Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Mercial TruePDF-January 2017
Mercial TruePDF-January 2017
SI
FIE
DS • FREE &Commercial
CL
S
BUS
FREE CLA
ASS
TBURYAAND ER
IFIEDS
D SELL
R
BUSES FO
•
DS
•F
FREE!RE
IE E CL
ASSIF
REGULARS
CAMPER MAIL
ell, unsurprisingly
designed round a state of the art to the tip of South America, head off twitter.com/vwcampermag
ICE equipment. A former Early Bay to USA to check out the Utah Classic, facebook.com/volkswagencamper
Jazz Publishing Jazz Publishing The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ. Tel:01244 881888 Fax:01244 646016 www.jazzpublishing.co.uk info@jazzpublishing.co.uk
The views expressed in this magazine by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. All articles are written in good faith and are based on information provided by owners. Whilst every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of all material, the contributors, magazine and the publishers cannot accept liability for loss resulting from error, mis-statement, inaccuracy, or omission contained herein. Reproduction of any matter printed
or depicted in VW Camper and Commercial magazine is prohibited without prior permission. Some words, names, and designations are trademarked and are the property of the trademark holder and have only been used for
identification purposes only. Having trouble finding VW Camper and Commercial in your newsagent? Please contact our distribution company for your nearest outlet Tel: 0207 4294073 © Jazz Publishing ISSN 1756 - 2007
WELCOME
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 5
Contents
Issue 111— December 2016
16
36
Feature Buses
8 Lucky Thirteen
With its sun-bleached paint and battle-scarred body, this
13 window Deluxe Microbus oozes character and charm.
8
16 Rescue, Restore, Relax
Looking at the pictures of this lovely custom 1973
camper it’s hard to believe it was rescued as an empty
shell that was probably bound for the scrapyard.
CONTENTS
6 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Issue 11
1
on sale
Januar
y 25
30
78
CONTENTS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 7
1966 13 WINDOW DELUXE MICROBUS
Lucky
thirteen
With its sun-bleached paint and battle-scarred
body this 13 window Deluxe Microbus oozes
character and charm.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
I immediately attracted
Lee Taylor when
he spotted it for
sale looking sorry for itself on a
a boat or a VW bus – and heads
meant it was a bus! A year later he
met his future wife, Sarah, and her
passion for surfing blended perfectly
untouched adding
to the barn find
look
The custom
street rod
trailer at Dubfreeze in 2013. Lee with Lee’s love of his Bay Camper. stance has been
recalls, “It was love at first sight, Having been a qualified mechanic achieved by fitting
adjustable rear
I just could not resist it!” As well since leaving school, several VWs spring plates and
as being a desirable 13 window and restorations later, they acquired a narrowed beam
and arms up front,
Deluxe Microbus (the no sunroof or a 67 Split Panel, working on which which run on coil-
skylights version) it had also been ultimately led to Lee setting up overs and drop
spindles.
fully welded in all the right places his own VW restoration business,
and had kept its original features, Manflowers of Evesham, in 2008.
though it did have an incorrect Now with an established reputation Apart from the
replacement cargo
engine lid along with a donor cargo for quality work his yard has more door everything
door fitted. VWs and projects in the yard than else is original
paint and patina
But before we go into how the you can shake a stick at!
deal was struck it’s important to With Lee’s VW pedigree
bear Lee’s VW heritage in mind. established, back to the Deluxe.
Fate took a hand when at nineteen Built in December 1966 and finished
he and a mate flipped a coin to in Titian Red / Beige Grey, it had
Period
and vintage
accessories
Front Safaris
are on permanent
loan from Lee’s
Panel Van
clad in pine panelling for a sauna wooden chest / buddy seat, into
style effect and new wood effect which has been fitted a modern
lino flooring fitted. A Rusty Lee rock Propex heater.
and roll bed takes care of seating Along with various VWs owned
and sleeping, with original fabric by the now grown up children,
Devon cushions sourced from a 79 the Taylor family’s collection of
Moonraker. The speakers are housed bugs and buses is an impressive
in the seat base and a storage unit sight, but Percy, as the Deluxe is
with shelves, wine rack and open affectionately known, is the definite
fronted cupboards runs under the family favourite. (The name came
side window. More storage is in the after its first outing to Ninove –
roof cupboard over the rear deck “Persecution, perseverance, Percy
and, instead of drawers, two vintage faith). When asked about future
No it’s not
suitcases sit snugly in the main unit. plans Lee smiles and says simply, going to be
The retro feel is enhanced by the old “Lower and faster!” repainted!
A fully dressed
new 1641cc
performance
engine lurks
beneath that ratty
exterior
A rack stacked
with vintage
luggage
Wood rim
pass obtained and Belle, as the bus is
known, was ready to meet her new
family, despite initially sulking and
shell painted lots of different colours needing to have a carb borrowed
steering wheel
and with no doors, windows, seats, brings an individual from another bus fitted to make the
engine or interior apart from front styling touch journey!
seats. Not Jon Withers! The only Porsche alloys That was back in 2011. Over the
thing remaining from its former and full air ride summer they sanded and sprayed
system give a
life was the original Devon pop top custom stance the body in Belle’s original Kasan
and he recalls, “She looked very Red / Pastel White, “just to stop her
The clear glass
sorry for herself. We had been to tailight cluster is
rusting and looking like a hippy bus.”
look at loads of other campers in a subtle way of This was done in the back garden
better condition than her but there keeping clean lines under a marquee! The following
was just something about her that March work began on the interior.
made us want to take her home, so Jon then enlisted the help of some
we did!” The body was basically mates and using plans found on the
sound but the first problem was internet, they built a Devon style
getting it from Brighton back home interior with light oak cabinets and
to Dorset. A 1.6 engine, basically an old ¾ rock and roll bed. Jon says,
rebuilt with parts lying around the “None of us were sure if the units
seller’s garage floor, was fitted along would fit but luckily they did and
with windows “and a few other bits they were perfect for the style of
Bus Doctor
is sponsored by
Mail order parts specialists
www.GermanCamperCompany.com
Got a problem or a query? Steve Leatham & Simon Baxter answer some of your questions…
Email info@volkswagencamper.co.uk Address Bus Doctor, VW Camper & Commercial, The Old School Higher Kinnerton Chester CH4 9AJ
The bay pick up trucks have front bench seats, might be worth a search on Ebay. I did On the vintage bus site you were looking on,
a quick search and at time of writing there were two for sale, though they are probably http://www.vintagebus.com/wiring/bus-62.jpg
sold now, I am sure there will be others. Have you considered the alternative idea of a VW “D” is the Ignition switch. A thin Black wire from
Evolution flip seat? I saw one fitted on a Split the other day it looked great. It’s a full bench Term #15 feeds 3 bulbs on the speedo: OIL BATT/
with the added bonus of making rear facing seat and is suitable for both Bays and Splits. GEN IND Telltale. From there it connects to the
www.vwevolution.co.uk. Check it out on our News & Products page. “+” Term on the Fuel Gauge.
Starting Problems
Removing Bay Dash any replacement seals as they are no longer Dear Bus Doctor,
Dear Bus Doctor, made and any supplies have long since been I have a 1967 Split that has got in to the habit
I want to remove the dash on my 1976 bay. I’ve sold out. I was informed by a Sun Roof installer/ of not starting up again once stopped and
undone the two screws at each end just inside supplier that the sun roof for a Land Rover ignition turned off. This is happening even after
the doors and I’ve also taken out the screws Defender would fit, and stated that it would a relatively short journey (20mins or so). I am
either side of the hand brake but I was losing bend to take account of the bow in the roof, wondering if this is an over heating type of thing
light and couldn’t see where else it was held on. however I am loathe to spend any money on as it’s ok after it’s been given time to completely
Any ideas? obtaining one as I am not sure that the frame & cool down. If so, what should I be looking to
Charlie glass would bend, the frame is light aluminium do to resolve.? If it’s not an over heating related
and is likely to kink. I would like to retain the thing is there anything else I should be looking at
If you taking the whole dash out in one lump sun roof, and have seen some vehicles which that could cause this issue?
there are a row of screws that fix the top part to have sun roofs which have a bow. Stefan
the screen surround under the screen, the two Any suggestions or advice?
or 3 either side in the door shuts, the handbrake Gareth I could have done with a little more info here,
fittings. You will need to pop the heater controls but I’ll cover all the variables.
off, and fiddle all the wires off if you are taking it You are wise not going the land rover Defender OK, does “not starting” mean the starter does
right out. But do remember to note where all the route, I doubt this would work, as for a start not crank the engine? Or, it does crank but fails
wires go back when you come to refit! glass doesn’t tend to bend too well! The following to fire? If so, Could be either lack of spark or a
company will supply just what you need, they flooding problem.
