newbie,hello,questions

[smithie]

hi
just want to say a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggggggg helllllllllllllloooo
new to the forum and the type 3,just got myself a 1985 1900 water cooled van(dont know what version engine has i cant find the engine number),its totally bare inside and very sad looking outside but i love it!
dont know what the master plan is yet regarding doing it up but ive always been into offroad vechicles and was just wondering if it would be a to massive job to convert to my van to a syncro type deal.
if so any thoughts ideas on how about going about it!
many thanks and best wishes
smithie

[toomanytoys]

hello and welcome..
Have a look on the WIKI (in the toolbar above) and read up on stuff lots of info in there..

Engline nuber is just below the oil breather tower (vertical black plastic bolted to the engine next to alternator)

Converting to a syncro is possible, but not simple and unless the body work/model is something special, not worth the hassle really.. buy a syncro instead... but thats another story so read the Syncro pages....

Oh.. By the way, it isnt a "Type 3" thats the fastback/notchback squareback air cooled car..
Its a T3 and in Transporter 3, more commonly known as a T25 in the UK or a Type 2 with VW...
But it isnt a wedge (how on earth anyone can call it wedge shaped!!!! ) Brick, yes..... wedge NO.....

[smithie]

hi
thanks for that,ive only found this forum so was eager to join in,over the weekend i shall be checking out all the threads and info and then hopefully work out a plan for the van...or just end up very confused!
regarding the type3 bit,my mistake,its been along time out of the vw world,still no excuse considering ive owned most of them!
all the best
smithie

[toomanytoys]

Yep, have a good read and then 1st plan would be to get what you have up to scratch (at least mechanically)
Last thing you need is a pretty van that doesnt go...

[smithie]

hi
wise words indeed...sometimes just easy to get carried away with a new toy...although the weather is chilling my enthusiasm alittle
as its been a works van i dont think i need to tell you the neglect its had,maybe i was alittle hasty getting it,but i have it now so will make the most of what ive got!
regarding engine number is there anyother place that it could be as i just cant see it where its ment to be,,,,very weird!
smithie

[HarryMann]

as its been a works van i dont think i need to tell you the neglect its had,maybe i was alittle hasty getting it,but i have it now so will make the most of what ive got!

Hi Smithie, another Smithy here

That's the spirit, get the most powerful vacuum on it, everywhere, brush dust and get it as dry as you can over the winter, keep it in the sun if you can and open it up to ensure its really dry as can be when a good day arrives... uncover that rust wherever you find it and wirebrush and scurf it out - the devil incarnate

Here's a club80-90 Wikipedia link that might help motivate during the next couple of winter months... or at least give you a few ideas...

http://wiki.80-90.co.uk/index.php/Body_ ... Glass_Rust

and another one on general tips, tools and techniques that also might help at sometime...

http://wiki.80-90.co.uk/index.php/Main_ ... s_and_Tips

Good luck with it, the 1900's can go pretty well if all is well... always check the gearbox oil level on an old van, underneath check for oil leaks around and under the box, a sign she might need looking at or need a drop. They don't like low oil in thems boxes. Look at what comes out and on the drain plug...

and Welcome to the club

[Hacksawbob]

Hi, have a look here for the engine code its marked on this pic. you may need some wd40 and a rag to wipe the crud away to see the code stamped there, also look at the picture the air filter is a give away (flat plastic thing with the yellow sticker) if it looks like this picture you most likely have the 1.9 L petrol DG engine.


as for interior once you have seen to any rust, one way to go is buy an interior from a scrapped van they tend to come up from time to time for around the £200 plus mark

[smithie]

hi guys
thanks for all the help,tips i shall be doing as you guys state,once that is the gale force winds and heavy rain stop down here in sunny cornwall.
regarding engine number ,unfortantly your picture isnt showing to me and i cant seem to sort it....weird!
once again many thanks
smithie

[Hacksawbob]

hhmm not sure why it wont show, if you go the wiki main page and click on petrol engines you will see two pictures on the right click on the upper one to get the large version

[HarryMann]

Bob,

Ever since we went to the new forum and provider Wiki pictures don't seem to render here unles you also have them open in another browser window.. I'm sure there's an answer to it.... but I haven't got it

Will have to ask Jake and Stephen

But for now users can Right-Click and View Image (or copy the link and open that url)

[Fritz]

Nice one Smithie, Hope you find what you need,,,,,,,Show us a picture of yer van,,,,,,C' Mon !!!!!!!

Heres our latest creation,,,,,,,,taken july 06 (Flookborough)



Regards

Fritz,,,,,,,,,,

[smithie]

hi
ill try and get some pics on here soon,it wont be for the screamish thats for sure...but like a vangough painting...its priceless (i wish)...i ment to say hand painted.
regarding the picture posted earlier it has now become visable and if thats a dg engine then that looks like what ive got...just wish the weather would ease up so i can have a good mouch around!
all the best
smithie

[Hacksawbob]

dont mooch too much, some say these engines are UV sensitive, engine lid open too much makes them break down more, thats my experience anyway, and I only ever open my engine lid after dark!

[rogbodge]

Is this a pic of a sail-powered van? Perhaps with a small diesel engine for emergencies?

Is it amphibious?

[smithie]

hi
i dont know about the engine being uv sensitive,but i know i prefer the dark hours...also the van looks a whole lot better in them hours....the trouble is not one interior light works so when i get in it i cant see a bl**dy thing.
a sail powered van would work well down these parts at the mo,and if the rain dont let up ampibious abilitys would be good to!
smthie