Club 80-90 Forums

Hi guys i'm a new boy. after years of wanting a vw camper van i have finally bought one. it was a total shock because i only went out for shopping but ended up buying a vw

it is a 1986 1.9 petrol (dg??) in white with a side pop top. it has bilbo's on the back, is this a conversion company?

the bad bits-
both front arches are rotten, the drivers side is really bad all round the petrol cap. if i pulled it it would fall off.!! the pasenger side is not as bad but will need replacing.

the exhaust is knackered and needs changing.... anyone got a s/hand one lying about they want cash for?? i have also been told it needs a jacking point welding up.

The body is a little tatty, but it mainly appears to be superficial rust that a couple of days sanding and machining wont sort out.

the good bits.-

it has a new sliding door, in perfect condition.

a recon engine with new water pump and alternator(with receipts) thats only done 30,000 in 4 years.

its got a like new pop top, which will save me a few quid.

the interior is in excellent condition with a rock and roll bed, cooker,plug in cooler and stow away table.

it strarted up first time and drives and stops excellently. I cant wait to get it road worthy and try to get over to germany for a bit of the world cup.

any advice regarding ownership and general maintenance of the vehicle?


cheers.

Bilbo is a conversion
If the engine is a recon then they generaly have manual tappets..ajusted to 0.64mm..or 25thou.
GSF sell a cheap box for £50..odd

enjoy your camper ...we haven't stopped giggling for 2 years

thanks. I can hardly wait, till i can just jump in it and go for a drive.

oh.. and just incase anyone is bothered having a look, i'll post up some pictures later.

Bilbos is a conversion company not too far from you. They are on the A22 just south of M25 J6. Not that they like us old 'uns, great big sign on the door saying keep out! (not exactly but nearly).

It sounds like you need a bit of welding to get through the MOT as the seat belt fixings are part of the wheel arch, and same goes for your jacking point. I have some "before" photos on my unfinished web site. Check my profile and I'll try to add a link soon.

Other than that - enjoy!

yeah its gonna need welding to get thru the MOT, but i think its only in those areas...wings and jack point.. i had a look inderneath and its really tidy with no visible rust, just a little on the seams and on the sliding door step.

i pulled up the mats in the cab/steps and there is no sign of rust..

the previous owner had it for 15 years, and kept it mechanically sound, its just the body that is suffering a little.

overall i dont think it is hiding anything, and all the faults are on show.. i hope

it only cost me £100 so i dont think i can complain

Seems like you have a bargain there Woody, Bilbo's is in South Godstone, got my previous camper from there, but they only like new shiny ones now. The conversion was good on mine.

Oh and welcome to the club.

Cate wrote:Seems like you have a bargain there Woody, .

i think i'll find out in the next week or two.

Cate wrote:Oh and welcome to the club.

cheers. this site is great.

At £100.00, no you definitely can not complain, four wheels and a steering wheel would cost that!
good luck.l
lhd...............................................................

A couple of photos of my new wagon

OK, so its a weeny bit rusty..... still worth well over 100 though.

you should see the rust around the petrol cap

i'm ordering two new front arches today. hopefully have them fitted next weekend..

i'll have to take some photos and post them up as i get it sorted.

looks frighteningly familiar

wish I'd only paid £100 for mine!

do you think i'm gonna encounter any hiden problems?

i'm optimistically hoping its a change the arches .. job done.?

I had to have sills done too.


but the worst bit was this




(larger photos on my web page)

that rust around the belt mount looks like it was nasty .

where would you recommend buying my arches from?.. i've done some research and ive seen comments that jc panels are inferior?

is this true or just a one off?