2L A/C owner thinking about taking the Syncro plunge

Post by **sonic23** » 01 Mar 2006, 09:35

Mornin' all,
First post on here!
Have had a 2L A/C Viking for 2 years now - which my wife and I love, and I've also picked up a splitty last year. However, I'm seriously considering selling the splitty in order to fund some DIY (baby on the way!) and hopefully to also to buy a walk thru syncro with factory windows in order to convert it into a camper.

I've been looking at CJs and the busbros site to get an idea of what's out there, and must admit I do like the look of those 16" Caravelles - though they're about £4.5k.

Being a newbie to all things syncro, and I do understand it's a matter of personal preference, I was just wondering what's a suggested route to go as I'm finding it difficult to focus? (taking into consideration van availability, spare parts availabilty, insurance costs) ........RHD, LHD or 16"

Also, I'm used to the relatively poor performance capabilities' of a 2L A/C - will a 1.6TD's performance still seem adequate on a Syncro or should I be looking at 2.1 litre petrol?

Finally, I was thinking of putting a Viking roof onto it as we love the space - would this totally devalue the thing should I need to sell it?

By the way - I do intend to drive it off road, not only do your Syncro meets look top fun, but there were places in Ireland this Summer I'd have loved to have taken the Viking, but new I'd be wheel spinning as soon as I left the tarmac!

cheers,
Rich

Post by **Ye Olde Syncrospares** » 01 Mar 2006, 09:45

sounds like you need a pop top syncro westy,stay away from 1.9 carb models as there weezy in syncro form,and budget to put a viscous coupling in when looking at vans as it will need one sooner or later cost £400, look on mobile.de before it gets sunny or pay a lot more cheers cj.

Post by **Cate** » 01 Mar 2006, 17:57

Get yourself along to a syncro meet, thats the best way of getting to know these vehicles and talk to the people who own them and use them. The next syncronauts do is Coney farm at the beginning of April, we will be pleased to see you and you will no doubt get flooded with info.

If you do buy a syncro, remember that you will be taking an old vehicle off road and treating it hard, parts will fall off, bits will break, be financially ready!

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 01 Mar 2006, 20:48

There will be a fair spread of different Syncros littering up my place in North Bristol this weekend - you would be welcome to come over and poke them with a stick if you would like. PM me if you want to have a look and talk nonsense - I'll be around all weekend as well as various others off 80-90 who will be happy to tell you why/why not Syncros are... what they are....

Post by **sonic23** » 02 Mar 2006, 09:41

Thanks for the replies.
I've Pm'd Diamond as he's so close.

cheers,
Rich