Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Some rust repair
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Some interior pix
Progress is being slowly made -now back from paintshop-interior to be finished and bumpers, roo bar to be re-attached.
Seats and trim are among other items to do-
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
We have also just started to work on our 73 Sopru Poptop which has been waithin nearly 15 months for refurbishment- Motor is being fitted today.
Have been involved with a great Kombi forum for some time which now has members all over Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Thailand and many others
You can view forums which includes many photos here
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Have just completed refurb of 1975 Kombi- with rebuilt 1800- full width bed and much more and is now FOR SALE -other pics on weblink and contact info
http://sunnytoothevwkombi.8k.com/
Labels: VW Kombi Camper
Monday, December 12, 2005
Campers we have restored
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
VW NOTES AND ANECDOTES
Now you have a Volkswagen , especially a Kombi, you have entered into
ownership of the most favourite "cult" car in the world.
From Company Directors, movie stars & millionaires to hippies and the varied people who inhabit our planet you will find VW owners have one thing in common, they laugh, and are happy, even when their VW upsets them. VW’s are probably a bit like cats, you don’t own them , they own you.
Things to do :
1. Buy John Muir’s book " How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive- a Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot.
There are many other Manuals and Maintenance books but this is the one.
Logical and anyone can understand it. It is also very funny.
2. Learn to check basic procedures- regularly check oil- most people think a VW engine is aircooled-it is- but also oil cooled or kept at correct operating temperature. Water "cooled" engines are not kept cool by the radiator but kept at correct operating level.
If your VW does not have temperature gauge there is an easy way to check before the red idiot light comes on to warn you. If you can hold dipstick in your hand or even if you have to swap it from hand to hand it is not too hot.
3. Learn "the wave". This is probably the most important part of owning a VW, especially the Bus, Van , Camper, Pickup etc. Just a gentle acknowledgement through windscreen is OK though you often find frantic waving by new owners who have only just found out about "the wave".
4. Somewhere close to home there will be a VW specialist, maybe young, maybe old, he could be gruff or happy but he will have the knowledge to help you as long as he or maybe even she, knows you look after your VW.
5. If you can’t find one there will be someone who will stop to talk to you and they will know someone. In most countries there are VW Clubs, many online and many with groups with FAQs sections. As an example I had an enquiry from UK and sent e-mail with phone number to contact and within 10 minutes the enquirer had a phone call from a VW owner less than a mile way from his home who solved his minor electrical problem.
6. Most VWs whether with standard carburation or later model after market usually start by turning ignition on- getting the pretty lights –depress accelerator once- take foot off and turn to start.
In colder climates you may need to do it a couple of times but don’t hold your foot down.
Like most good engines VWs need a little time to warm up to correct temperature and you will soon to get to know when this is.
7. You don’t have to check water, so no antifreeze, only oil and tyre pressures are the daily, weekly checks. Being rear engined it is essential that tyre pressures are correct. Porsches, Ferraris and other exotica need same care.
8.There are many after market suppliers of parts and accessories especially in UK and USA. Even body panels and mechanical parts are manufactured by non VW companies plus there is suppliers of original parts in Europe, UK, USA, Australia plus a huge source are the VW suppliers in Brazil and Mexico where production of the Beetle and the Kombi only ceased last year (2003)
9.In most countries there are regular events like the Day of the Volkswagen, Bugfest, Run to the Sun etc plus swap meets, Concourse Shows etc. Some of these are like rock concerts, other catering more for the enthusiast and family.
10. Most VWs have a name. You may change this if you wish providing you use similar procedure to changing the name of a boat.
Select a bottle of wine, brandy, or whatever is your favourite, pour a little over the front bumper and announce the new name. You then drink the rest of bottle with friends who must also contribute a bottle to this auspicious occasion.
For the many who go through a midlife crisis a VW is safer than a Harley,
less expensive than a Porsche or even an E-Type or MG etc, far less problem than a mistress or a gigolo, as your wife/husband can learn to love your VW, and also if looked after should be an appreciating asset.
Warren Matthews
Australia
July 2004 ©
(1) comments
Now you have a Volkswagen , especially a Kombi, you have entered into
ownership of the most favourite "cult" car in the world.
From Company Directors, movie stars & millionaires to hippies and the varied people who inhabit our planet you will find VW owners have one thing in common, they laugh, and are happy, even when their VW upsets them. VW’s are probably a bit like cats, you don’t own them , they own you.
Things to do :
1. Buy John Muir’s book " How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive- a Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot.
There are many other Manuals and Maintenance books but this is the one.
Logical and anyone can understand it. It is also very funny.
2. Learn to check basic procedures- regularly check oil- most people think a VW engine is aircooled-it is- but also oil cooled or kept at correct operating temperature. Water "cooled" engines are not kept cool by the radiator but kept at correct operating level.
