2wd as good as a syncro!

[syncropaddy]

As for it being do-able in a day to save hotel fees.... That's one hell of a long day - 2 hour check in at airport, fly out, hang around at passport control, get to dealership, check van thoroughly, get plates, start driving with around 500 miles ahead in an unknown and potentially unreliable van.

I managed Dublin to Stuttgart to Salem and drove non stop home in a 2.1DJ Syncro in a tad under 24 hours. I also managed Dublin to Lubeck to Kiel and drove home non stop in a 1.6TD Multivan which would only do 105 Kms flat out in a tad over 31 hours. Missed the boat in Holyhead because of British Customs in Dover decided to hold me up - bankers! Both occasions the vans had the export plates already fitted and paid for as I prearranged that.

[syncropaddy]

On average how much is a decoupler to buy?

Woah there Cooper. You need to check out the van when you get home, making sure the VC isnt tight and then think about a diff lock for the back. I also reckon you might have to do something about the final drive ratios as they might be a bit low. Just because it has a current TUV does not mean its perfect. Then start on the camper bits and pieces and leave all the extra stuff like a de coupler till you save up some more money. Dont forget that you will need to get 15" wheels and tyres and that will cost a few hundred

[Cooper]

My dad can check out the vc when he gets there. Jack it up.
Then ill have my brother inlaw do a full check over everything.

[KarlT]

Cooper, I'm very disappointed. You haven't asked anyone (not even once!) about fitting air-suspension or even a full race-spec rollcage.

Have you read all about the syncro drive system now? Have a good idea how it all works? What locking diff's do? You'll get there!!

[Cooper]

Lol ive had a brief look.

Locking diffs give equal power to both wheels when locked. When not locked it allows each wheel to spin at different speeds. So you dont muck up the tyres.

Nah dont want air suspension.

[HarryMann]

Blimey! What's going on here then... 21 pages and counting...

well, good luck!

[syncropaddy]

My dad can check out the vc when he gets there. Jack it up.

Emmm no, not really ..... but you are getting there! He will know if its a stiff VC when he pulls off the motorway for a pee ......

[Mickyfin]

On average how much is a decoupler to buy?

Woah there Cooper. You need to check out the van when you get home, making sure the VC isnt tight and then think about a diff lock for the back. I also reckon you might have to do something about the final drive ratios as they might be a bit low. Just because it has a current TUV does not mean its perfect. Then start on the camper bits and pieces and leave all the extra stuff like a de coupler till you save up some more money. Dont forget that you will need to get 15" wheels and tyres and that will cost a few hundred

My dad can check out the vc when he gets there. Jack it up.
Then ill have my brother inlaw do a full check over everything.

Hang on a minute there Cooper! Have you managed to find a Syncro then? Looks like I may of missed your thread/post about it. Got a link?

[silverbullet]

This one, back on page 17:

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/showD ... abNumber=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't get it. 5k yo-yos plus import duty (based on current market values?) for an unknown bus and no diff locks?!!

OK so I'm biased, but that's quite a gamble...

[syncrosimon]

Hardboard headlining quite rare. Looks like a respray, or really very well looked after.

[Cooper]

My dad can check out the vc when he gets there. Jack it up.

Emmm no, not really ..... but you are getting there! He will know if its a stiff VC when he pulls off the motorway for a pee ......

Using a heavy floor jack with wheels, put a block of wood on the jack and raise the rear of the van using the skid plate.  Be careful, you can  bend it.  The wood block, if long enough, distributes the weight across enough of the skid plate to minimize that risk.   Lift both back wheels off the ground 6″ or so on a smooth level parking lot, with the
jack’s wheels parallel to the Syncro’s.  The rear of the van will be moving on the jack wheels, so you need to make sure there are no obstructions that could catch the jack wheels and cause the van to fall off the jack.

Now, put a 1×1 piece of wood in front of each front tire, 2×4 may work too.  You need to block the front wheels like this to be able to test whether the VC is capable of absorbing the spinning of the rear wheels without locking up and causing the front wheels to engage and climb over the wood.  If you can get the rear wheels to turn/spin in the air with the clutch fully disengaged, and without the van climbing over the wood blocking the front wheels (can’t be too high…1-2″), then the VC is definitely good, or the fluid is not cooked.  The van should climb over the blocks as soon as you increase the engine RPMs.

It may take several tries to get the van to do this.  The VC is very sensitive, and it will want to engage as you let the clutch out.  Some advise using the hand brake to help slow the spin of the rear wheels … or to start them spinning slowly at first.  It is really neat when you get it to work.  Suddenly, the VC is working before your eyes in a very
graphic way!

[Cooper]

This one, back on page 17:

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/showD ... abNumber=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't get it. 5k yo-yos plus import duty (based on current market values?) for an unknown bus and no diff locks?!!

OK so I'm biased, but that's quite a gamble...

Dont have to pay duty germany is in the EU.

[Mickyfin]

This one, back on page 17:

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/showD ... abNumber=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't get it. 5k yo-yos plus import duty (based on current market values?) for an unknown bus and no diff locks?!!

OK so I'm biased, but that's quite a gamble...

I must say, and this is only my opinion mind...

I'm disappointed in your Cooper, and fear you have rushed into this purchase I'm afraid.

That Syncro looks tidy, and I do hope for your sake that its all original, and not tarted up, but for that price I would of expected at least a rear locker. What is the point of a Syncro without any diff locks at all?

What's with the spare under the front too? I thought all Syncro's had the spare in the back compartment? Unless its due to being an old Syncro?

What year is it? Seeing as it has the brown vinyl seats, Im guessing an older type, possibly air cooled? (Ad states leather seats?)

Forgive me if I have missed any deal, I was just looking at the photos.

Does it have a bulkhead too? I see it has a twin bench seat up front, so no walkthrough?

Ok, so E D I T now I have read the details on the for sale ad. 1.6 Diesel, non turbo, 9 seater 1991 year. Interesting specification, but guess its due to being a public service vehicle?

[Cooper]

I havent paid a deposit or anything like that. I can say i dont want to buy it at anytime.

Well if anyone can find me a decent vw syncro with diffs an mot and diesel.
For £4000
Then great but i cant seem to find a decent one for 4k.

[Mickyfin]

Good things come to those who wait Cooper my love, don't rush in. My Syncro took several months to show up, and when it did I took a five hour train journey to view it, and luckily managed to get it down to €1350 after not being too happy about spec being wrong, was advertised as a Caravelle GL when its just a C, but with power steering, and a rear locker.