Club 80-90 Forums

Hi guys, sorry to ask what is probably a very simple question but if you had the choice between a 1894 petrol wasserboxer engine and a 1982 Aircooled petrol, whci would you suggest? (I think i may be able to guess, but...)
Am looking to purchase a new toy after having experienced the joy of my friends' lovely "Joker", but being a bit green, thought i'd get some expert advice!
Thank you!
Siobhan ;o)

Evening! Welcome to the club!

In answer to your question... I would be more inclined to go with Aircooled.
Although the watercooled engins are generally more powerful, parts are becoming a bit of a nightmare to source and many spares are having to be brought in from abroad. This doesn't mean Aircooled engines are without spares problems but there's not as much to go wrong and so sourcing bits is a little easier!

Just my opinion of course... Think you may have opened a can of worms here myself...!

CamperKitty wrote: 1894 petrol wasserboxer engine

tad old, don't you think ?


What is the metal like on either bus ...that's what I'd look at first

peasant wrote:

CamperKitty wrote: 1894 petrol wasserboxer engine

tad old, don't you think ?

Ha! Ha! Class! I missed that one! Must have been a good year!

air-cooled for me, can't give you any logical reason why you should choose either so go with the state of the body-work and love what you have.

I would go for the one with the best bodywork.

Ha ha, thanks guys- clearly I not only know nothing about engines but am also dyslexic OR have stumbled on the best kept secret of the 19th century!;o)
Thanks for your help!
Siobhan x

Dont buy watercooled:

They dont sound as cool and noone will talk to you.

Hello Water cooled falg waving here.....

although, having driven and loved both.......I am left with my water cooled. Aircoooled in vw heaven, with bits distributed nationwide as "donor" parts!

Honestly, its best to buy on body work.

Yes, parts are getting difficult to source, but withthe help of the club and breakers and the internet, we are still keping the vans on the road!

Enjoy whatever you buy

Em
x

Buy the van thats in the best condition and the layout that suits you best... Rust is the killer, mechanical things can be fixed easier than lots of body rot.....

Watercooleds... (petrols from 1983-1990 ish) sorry but whats been said as you will notice is coming from Aircooled peeps... parts can be a little awkward at times but we are slowly getting that sorted... so worry not, most parts are available... they are smooth, more powerfull and generally more economical than the aircooleds and come in 1.9 and 2.1L "flavours" and the heater works better...

Aircooleds... are older (upto 1983) and come in 2 engines.. the 1.6L "couldnt fight its way out of a paper bag" and 2L which when in good nick and set up well is a nice engine.. Some parts for either the aircooleds can be awkwark to find too and in some cases costly.. but most is still available..

In either case, you need to find someone that really understands these engines and vehicles... your local garage will prob turn you away as they dont want the hassle or rub there hands in glee that they can charge the hell out you taking a chance they might be able to fix it........

Look and try then look some more... dont go buying the first thing you see unless it really is a very genuine and nice van... of course if you are only spending 1500 quid... it will be a bit of a shed no matter what...

Hi,
I am sure if you post where you are in tut country,someone locally would help out on viewing a potential purchase.
Bodywork every time.
If you are not handy with welding,painting etc etc bodyshop repair/refurbishment bills will make your eyes water!
Oh air cooled for me but then it is not my daily drive! and I am stuck in a 70s/80s time warp.Air cooled Guzzi anyone?
Good luck

Thanks everyone for all your help- can't believe the response! Clearly I have made one good decision with the t25 as you seem a very friendly bunch!;o)
I'm up in Derbyshire, so if anyone knowsof any nice vans for sale in these parts....;o)
Thanks again
Siobhan x

We have an Aircooled and its a really good runner touch wood. I have no experience of a wasserboxer tho, and would like to see the difference