Everything I love, hate, and changed about my Westfalia
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ค. 2021
- Sid sold his Sprinter to buy a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia?! Sid gives us a tour through his personal rig and shows us what he loves, hates, and has changed on it.
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I have owned Katie a 76 bay window Kombi for over 35 years, have done over 700,000 km in her with my wife and family. She is still my daily drive and wouldn’t have it any other way. What you say about that intangible vibe is absolutely true. I disagree however with the always breaking down / reliability thing. My girl has rarely let me down in all the km I have done. You just need proper maintenance. Learn to do it yourself and you’ll develop a relationship that you would never have with any other vehicle. I know when the hand brake needs adjusting for instance. More than 10 clicks and it’s time to but that on the todo list. In short you’ll only get my Kombi keys when I’m dead and buried.
Love to hear this, thanks Julian!
@@CampoVans How do you climb up to top bed / tent area? Did VW have an OEM hook ladder or was it customers job to buy a step ladder? .....
Then could you *PLEASE* let me know when you're dead and buried? Haha. Volkswagen's of that era (pre-1980-ish) have a very tactile, visceral, quality to them. They're almost like a big 'Meccano' set. The aborigines love to drive them here in the Australian outback, because if they break down they can usually get them going again just with some rubber bands and a bit of sticky-tape! Haha. Anyway, best of luck with your travels, and don't forget to give me a hoy as you're floating up to heaven! Have a great day, mate! 🙋🏻♂️
Живи долго, умирать не надо🎉
The vw van has more soul that a sprinter in my opinion. Love the video
Oh yes.........weak head gaskets and noisy engine (petrol 1.9) and seam rust. Going down hill sideways if you touch the brakes on a slippery surface and getting stuck on slightly damp grass. I'm sure I could come up with some more "soul" but I try not to remember the time I spent money having the heads done only to have the gearbox pack it in only a few thousand miles later. Smooth and economical in use but I'd advise an electric conversion the minute the engine goes bad
@@xtc2v and yet here you are.
@@ApexHerbivore Talking helps my PTSD
@@xtc2v lol I think there are support groups you could join
@@xtc2v also next time get a 2.1i syncro. Mine kicks ass
The dinosaur comment and his reaction, plus laughter......priceless!!
Oh man I feel everything about this video. I have a vanagon myself and especially the part about the vibe is true. Also I'm always happy to see another one on the road and give them a virtual high five!
Is yours unreliable also?
Having owned busses, the "never know if you're going to make it or not" is definitely part of the experience. I was a real trooper and left mine 6V, which required a crew in the bus at all times to assist in the push start! My 89 Westy fridge still works great, holds 40F all day, not ditching it yet!
6V? You mean the 1960s T1 split-screen version?
So cool, you are so right about the vibe, anyone and everyone can drive a sprinter, just look around, but theres nothing like cruising down the highway at 55! The smile on your face, and your pride in ownership is unmatched. I drove my 1980 Vanagon off the showroom floor 40 years ago, and have had every experience you mention, but today cruising along the ocean I couldn't have been happier!!
So glad to see you are a TRUE Westy enthusiast. I was watching someone else’s Westy channel for a very long time until he switched to a brand new 2020 Mercedes Sprinter... so sad.
You're 100% right about the vibe and the feeling of arriving at your destination in a Westfalia.
Yesssssss I was totally digging how he said it
I so agree with the fun aspect and the vibe. I find myself laughing and patting the dash whenever she's running well and we've managed to get from point A to point B. Really enjoyed your video!
You nailed it with the 'vibe' explanation. I was smiling during this entire video, just like I do whenever we take our 1980 VW Vanagon Riviera out for a drive. If I am ever having an off day, or am out of sorts, my husband will say, "Let's take the Vanagon" and then the world is just as it should be. We usually get about 10 miles from home after a weekend road trip when my husband starts thanking the Vanagon for getting us home again. Keeping the vehicle all original stock might work for some, but I like the idea of making modifications that make it more enjoyable. We also have the same ARB fridge taking up valuable floor space, but I would never go back to an ice box. Thanks for the honest review.
Great to hear!! Love to hear that y'all take it out on joy rides. Such a good time :)
The VW's are modern day classics. Your video, mods, and honest acknowledgement of it's historical reliability issues, has made me change your mind about them. Happy trails to you.
Hey, thank you!
Nicely done. Nice mix of original and upgrades.