Split Steering Column supply bespoke sunroofs for VW beetles and Type Does it have standard points/condenser ignition
Dear Bus Doctor, 2 transporters, and the best part is they will make or electronic variety?Do the OIL/GEN lights come
I was wondering if you would know the one to fit your exact hole. on when key is first turned? If you can round up a
diameter of the inner steering shift on a split The company is ‘Paris Beetles’ Tel: mate when it acts up, pull the HT lead out of the
screen steering column. A beetle one is 19mm 01277823365, email info@parisbeetles.co.uk distributor cap and place near some metal. Crank
I was wondering if it was the same and I could engine and see if there is spark. It should jump a
just use that? Warning Lights 10mm gap with a sharp snap.
Alex Dear Bus Doc, You can do this same test single handed by
After fumbling around behind the dash I have turning the engine by hand (key On).
No it’s not. Split screen diameter is 21.9mm. So caused problems! I have lost the battery and If it’s flooding, is it possible on your bus to look
you need to get a Split one, try VW Heritage or oil warning lights, they don’t come on with the down into the carb? If so, have a look right after
Auto Craft. ignition, the bus starts and is charging. The shutting off. Use a bright torch and see if there is
oil sender is working as I also have a pressure any fuel dripping from anything inside the throat.
gauge. The indicator flashers work still. I The same for outside the carb. Great clouds of
Replacing Sunroof have removed the ignition switch and found a white smoke from the carb are a tipoff, too.
Dear Bus Doctor, small black wire (live when ignition on) that is
I am in the process of renovating a 1973, Type loose. Looking on Vintage for wiring diagrams,
2, bay window.It has a Britax Sun Roof. I have it shows a wire from the ignition going to
removed this during the renovation.The sun the speedo binnacle, apparently connected
roof is 30 years old and I am unable to obtain to the battery light. Looking at the speedo
BUS DOCTOR
22 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Camper mail is sponsored by JustKampers,
Mystery Object Well I have never seen anything like this, nor
Lette have the vintage VW buffs and gurus I have spoken
Hi Dave of ther to! Produktionsleiter Huland refers to Karl Huland,
Mon
I have met you at various events (last time at
Winnteh the German Production Manager and being dated
Vicky farm). Not that you would remember but r 1946 places it during the very early days of the
I am looking for a bit of info for a friend that Wolfsburg factory under the control of REME and
was given a VW piece that I think is quite rare. Colonel Charles Radclyffe, Major Ivan Hirst and
It’s not a car or bus but a 11cm high VW production souvenir, I think Colonel Michael McEvoy, who led the deployment
it was presented to the team that helped get VW up and running team sent by the British Military to commandeer
after the war. It’s made from turned wood and stainless steel topped and oversee operations at the Volkswagenwerk KdF
with a Beetle model and the collar is engraved with ‘Capt. H J Weeks factory after the end of the war. I can find no info
v. Produktionsleiter Huland. 1946.’ I asked around at Busfest, all the on Capt Weeks other than he was also a member
VW guru’s I know and more than suggested I ask you. of the 1945-48 British “Board of Control” in the
Searching the internet I have found one that sold by Bonhams for VW factory; Capt Bryce (the name engraved on
£1750 that is identical but engraved with Capt Bryce, so they must the Bonhams example) was responsible for quality
be rare but I am not even sure if it serves a purpose. It looks like a control at the Wolfsburg Factory so presumably Capt Weeks had a
bottle stopper but the bottom of the piece is oval not round, so would similar key role in overseeing production. It is believed that Bryce,
not fit a bottle. Have you ever seen one of these? Any info would be Hirst, Radclyffe and McEvoy (and Capt Weeks) were each presented
great! with such a souvenir by Herr Huland as thanks for their work in kick-
Cheers starting production and building the workforce. It is not a functional
piece, merely a commemorative display piece and as you say, very, very
Jay Skuce rare and valuable!
Achtung Achtung
Hi Dave
Thought you might like this picture of a police bay, now owned
by the VW Oldtimer museum. Apparently it was originally
commissioned by the Hamburg Riot Police and has a speaker bank
mounted on the roof, presumably for crowd control. Cool eh? It
would make a great mobile disco!
Jimmy James
Gardener’s Delight
Hello David
I spotted these two
working Double
Cabs in the town
where I live in
Germany – both are
still being used for
garden work. The
green T4 Doka is
owned by a private
contractor, whilst
the special body
orange T5 Doka is
owned by the town council parks and recreation department for
transporting garden machinery and is very secure.
I wish all the VW Camper team the best for 2017
Hubert
CAMPER MAIL
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 25
How To
Fit a fuel injection conversion kit
Tools
Needed
Part Two: In the second and last part of our guide Difficu
lty
QAllen key tool: Rating
5mm
QFeeler gauges
to converting an air-cooled Type 1 engine to fuel
QScrewdrivers
QSpanners/
injection, we show how to fit the remaining parts in
sockets: 10-32mm
QTorque wrench the kit from Specialist Components.
Thanks to WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB HAWKINS
Specialist
Components
01953 859785
www.specialist-
components.co.uk n the last issue of VWCC, we showed how to We’ve been testing this fuel injection conversion for
Air-cooled fuel
injection
conversion kit from
£1700+VAT
(£2040)
I remove the old carburettor, coil, distributor,
fuel pump and crankshaft pulley from a
Bay Window’s 1600 air-cooled engine in
preparation for fitting a fuel injection conversion kit from
several months, travelling as far as Holland and covering
over 1,000 miles to date. So far, we haven’t found any
problems. Fuel consumption has improved by around 10%
at cruising speeds of 50-60mph, requiring less pressure
Specialist Components. This month, we’re finishing off on the throttle pedal as well. The engine is smoother, feels
by fitting the parts from the kit, which include a single easier to accelerate and more responsive, especially when
throttle body with two injectors, an ECU, fuel pump and driving up hills. Starting the engine from cold requires you
swirl pot. to wait a few seconds to allow the fuel pump to tickover
One potential problem that can arise with this fuel and prime the system, then the engine fires into life after a
injection conversion concerns the fitting of a fuel return few turns.
pipe. This is essential for a fuel injection system, but not This fuel injection conversion is a step in the right
required for carburettors. Unused fuel has to be fed back direction for classic air-cooled engines, especially if
into the petrol tank. On a Bus, this can be done via the fuel you want to spend less time servicing the engine. Plus,
filler pipe. On some Buses, there’s a circular access panel it introduces a whole new world of computer based
to the pipe, whereas on others, the engine will have to be diagnostics and engine monitoring, which can usually be
removed to be able to fit a fuel return pipe. better understood by your children or grandchildren.
HOW TO
26 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
1 2
3 4
5 6
Assemble a crankshaft position sensor and short alloy mounting Fit a rectangular shaped alloy mounting block onto the fan housing
plate, then fit them onto the fuel pump blanking plate that was fitted (where the ignition coil was fitted) with two Allen key bolts. Secure the
last month. new Ford coil pack to the alloy mounting block using four Allen key
Use a set of feeler gauges to measure the gap between the base of bolts, supplied in the kit. New HT leads are included in the kit. Fit them
the crankshaft position sensor and the outer edge of a crankshaft as follows:-
pulley tooth. The gap should be between 0.8mm and 1mm. If it’s not, Cylinder number 1: Top right on coil pack
remove the mounting plate, detach the sensor, turn the plate upside Cylinder number 2: Top left
down and assemble and fit it again (it can be fitted two ways, allowing Cylinder number 3: Bottom right
it to be positioned closer or further from the crankshaft pulley). Cylinder number 4: Bottom left
Check the position of the teeth on the crankshaft pulley with Secure the throttle body assembly to the top of the inlet manifold
the engine set to TDC for piston number one. The ninth tooth with two bolts and washers and a new gasket. A new throttle cable is
past the missing tooth (turning the pulley clockwise) should be supplied in the kit, which needs to be fitted underneath the vehicle and
below the crank position sensor at 12 o’clock (the gap will be at 3 routed to the left of the engine.
o’clock). If it isn’t, loosen the pulley’s Allen key bolts and adjust it. A new oil temperature sensor has to be fitted, which uses the original
Tighten the crankshaft pulley’s centre bolt to 45Nm, or whatever is oil pressure switch mounting on the engine. An adaptor and new sensor
recommended in your workshop manual. are supplied in the kit.
