Rusty Bottom!

[BoroKeef]

15941117_10154893902626449_384976721023907600_n.jpg

15977851_10154893902611449_5466790566092798454_n.jpg

16003016_10154893902606449_636104184554491451_n.jpg

I had a look at a 1988 T25 today for a decent (ish) price of £2900...could maybe get it a bit lower, however I am concerned about the condition of underneath. The chassis looked solid enough, however some of the outer shell of the base of the van was crumbling in certain areas (yes my lack of knowledge shows here as I don't even know what this bit of the van is called...so I'll stick with base!)
There are also areas of concern elsewhere in the usual places (bottom corners of the windscreen are showing signs of deterioration - worse on the inside than out)...but it is definitely the underneath that worries me.
If anyone would look at these photos and let me know their thoughts I would be forever grateful
The shots are taken from underneath the side sliding door
Oh and another thing, the supports on the tailgate have gone and it doesn't stay open - what are they like to get replaced or re[aired.
Thanks in advance
Keith

[Ant-t]

Hi, gas struts for the tailgate aren't a major issue, you'll just need to factor in buying a replacement set. The rust looks pretty grim though, can you weld or know a friend who can?

[BoroKeef]

Cheers Ant - no I can't weld and aint got any mates who can either.
So even though it isn't structural that looks pretty bad then?

[New Kentish Campers]

The trouble with rust is that if you can see that little lot, factor in half as much again, and maybe again, for that which you cant see

To be honest, if you have no welding skills this will be a steep learning curve. And at around 2.9k I would look at something better because the cost of parts, time, etc will soon eat away your 'cheap' price. For instance, although it looks to be sold, there's a tidy Holdsworth V3 in the classifieds being sold by a reputable member of this site at 5.1k. The 2k odd increase would, I think, soon balance against this one you are thinking on.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do though.

[BoroKeef]

Thanks NKC - yes I had a look at that one earlier looks nice. I suppose there are very few "bargains" out there...although it is easy to let your eyes light up wen you see something for under £3K

[Ant-t]

Yeah there's a reason why this bus is under 3k

[BoroKeef]

Yeah there's a reason why this bus is under 3k

I have knocked her down from 4800 to 2900....but it looks like even that may not be such a good deal

[R0B]

Personally i would walk away.

[jrt]

If you're on facebook have a look at VW T25 T3 Complete Vans For Sale or Wanted in UK. Whereabouts are you, someone local maybe able to come and look at a van with you?
David

[Plasticman]

that is structural in so far as the jp's will be shot and going by the state of the inner sill then the rear arm mounts will be suspect. personally . walk away as it will be a bottomless pit, there are better base starter vans out there
mm

[BoroKeef]

Thank you very much for your replies and you have soundly made up my mind to walk away....poor seller has spent £2500 on the mechanics in the last 18 months, so must be desperate to get something back on it
David - thanks I will have a look on there - I am in the Liverpool area

Thanks again everyone, much appreciated

[New Kentish Campers]

It sounds like the vendor hasn't realised how bad it is and has spent too much on the mechanicals and a lot of folk fall into this trap.

Anyway, you are wise to walk away from this one and you at least now know a bit more about these vans and what to look for. Good luck, a good one will turn up sooner or later.

[BoroKeef]

It sounds like the vendor hasn't realised how bad it is and has spent too much on the mechanicals and a lot of folk fall into this trap.

Anyway, you are wise to walk away from this one and you at least now know a bit more about these vans and what to look for. Good luck, a good one will turn up sooner or later.

You are absolutely spot on. Again thank you for taking the time to post

[bigbadbob76]

Having made the same mistake myself, i'd say you're wise to walk away. What I bought as a usable camper turned out to be a project. On the plus side my welding skills are improving. [FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BoroKeef]

Having made the same mistake myself, i'd say you're wise to walk away. What I bought as a usable camper turned out to be a project. On the plus side my welding skills are improving. [FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Was it panels/doors or underneath where the problems were?