Yaaasss! Love how you explain why we do what we do to have our Westies. 🚐💕
Loved the tour and your mods. Westies are classic; will be fun to be along for the ride. 🌿
Thanks for watching!
The floppy stock mirrors can be fixed easily with a washer made of scotch brite inserted into the ball and socket adjuster. You can still move it around, but it adds enough friction that it takes deliberate effort. Mine haven't moved out of adjustment for a couple of years.
Replaced mine with the power mirrors but never tried to hook up the power. Those do not shift in the wind and get all loose and frustrating.
WOW, such a great video. You summed it up so well the VIBE and the people who drive them are so cool. Favorite part of the video is when you talked about the relief when you finally get some where n you didnt breakdown. Im on my second van 85 Westy that i just bought last year.
I love my vanagon SO much! The vibe is something special. Thanks for sharing!
“Limp dinosaur” 😂
Yeah, it made me wonder if marrying a _ girl_ was the right thing for him…….??
Well it is California
You are so spot on w the westy vibe. I bought my 1987 westy last summer and I LUV LUV LUV it. You're so right I don't know if I'm going to make it to where I'm going but that is part of it! It's an experience like no other.
you are so spot on in your explanation of why "I" love my 81 westy, especially 'will it make it" great video
Thanks John! -Sid
If it's an 81 Vanagon and it has a radiator grill in front then it's a diesel, at least originally. I hope he put something with more power in it, like a Subaru. In 81 and 82 and halfway through 83 the gas engine was air cooled and there was no radiator grill in front.
Oh man, I spent my childhood ('93-'04) riding this camper van with my grandparents all over Europe. It was brought from California in the early '90s and it replaced an RV that my grandpa made out of Mercedes 406D. Every year (Except for '99 and '00) I'd go with them for a month so I basically spent almost a year of my life living in it. I love how you changed it but it still has familiar sounds (the screech of your bamboo table and the unfolding upper bed). Uncanny.
Thanks for uploading the video (a year a go to the day). This was an excellent trip down the memory lane. I still plan to restore the car as my grandparents still have it (albeit it hasn't left the garage in a few years) and maybe take it out on one last adventure :)
some days before i had my first trip with an vw t3, i had a video with that trip..
cheers from Greece!!
Loved the video, full of great advice. I've just bought a 1986 T3 Westfalia here in Italy. Had her a week and have a little extra to spend on getting up to spec, so really useful to learn all these hacks. Thanks Sid!
I saw one for sale that didn’t show the inside so I found your video. Super fun to watch! Thank you!
I feel like I saw this cruising through Missoula, MT recently. Sweet rig!
You did :D!
Sweet classic ride! Thanks for sharing!
No problem, Monica! It was fun to share :). Hope you are doing well! We all still need to go camping soon! -Sid
@@CampoVans Absolutely! Let's plan it!
Oh my God, if there was a "love" instead of "like" button, this video would deserve it! I LOVE your Westfalia, every mod you did looks awesome. Wonderful job!
True dat!!
Awesome Westy and glad you got it back !!!
I am working on my right now, same color, but tons of upgrades!!
Wohoo! Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help if I can. -Sid
The best, best, best explanation of recreational van fun. It’s the vibe! Gotta get me one.
Thanks for the upload. Mine’s been sitting on the drive for three months whilst I pay off most of my debts but It’ll be back on the road within a few weeks. Really inspired for a few road trips thanks to this video.
Amazing sell! On the hunt as we speak. About to venture out this October from BC Canada. So appreciated all the tips and upgrades.
Mary, you'll love it! Enjoy the journey! -Sid
We got our 1st T 5 long wheel base
Which we adore
And broke down on our way back from our 1st trip
Great post
Thanks for sharing
As the original owners of an 87, your vibe and community description is exactly why we keep sinking coin into this money pit. I know some day we’ll have to part with it and I’m sure there will be tears too.
One suggestion - get a T3 heavy duty sway bar. Fighting the wind is one vibe you will not miss.
So glad you mentioned this.... I'm having it installed on our Westy next week. Looking forward to a more stable ride when the wind is blowing hard!
Excellent review! Thank you!
We just acquired a Westfalia and you offered some great info for modifications! Cheers
way to go , you got your soul back . Go westy .
You're a good Man to have in life. Thank you for your refreshing personality and detailed video.