HOW TO
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 27
7 8
9 10
11 12
A new fuel filler pipe is supplied in the kit, which includes a return Switch on the ignition and listen for the fuel pump ticking over
feed hose. If your vehicle has a round access panel for the fuel filler (priming). Start the engine. If it won’t fire, check all fuel pipes and
pipe, detach the old pipe and fit the new one. Otherwise, the engine wiring connector plugs are secure. Also, measure the gap between the
may need to be removed to access the petrol tank filler pipe. crank sensor and pulley (0.8-1mm).
Secure the stainless steel panel inside the engine bay with two alloy A laptop or PC running Microsoft Windows XP-10 can be connected
spacers and also to the engine lid’s latch panel. Fit the swirl pot, ECU to the ECU to change settings and diagnose fault codes. Download the
and fuel pump to the new panel. SXTune software from Specialists Components’ website and install it
Route the original fuel hose from the petrol tank via an inline fuel on a laptop or PC. Connect the computer to the ECU using the USB/
filter to the new fuel pump. Fit a short fuel hose between the fuel serial lead supplied in the kit. Run the SXTune program, switch on
pump and the bottom connector on the swirl pot. Connect the fuel the Bus’s ignition and see if the software connects to the ECU (you
hoses to the swirl pot and throttle body (diagrams supplied in the kit). may need to click on a button in the top left corner of the screen).
A wiring harness is supplied in the kit with all of the required Once recognised, the engine can be run to monitor its readings live,
connector plugs, so connect these to the throttle body, injectors, crank such as oil temperature, rpm, battery voltage, spark advance and air
position sensor, oil temperature sender and battery (positive and temperature. Rev limits can be set and data collected concerning engine
negative terminals). revs and time (useful for seeing if the engine is regularly run at high
revs). The engine can also be set to limp mode if the oil gets too hot.
HOW TO
28 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
SHOWS
LE MANS
Le Mans Super
VW Show
This year was the third for the Super VW show and it looked to be better
than before, following the race circuit show approach that is done so
well by our friends in Belgium and France.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE WARREN
L
ike most continental
shows the event follows
the standard of arrive on
Thursday - Friday and the
show takes place on the weekend.
Ahead of us was a jammed pack
weekend with track action and
events weekend going on from start
to finish. It was my first year of
attending, in previous years I had
just not been able to make it due to
show commitment in the UK. The
drive to Le Mans is approx two and a
half hours from Calais and as always
is a pleasure on the less congested
roads of France.
Early Friday and a steady stream
of VW cars and buses have been
arriving for the chance to claim that
special spot amongst the trees, only a
stone’s throw away from the circuit.
In between intermittent showers The highlight of the Show is the cruise around
tents and awnings are erected and it
is a time to meet and greet and say
the track and to be honest who would not want
hello to friends old and new. to miss the chance of driving around one of the
The show opened to glorious
sunshine on the Saturday morning
world’s most famous race tracks!
with traders a lot nearer to the main
1: The holding area
stand than last year. The carparks more old school original cars driven prior to getting on happening on the track. In between
adjoining the track begin to fill with to the shows. We all like the modern the track the drag racing demos which take
classic air cooled Volkswagens of all luxury that is given to us by driving 2: Very cool part all day is a display from the one
signwritten panel van
styles, shapes and models, the line a T4/T5 (I know this too well as with cyclops light
and only Beetle drifting champion
ups make great photos so even if you I have just become the owner of a 3: The normal kind
Bastouil, the man who eats tyres
just have a phone on you get down T5) but to see one line up and then of Le Mans vehicles! for breakfast, watch as he only just
low and take a line up shot. The another and another of classic air 4: Pick Up or people misses the bollards while drifting,
scene in France is more based on the cooled VW’s still takes my breath carrier? hand brake turns and spins the
efforts of the Type 1 with Ghias and away and is exactly the reason I 5: Andybugs checks beetle from side to side at high
all forms of variants on show, for the got into the VW scene 15 years ago. out the Formula speed. The action continued on the
Veetrack cars
buggy lovers there are always some The trade area was well attended track in front of the main stand with
more extreme body modifications on with some great parts suppliers 6: Burn that rubber! the guys from the stunt bike team
show and even with the road checks from around Europe, with many a 7: Hang loose!
carrying out doughnuts and front
a lot tougher they still manage to NOS and rare part on offer it was a braking wheelies, stopping at speed
drive some radical and stunning great show to find that sought after and within inches of each other.
rides. Unlike the UK you do see a part. After a bit of early shopping The highlight of the Show is the
lot more original classic Beetles it is a good idea to head over to the cruise around the track and to be
at shows and in fact just generally main grand stand to watch what is honest who would not want to miss
SHOWS
30 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
1 2
7
SHOWS
LE MANS
the chance of driving around one of musical talents of High Voltage who
the world’s most famous race tracks! performed the hits of AC/DC on the
All air-cooled VW’s were welcome main stage followed by the DJ talents
to take part and the lineup took a of The Kweenony (DJ Bus).
lot of well planned organisation to With the BMX ramps and the two
get all involved on the track and off-road courses on offer plus the DD
safely around the circuit; from start Cup and Formula Veetrack action
to finish it took 25 minutes to get (the very first racing that got the
everyone from their holding area great Nikki Lauda into the racing
to driving around the track. On scene based on a pre-1963 Beetle
every bend and corner people were utilizing a collection of the stock
9
stopping for photo opportunities and parts to form a competitive race car
to watch the remaining participants around a purpose-built tube frame)
8: Show n shine
drive past. People were sat on roof the intention of this class is for the winners – check out year’s show it’s one to look at next
racks and hanging out of side doors average person to build and maintain that T2 Ladder truck! year and make a note in your diary.
of their campers, water pistols at the car. Sunday as always is the day 9:Buggies, Buses The Talents of Florian Bompass
the ready to soak passers by. The for the Show and shine with a Top 15 and Beetles and Enzo Laplacette certainly pulled
allocated time for the circuit cruise is being awarded to the best in show, 10: Part of the trade of an amazing event and I look
never long enough but who can deny the decision was hard as the quality area forward to attending the spectacle
the fun of being with friends on the was amazing with such a great of 11: Ready, set, go!
that is the The Super VW Festival
great Le Mans race track? classic VWs on display, so being a next year to enjoy the track action of
With the track action all over and judge at these events is not as easy Le Mans without the endurance of
completed the attention turned to the as you first think. If you missed this the 24hr race.
10 11
SHOWS
32 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
SHOWS
IAA HANOVER
IAA-NutzFahrzeuge
–Hannover 2016
The Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA - International Automobile
Exhibition), is the world’s largest motor show dating back to 1897.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: THEO MOSMAN (THE NETHERLANDS)
E
very two years, at the end the Crafter inherits the title from last
of September, there is THE year’s winner - the VW Transporter
transport exhibition of Europe, T6. Pre-sales of the new Crafter have
the IAA-Nutzfahrzeuge in already started; delivery is expected
Hannover Germany. All truck and van from early 2017.
builders (as well as everything else that The new Crafter will be available in
is related to on- and off-road-transport) great variety of models. Long, short,
make their appearance. It is a huge low, high, paneled and pick-up, as well
eight day event and a one day visit is as people carrier. A world premiere
practically not enough to get a detailed and trending vehicle on the VW stand
impression. was the E-Crafter, which is a fully
A couple of car brands were not electrical vehicle and has a range of
only making their appearance, they approx. 200 kilometers (approx. 150
were making a statement. Especially miles) per battery charge. This makes
the German brands which have huge it highly suitable for city distribution.
budgets to convince both amateur The E-Crafter is officially a prototype,
and professional visitors to the IAA but it will be on sales from the second
about their capabilities and the half of 2017. The complete Crafter
quality of their product. You will range will be built in the brand-new
1
not be surprised if I tell you that the VW factory in Poland.
theme of the exhibition this year is A very prominent model at the IAA
1: The new Crafter
environmentally orientated. Not only was the VW Transporter T6. It was was awarded Van of a couple of these trucks which, due to
Volkswagen has something to prove, present in many shapes and sizes and the Year 2017 rules and regulations, are not allowed
but every self respecting brand has a favourite of lots of coachbuilders 2: The E – Crafter on the European roads. They are
is expected to start
electrically driven transport solutions too. What surprised me was the production in late
impressive trucks, bud Volkswagen
in their product range. Here in variety twin rear axled T6’s for 2017 actually don’t need these for Europe.
