Is this a T4 California?

[neofeudal]

I recently purchased a 1995 T4 Westfalia. It was made in Germany, imported to Canada and then to Japan and then to the US. At least, it *looks* like a California. The finish on the cabinets and the upholstery does not look like a California, however. Can anybody tell me what this is?

Stoked that it has a middle seat, at least. I plan to fit that backwards so the kids can scream directly into eachother's faces.

Thank you very much!!!!

 

[neofeudal]

P.S. Also curious if anybody else has a roof rack like that. It i snot a FIamma (says Fiamma) but it looks stock. Wondering about what it is so I can accessorize it!

 

[larrylamb]

@sidepod ?

 

[themagician]

I’d say not from an initial first glance. Windows retro fitted into a panel van. Interior may well be from a Westfalia. Sometimes these are sold and later fitted into a caravelle or in this case panel van. There should be an ID plate, this was the one in my T3 (if I can find it will post below).

 

[themagician]

 

[sidepod]

I would say it’s gen. Plenty of original clues for my money. Certainly all the right bits so it’s good enough.

I had a roof rack similar on a Westy of similar age. It uses roof mounted extrusions to locate the rack.

Lovely looking van. Always liked those early tyre brackets.

 

[sidepod]

You can just about see the roof mounts here.

 

[Borris]

Well whatever it is your van looks absolutely gorgeous. What a find! From your photos it looks mint.

With all the complicated techy stuff on modern vans just waiting to go wrong at some point in the future, it's these early vehicles than will stand the test of time better.

 

[andyinluton]

I just wish they did that middle row of seats for the modern cali - light & space efficient.

 

[mrcheesbrough]

I can understand why you might question it’s originality but I’m with @sidepod on this. It looks genuine with a few slightly different spec items due to its journey through Japan and Canada to you.

As mentioned Westfalia did usually leave a plaque or sticker to identify the model. It may well of been removed if it’s had an all body respect at some point but you should find it on near where the arrow in this picture is pointing. On the ‘C’ post.

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[danvan]

I'm curious, what happens to those middle seats when you want to make the bed? And also, why does there seem to be more leg room with that double seat than with my 5th seat?

 

[mrcheesbrough]

I'm curious, what happens to those middle seats when you want to make the bed? And also, why does there seem to be more leg room with that double seat than with my 5th seat?

If you want to make the bed the middle seat becomes the heaviest and safest camping chair you’re ever likely to find. As for the the leg room? Dunno. There’s not a lot of legroom on the rear bench seat with a middle row installed.


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[dripster]

Wow. Genuine or not, that's a beauty. Great seating arrangement, that would do me nicely instead of my Beach. Want to swap?!

 

[sidepod]

Holy Grail aren’t they those bench seats?

 

[sidepod]

I just wish they did that middle row of seats for the modern cali - light & space efficient.

Are the rails at different spacing on 5’s?

 

[mrcheesbrough]

Holy Grail aren’t they those bench seats?

If you can find one they cost the earth as well as weighing about the same as the earth. I had one. Used it three times in 10 years so sold it.


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[andyinluton]

Are the rails at different spacing on 5’s?

Don't know about the spacing, but the fixing method is different.

 

[David Eccles]

As far as I know The Westy California models never came with a middle row of seats...
plus the windows don't look like orig VW / Westy ones and the furniture is quite different
but it's still a lovely find - enjoy

 

[mrcheesbrough]

As far as I know The Westy California models never came with a middle row of seats...
plus the windows don't look like orig VW / Westy ones and the furniture is quite different
but it's still a lovely find - enjoy

You’re right Westfalia’s didn’t come with the middle row of seats, it was offered as an option though. Built and supplied by Westfalia.


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[mrcheesbrough]

As far as I know The Westy California models never came with a middle row of seats...
plus the windows don't look like orig VW / Westy ones and the furniture is quite different
but it's still a lovely find - enjoy

The furniture is correct for the period. The ‘modern’ less colourful furniture came in around 1996/7 with the longnose front end.


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[Haves1979]

Interior and cabinets are genuine, not sure if they are original to the van though. As mentioned windows look wrong and the electric hook up looks in the wrong place. I also didn't think they had a heated rear window, although that might have been on the ones with double glazing. That said, it might depend what year the van is as the spec's seemed to change based on what I've seen advertised on ebay.

The roof rack is the same as the one I had, which is discussed here:

VW California T4 Coach Sunroof

Hi all, I've recently purchased a 96 california coach Pop top. The front of the pop top is fitted with a sunroof which I have been told by the previous owner is inoperable. Does anyone know if these were a standard fit if it's an aftermarket job as I need to try and sort some kind of repair...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Either way, lovely looking van, which I'm sure you'll have great fun in.

 

[David Eccles]

You’re right Westfalia’s didn’t come with the middle row of seats, it was offered as an option though. Built and supplied by Westfalia.


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Ah did not realise twas an official option! Never ever seen one fitted with middle seats in brochures or for real over the years so must be a rarity then..
every day is a school day!

 

[mrcheesbrough]

Ah did not realise twas an official option! Never ever seen one fitted with middle seats in brochures or for real over the years so must be a rarity then..
every day is a school day!

We had one for a while but didn’t really get the use out of it. I don’t think many were bought as it’s not entirely convenient when you’re camping to lug it in and out. Makes a comfortable camping bench though.


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[sidepod]

EHU Socket is correct but there looks to be an additional one?

Early furniture is better as it has the drawer with the short door. Later is a pain as you need to open the door to open the drawer.

 

[neofeudal]

I would say it’s gen. Plenty of original clues for my money. Certainly all the right bits so it’s good enough.

I had a roof rack similar on a Westy of similar age. It uses roof mounted extrusions to locate the rack.

Lovely looking van. Always liked those early tyre brackets.

Intersting that the roof rack is stock. It sure is hard to track this stuff down online. Gives me SOME hope, though, that accessories may yet exist out there. Thanks!