Syncro virgin

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 10:49

Have owned in the distant past 2 T3 vans (1 air cooled, 1 water), a T4 Caravelle and a T5 Caravelle, plus an assortment of LTs. A mate's just bought a T3 camper and it's reawakened my lust for a Syncro, I reckon I need a RHD 16" (diffs will be useful cos it'll be mostly used on farm).

I can't imagine it's that easy to track down a RHD 16" Caravelle, how do I go about this? Is a LHD->RHD conversion a sensible proposition? In terms of engine I might go for a Subaru conversion.

Any advice anyone?

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:30

Hi Tahir,
You're right, RHD 16's are rare and hard to get hold off... and the conversion isn't usually worth it, as LHDs are also valued highly too here, for those who like travelling in Europe.
Contact Syncronutz and Syncrospares to keep an eye out for you...

but why do your want a 16", if its farm work mainly? Some parts are silly prices and harder to get...

Post by **toomanytoys** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:34

16" were never officially made.. but there has been a couple of factory RHD specials floating about..

LHD isnt a problem really so I would try it.. its a good amount of work to convert..

any particular reason a 16" is a must have?
they run several bits that are difficult and costly to get (not to mention some parts that are actually obsolete now).. a 14" can be an easier route to mod up... and if its being used on a farm why a caravelle?

All have "diffs" but I presume you mean diff locks.. UK rhd were spec'd by vw uk with front and rear difflocks, in Europe they were optional..
ANd a lot of 16" have only rear difflock...

Whats your expected budget for everything??

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:34

Cos it's got diffs, got a Mitsu L200 pickup and I've had that stuck before. We're on a solid clay hill.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:36

Syncros do still get stuck, even with difflocks

depending on the conditions.. difflocks do make it harder to get stuck, but then you think "i'll just drive over there...... oh bugger... I'm stuck"

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:37

toomanytoys wrote:All have "diffs" but I presume you mean diff locks.. UK rhd were spec'd by vw uk with front and rear difflocks, in Europe they were optional..

Whats your expected budget for everything??

Yeah meant diff locks, no idea on budget, depends what I get I suppose. I think RHD is a must otherwise we'll probably never drive it on road.

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:38

toomanytoys wrote:Syncros do still get stuck, even with difflocks

Less chance though isn't there? 16" has better ground clearance too doesn't it?

Post by **toomanytoys** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:41

Really LHD isnt an issue.. on the road you can see over most normal cars..

Yes but a 14" with some 15" rims and good tyres is about the same.. and when something breaks its easier and cheaper to get the bits..

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:46

Hmm, lets say I'd be much more inclined to buy RHD than I would LHD. I've driven RHD in LHD countries and it's never the same, regardless of how high you sit. Can't see us driving it in Europe either.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:49

Budget... well If you want a sorted (as in you dont have to do anything to it) 16" with subaru (or TDi?) thats RHD etc etc..
I'd prob expect that to hit £8-10k...... maybe more..
but I am sure Russel etc will be along with advice.... of course if you buy a ratty one and do it all yourself then it would be cheaper.. but there are a lot of factors to take into account.. and a lot of work involved..

Lots of info on here about problems and upgrades etc etc... have a search in here and the alternative engines forum..

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 11:54

Haven't got the time (or ability) to sort out a ratty one, thanks for your comments so far.

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Jun 2008, 12:30

tahir

What's being said is that both of your criteria for wanting a 16" Vs a 14" aren't valid...

More 14"s have both difflocks, and 14s are not appreciably if any lower than 16s when they've 15" wheels and tyres, and if lifted an inch or so are higher

As for RHD, that comes firmly down in favour of a 14", as you'll look far and wide to get a RHD one and then its body won't be what you want in style or condition... and if it is, then the cost will be high

So if you are serious about aquiring a RHD Syncro in a reasonable timeframe, in driveable and usable condition then your choice is almost certainly going to be some form of 14" Syncro!

Post by **tahir** » 06 Jun 2008, 12:33

Aye aye cap'n. So where do I start my hunt? Looks like I'm after a RHD 14" Caravelle, in as decent nick as possible.

What happens to the speedo readings with 15" wheels?

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Jun 2008, 12:35

Least of your problems I would say...

Mines got 15" Mud Terrains on a 14 Syncro and it's now DEAD accurate c.f. GPS - perfectly correcting the factory/mandated overeading from 30 to 70

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Jun 2008, 12:37

RHD 14" Caravelles in reasonable nick are a good option, as quite a few exist