Hannover the future was on display. different transport solutions. Unlike 3: Yellow and White There is the close relation with MAN
Generation Six
Volkswagen had a combined stand many brands Volkswagen chose to to fill in this gap. Speaking of MAN,
Caravelle special
with sister company MAN. Together present their models in a variety of edition they had their own World premiere
they filled up a complete hall with colours, including the new tone tone 4: The VW on show. A Crafter-clone named
future, present and past vehicles. combinations. Constellation is built MAN-TGE. It is for 99% the same as
in Brazil
There was also an enormous outdoor Volkswagen’s pride in its heritage the new Crafter, it only had a nose job.
5: VW Oldtimer
display of VW vehicles. In total, and tradition could be seen by the Museum’s 1967 Apparently MAN customers are in
Volkswagen showed 68 brand new number of classic vehicles from their Firetruck need of a MAN “Crafter” because of
commercial vehicles (and a couple of Museum on show. Alongside the new 6: Twin axle T6 car the 24 hour service they expect from
transporter complete
campervans) in great variety. Crafter was an eye caching LT45 their dealer.
with T1 Samba
This year there was a lot of 4x4 double cab showing off VW’s All in all, Volkswagen showed the
7: T6 special bodies
attention for the recently introduced Doka DNA. They also brought a T1 including a tipper truck world their vision on the future and a
new VW Crafter. On the first day of Samba, a T1 firetruck and a T2b food and this twin rear axle variety of Commercial Vehicles and
Pick Up capable of
the exhibition the Volkswagen Crafter & drink Panel van. These classics were carrying heavy plant. Camping Cars. Although lots of us are
was rewarded by a professional jury definite crowd pleasers. 8: LT45 4WD Doka still hanging around in the air-cooled
“International Van of the Year 2017”. Volkswagen’s Latin American 9: Bay Commercial
days, it really looks like the future will
This is a prestigious prize in a highly truck models were on show such as Heritage - T2b Coca be electric. I wonder if these electric
Cola Delivery Van
competitive and innovative market the Brazilian built VW Constellation vehicles bring as much enthusiasm in
and therefore a big honour and a truck capable of carrying up to 45 tons 50 years’ time as the air-cooled ones
great marketing tool. Interestingly of payload. On the IAA they showed do nowadays?
SHOWS
34 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
3 4
9
SHOWS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 35
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
Sound and
Vision
With rugged looks, a flexible interior and
showcasing the latest in Pioneer’s in car audio
technology, Rolling Homes’ T6 Weekender is
both stylish and practical.
WORDS: JARKLE PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS WALLBANK
The weekender
is equally at home
audio experts, to commission a van this understated but very cool Candy in a forest or urban
of its own, one that would act as a White T6 featured here. street setting
showcase for its products and their The model chosen to work from
amazing functions. The catch? It is Rolling Homes’ Weekender – a
had to be designed, devised and conversion optimised for occasional
built in time for the Motorhome and weekend use; able to sleep four, it
Caravan Show at the NEC on 11th of sports all the mod-cons with its
October, a hard and fast deadline a removable kitchen pod to maximize
mere handful of weeks away. flexibility.
Pioneer realised that it would With top quality audio sound
have to turn to a specialist if it was being a vital component of the bus,
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
36 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Ben Cooper, founder of Rolling front bulkhead backwards, and the
Homes and a master craftsman under floor area, the latter so thick
with an impressive CV of stunning that the floor itself now sits a good
hard wood camper interiors inch higher than VW intended.
backing him up, set to work with The full list of insulating products
his father, beginning by treating fitted runs to BitFlex damping pads,
the newly disassembled van to a GlassMAT, Hydroweld material and
comprehensive insulation session. sheep’s wool, a material that Ben
Ben admits that this aspect of has nothing but praise for. “It’s a
the build was the most time completely natural fibre so it’s far
consuming, largely as the team nicer to work with than made made
really did pull out all the stops to alternatives, and it does a fantastic
ensure that the completed van job at insulating campers, absorbing
would sound supreme, so much moisture and condensation, then
so that completing the task took slowly releasing it throughout
two trained fabricators a full 4 the day.” The interior conversion
days of solid graft! Every inch of features a fully tested RIB rear seat
the van’s living areas has been bed, full Napa leather seating with
treated, with five distinct forms of white stitching, removable 2-way
insulation covering the inner walls fridge, hob and grill, driver and
leading right up to the roof, the passenger swivel seats, 120 amp
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 37
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
38 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
With top quality audio sound being
a vital component of the bus,
work started by treating the newly
disassembled van to a comprehensive
insulation session.
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 39
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
2017 T6 WEEKENDER
40 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
TRAVEL
SOUTH AMERICA
TO
of the World
O
THE EN
D
RL
D
OF O
THE W
Did you ever experience turning the steering wheel but nothing
much happens?
WORDS: SOPHIE KÜNZLE PHOTOGRAPHY: MUNDO BABUSHKA TEAM
Floating ice on
Above us soared huge
W
ell - when we arrived in Punta Arenas,
Lake Grey
our first destination in Chile, the steering
wheel started to react with a long, scary condors, we saw herds of
delay.
The diagnosis was that the chassis was cracked close
guanacos, we spotted a grey
to the steering wheel box. This seemed to be a pretty fox and discovered many
big deal, but once again Babushka’s good vibe brought
a solution. A camper van loving blacksmith fixed our
plants we had never seen
problem by robustly welding the chassis together. We before
knew that this wasn’t going to be a long term solution,
but we were hoping that it would get us at least back to
Buenos Aires. When we were trying to pay for his work,
our new Chilean friend exclaimed: “Oh no, no! I could rewarded at every turn, and with each gain in elevation
never charge a camper van!” With a big thank you we left, with incredible views of the bold, uniquely two-coloured
and headed towards our next destination, the national mountains. And there was lots of wildlife: above us
park Torres del Paine, the southern jewel of Chile soared huge condors, we saw herds of guanacos, we
This UNESCO biosphere reserve with its extraordinary, spotted a grey fox and discovered many plants we had
dramatic natural beauty, was simply stunning. For four never seen before.
magical days, we hiked almost 50 km, heavily loaded From the “Mirador”, a view point just an hour and
with food and camping equipment. Our effort was a half hike above the Italian camp, we heard sudden
TRAVEL
42 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Glacier
thunder that almost made our blood freeze. The Perito Moreno
tremendous roaring was caused by big chunks of ice in Calafate
breaking off the glacier and tumbling down to the valley. Tasting coffee
Or if you prefer the interpretation of the Kawésqar tribe, at a fisherman’s
place in
it‘s the roar of “Mwomo“, the spirit of noise. From there Florianopollis
we crossed the border to Argentina to visit Los Glaciares
National Park, another UNESCO world heritage. By View of
the imposing
presenting our project “Mundo Babushka” we gained free Iguazu Falls
entrance and saw the imposing Perito Moreno glacier
Gaucho with
as well as the Ice Museum, which helped us understand style, rodeo in
fascinating facts about the glaciers of Patagonia. El Chaltén
On the way to El Chaltén, we stopped for a hitchhiking
gaucho a few kilometres away from town. He was so
very happy to make it in time to the traditional rodeo
competition, called “jinteada“, that he invited us to
assist him in the event. We had a great time watching
young and old gauchos trying to stay for 8 seconds
on the back of a not yet broken in horse, while the
musicians improvised and sang the commentary as they
were watching it. The next day we started the first hike
through the forest in spectacular autumn colours to a
milky-turquoise lagoon. The last trek finally got us the
TRAVEL
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 43
TRAVEL
SOUTH AMERICA
With the bus finally repaired we left as winter The tremendous roaring was caused
approached, driving up north to Iguazu, hoping to escape
the cold and find the sun. Unfortunately, we didn’t get so by big chunks of ice breaking off
lucky, because although the temperatures did rise, we got
into heavy tropical rain and had to wait for several days
the glacier and tumbling down to
for it to stop. As soon as the sun was out again, we visited the valley
“Guira Oga” a shelter for wild animals whose mission is
to rescue the maltreated and injured animals taken from
illegal traffickers, to treat and look after them until they
could be returned to their native wild habitat.
Later that day we got lucky: We could assist with the
organization of a free concert at the International
Convention of Youth Orchestras. It was a great event
and I especially liked the Swiss big band featuring some
impressive soloists. For the grand finale, we visited
the famous Iguazu Falls the next day. It was a truly
unforgettable experience to feel nature’s strength and
witness its majestic beauty! Imagine - more than 275 falls
are forming the one spectacular waterfall!
