottoms of doors and sliding door.

- Look out for knocking, rumbles or smoke on startup, but tappetty is OK until oil gets through

- petrol leaks due to rusting top of fuel tank

- Squeaky front suspension isnt too bad a prob

I have come to the conclusion that for my budget I should go for a 2.0l Aircooled as they tend to last longer than the wasserboxer and are often a bit cheaper as they are older.

I also want to go for a pop top or standard van as a high top is too high for the overhanging trees over my drive and I am a little worried about forgetting how high it is - ha ha

I have spotted a couple within budget that I hope to see in the next week and have been in contact with both, very helpful owners.

1. 1982 Standard Van that was converted 18 motnhs ago by bilbo. Looks and sounds tidy with a bit of history (heat exchangers have bee done this year). 90k on clock (but not guaranteed), bit of rust on doors, slider and arches. Guy has only had it a few months to go to World Cup & Europe so will prob need a service.

2. 1982 Autohomes Kamper, camper from new, lots of history, MoTs etc, 157k on clock, bit of rust around windows, a side panel and slider. Guy has had it about 3yrs and has traded up to a newer van.

So, ramble over, thanks for your patience, just wanted to say hi and ask for any comments and advice. I hope to get a camper soon so I can get a few trips in over the autumn and winter.

Cheers
Neil

Post by **NeilT25** » 04 Sep 2006, 18:21

Oh yeah, forgot to say that the Autohomes one has had the poptop removed and roof sealed as it leaked., so it ionly has a little bit more headroom than the standard van

owlets · Post by **owlets** » 04 Sep 2006, 18:36

To be honest...........go for the most solid one you can afford, and preferably a Watercooled one as they have more power and better economy. Remember, mechanicals can be replaced and repaired, a knackered body is a lot more expensive to fix.

Post by **Clagmeister** » 05 Sep 2006, 19:40

Hi

owlets has got it spot on. Mechanicals are cheap, just kampers etc can provide just about anything. Take your time because there plenty about and when you see one check under the mats in the front rust, above the front wheel arches is common and well hidden. Look hard before you leap. I got a 1983 westy in july that was previously imported. Continental ones seem to be a in better condition with not having to put up with british winters. They are a bit dearer though.

cheerio

Claggy

Post by **NeilT25** » 07 Sep 2006, 11:47

Thanks guys

I am a bit wary of going for a watercooled motor as I have heard they can be troublesome if the coolant isnt changed regularly.

I know there are people who prefer watercooled and others who swear by air cooled, but as a new "vanner" what would you recommned for reliability and ease of maintenance?

Post by **geordie skydiver** » 07 Sep 2006, 12:24

Hahahaha. You said "reliability".

I have Aircooled, but wish had W/C so I could convert it to Subaru 2.2 engine.

Post by **NeilT25** » 07 Sep 2006, 17:58

LOL - yeah just realised I mentioned "reliable" I should have said "which wont cause me the most grief?"

Cheers

Post by **tezandkate1** » 08 Sep 2006, 09:40

Hi
Ive a 2.0l AC, great van, but juicy as hell. had it converted to LPG. If I was shopping about , id get a deisel for sure as I use it as a daily runner. If it was a weekend / holiday bus, then that doesnt matter. Good luck.
Tez

Post by **Beetle Juice** » 16 Oct 2006, 00:53

Mines a T25 1980 A/C and the Wacky Racer has never let me down. funny it has all those things you listed but its as solid as they come and it just keeps going. Within 3 months of owning it I have serviced it once and I have covered 4500 miles. Saw dolphins in Newquey (Wales) harber
2 weeks ago.

Go for it fella pick a nice clean interia and test drive it make sure it sounds nice. I had new steps welded into mine this week and sprayed £100. notes sorted there isn't anything you can't get for these vans there ace.

Tina

Post by **Beach Bum** » 16 Oct 2006, 20:32

Hi, I spent nearly 2 years humming and rrring over what to go for. If you think about it, the money is really in the conversion so for me I would go for the van that was converted only 18 months ago as long as the body work is reasonable. One thing for sure is once you have one your hooked and will never again have spare cash or savings, just lots of cheap holidays and lots of fun and a whole new gang of freinds.

ENJOY

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 17 Oct 2006, 16:50

I went through the same debate. The problem i had was that i had a similar budget to Neil which at the time wouldnt stretch to a WC T25.

Once i'd made my mind up that i wanted a Westfalia i ended up doubling my budget to really get what i wanted but even at over 6 grand i'm still having to chuck money at it to get it right.

Post by **Dubstar** » 17 Oct 2006, 19:26

I really wanted a 2.1, 112 bhp auto box, Westfalia Joker, but was getting quoted £6000+. So I checked out German Ebay-www.ebay.de- where they are quite a lot cheaper. In the end I got myself an Aircooled 2 litre autobox Westy Joker for £1800. I had to drive it back from Berlin but that was all part of the fun. It does drink petrol like a mother though! It was all quite easy to do too.

Post by **SlowWest** » 29 Oct 2006, 23:47

got the 2 liter Aircooled CU engine, german import.

25 years old and still goes like a bullet. Bit juicy though.

Make sure you can test drive and try all gears. (and brakes)

Post by **thewibbit** » 30 Oct 2006, 16:53

Neil... Aircooled vans are great... mine has been in the family for 23 years and has never failed us. Don't get me wrong, I'm not slagging them but I know a few people with diesels and they have had far more problems than I have. A mate of mine at work has had his off the road for 2 weeks now with a problem no one seems to be able to solve. If you keep aircooleds maintained properly they are sweet.
Good luck in your search... you have great taste in vans!
Post us some picies when you get it... Rob.

Post by **ermie571** » 31 Oct 2006, 15:54

Hi Neil,

If you wanna come over the bridge you can have a good crawl over my Aircooled and two water cooled.

all been lpg'd, issues with the Aircooled but happy to chat. Personally I love the Aircooled, and I don't have issues with coolant loss, but hubby likes the water cooled.

take care, maybe see you soon - SlowWest could bring his westy down, and we will take over the street!!

Emma