Love this video especially the 'why' at the end. I've had my '73 Westy for 25 years and anyone that travels with me knows they might need to push when necessary! :)
😂😂😂
Nice rev you, planing to finish my project on carthago rebuilding, I do a lot upgrades that Gina improve camping ;)
Good stuff! I have 2 of these, both tintops. I turned one into an adventure rig with cabinets and all the goods for off grid travel but no pop top (yet). The other, a syncro, is getting a full restoration. I'm resisting the urge to modify it to the nth degree like so many are. One of my friends with a Westy JUST purchased a Sprinter and I am watching him closely to make sure he doesn't drop the westy before he has some time to decide if the sprinter is really an upgrade for him. Great video. You nailed all the must do upgrades. You must be a wasserboxer purist. I was waiting for the subie swap. Whenever someone comes along to say they "don't get it", I'll send them to this video.
Thank you for the video - very nice van too.
I just attended the VW ID BUZZ world premiere in Huntington Beach, CA, on June 2. I drove my 84' Vanagon, Charlie, there from the Salem, OR area. I've only owned him for about a year so this was an adventure for sure. Other than having to replace the input shaft bearing, clutch disk, and rear main seal, about 200 miles in, the engine did GREAT! Drove 65-70 on the flats and 40 up the mountains. Never overheated and got about 20 mpg! Couldn't be happier! 🤙🏼✌🏼
Well done video! I miss my 85' SOOOO much. Your description of the drive down the cost was spot on. That we me giving you the SHAKA! Peace Brotha
One of the most enjoyable videos I’ve watched in a while.
Ya got me sold (even though I was just checking these out cause I was following one on the highway ;-)
Was practically “born” in a 60’s Kombi in Rhodesia (before it was Zimbabwe ) so somehow the honest advemtyre and “vibe” based attitude you share from sneaks right into my soul man.
Love that you and your lady are lovin’ life with your “Westy”
Thanks for the re-review. We have owned a couple of Westfalias and have many great memories. We took a Eurovan hightop Westfalia to South America and back 3 years ago now. Sold it when we returned (to a nice lady on the next street) and see it almost daily. It still brings happy smiles to our faces. It didn’t break down (not once). We went the Pleasure Way Sprinter route and now are building a new Ford Transit AWD sort of a hybrid Westfalia, some modern nice to haves but no rooftop air or generator since we never used them. We also went shorter again as we loved the short size of our Westy’s not quite as short but less than 20’ again. Ultimately the back to Westfalia simplicity and functionality. 🙂👍
Ken, the AWD transits are GREAT! You will love it. I may have to pick your brain about South America sometime. We've been dreaming recently...-Sid
Great feedback, guys. We feel the same way about the Westy platform.
Dude👍 you're making me realize it's just like sailing. I'm getting one of these very soon. Land yacht. I can't wait. I knew I was onto something you're cracking me up
This Rig is stunning 😍
I just bought one on a whim over the weekend really good deal. And you have made my worries go away weather it was a good buy.
Alex, congratulations. A 4+ decade VW bus driver, present an 86 Westy, I know you will learn to love it with just a bit of hate. Get it in the best condition you can, buy a decent towing package and enjoy the road. Impossible to explain to others the joy I get just driving a 35 year old bus down the road but my smile says it all. Enjoy and best wishes. Doug
Nice conversion, co-owned a T2 Westfalia in the 90's. The community is great, VW campers from all over Europe greated us on the road and campsites in France.
We bought a 1985 Vanagon in 1991, the air conditioning never worked we, had to replace the engine and fuel tank and make a few other repairs within the first few years. We sold it in 2000 because it needed too many repairs and we had 4 kids and needed reliability. I have never stopped missing it. Wish I was driving one again 😎
Thank you for sharing and confirming how those of us who have owned a VW have felt and most likely still feel ♥
In 1992, I took a long drive across Canada in my Aswanne Brown 1983.5 Westfalia that lasted 11 years. Let's say I met a lot of people on the way and it kept me busy.
I am currently preparing for a second adventure. Now 59, I'm aiming to cross Canada a few times once again. I may get another Beagle to accompany me on the trip.
Your tips on upgrades currently available is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing our passion.
Cool video man. I’m definitely going to use that fan idea. Really cool rig too. Thank you.
I cant believe I watched this entire video. hysterical comments, well done.
Thanks Tim!
I have a 87 Westy …. But my 2004 airstream sprinter Westfila is pretty sweet !! Different kinda camping … great mods thanks for the look … keep rolling man
Love it. My ‘90 has been pretty reliable these past ten years, but yeah fighting the wind, ridiculously relieved to have made it.
