California beach starlight blue

[Yorkdubshire]

The wait is hard work isn't it, what colour did you end up going for? Greenp posted some of his here if you haven't seen them http://www.vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/vw-bike-rack-for-t6.12272/page-5
Think this colour looks very nice! I wonder how long it will take to get pics of all the colour variants on here?
No need to apologise your English is spot on, coming from Yorkshire it is probably better than mine. The autocorrect function on my iPad works overtime when I'm typing anything!
I have found the lights to be good so far, not sure what the standard h4's will be like but the h7's work really well in both circumstances. Ours aren't auto levelling so will have to make sure I compensate for any weight we put in. Next time we are out in the dark I'll get my wife to take some pics to see if they show the performance, then post up if they do.
Jeg håber, din ventetid ikke er for smertefuldt ! Skål
(You will have to let me know if that made any sense!)

 

[grogan]

In our case the color is white. We liked it, and the more I see pics from the van in this color the more I like it It is being hard time waiting, however I am glad of seen that is a necessary step before getting the California and that the people survives to it..
Good to hear that you are happy with the lights. I was really worried about it. Now much relax.
Thanks again.
Danish is difficult language, but I could understand what you wanted to say. Google translate these days works quite well ;-)
Cheers,

 

[Yorkdubshire]

I was using it a few days ago when I bought a set of mats from Germany, I was amazed how accurate it was, very useful tool. Good to know you understood it!

 

[Rhyddin]

Hi Yorkdubshire. You've been great with the information and the photos so far. Any other impressions from your first days/weeks with your new toy?

 

[Yorkdubshire]

Hi Yorkdubshire. You've been great with the information and the photos so far. Any other impressions from your first days/weeks with your new toy?

Hi Rhyddin, the van is absolutely great. The beach is so versatile it's incredible. Remove the rear bench seat and multiflex board, put a bit of cardboard in the back, drop the blinds and you have a panel van.
Put the bench seat in the middle, remove the multiflex board, drop the rear blinds and you have a combi.
Remove the multiflex board, put in two single seats at £354 each (bargain in my view) and you have a caravelle.
Fit a slide pod (which I probably will next year) and you have a proper camper.
On top of all that you have a California beach which sleeps 4 people in comfort and the kids will love it!
(Please don't think I'm having a go at the SE or ocean here because I think they are great pieces of kit and under different circumstances I would have one in a shot).
Of course there are a few down sides, like the glovebox is very small, so small it doesn't even accept the owners manual, what's that about? When moving from the rear into the front between the front seats my backside catches the arm rest and makes it so I can sit down (but I think that says more about the size of my bum than the van design). The tailgate does seem to get hit by spray in wet conditions which goes onto the lens of the rear camera making it impossible to use (greenp might say different with his mud flaps on, poss. Worth putting on?).
Just little niggles that you can easily get round or learn to love!
The down side I will never accept are some of the accessories are extortionate, the seat cover prices are a joke, the prices some manufacturers are asking I would imagine is more than half way to getting them upholstered in OEM covers?! Mats are eye popping and had to take a punt on eBay to get some at a half decent price (luckily that paid off).
All in all though you will love it and they are well worth the wait imho!

 

[Rhyddin]

Hi Rhyddin, the van is absolutely great. The beach is so versatile it's incredible. Remove the rear bench seat and multiflex board, put a bit of cardboard in the back, drop the blinds and you have a panel van.
Put the bench seat in the middle, remove the multiflex board, drop the rear blinds and you have a combi.
Remove the multiflex board, put in two single seats at £354 each (bargain in my view) and you have a caravelle.
Fit a slide pod (which I probably will next year) and you have a proper camper.
On top of all that you have a California beach which sleeps 4 people in comfort and the kids will love it!
(Please don't think I'm having a go at the SE or ocean here because I think they are great pieces of kit and under different circumstances I would have one in a shot).
Of course there are a few down sides, like the glovebox is very small, so small it doesn't even accept the owners manual, what's that about? When moving from the rear into the front between the front seats my backside catches the arm rest and makes it so I can sit down (but I think that says more about the size of my bum than the van design). The tailgate does seem to get hit by spray in wet conditions which goes onto the lens of the rear camera making it impossible to use (greenp might say different with his mud flaps on, poss. Worth putting on?).
Just little niggles that you can easily get round or learn to love!
The down side I will never accept are some of the accessories are extortionate, the seat cover prices are a joke, the prices some manufacturers are asking I would imagine is more than half way to getting them upholstered in OEM covers?! Mats are eye popping and had to take a punt on eBay to get some at a half decent price (luckily that paid off).
All in all though you will love it and they are well worth the wait imho!

