Syncro Kombi (new pictures and a proper update)

[sandwedge]

Keep up the good work its going to look great.

[poshbuggers]

So you couldn't raise it any higher then?

Looks sweet.

Is that high? LOL

[poshbuggers]

It's been a while and we have been using the van on and off for outings/trips/holidays now with little to complain about.







Once the van had a rough coat of paint we headed off for our first ever trip to Devon. In the end I stuck on some road tyres, we covered 200 miles in a fortnight so the Grizzlies would have droned us to death I reckon.

Soon we were heading into winter. The van performed admirably in the snow, towing all and sundry out but it was noted the clutch had begun to slip and would need replacement. However it made it through to January without issue and was booked in to be sorted. While we were at it a set of Baxters tank straps were fitted as mine had all but rotted away. Seemed sensible while the box was out.

The paintwork was needing a major refresh but I have been off my feet a lot with ongoing spinal and knee problems and desperately needed a break, so 5 weeks ago we struck out for Cornwall and enjoyed a great holiday, despite a snapped handbrake cable (day of departure!) and gearshift needing realignment. Parking the van up at Fistral Beach and pulling the boards off made me wonder why i had never tried the VW/Surf gig years ago.





On my return I made a few decisions:

1) We need smarter storage solutions and to get tools/spare parts and general camping gear out of the van and in external spaces. The roofrack shown above was only temporary (it's going on my G Wagen) but was very useful for bodyboards/surfboards etc and will be replaced with a Thule basket. I can chuck my waffle boards and stuff up there later. I am going to get two ammo boxes (tall thin ones) welded up onto tubes so they can sit behind the spare wheel and take a few tools. A bracket for a Hi-Lift would be good too.

2) The Pentas came off. Driving with heavy rims and a spinal injury can be a pain on a bad day however much I loved them. They will soon be replace by Audi Quattro 15" Ronals and some chunky tyres. Still cool, but more manageable.

3) The Westy interior works well but its time to toughen it up in hard wear areas. Personalising it for our own foibles will commence soon.

4) Home made curtains are much less hassle and better looking than silver screens.

I picked up some 15"x6J Ronals and had the centres machined and drilled the boltholes the other day. No clearance issues (expected because the areas have been checked with prior setups) but I may space them out a bit for a wider track and to fill the arches better. Tyres will be 215/75 or equivalent AT's or MT's.











Now I have clear plans I am back on the van (as well as other project cars (ex-works Mk2 Golf rally car, 1302 Beetle convertible, Mercedes G-Wagen) and loving it. Praying for a long and fruitful summer.

Here it is through the benefits of Photoshop