If your VW does not have temperature gauge there is an easy way to check before the red idiot light comes on to warn you. If you can hold dipstick in your hand or even if you have to swap it from hand to hand it is not too hot.
3. Learn "the wave". This is probably the most important part of owning a VW, especially the Bus, Van , Camper, Pickup etc. Just a gentle acknowledgement through windscreen is OK though you often find frantic waving by new owners who have only just found out about "the wave".
4. Somewhere close to home there will be a VW specialist, maybe young, maybe old, he could be gruff or happy but he will have the knowledge to help you as long as he or maybe even she, knows you look after your VW.
5. If you can’t find one there will be someone who will stop to talk to you and they will know someone. In most countries there are VW Clubs, many online and many with groups with FAQs sections. As an example I had an enquiry from UK and sent e-mail with phone number to contact and within 10 minutes the enquirer had a phone call from a VW owner less than a mile way from his home who solved his minor electrical problem.
6. Most VWs whether with standard carburation or later model after market usually start by turning ignition on- getting the pretty lights –depress accelerator once- take foot off and turn to start.
In colder climates you may need to do it a couple of times but don’t hold your foot down.
Like most good engines VWs need a little time to warm up to correct temperature and you will soon to get to know when this is.
7. You don’t have to check water, so no antifreeze, only oil and tyre pressures are the daily, weekly checks. Being rear engined it is essential that tyre pressures are correct. Porsches, Ferraris and other exotica need same care.
8.There are many after market suppliers of parts and accessories especially in UK and USA. Even body panels and mechanical parts are manufactured by non VW companies plus there is suppliers of original parts in Europe, UK, USA, Australia plus a huge source are the VW suppliers in Brazil and Mexico where production of the Beetle and the Kombi only ceased last year (2003)
9.In most countries there are regular events like the Day of the Volkswagen, Bugfest, Run to the Sun etc plus swap meets, Concourse Shows etc. Some of these are like rock concerts, other catering more for the enthusiast and family.
10. Most VWs have a name. You may change this if you wish providing you use similar procedure to changing the name of a boat.
Select a bottle of wine, brandy, or whatever is your favourite, pour a little over the front bumper and announce the new name. You then drink the rest of bottle with friends who must also contribute a bottle to this auspicious occasion.
For the many who go through a midlife crisis a VW is safer than a Harley,
less expensive than a Porsche or even an E-Type or MG etc, far less problem than a mistress or a gigolo, as your wife/husband can learn to love your VW, and also if looked after should be an appreciating asset.
Warren Matthews
Australia
July 2004 ©
Friday, February 04, 2005
Interiors:
Camping interiors.
Most campers from approved VW conversions can be repaired and updated.
Bench tops, cupboards, robes, fridge cabinets, stove are easily removed.
Nearly all are bolted or screwed together. If you are worried about getting it all back together take digital camera shots as you go and also mark with chalk where panels fit.
If you remove sink, where fitted, you can see where frames are fastened to body or other cabinets.
With seperate fridge cabinets they are usually fastened to floor or to bulk head. Undo fasteners, screws or bolts, slide cabinet forward gently in case electrical or gas pipe is clipped to it and then lift off.
You can see how bench top is fastened once you remove sink and these usually lift easily.
Save the plastic strip that seals bench top to side of vehicle though if damaged it is available in most hardware stores.
If panels of furniture are damaged, usually by separation of fibres by water, and need replacement you can use these as a template to make new ones.
These can be from original type board, pine or newer materials with melamine finishes.
With the cheapness of modern power tools you can buy sanders, jigsaws etc that you could throw away after as they will save you many times their cost over sending work out.
(1) comments
Camping interiors.
Most campers from approved VW conversions can be repaired and updated.
Bench tops, cupboards, robes, fridge cabinets, stove are easily removed.
Nearly all are bolted or screwed together. If you are worried about getting it all back together take digital camera shots as you go and also mark with chalk where panels fit.
If you remove sink, where fitted, you can see where frames are fastened to body or other cabinets.
With seperate fridge cabinets they are usually fastened to floor or to bulk head. Undo fasteners, screws or bolts, slide cabinet forward gently in case electrical or gas pipe is clipped to it and then lift off.
You can see how bench top is fastened once you remove sink and these usually lift easily.
Save the plastic strip that seals bench top to side of vehicle though if damaged it is available in most hardware stores.
If panels of furniture are damaged, usually by separation of fibres by water, and need replacement you can use these as a template to make new ones.
These can be from original type board, pine or newer materials with melamine finishes.
With the cheapness of modern power tools you can buy sanders, jigsaws etc that you could throw away after as they will save you many times their cost over sending work out.