On yet another sunny day we crossed into Brazil,
heading south to visit a Swiss friend who lived in Puerto
Alegre. The next day we arrived in the capital of Rio
Grande do Sul. Walking around in the city, we found
a nice little bar where we ended up spending a most
terrific night. It just so happened that the waiter was a
passionate blues guitarist, and in a very Brazilian way, he
just skipped working - his boss didn’t seem to mind - to
play together with Luis one wonderful blues rhythm
Last fine
tuning before after another, entertaining all in the bar, all night long.
performing There couldn’t have been a better occasion to enjoy the
with the
band Melange
authentic national drink, so the caipirinhas flowed like
de Culture a river.
After the big city we felt ready for some sunbathing
View of the
coastline on a hike on the beach, so we headed to the north-east towards
in Florianopolis the peninsula Florianapolis. Unfortunately we arrived
Fishermen there smack in the middle of the rainy season with severe
preparing the flooding in the region. Imagine a week and a half with
nets at Jabaquara
beach tropical rain! Sometimes it was hard to keep our spirits
up, but we managed OK by filling our time trying to
Waterfall
in Paraty
snow-board on the sand dunes, cooking delicious meals
with the local fish tainha, or walking along the beautiful
coastline.
During one of these walks we met a local fisherman
living in a simple, but spectacularly located house near
the seashore. With a friendly smile on his old weather
beaten face, he invited us to a super strong and extremely
sweet coffee. Because he spoke in a unusual dialect we
TRAVEL
44 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
The ship I
didn’t understand much of what he said, but we worked on as a town Paraty, beautifully located between green hills and
laughed a lot together, before continuing our walk with photographer tropical waters.After six nomadic years it was good to
renewed energy. One of many
have a place to call home for a while. We rented a place
When the sun was finally out again, we moved from the great subjects just two blocks away from the beach and we both soon
village «Barra da Lagoa» to the beach «Jabaquara». That’s while working as worked as photographers on the tourist boats that offered
a photographer
where we met Simba, a typical Brazilian Rasta-man who for tourists - cruises around the 100 islands situated in the bay
rented us a lot in his eco campsite. It was just the best of Paraty.
Babushka back
thing that could happen to us because we enjoyed the on the beach The most important things are: finding friendships
first hot shower in a while, and also met a young fellow of Trinidad that last for more than a day, or putting a seed in the soil
street artist. As we were on the same mission, we decided View from Pico and watching it grow. For Luis it’s the perfect place for a
to join forces and our performance skills, and created a de Mamangua wider musical exchange, because culture and live music
whole new street variety show with joyous music and a is very much valorizado in Paraty
vibrant circus performance.
Accompanied with a tiny little headache, we left the
next day in direction Blumenau, a historic town that
was originally founded as a German colony. Its German
architecture first seemed totally out of place, but the
small, quaint Beer Museum and the convincing beer
degustation made the visit totally worth it.
Next, we visited the nearby town Brusque, where we
reunited with Luis’ swing band “Melange de Culture” to
play and perform together at a small festival.
Together with the hippie girl Eloa, whom we met at
the festival, we went to visit her hometown Curitiba.
Her family generously welcomed us to their home, and
with their directions we explored the best parts of this
city. After spending two very interesting days in Curitiba,
we drove to our, for now, final destination: The colonial
TRAVEL
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 45
Brochure Line Origin
VW sal al
The oldest survivor! literatu es
re
This month, a barn-door bonanza, with a brochure offering
40 photos and counting.
WORDS: RICHARD COPPING
BROCHURE LINE
46 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
so well. Imanuel Laukhuf, an
agricultural engineer, was delighted
that his 14-year old van was robust
enough to drive over the fields,
while Karl Besch could boast that
his van had cost him no more than
80 pfennigs (over and above routine
servicing) and that was for nothing
more serious than a throttle cable.
Walter Engelhardt was surprised
that his old van kept on running. Frau
Merkwitz said her Kombi, which
carried the chassis number 20-00361,
was essentially a family member.
Top left:
The owner was
surprised that his
14 year old van
was still on the
road
Top right:
358,000km for
this 14 year old
Above left The format was the same
In action since throughout. A phrase, or sentence,
August 1950 -
note the front that would make a potential owner
panel ‘bash’ think the VW was something
Above right: special, at least a couple of
Market gardener
and a youngster thumbnail shots and a main (full
at 13 years 11 page) image either illustrating the
months
van in action, or a more arty shot
Right: depicting it in its home setting.
The plumber’s
mate, aged 14 Finally, assuming you can get your
years and 3 hands on this little masterpiece, how
months
much is likely to cost? Well, my copy
is pristine and was bought where
people know exactly what ancient
literature is worth. I paid a measly
36 Euros in April 2015, but would
expect to cash it in for more if I was
to sell, which I am not. Who said
rare and exciting brochure collecting
was an expensive hobby!
BROCHURE LINE
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 47
THE BAREFOOT CHEF
VW RABBIT!
O
OD
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DAVE RICHARDS
BAR
A bit about EFO
the chef OT
SINCE
2009
N
The ‘Barefoot
O
Chef’ started life PO !
as a photography N CIN ESS
project, which
went on to spawn
a number of
comedy cookery
videos on Youtube.
Before this
column, Dave was
involved with a
cookery spot on
local radio until he
made squirrel stew
and was never
invited back!
I
’ve been inspired for years by to pack my under-clackers in the And then my businessman brother
Colin Chapman’s philosophy small, top mounted headbanger turns up with tales of a colleague
of ‘simplify, then add lightness’ locker and it worked well. Suddenly, who can do an overnighter with just
in order to make the bay of I could simply sit up and lay my a change of shirt packed into an A4
lasting joy perform just that little hands on my intimate apparel, slip envelope in his briefcase...
bit better. The latest challenge turns ‘em on and leap out of bed, ready to If you bump into me over the
my attention to clothing. For many face the world. ...Or make coffee. summer and I look like I’ve spent
years, we’ve stuck with tradition in Flushed by success, I have the weekend sleeping in a hedge,
our Devon and the fair lady barefoot already bagged up the other stuff then perhaps things aren’t going
and I have both shared the large in the top cupboard; essentially tea exactly as planned.
rear cupboard as was intended and towels and toilet rolls and stuck As I say, we’ll see...
have used it as a wardrobe. This has them in a corner of the wardrobe
lead to me struggling to find any which appears to provide me with VW RABBIT!
of the few garments I have packed exclusive use of the headbanger This is ideal for those evenings
amongst the plethora of clobber and I will hopefully be able to find when you’re forced into your bus
that the woman seems obliged to everything I want whenever I early because of a bit of adverse
bring with her. Towards the end need it. weather. You know how it is;
of last season however, I started We’ll see... blowing a gale outside and one
At this, essentially early stage retires with an elegant glass of red...
in the game, I have been folding But then one fancies a bit of
up garments like T shirts, jumpers something to eat. For years we’ve
and trousers and then rolling been rattling up a bit of cheese on
them up tightly and securing them toast. Bread, a sliced cob, anything
with masking tape. I’ve managed would do, and it did. There’s
jeans, jumper, five T shirts and always cheese and there’s always
five gentleman’s undergarments. something to put it on. Welsh
This should enable me to pack rarebit is a nice idea, but it’s really
everything very neatly in to a only posh cheese on toast. And it’s
comparatively small space, and a lot of effort for what it is. VW
the clothes should emerge only Rabbit on the other hand is the
minimally creased. work of a moment.
METHOD
The grill on the old Fellows stove is
an acquired skill. Use it like any grill
you’ve ever used before in your life
and you’ll be able to burn impressive
looking stripes into anything you
put under it. But by lighting it on
maximum for about three or four
minutes and then turning it down to
the simmer setting and turning over
the grill rack to it’s lowest position,
you’ll have a tool you can use.
This is bob easy. Toast the bread on bag will happily last a full season and
both sides, spread with the onion cover with a slice or two of cheese. Go on, chuck some walnuts & onion marmalade into
Marmalade, this stuff lasts for years Stick it back under the grill until the your bus this week while you think about it. They’ll still
if unopened. Sprinkle over some cheese is nicely melted, bubbling be there one chilly summer evening when you fancy a
broken walnuts. Again if unopened, a and beginning to brown. bit of a snack.
