New User (with questions!)

[J-Lo]

Hi everyone,

I am a new owner of an F-reg beige T3 camper. I wanted to introduce myself - as this seems like a really useful place to get to know - and solicit a few questions, if I may.

First things first, I know absolutely nothing about cars, and even less about campervans. This is the first motor I've ever owned. Getting a camper seemed so much more exciting than getting a car. We saw this one on ebay, and thought we'd take the plunge.

A week after owning it, we showed it to a family friend, who is a mechanic, who had concerns. He reckons there's been a recent spray job and is worried it's covering up something more serious. The paint has an orange peel-like surface around the wheel arches, and there is some rust in the sliding door sill.

We live in SE London. Are there any garages people can recommend in the London area to get the car looked at properly? I think we just need someone to give it a clean bill of health. It has an MOT until next year, but these issues might be something that an MOT wouldn't pick up? (sorry - ignorance again).

More superficially, the gearstick needs a good WD40'ing. It's really difficult getting from one gear to the next. Also, do you know whether it is possible to lower the brake pedal so that it's more like the same height as the gas?

Very grateful to anyone who takes the time to read this post and is able to provide any help. It's much appreciated.

J-Lo

[Jonnyb416]

Hi and welcome. I cannot suggest a garage local to you but I do recommend that you get some pictures of the areas you are concerned about and more then post them on here (info how to do this in the wiki) The rust is usually a lot worse than it looks on the surface but that isn't to say it is necessary to have repaired straight away. Good luck, Jon.

[shepster]

No you can't lower the brake pedal thats how they are, and if all gearbox issues could be cured with a spray of WD40 then the world would be a happier place.

I know you said you're not mechanically minded, maybe not the right choice of vehicle but hey ho, I would start with gear linkages.

It may be that you're used to driving modern vehicles and now you have a 30yr old design to contend with.

Best of luck.

[Fudgy666]

We live in SE London. Are there any garages people can recommend in the London area to get the car looked at properly ?

Hello, Welcome to the forum.

I've never used these guys, but I've heard the name mentioned a few times:

http://eastdulwichcampers.com/

I'm sure a few people on the forum will have used them and might be able to offer a bit more info ?

I think this online shop is the same people ?

http://www.t25direct.com/

[beccalou72]

No advice on who to see around London, but I think that gear thing can be quite common in these old vans, I can't get ours into reverse at all, which is a bit of a problem for me, but my partner can.

Ebay can be double edged sword with vehicles as we bought Dora a couple of years ago from there and we needed to spend best part of £1500 on welding pretty much immediately.

I think its a never ending money pit, as we need respray and new pop top this year, but we love going away in her, she's great fun.

[J-Lo]

Hi. Thanks for the replies. The East Dulwich Campers outfit looks like it might be very useful. I'll call them tomorrow. I've provisionally booked the van in with Jack's in west London. Does anyone know this outfit?

Sure enough, the first long distance drive in the van, and it packed up. The coolant pipe is corroded and therefore leaks. It's been patched up, but obviously needs a more permanent fix.

I always expected to have to spend a big extra to keep a vehicle like this on the road. Yes, I'm not used to driving something like this, but it's infinitely more fun to own, and I'm happy to learn.

Cheers.

The WD40 on the gearbox pointer was given by a mechanic. When he used it he suggested that was all that was needed, but I suppose I'll see what another says.

[Jim San]

Welcome to the forum, and welcome to joys and pains pf owning a T25.

Yes it will cost you money. It's old and things will need replacing but bit by bit it will become better.

The money you spend wont seem so bad if you are getting out and enjoying it.

There is loads of info on the Wiki. Good luck, have a great summer

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Hi and welcome!

First off CANCEL YOUR BOOKING AT JACKS! You'll get a rubbish service and pay through the nose for it.

For your location I can recommend Riverside Autos in Plumstead. They're an all types garage, but the owners are total VW nuts and build race cars from old Aircooled.

[300CE]

Believe it or not there's not many places in South East London but as chuckle bus says, Riverside or the VW Engine Company in Catford (just moved from Deptford):

http://www.thevwenginecompany.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[J-Lo]

Thanks, guys. Are these places preferable to East Dulwich Campers?

[300CE]

Might be worth having a chat with all 3 - I think a few people have used Riverside (might be worth using the search function to see if there are any threads) & I know of 1 person who has used the VW engine company & been happy with the service they received for a new engine.

[meggles]

Welcome J-Lo. The folk who have replied are long(ish) time members on here and are giving good advice. Take heed of it. If you persevere you will learn a lot about keeping your van on the road, and make new friends along the way. Good luck.

[J-Lo]

I don't doubt that, meggles, and am very grateful for the advice. I've only owned a vehicle for about a week and I've already learned a lot. Though just the basics, of course.

I couldn't find a Riverside Autos in Plumstead. Do they have a website?

[gary1998]

The WD40 on the gearbox pointer was given by a mechanic. When he used it he suggested that was all that was needed, but I suppose I'll see what another says.[/quote]


i would not be taking advice from this guy again ...

[meggles]

The WD40 on the gearbox pointer was given by a mechanic. When he used it he suggested that was all that was needed, but I suppose I'll see what another says.

i would not be taking advice from this guy again ...[/quote]

Neither would I! He has obviously not worked on these vans before. WD40 to adjust the linkage? If only....