Hi there... I bought a Syncro

Post by **Dyno** » 03 Apr 2008, 13:13

Hi guys,

I am long term T3 fan, having owned Split Buses and Bay windows 5 in all and 5 T3's I have always been a intrigued by the Syncro. Actually I saw one in Wimbledon which looked awesome. It looked like a proper westfalia syncro in white with raised suspension, racks and a looked like it had just been on safari. An awesome machine, truly. I saw it a couple of times but never again.

I also met an American dude called Dan off of this forum actually back around 2003 who had a really nice Syncro camper with AIR CON!!! Amazing and just so cool, he said he was going stateside to start a workshop servicing and repairing german cars.

I have also seen many youtube vids of guys hooning around in convoy Syncro's having fun and though.. yeah, I'd love to do some of that!

I was actually in the market for a G-Wagen but the condition and prices didn't seemed to agree with me, although I am big Mercedes fan.
I wanted a 2nd vehicle that, I could use if the wife had or main motor. Also something that was interesting, that I could green lane in a bit so 4x4 is a must. Also the new vehicle should be able to take the kids out with their bikes, lug parts, lug project cars, maybe lug a off road bike. The G wagen seemed to fit the bill. However the Syncro' was so much cheaper and if I was honest, my green laning ambitions are to have some fun on the rough, not to conquer the most badest of hills and rocky hilltops. Perhaps I didn't need the G wagen after all.

A syncro came up for sale with its prop removed and for a good price. I snapped it up and now I looking forward to collecting it on Saturday this week.

Now I realise if I fit a rock and roll bed and a cooker fridge unit, I have the perfect touring vehicle for myself and family. The syncro seem so versatile, especially as I'll have a semi camper interior for it. Ticks all the boxes really. I won't be doing extreme off roading in it but I'll get it very muddy otherwise what will be the point of having a syncro.

look forward to learning and having fun on and off road in it.

Post by **poshbuggers** » 03 Apr 2008, 14:04

I don't want to rain on your parade as becoming a Syncro owner is a joyous event - BUT!

You say your acquisition has had the prop removed?

This is sometimes a pointer to troubles elsewhere on the vehicle (g/box/diff etc).

Perhaps you are already aware of this but I thought I should highlight its a common problem on older Syncros and refurbed components are not cheap.

That said - I hope its a minor issue, but should you run into bother try either CJ @ SyncroSpares, Aidan Talbot or Syncro Nutz (all registered on here and v.knowledgable on this front).

Best wishes with your new purchase.

Post by **Dyno** » 03 Apr 2008, 15:33

Yes I am suitably crapping myself. The vendor seemed genuine and I guess I am taking a risk.

The price was right. I hope he is right in telling me its the prop and not the diff.

You'll see me crying and shelling out for a rebuild if its not ok. I guess its a risk you take buying a 20 year old used car half way across england sight unseen only pics, based on assurances.

Would'nt the diff be whiney even with the prop removed?

Post by **jed the spread** » 03 Apr 2008, 17:02

thats jakes westy syncro.

jed

Post by **syncroandy** » 03 Apr 2008, 18:09

Hi Dyno,

I'm in SE London with my two Syncro's, so near enough to hook up sometime. If you want a hand early on assessing your new purchase then I'd be happy to help. PM if interested. Also consider joining the Syncronauts and coming along to the first event of the year at the end of the month, only in Bucks so not far to come. BTW that Westie belong to Jake Stevens, who will be along shortly no doubt to say hello.

Cheers,

Andy

Post by **JustSharon** » 03 Apr 2008, 21:05

Welcome,

Would your new syncro happen to live somewhere near Doncaster? and 2 tone?

Post by **Dyno** » 04 Apr 2008, 12:12

Hi Andy, Yeah I would be really happy to meet up in or around south london to compare Syncro's and shoot the breeze.
You can tell me how good or bad my new bus is.

Also I'd really like to meet with the other syncro owners for a run. I just need to get the prop on so I can have 4WD running. (Pray my VC is ok)

Sharon: Hi yeah the Syncro I have bought is this one: http://volkszone.co.uk/VZi/showthread.php?t=435809

Do you know the one?

The seller seems like a real genuine bloke. I hope its a good Syncro in the end. However I know I have taken a big risk, but a calculated one based on the seller telling me that the rear box and diff is all good. But I am sure he has never had it apart.

The syncro does need two rear CV joints which are supplied with the Syncro. I just hope I get home ok.

I am really looking forward to connecting the prop and feeling the difference in ride quality and road holding with a 2.1 Syncro verses a 2.1 'velle.
I loved my old 2.1 Caravelles and I thought they drove really nice. Love the 2.1 wasser too. Underpowered but in good nick they are good crusiers IMHO.

Post by **Russel** » 04 Apr 2008, 12:39

It looks an awfull lot like a van that was for sale in Scotland a while back.
The postbus front wheel arches give it away.
If it is ime sorry to rain on ure parade but be prepared to spend money on it.
The thing about removing the prop to save feul is rubbish.They are no better on feul with or without the prop.
Russel

Post by **Dyno** » 04 Apr 2008, 13:23

Yeah it has a scotland sticker on the back window. Perhaps its the same Bus.

What was wrong with the Bus in your opinion?

Spend money on what? Engine? Gearbox? Prop? VC?

Am I about to go collect a lemon?

Post by **Pete Nice** » 04 Apr 2008, 18:13

You won't know until you refit the prop & test it.

It might well be fine.