Work in
progress
Barry Teachen is a salesman with the gift of
the gab. His enthusiasm is unbounded - watch
how he sells his ever-evolving T3 to us all.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD COPPING
Uncluttered
he T3 before you is ...and on it goes. and practical ... the
A splattering
of black contrasts
nicely with the hot,
isn’t one. Then there’s the paint, the pictures were taken it won’t look fire-red paint
a fiery orangey red, a mixing the same, and undoubtedly a further
That’s not
unknown on the VW palette. Search six months hence, something else standard T3 ...
hard - Barry knows where - and will have happened. Barry has created a
little more storage
you will find more than a brush- Question then, how did the space
full of Savannah Beige, a metallic youthful Ford Capri 1600 GT Mk1
Three-speed
Caravelle colour of the latter part of and Escort XR2i owner and a little
auto-box shifter
the 1980s. Delve beneath a surface later the 250 Yamahas wild-man
skim and you might spot a smidgen of Lancashire, complete with road
of Golf Cabrio ancestry and, shock racing trophies to his name, end
horror, parts purloined from a Land up on the VW trail? Well, one
Rover; then eyeball that interior temptation towards Wolfsburg, if
which never graced a VW Camper not Hanover, was in the direction
conversion company’s showroom of a lowered Mars Red, big bumper
Half the fun of owning a Bus like Barry and his wife
Gill’s is planning how it should evolve
1987 CUSTOM T3
50 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Mk2 GTI, but ‘normal’ sedate family
cars as the kids grew up put paid to
that. Enter the brother-in-law with
a Camper hire business that drove
all the way to the far-distant Isle
of Harris in a Bay for a holiday ... a
seed was sewn!
Then fast-forward to the Barry’s
first business call on Toby of
Preston-based T4Life, the Camper
conversion company. Barry was
hooked by his own enthusiasm
and ended up buying a white-van-
man panel van, which he lowered
and adorned with Audi alloys.
However, for once he had sold
himself something he soon knew
wasn’t quite right, neither in terms
of performance, nor in its dark and
enclosed interior.
Shifted at a snap of the fingers,
next came a T5 Shuttle via eBay,
but with a locally based vendor.
1987 CUSTOM T3
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 51
1987 CUSTOM T3
1987 CUSTOM T3
52 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Tatton Park VW show dedicated As Barry set about working up
to vehicles for sale. The year was an initial list of the changes and
2013, the vehicle that caught his improvements he wanted to make,
eye was the T3 he owns now and it he booked the van in at Autosave
was domiciled only 20 miles or so (Bamber Bridge), where Jake and
from his home. A cash deposit and a Mark fitted new ‘lifted’ suspension.
The ‘syncro
doppelgänger’ handshake clinched the deal. Now came the opportunity to give
... looks the part What Barry and Gill parked on the Camper a syncro look, although
doesn’t it?
their drive was a relatively recently genuine VW flared arches would
Friend and restored, lightly customised, T3 have cost an arm and several legs.
former boss,
of ’87 vintage. The near inevitable With eBay to the rescue, the result
Nick created the
single burner and seam work accomplished, a new ‘works well’, as do the lookalike
ensured water tailgate fitted and a ‘very expensive’ decals. Tinted headlights from a Mk1
could be pumped
to the sink via a bare-metal re-spray gleaming in the Golf Cabrio, a smattering of matt
leisure battery sunlight, were its big plus points, black vinyl and those Empi 5 wheels
Those wheel as was a virtually brand new 2.1 work a treat. Amazingly, they’d sat
arch trims, decals DJ engine courtesy of Vege, whilst on a Bay in someone’s garden for 15
and the vehicle’s
general stance
a vehicle that had been lowered years ... Barry’s old boss and friend
suggest syncro by 60ml and fitted with Porsche Nick tipped the wink.
grip, don’t they Boxster alloy wheels proved to be the Turning to the interior, Barry
Vege 2.1 litre DJ negatives. Barry soon discovered that ripped out the rather sad offering
engine and could one, for when loaded for camping, before him, painted and under-
that be a hint of
Savannah Beige the wheels scoured the tubs! sealed everything he could,
paintwork?
Delve beneath a surface skim and you
might spot a smidgen of Golf Cabrio
ancestry and, shock horror, parts
purloined from a Land Rover
1987 CUSTOM T3
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 53
1987 CUSTOM T3
The ARB
handmade new panels out of re-trim at least part of the interior, awning ensures
doesn’t matter, it would if Gill’s
hardboard and covered them with there’s talk of making an overhead that when in use 180PS Skoda with seven speed
vinyl, while Nick re-wired the van there’s room DSG dragged its heels and the
cupboard (or two) and just possibly
of marquee
with considerable skill. Amazingly, another engine might be on the proportions same would be true if Barry’s latest
the practical corner unit is made horizon. Amazingly, already this is company vehicle, a Caddy similarly
With a little help
out of nothing more than a couple the longest Barry has kept a vehicle from IKEA, Barry ennobled with the latest take on the
of IKEA shoe-racks, again courtesy … the prospect of an impending MoT has the ‘kitchen’ auto story, held fire, but not with a
unit he wants
of Nick. Getting water to the sink and there has always been new fish T3. Here’s the salesman ... ‘what can
is achieved courtesy of a leisure to fry, but not with what he calls his be better than driving along with the
battery (240v hook up), while Nick ‘addiction.’ window down watching the world
created the single burner Barry felt Finally, what is the most disliked go by, transported from the stresses
suited his needs. Out came the cab aspect of many a VW? You got it, of everyday living, looking about you
carpets in favour of more practical an auto-box. Guess what, Barry’s rather than simply hurtling to the
rubber, while the full width rock- syncro lookalike is an automatic destination. Yes, the Bus would sit
n-roll bed delights Barry, when he ... the type that offers a 0-60mph at 70mph happily, but it’s all about
recalls the cramped tussles of a sprint of several minutes. But that chill-out mood.’
three-quarter version with the T5.
To enhance the aesthetics there
are roof lights, a highly polished
wooden steering wheel and Gill’s
curtains and cushions. Barry worked
on the headlining, but has held fire
for a little as other excitement is
planned. The purchase of an ARB
awning from Campervan Culture,
complete with the full bedroom
that fits in it, ensures oodles of
stretching room, while, darting off at
a tangent, the standard and ‘useless’
door mirrors have been replaced
by Landrover Defender items, the With thanks to...
brackets, which fit in the same holes,
coming via Brick-yard.
Always eager to tell a new story, All the boys from Autosave ( Bamber Bridge )
courtesy of Mick at Northwest VW, The club 8090 forum for all their help
Mick and Bill from VWNW
Barry will have a Westfalia pop- And, of course, Gill and the kids for the
top in place ready for 2017. He’ll endless cups of tea and financial handouts
1987 CUSTOM T3
54 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
SHOWS
DUBS AT THE CASTLE
Storm the
Castle
One of the highlights on the VW scene: it’s time for this year’s
Dubs at the Castle
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKE
I
remember being quite excited
about going to my first Dubs at the
Castle show a few years ago now.
A VW show in the grounds of a
haunted castle - that sounded really
cool. And I wasn’t disappointed.
To be honest its still gotta be one of
the best locations for a show. Now,
having been a regular visitor for the
past couple of years, for 2016 it feels
like I’m coming home; not that I
actually live in a castle obviously.
As ever the event took place over
its usual mid-July long weekend -
this time the dates falling on July
15/16/17. As has become the norm
with this show, weekend camping
tickets (£26) were sold out well in
advance, 250 people were actually
allowed to camp from the Thursday
although you could still buy day
tickets for £10, or free if you were
under 16. And dogs, that essential Held in the grounds of a haunted castle, this has
part of any VW show, were also free.
So all roads led to Caldicot Castle,
got to be one of the best locations for a VW show.
which is in Wales, just over the
1: Soaking up the sun
border / Severn Bridge if you are with Wimbledon, any silly football on the showfield little as half the numbers that I’ve
driving from England. Support matches or a Grand Prix, so why did 2: Safaris and a witnessed in the busiest years, and
Cyclops light add
for the show this came from IRV’s it not seem as busy as in past years to period custom styling the same could be said for the air
Restos, Early Bay.Com, AutoCamp me ? To be honest it wasn’t just me to this Doka cooled and car Show & Shine field.
and AH Schofield. that noticed, a few traders I talked to 3: Check out that And even the day car park had a lot
stance!