Wohoo! Thanks Eric! - Sid
I've added a thin eggshell foam mattress that I can fold for the top bunk in mine and it's game changer on the confort.
Ooooo....that is a GREAT idea.
I bought a 85 last November and absolutely love it! having a ball!
Wohooo!
We had a Westy for 15 years. Loved it! But it had it's shortcomings. We traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast and back. The main issue we had at the time was trouble going over mountains. But we managed. Besides from that 2 month trip we used it mainly on weekends and day outings. It was perfect for that. Although I never felt crash safe in it. But alas - no more. We are now outfitting a Dodge Promaster 136 with all the bells and whistles (like a toilet, solar, etc.). Looking forward to getting back on the road. Enjoy it while you have it!!!
Great to hear you had one! Good luck on the Promaster!
I have been a Westfalia owner since my first carr (1977 Westy green) and have owned a 1982 Westy blue since 2001. Have so many memories with my wife and son. There is nothing like a VW Westfalia.
Thanks this was a kick back fun video. I love that the goal is" to get to your destination " always good to set goals . I love Sprinters but was laughing at the comments funny. Peace
I had a '72 westy for a decade. Almost all my travel photos include one at the repair station when I would inevitably break down. Years later I missed it so much, but I bought a 90s Eurovan because I still had PTSD from driving 28mph on some freeway with a slight incline.
Great Vid. Dig the culture and vibes. 🤙
I like this guy, you nailed dude. Stay Groovy
We loved our Westy so much we shipped it to Australia with us since it never got exported here. Best decision ever, it’s just different once you own one. Like you said it’s emotional lol
Awesome video. I just got a free tintop Vanagon last weekend to add to my fleet of 14 other VAG machines. I am so damn excited to get started on my 3.6 VR6 swap. 280 snarling HP should move it along pretty good. I am totally inspired.
Great video! Longer ago than I care to think about, I had a '71 Westfalia camper. It was slow, with no A/C, but for the 5 years I owned it, it took me over most of North America. It's STILL the most fun vehicle I've ever owned!
Wohoo! Sad to hear you say, "had." Should have kept it around!
I dream of having one and I am starting to look for a syncro. I loved your video and your setup thanks for your advices !
Best tour ever!!!!!!
When I graduated from university and got full time job, I bought a westfalia diesel converted to 1.8l gas for $2400…it was slow! so I decided to make it 2.0l and swap transmisión as well… my project was stocked for 7 years… now, I got hands back on it. And I am excited to start driving it once again. Thanks for the inspiration !
We replaced our ice box in our 84 with a Waeco fridge and have the exact same little porta-loo where your fridge is lol Our leisure circuit is in the bottom of the wardrobe and we've put shelves in. It's a super useful space for bulky stuff like towels, coats and blankets.
Nice rig, Vanagons are so cool!
I’ve owned 9 different Westfalia Vans. It’s all I every drive. Even with their issues they are absolutely wonderful
love the descrption and your energy
Lol your humour is the best. Great review too.
I drive a Land Rover Defender, I can fully relate to your sentiment. Yes, the VW is a lifestyle all on it's own as with the defender. Just loved you story man. Keep on truckin 🚚
So pleased you pronounced Thule correctly. Love the Westie, an awesome appreciation video.
Thanks David!
Would you really like to know how to turn around your driver seat (180 degrees)? There is a little lever on the left side of the seat rail, that would let you slide de seat forward to complete the turn. We also have 2 batteries, they are behind each taillight, with a manual switch hiding behind the license plate to isolate each other. We also moved the rear bench seat 5' forward to make room for the porta-potty, because we are still using the original Dometic refrigerator. We have the same water faucet! We will study your heater suggestion since we really don't have one, we use an electric heater when we go to campgrounds. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Westfalia!
Always wanted one, but never followed through. Yours is a beautiful story.
My T2 is just coming up for its final topcoat (having had a complete chassis rebuild - Swedish salt rust creates beautiful lacework - and a Westy pop-up roof welded on) and I am receptive to all ideas for the kitting out of the interior. Thanks for yours in your video.
Wohooo! Enjoy it! I'm sure it looks beautiful!
