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BUying Info.

Posted: 08 Apr 2008, 19:38
by joe75
Hey Guys,

I am new to this forum and have a few newbie questions.

Me and my girlfriend are looking into buying Syncro Camper and would like to know what to look out for? I am not new to VW´s as we own a deluxe split and a bay window..plus we have had loads of other VW´s and some great 4x4´s (including a Unimog converted camper)

I have fairly good mechanical knowledge but need to know what to look out for on the Syncos?

Another question is price....!? Yeah, its a hard one but what should we be looking at paying? We want to buy a diesel, LHD is fine, but it must have a camping interior.

If anyone can point me in the right direction or recommend where I can find more information that would be a great help.

Thanks in advance.

Joe

Posted: 08 Apr 2008, 19:48
by Hacksawbob
Hi there, good luck! original factory campers don't come up very often you may be better off buying a panel or velle and converting depending on how patient / rich you are. Heres a couple of good starting points on the wiki.

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ma ... ive_Owners
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Syncro_-_Testing

Posted: 08 Apr 2008, 21:04
by Ye Olde Syncrospares
thers a diesel westy syncro on uk ebay at present,this fits your needs,cj.

Posted: 08 Apr 2008, 21:45
by Pete Nice
Prices vary, there is a cheapie one for sale but has the propshaft removed, this could be an easy fix or a can of worms. you really do throw caution to the wind if you can't test the workings properly.

If you jack the rear of the van up & try to drive forward you can check that the VC is working ok. It should drag the van & jack forward.

You can feel if the diff locks are working as the wheels will try to skip as you turn a corner. Quite a few diesels I have seen don't have diff locks for some reason.

The most expensive I have seen is £9,000 for a fully sorted van, but they are thin on the ground. Prices for reasonable ones start at £3000 & got up depending on spec. If you want a camper, you are looking at £5000 really.

Posted: 09 Apr 2008, 06:00
by joe75
thanks for the help so far. basic little pointers are really helpful.

the wiki link is great. there should be a direct link to it at the top of this forum as then people like me would stop asking the same questions!! :x

thanks again :lol:

Posted: 09 Apr 2008, 08:31
by toomanytoys
:lol: :lol: What like the "WIKI" link at the top of the page?????

Read through a few posts, do a search on a topic (ie gearbox) and look in the engine conversion forums for info.. its all there and easily found, then when you cant see aan answer or have a odd question ask..
Come to one of the meets..

Knowledge is everything when buying a syncro.. and personally I wouldnt set it HAS to be this, HAVE that.. the mechanicals can be changed, bodywork.. is harder to fix long term...

Posted: 09 Apr 2008, 13:34
by Terry
joe

My 2.1 (petrol) 91 syncro caravelle camper is sadly up for sale. If you want more info 'pm' me. I'm in sweden at the moment but a final road trip home could be possible.

Terry

Posted: 09 Apr 2008, 17:28
by Pete Nice
I think I am going to sell mine soon. I have too many cars & not enough time to sort them all out.

Take a look on my website www.sosvw.com in the projects page, you can see how many cars I am trying to do at once.

The Syncro page shows all the work that has been done to it since I bought it.

Looking for one.

Posted: 13 Apr 2008, 19:38
by joe75
Thanks for the help.... I have read through the Wiki info and read loads on the internet and we have decided we want to buy a Syncro :D

So now all we have to do is find one? If anyone knows of a camper home or proper conversion that is more or less ready for use then let me know. We would like a diesel but if we find a good petrol we would convert it to LPG as we are planning a long Europe North Africa adventure.

Any ideas where is best to look? We are based in Surrey GU73 near Guildford.

Thanks for the help :lol:

Joe

Just a further thought if I bought a bus or panel van does anyone know of a company that sells interiors, pop up roof and side windows? Just need some ideas of the cost of a home style conversation?

Posted: 13 Apr 2008, 21:29
by Pete Nice
There is always people breaking vans, so windows etc should be easy to find.

Interiors come up on ebay or on this forum sometimes. It's not that hard to make one.

I use potable gas stoves in my other van, so there is no need for a big gas bottle.

I have converted my other vans rear seat to fold out like a Z bed too. It's fine for the VW shows I have used it for.

I would be more concerned about the mechanics of the van as it's easier to fit an interior than it is an engine, gearbox or diff. It's probably cheaper too.

I am in GU12, so probably worth a look...

Bought one.

Posted: 19 Apr 2008, 17:14
by joe75
Hey Guys

We bought ourselves a 1987 LHD 1.6TD Westy :D So far we are really pleased with it. So how do I join the club?

More questions and photos to come.... :wink:

Posted: 20 Apr 2008, 20:04
by HarryMann
We bought ourselves a 1987 LHD 1.6TD Westy. Very Happy So far we are really pleased with it. So how do I join the club?

Joe. If it's the Syncronauts club you mean, then...

Click the right-hand logo at the top of the forum, which takes you to the 80-90Syncro web pages

Then use the Syncronauts Menuitem (2nd from left) and select Membership Forms. That should do it :)