Whats the difference between Westy California and Atlantic?

[Marclegalle]

Hi

Does anyone know what the differences are between the westfalia California, Atlantic and the Club Joker hi-tops?

Am looking at a California soon and have seen club jokers and atlantics but cant seam to see any difference?

Cheers
Marc

[peepingheads]

I have a 1989 Joker, as far as I can tell the conversion inside is basically the same on Joker / California and Atlantic.

My Joker has a 4 speed gearbox, no power steering and plastic windows.

I think all Californias has 5 speed boxes (except Autos), power steering and glass windows.

The Atlantic was a limited edition with extra trim outside, a padded dash and all the stuff the California has.

And the factories they came from MAY have been different, I was discussing this with a German friend who had some interesting thoughts on the origins of the builds, but not sure it's true.

[Marclegalle]

thanks man that helps a lot

[peepingheads]

Something to consider, maybe, with a high top.

Try and look at the condition of the roof lights (vents) if any are fitted. The Westfalia ones have a winding handle to open them.

If there are any there, is there any rust around the screw cap covers... if so, there is rust inside the screw threads.

The basic problem here is that the roof lights are held together in a sandwich with the roof, not actually attached to the roof, if a leak develops the steel screws start to rust and eventually will snap, letting in more water. To start with you can't see the water, once a screw has snapped some might leak in, but before that it's just making the cavity wet and causing more rust on the other screws.

By the time you notice the rust it's probably too late and the vents will need to be at best refitted or worst, replaced.

So, just thought I would tell you, I just replaced the two in my Joker because of that problem, mine where so bad that I had to fit Fiamma 50 x 50 vents as the original westfalia vents would no longer fit properly in the holes after I had repaired the inner roof.

Don't let me put you off, just check it.....

[Westy.Club.Joker]

Joker spec same as California spec. Name changed around 1989.
Club Joker spec same higher spec as Atlantic, name change as above.

There were a few factory options, so it`s not laid down in stone what you`ll get in a Joker, or any others, double glazing or straight glass was optional, etc etc 5 speed and power steering should be standard on higher spec `vans.

All specs listed on Brickyard Westfalia section.

[dubsta]

Atlantics are a bit betterer and slightly loverlyer - check out Brick Yard for run down

[teebee]

Californias have velour interior Atlantics have a more hard wearing woven material. Internal furniture the same. We've just bought a California hi top which OH wanted while I liked the Atlantic pop top better.

[dearjohn]

http://www.vwbusparts.freeserve.co.uk/v ... pe25a.html

Have a look here, it outlines lots of differences that I never knew about!

Cheers, Nigel

[teebee]

@ Nigel. Wow - looks like we just dumped an original T2 Westy box seat Our T25/3 California had this in it and it looked just like a huge old wooden box.

[dearjohn]

Oops!