what's the difference between a T3 California, Joker, Atlant

[superfab]

Hi, I'm new to all this. Bee looking for a camper and have come to the conclusion the I want a Wetfalia T3/T25conversion. They deffinately seem to be best but not sure which one to get. Looking at all the ads trying to choose is proving to be a minefield. Any tips on what to look out for? Also what's the difference between a T3 California, Joker and Atlantic, Vanagon? They all seem pretty much the same to my newby eye. While we're on the subject is there any difference with regards T3 and T25??? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Westy.Club.Joker]

T3 is T25, same thing, diferent way of describing it, neither term is recognised by VW dealer if you go asking for parts !

Joker - 1980 - 1987 ish
Club Joker - 1980 - 1987 ish higher spec
California - equivalent equipment level to the Joker 1988 - 1991
Atlantic - equivalent equipment level to the Club Joker - 1988 - 1991 higher spec

Pop-top or high-top available in all models. Petrol or diesel / turbo-diesel

Lots changed around 1985 as VW updated / improved the bodyshell a bit, so Westfalia updated the interiors from brown to light grey around the same time. Standard equipment on various models was always able to be upgraded from the factory when ordering a new camper, so it`s possible to get a standard Joker with all the bells and whistles on it making it similar / higher spec than a standard Atlantic would be.

Some have double-glazed windows, some have fixed glass, some have opening slider windows, some have top-hinged opening double-glazed kitchen windows. Differing interior cloths depending on model spec, same with curtains. Single swivel front seats or both seats swivelling on higher spec models.

If you arn`t sure what you`re looking for / at then research it to death, or take someone with you who knows what to look for. Plenty of non-genuine vans about claiming to be a Westy when really they are vans "converted" by the owner using parts from a scrap Westy, which can be fitted quite easily, and then claiming them to be a genuine factory-built camper. There`s more to a Westy than the fitting of the beds and cupboard units. All the stickers are for sale on Ebay !

The van side of things is the same as buying any other T25, bodywork rot and mechanicals worn out, engines with half a million miles on and knackered, diesels with cracked heads / head problems, petrol wasser-boxers with leaking head gaskets / broken studs, gearboxes past their sell-by date.

You can do a lot worse than have a word with Steve Walker at Eastfalia, well respected bloke who buys and sells campers as a business, with buyers in Germany looking for the right `vans to import and sell

http://www.eastfalia.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[superfab]

Thanks for that. I'll have a look at the Eastfalia website and give them a ring.

Cheers

[dearjohn]

http://www.vwbusparts.freeserve.co.uk/v ... mily.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi Superfab, have a look at this link to see variations on the Joker theme.
If you are thinking of a personal import from Germany, ebay.de or where ever, remember that the van must have a current test, or it cannot recieve export plates to drive it away.
Cheers,
Nigel.

[Blue Moonraker]

Hi and Thanks Guys, Weve been looking at the Westfalia imports trying to sus the difference's between them. Now we know what we might buy. Cheers Ruby

[DaveyP2004]

Hi Superfab / Ruby,
My new Westfalia T25 Information site my be of help as well.
Particuarly the buyers guide and model history.
Its only just gone live and I still have some updates to make but you will get the general idea:
http://www.westfaliat3.info" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers,
Dave

[superfab]

Thanks DaveyP2004. your website is brilliant.
cheers Tom

[Blue Moonraker]

Thanks DaveyP just had a look at your site great info. Ruby