Club 80-90 Forums

Hello knowledgeable people. We took our van for a day out on Saturday and noticed that there wasn't a temperature gauge or at least I couldn't see one. It's a 1980 T25 air cooled it smelled warm when we got home but not overly hot at the back of the van only.

I also wanted to know if anyone has had power steering fitted and where from, we're in Cheshire but can only find someone in Bristol. My children are keen to drive it but I think they would be safer with power steering.

Thank you in advance.

Karen

Normally the temperature is taken from the water system, so you'll not have a gauge on your air cooled. You could always fit an oil temperature gauge to keep check on things.
Cant really help with the power steering, but getting an original system may work out very expensive. Lots of people are now getting electric power steering systems fitted. But that opens up an whole different debate on safely welding a steering column!

Thank you, this may sound even sillier but how would I know it was overheating?

Was wondering about the power steering as my 17 year old is tiny and currently having driving lessons, although she's strong I think driving our camper may be too heavy for her without power steering?

Thanks again

The key is never turn the wheel when stopped. A small amount of forward or backward movement makes turning the wheel a lot easier. Driving instructors used to teach that back in the days when power steering was an option rather than the norm.

Smcknighty wrote:The key is never turn the wheel when stopped. A small amount of forward or backward movement makes turning the wheel a lot easier. Driving instructors used to teach that back in the days when power steering was an option rather than the norm.

Thank you

Or you could get one of these http://ultimate-engineering.co.uk/powersteering.html

Bought one a few years back and it has been great - makes it drive like a modern van....

Insurance will be a nightmare until sprogs reach 25 or so with most companies. This usually stops them driving your van. Power steering isn't needed usually when you have the tyres pumped up fully - it is surprising the difference a few pounds more pressure makes. I know when my front tyres need some air as the steering gets heavier.