There was a brief shower on the reckoned that footfall was down on more space in it than I remember
Saturday, but the forecast for the previous events. There was certainly 4: An intriguingly from other shows. The lack of
different take on a
weekend was pretty good (I was in a district lack of vans in the T4/T5 pop top roof numbers for Show & Shine might
shorts + T Shirt), and it didn’t clash Show & Shine displays, maybe as 5: Full length roof rack just have been an indication that for
and full on patina some reason more people this year
6: Bakewell the talking decided to just come to the show to
dragon – well we are
in Wales! enjoy it, which meant they left their
vans/awnings scattered around the
7: Crazy custom
Beetle pick up with camp sites rather than having to
tipping load bed
move them to put them on display.
One of the great things about this
show - from a photography point of
view - is that it gives you the chance
to climb up the tower in the castle
and get some great overhead shots of
1
the entire main Show & Shine / tent
SHOWS
56 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
2
4 5 6
SHOWS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 57
8
10
11
SHOWS
58 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
SHOWS
DUBS AT THE CASTLE
9: Double Door
camping
13
SHOWS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 59
CAMPER ARCHIVES:
THE HOLDSWORTH STORY
The Holdsworth
Story - Part 3
It was 1978 before Lucy had joined our ranks, she was almost
immediately put to work as a model in our brochures and was as pretty
as a picture – just like her mum!
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: RICHARD HOLDSWORTH
1: Another bright
It was 1978 before Lucy had joined
A
nother initiative was idea – Open
Weekends brought
Open Weekend; we
advertised it well and
customers en-
masse to the our ranks and almost immediately put
Holdsworth factory
my Press Releases
always earned excellent coverage.
and dealers sold
many vans.
to work as a model in our brochures
Journalists were kind to us. We and as pretty as a picture – just like her
invited representatives from our
best dealers to the Open Weekend mum!
– a new wave of dealers had come
into the market – we laid out the fire while a couple of ponies gave woodworking kept the community
factory for inspection, mowed kids a ride. Dare I say that Richard in work. We paid well and had no
the grass and hoped it wouldn’t Holdsworth Open Weekends were trouble in recruiting good men.
rain. We displayed at least two the forerunners of all these motor We all worked like stink – even
models of each van for the general caravan shows up and down the through the Three Day Week when
public to pore over and dealers country of today? I had risked being banged up for
were invited to bring second-hand But you can do none of this breaking the law! Heather had
Holdsworth vans. Balloons, flags without good staff; when we arrived been with the company for some
and lollipops, said Steve Pike of in Woodley it was a quaint country time by now and ran the accounts
West Country Motorhomes. A village and traditional crafts such as department keeping a tight rein on
friend sizzled sausages on an open coachbuilding, motor trimming and spending. We never had time to add
CAMPER ARCHIVES
60 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
2: VW approval
brings Kombi vans
flooding into the
Holdsworth factory.
A sight for sore
eyes… how long
had we waited.
3: It can snow
all day – Heather
Holdsworth peeps
out to see what VW
approval looks like!
2 3
CAMPER ARCHIVES
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 61
CAMPER ARCHIVES:
THE HOLDSWORTH STORY
CAMPER ARCHIVES
62 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
1971 MICROBUS
1971 MICROBUS
64 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
A whiter shade
of pale
Rich Honey skipped the light Fandango when
his 1971 tin top came out of the paint shop
resplendent in Arctic White over Pearl White.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY: RICK DAV Y
1971 MICROBUS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 65
1971 MICROBUS
Arctic White
Dave at Westcoast VW to discuss roof and bumpers
options and possibilities. Rich combined with
Pearl White body
wanted to do as much work as brings a subtle
possible himself, partly to save costs two tone twist
but importantly because he wanted
Comfy full
the satisfaction of something he had width rear
built himself. Initially they thought seat bed.
1971 MICROBUS
66 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
The specially
mixed version door striker plates, front badge and
of Kasan Red Deluxe beltline trim along with
combined with
Bright White
polished Porsche Fuchs replica
makes for a very wheels and clear lenses for the front
modern take on
and rear indicator lenses.
the original 70s
VW colours The original engine, now with
enough end float to accommodate
The light oak
Devon style granny’s skirts, was replaced with
interior was built a Vege 1600 TP AD code, all stock
using plans found
on the internet with the addition of a flame thrower
coil, electronic ignition and pancake
The bulkhead
folding buddy seat
filter. The tinware was blasted and
has an extension coated in metallic black along with
flap to seat four the dash, exhaust and various other
at the table
bits by Powdertech for a subtle
difference.
From the outset Rich had never
planned to have a camping interior,
instead wanting something light,
airy and sociable which retained a
nod to Hank’s Microbus heritage.
This has been achieved by using
an original Microbus full width
rock rear seat and the fitting of an
original twin middle seat from a
LHD seven seater Microbus against
the bulkhead and facing rearwards.
Being a LHD version, when fitted
it still has the arm on the correct
side by the sliding door – a small
1971 MICROBUS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 67
1971 MICROBUS
A 4” narrowed
but significant detail. These, and The cab remains basically stock adjustable beam
Big John shifter to replace the Empi
the cab seats have been trimmed in looking, a retro Bluetooth stereo keeps sets the stance version, which Rich loves saying, “It
with a slight rake
white, creating a sense of light and Rich in contact with modern driving really does reduce the throw of the
space. New headliner and white needs, and a wood rim steering wheel Headlight gears and the Big John puts it right
curtains add to the effect. Rich also provides a retro custom touch. The eyebrows always next to you instead of reaching all over
give a bus extra
upholstered the interior panels finished look and the hard work from character the place!”
and door cards to match, adding a Rich and his friends paid off when Hank won again at Cornwall
contrasting fabric centre section on Hank was awarded Best In Class Jamboree last summer, this time for
the cab doors. Scott Penhaligon (the at Cornwall Jamboree in 2015 but Best Modified Bay, and Rich says,
Acme bus) was then enlisted to help Rich did not stopped there. He then “The best and worst experience was
with the front kickboards, wood fitted a 4” narrowed adjustable beam without doubt the whole resto. The
flooring and wood decking in the and set the stance with a slight rake, uncovering of horrors, the despair
rear and with making the sub box upgraded the front brakes to run late that it will never be done but on the
that sits on the rear deck. A Retro bay discs, fitted stainless single quiet flip side, when it is done and it goes
style colour coordinated coolbox pack exhaust system and since the on to win Best in Class at a show,
sits by the sliding door for those shoot has changed to twin carbs. A you can’t beat it. Also the pat on the
essential cold beers while relaxing. very recent addition is Bug Tech’s back you get from people who see
him and ask did you do the work
From the outset Rich had planned an interior that yourself? And you can say yes! With
a little help from my friends.”
was light, airy and sociable and which retained a
nod to Hank’s Microbus heritage
1971 MICROBUS
68 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
THIS MONTH IN THE WORKSHOP
LORUM IPSOM
This month in
the workshop
This month in
the Workshop
Andy heads off to Greece on a Bus Hunting expedition and comes
back with a Barndoor and a Bay!
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDYBUGS
W
e have been working
on a really solid
and straight 1956
Wolfsburg panel van
that was going to be the shop truck
but when a good friend of mine from
North Germany wanted to buy it I
decided to sell it and he duly drove
hundreds of miles with his trailer to
collect it. He arrived on the Saturday
morning early and the van was
loaded on his trailer, wrapped in a
waterproof cover and ready for its
journey to its new home, after we
had all had a few cheeky beers to
cement the deal.
Earlier this year I had been told
about a ‘52 Barndoor panel van that
was for sale in Greece but hadn’t 1
been able to agree a deal with the
seller. I haven’t got a Barndoor panel
1. The 1952
and with the sudden departure of for us to hunt and buy old rusty Barndoor Panel
the Wolfsburg panel van there was buses, travelling all over the world, Van has been dry
stored and stood
a space in the garage that needed to but whenever you speak to non VW on blocks for
be filled! people they think that we are mad, over 25 years
The seller sent me a load of and they are probably correct. 2. Some would
keep the rusty
photos and after a lot or emails After a night in a luxury hotel barn find look!
and discussion on the price, a in anticipation of the next day’s
deal was eventually done. It is
normally straightforward to buy
and ship a vehicle but try sorting
it from Greece! When you look at
the amount of Eastern European
countries that you have to go
through to get there it’s not a
journey that I would want to make,
and with the seller wanting a cash
sale it looked like a little flight was
on the cards. Two days of internet
searching and I had flights, car hire,
hotel and a big envelope of Euros 2 3
sorted out. It is just a normal thing
3. Andy loves
a project! 6
4. The chassis looks
not too bad for a
65 year old bus
5. Gutter is solid
with only surface
rust .
damage to the repairer and the , the area was etch primed and
environment also some of them are then primed and painted in gloss
cancer inducing. “Turkis”.
