Westy Club Joker odd '86 layout and engine combination

[90cali]

Hi from a newbie first of all (promise I'll write a proper introduction shortly...)!

We've been looking for that perfect Westfalia for a while now - in fact it's coming up 3 years due to the lack of Westys in our area...
After having a couple snapped right under our noses we're currently looking at a 1986 Club Joker that is being sold by a dealer on the other side of the country (Italy). Judging from photos and descriptions (this is a reputable, well known and liked dealer) it is in a great condition, mint interiors, well maintained engine with 166k kms, has had a respray a few years ago (done well, no rust bubbles), and looks very much like it could be our ideal camper.

I'm waiting for the dealer to get back to me with copies of the paperwork and some additional info, but there are a few things that don't seem to add up.
First of all, it has the L shaped corner bench, which if I have understood correcly, was changed to the more conventional 3/4 width in early 85? Also, it is a 1.6TD (original engine) that by all means should be possible in a 86 vehicle, but once again doesn't add up with the L shaped rear bench.
Not sure at what point the sliding door design was changed, but this has the later version.

However having read about similar situations with the later models - Joker vs California/Atlantic with the model changing depending whether you bought it from VW or directly from Westfalia - could this be something similar? A 86 Club Joker built with "leftover" parts? This would suit us very well since we love this layout but are not keen on the 1.6D (or petrol) engine, but at the same time want to find a non modified, all original camper. Whilst we are willing to pay up for a good original one, this is priced too high if it's not completely original.

Thanks for reading,
Jo

[DaveyP2004]

Hi Jo,
You can find out more about the round seat models from the model history pages here:
http://www.westfaliat3.info/html/westfa ... eige_.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The engine options on that page are taken from the 84 model year price list so do not show TD version but it is very likely that this was available on this model by 86.
Also if you read the buyers guide on the same site you will see it explains how to interpret the metal westfalia plate on the front face of the rear seat. You should be able to tell from that if the year and model are correct.

216 096 Club Joker Pop Up Roof 08/84 07/86
216 097 Club Joker High Top 08/84 07/86
216 099 Club Joker Pop Top 08/85 07/86
216 100 Club Joker High Top 08/85 07/86

From the above I would say it was possible to order the round seat version up to 07/86 and the plate would show the number 216 096 or 216 097.
The year letter on the plate would be G for a 1986 van.

Cheers,
Dave

[90cali]

Yay I had all but given up getting anyone to reply to this post Thanks Dave! I know I'm probably splitting hairs here but the price tag on this Westy does need to be justified... Incidentally that is the very website I'm basing my research on didn't think about going through the model numbers though or not yet anyway since I'm still waiting for the paperwork and also requested some detailed photos including one of the said metal plate.
Hoping this is the one.
Cheers,
Jo

[Ian Hulley]

IIRC Phil 'Popeye' Doyle's Westie is a transitional model and had a shtload of extras thrown at it compared to a standard Westie .... perhaps this may explain the anomolies ?

Ian

[DaveyP2004]

Hi Jo,
No problem, its actually my website I refered to so I hope you found it useful.
Good luck with van, hope it is the one for you!
Cheers,
Dave

[90cali]

WOW it's an honour *salutes Master Dave*
That is THE best Westy website I have come across (and in 3 years believe me I have seen a few...)!

Ian, that's what I suspect and if true it would be a great find...

Jo

[billy739]

all TD vans have the larger tunnel where the gearstick is , and 5 speed!

[90cali]

Thanks Billy, though I can't quite figure out the difference from pics online
Can you tell from this?

[lloyd]

Best collection of brochures I know of:
http://www.vwpix.org/archiv/index_en.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
VW Bus T3 / prospekte / deutschland / reisemobile / westfalia and browse
Christoph Boltze has done a wonderful job

[silverbullet]

Best collection of brochures I know of:
http://www.vwpix.org/archiv/index_en.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
VW Bus T3 / prospekte / deutschland / reisemobile / westfalia and browse
Christoph Boltze has done a wonderful job

Blimey! I never thought that I'd see brochures for SA models ever. I know that there's not many of us here, but there would be a hole where my 1990 should be listed...
Great stuff for anyone with creeping dubanoraksia