❤️❤️this video I have a 1985 VW westfalia weekender and I bought it for my 50th bday almost 3 yrs ago. Has a lot of mileage on it b4 I purchased him but I’ve been up some pretty steep roads though slow my van makes it and these are well made camper vans with alot of character I love mine sooo fun to drive. Live your van and I have a friend that has a shop that all he does is rebuild these vans keeps them original and sells them for a lot of money cuz they look brand new when he is done he also puts in a Subaru engine too. He says he gets slit of customers that sell their VW like you and your wife did and buy a sprinter but then end up getting rid of their Sprinter and going back to VW westy for the same reasons you mentioned. I don’t have a Subaru motor but that’s ok I love my VW Westfalia one of the best gifts I’ve bought for myself ✌️
OMG such a great video. 🤙🤙
That's true, you're always engaged listening to the engine, watching your gauges, listening for anything wrong - a real "Grapes of Wrath" experience!
love this! i have a baby blue '82, and she's been sitting for a bit, a little unloved. (i set up a 2018 tacoma rig with a rooftop tent, to get to the hard to reach camping here in colorado.) but the VW is up for renewal, and needs some lovin; mechanically, to pass emissions. seeing your love for your rig has given me renewed vigor to give some attention to Maggie again.
Many States wave emission test on vehicles more than 25 years of age.
I love it. Your video just gave me the inspiration to do something like your camper.
I want mine too look just as yours. Da Bad Ass.
I can not wait. I am in San Diego. Once I start my project. I will reach out to you for help and advice.
This is so impressive. I love it.
Thank you so much for making this video and bringing joy and inspiration to others.
Happy camping.
this dude is stoked!
nice care dude , hope someone selling the westfalia like your
A well-sorted camper, that everyone must want, now they've seen it!
Mac DeMarco on the stereo? Hmmm. Love your work with this vid guys. I love my T3 van too and this fully inspired me to go further with the restoration. IN Australia these cans are called a VW Type 3 Transporter. (The steering wheel is on the other side to help us avoid hitting kangaroos and other wildlife) and petrol (not gas) comes in litres, or 1000millileters and costs about $1.50 a litre in Australian dollars, which is about $1.20US.
Excellent video!
Should we incorporate some FPV drone footage in our next video?
explained it perfectly. my eurovan caught fire and burned in phx last summer. im saving up to buy another one
Sid did an awesome job here ...makes me want to run to pick a part to find a pathfinder tomorrow ! oh wait, better get it running first.... will start a list of add ons for mine, thule, and side window delete....solar and portable fridge...hi lift jack ?? I'm running 16" e class wheels, no need for a lift kit...
"no need for the lift kit" Depends on the clearance you need. Those dirt roads in Utah have a lot of rocks on them.
Cool. Very interesting.
He's adorable too. hahaha
Thanks for sharing
Peace
Yup, On point! Most taboo topics are climbing a hill and a/c.
You're a good presenter. I have a Vanagon. Abandoned for years. Broken into. Had to buy replacement parts. If I wanted to sell this one and buy one fully refurbished with A/C and other modifications... This is the coolest vehicle I've ever had. I write books and play the saxophone. Great vehicle for a soulful outing, indeed! How much would it cost me to buy a 1984 in 2021? Bill
I love CampoVans! FYI - limp hands like dinosaur was a definite euphemism.
Ive had two of these, and sold them for more reliable rigs… and I miss them all the time. This makes me want to re-up.
Everywhere I go in our '84 I hear two comments: "I used to own one of these and I wish I had never sold it." And, "I used to own one of these and oh god, I'm glad I sold it." We've had ours for 16 years and counting.
Oh, other mods: I've made two (or more) mods not mentioned here. I took a "refrigerator" (i.e. "coolerator") door from a donor and installed it on the inside wall of the clothes closet for easy access and put in a couple of shelves. And I used the small donor door from under the 110 outlets and put it on the far left side of the under-seat storage for quick access to things like a basic tool kit, a quart of oil, etc. so I wouldn't have to left the seat for access.*
When you re-up and it leaves you stranded somewhere you will be reminded as to why you got rid of the last one. I guess you just have to accept the fact that they will leave you on the side of the road often if you actually drive it often.
Классный у тебя бусик, не продавай его🎉
I used to own an '82 air cooled Westy. I ended up selling it to a friend in 2005 after dealing with years of it failing CA emissions, he was moving out of the state so it wasn't a big deal for him. That things was slow, down right scary to drive in any kind of wind, and... did I mention slow? BUT, I miss that thing and wish almost daily that I still had it. I find myself scanning the classifieds/marketplaces every once in a while hoping to find that perfect replacement van but, between how popular Westies have become and the whole "Van Life" thing, prices have gone WAY out of my comfort zone.
Nice video 👍🏼