A vehicle that has suffered a fire This bus has a patina to the 10
will have both visible damage as in paintwork that has worn over the
the obvious burning but also damage years of use and the challenge
from heat transfer in the metal that we had was to return it to the
and possibly from the extinguisher silicate look that it had before the
used. The paint around the seat of fire. The bus had originally been
the fire will lift from the metal and Turkis but had been painted with
this can be seen by micro blistering a light blue in later years and with
and cracking, this paint needs to the sun and general wear and tear
be completely removed before any there was primer and older paint
repair can take place. The engine showing through. The work started
bay in this vehicle was stripped with some old rust, holes and impact
completely and sand blasted in the damage being taken care of and then
areas to get us back to bare metal the areas were painted with a high
11
8. 1967 Split
panel waiting build primer. The next coat of paint
to be rescued was in the gloss Turkis and then
9. Solid and this was overpainted with the light
largely original bay
windows of every
blue top coat colour, with each coat
type and age and all being baked in the oven and flatted
for sale
before the next one was applied.
10. The challenge This would have been the time to
was to return it to employ an artist to paint some fake
the silicate look
that it had before rust and dents but we went with the
the fire. 800 grit paper and lightly sanded
11. The repainted away some of the colours to match
area now merges the aged look of the original paint.
perfectly with the
original faded
With the paintwork finished we
patina had the daunting task of fitting the
new wiring loom and all the extra
12. The 56
Wolfsburg Panel wiring that was installed for the
has gone to happy split charge, electronic ignition,
new owners in
Germany to finish ancillaries and gauges. The majority
off. of the work being completed we
are now waiting for the engine
and ignition components to arrive
9
12 by air freight from Powerhaus in
California.
Beetles. As time went by this hobby as Girl Friday. Since the time of
grew to such an extent that 2006 he our visit they have just moved into
and Fiona set up Vale Restorations, expand into new, specially designed
initially running part-time and facilities including an engine shop
taking on both minor repairs and full and new paint booth for high top
on restorations of predominantly vehicles, giving them more scope to
on VWs but also a variety of classic take on more restoration and repair
cars from Minis and Morris Minors work as well as bespoke projects.
to Lancia and Land Rovers. This As well as minor repairs, full
proved so successful that by 2014 engine rebuilds, body repairs and
they decided they decided to go restorations they also provide
full time with son Lewis Neale now an airbrushing, bespoke artwork
looking after body work, spraying, service, roof lining refits, pop top
airbrushing and Stephanie Morris repairs and fabric replacements
1. Custom
airbrushing and its
inspiration
2. Prepping the
bodywork on a
Karmann Ghia
1 2
T S O N S A L E N O W
TICKE
7-9 July 2017
Rolling stock
Of all the special body conversions on the VW Bus, the Railway
Bulli has to be one of the most unusual.
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREAS NEUGEBAUER
1: Restored and
I
n 1955 thirty very special Bullis fully functional
were commissioned by the Klv20 1510 now
takes passengers
German Railway to be converted on special outings!
into maintenance and track
2: All Draisine
inspection vehicles that would run were Barndoor
on the railway tracks. Known as models. Note the
Draisine, they were a development special rear lamp.
4 5
SPECIAL BODIES
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 77
SHOWS
UTAH VW CLASSIC
Utterly Utah
September sunshine greeted over 240 Volkswagens that had filled
Riverton’s City Park for the annual Utah VW Classic.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: ERIC ARNOLD
1: Totally gorgeous
stock Samba
2: Bay Way
4: Some of the 40
proud award winners
6: Porsche parade
T
he great thing about
this event is it’s all free,
with the aim of bringing
dressed and running engine!
together VW lovers to
raise money for charity. This annual 7: Star spangled came and went as it suited their was a breeze with the direction of
event is going strong, now in its 7th buggy schedules, and all had a good time. the host club. Before you knew it,
year and each year this event raises 8: Utah Transporter Early Saturday, the park began the park was nearly full of show
money for a program called “Bussin’ Crew with their “Utah to fill with VWs, old and new. The cars and swappers. Walking through
Dash” award
for Santa”. The Utah Transporter grounds are cleverly marked with the area, you could find just about
Association chooses a family to 9 How low can road signs to show each area; Bug everything. Kombis, campers, panels
you go?
sponsor during the holidays. They Haven, Bay Way, and Type Three and deluxes were plentiful for the
use the proceeds from the show Street to name a few. Show parking Bus lovers. Beetles of every sort
to purchase gifts for the deserving
family, and deliver them with a huge
caravan of vintage Buses. It’s a very
unique and rewarding cause!
Folks in town early were
treated to an open house event at
SouthTowne Volkswagen. More than
forty VWs lined the street outside
the dealership, and the attendees
had the chance to relax, meet new
friends, and even grab a bite to eat
from Bumblebee’s KBBQ & Grill
1
food truck. As a casual affair, people
SHOWS
78 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
2 3
9
SHOWS
www.volkswagencamper.co.uk 79
SHOWS
UTAH VW CLASSIC
10
SHOWS
80 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
1958 SINGLE CAB
Two Tone
Truck
While an individual vehicle will always
represent a huge amount of interest,
sometimes the people who have owned it,
also take a high degree of relevance.
W O R D S A N D P H OTO G R A P H Y: PAU L B U S S E Y.
Simple, stock
his is very much due to its faded original colour,” cab – no fuel
Sealing Wax
Red under Ivory
links going back decades. The truck aunt purchased a Westy SO42, makes a perfect
was previously owned by Chris’ off the factory production line in mild custom
combination that
Uncle Steve and Aunt Maria, who 1964 in Germany. They toured all retains period feel.
live in Ontario, Southern California over Europe and the UK, prior
Lovely clean
and prior to that it was owned by to shipping it back to the USA. straight lines
Maria’s mother and father, who Unfortunately the SO42 was sold are the result of
painstaking body
used it as their shop truck in the before I let my aunt know that I’d be preparation
early 1960s. It’s not known if they interested in purchasing it. However,
purchased it brand new. Chris was I was lucky enough to be able to
born and brought up in San Diego, purchase their old 1958 pick-up
California USA, where he lived for truck in 2013. My cousin’s husband
the first 30 years of his life, before posted a picture of the truck on
moving to England over 17 years ago Facebook, stating he was selling it
and he now lives in Norfolk. for a family member. I immediately
“My aunt and uncle used to refer telephoned my dad in California and
to the truck as the ‘Old Tomato Can’ asked him if it was Uncle Steve’s
Wood panelling
lines the drop side
recesses for extra
protection.
both ribbed bumpers have been “It’s all part of the truck’s history
replaced. The rear one was missing anyway.”
anyway and quite hard to source, as Once the bodyshell had been
they are a different shape to a Bus stripped, it was then sand blasted
bumper. to remove any corrosion and then
Perhaps the most problematic the huge job of dent removal
aspect of the bodywork restoration, commenced, Once it was a straight
was getting the drop sides straight, as possible, the huge task of sanding,
they were so warped, bent, ripped filling and priming got underway.
and required the removal of a Chris had help from two friends,
myriad of dents. They were so bad Paul Betts and Shaun Dunthorn,
that Chris even considered replacing both of whom work in the paintshop
them, but originality dictated they at Lotus Cars. The final repaint was
had to be repaired. VW restorer completed at Paul’s workshop, with
Pete Sennck was entrusted with the chosen colours being red for the
this job, which entailed making new bottom, very close to the original
box sections where necessary. Chris colour and the top half being L62
has filled the internal recesses with Ivory. “I wanted this two/tone
wood panels and should he ever scheme that would look correct for
transport anything large that moved the year, as if the truck was a special
about, there won’t be any dents order,” says Chris. “I believe the
poking out on the other side! The original red could be Sealing Wax
floor of the bed was straightened as Red as that was a 1958 colour and
best as possible, but some wear is we matched it by making a scan of
still evident and will remain. “We the original colour, taken from a
could have spent the rest of out vent cover in the cab, after polishing
lives getting it perfect,” quips Chris. it out. The bed was primed, stone
SOLD VW T25 CAMPERVAN 4 BERTH SYNCRO T25 CAMPERVAN T25 HIGH TOP, 1988 E REG
BUS TRADER
88 www.volkswagencamper.co.uk
Sitting on the