Cheers.

Hadn't really thought about how many ways the Beach could be transformed into it's sister vehicles. Good point!

I've ordered the two extra seats so I'll probably either fold down half the multi board and push the bench back as far as possible or, as you suggested, remove it altogether - until a bed is needed. We have a caravan too so my Beach will be more awesome day van than camper anyway.

I've ordered the comfort dash so I'll have to wait and see on the space utilisation. I haven't added the mud flaps but that should only protect the rear bumper, as opposed to the tailgate, I would have thought? I might be wrong but seems odd. I think the rear water collection is probably more down to the aerodynamics of a van. To make the point, I had an old 911 a few years ago and the aerodynamics were such that, on a rainy day, the rear window only ever got wet when I came to a stop. It was remarkable!

I agree about the cost of the accessories! The manufacturers certainly know how to exploit their market!

Anyway, thanks for the post and look forward to sharing details of mine in a few months.

Keep those insights coming!!

 

[Yorkdubshire]

Cheers.

Hadn't really thought about how many ways the Beach could be transformed into it's sister vehicles. Good point!

I've ordered the two extra seats so I'll probably either fold down half the multi board and push the bench back as far as possible or, as you suggested, remove it altogether - until a bed is needed. We have a caravan too so my Beach will be more awesome day van than camper anyway.

I've ordered the comfort dash so I'll have to wait and see on the space utilisation. I haven't added the mud flaps but that should only protect the rear bumper, as opposed to the tailgate, I would have thought? I might be wrong but seems odd. I think the rear water collection is probably more down to the aerodynamics of a van. To make the point, I had an old 911 a few years ago and the aerodynamics were such that, on a rainy day, the rear window only ever got wet when I came to a stop. It was remarkable!

I agree about the cost of the accessories! The manufacturers certainly know how to exploit their market!

Anyway, thanks for the post and look forward to sharing details of mine in a few months.

Keep those insights coming!!

That's the main reason why the beach was on our shopping list it really is the tool for most jobs. I do think if it was just me and the wife the SE/Ocean would be the way to go.
I think those seats are great value for money, we didn't go for them as we would only use them once a blue moon at the moment and they would be stuck on our damp garage. I haven't had a play with the multiflex board yet. I could half it, shove the bench fully back and post a pic and measure the space if you want?
Do you have a tourer or a static, should be perfect for a day van! War voice aka the mother in law has a static in abersoch north wales which we go to quite regularly, can highly recommend it if you like water sports!
We never had the comfort dash as an option when I ordered, but I guess that's the price I paid for rushing in.
As for the tailgate/camera issue you are probably right, just a bit disappointed it isn't one that comes out from the badge which would be snug and dry until required. Not the end of the world though the parking sensors still work well!
When you say old 911, air cooled? Very nice either way!
Cheers J

 

[Rhyddin]

That's the main reason why the beach was on our shopping list it really is the tool for most jobs. I do think if it was just me and the wife the SE/Ocean would be the way to go.
I think those seats are great value for money, we didn't go for them as we would only use them once a blue moon at the moment and they would be stuck on our damp garage. I haven't had a play with the multiflex board yet. I could half it, shove the bench fully back and post a pic and measure the space if you want?
Do you have a tourer or a static, should be perfect for a day van! War voice aka the mother in law has a static in abersoch north wales which we go to quite regularly, can highly recommend it if you like water sports!
We never had the comfort dash as an option when I ordered, but I guess that's the price I paid for rushing in.
As for the tailgate/camera issue you are probably right, just a bit disappointed it isn't one that comes out from the badge which would be snug and dry until required. Not the end of the world though the parking sensors still work well!
When you say old 911, air cooled? Very nice either way!
Cheers J

Hi,
We only have two kids but I thought the seats were worth adding as I'd already overspent! In for a penny... and all that! I'd be interested in an Ocean too, if we didn't have the caravan and I wasn't going to use the Cali as my everyday car. I do quite a few miles with work so it would be unnecessary baggage 90% of the time. Like you said, the Ocean is fab but the Beach is just far more versatile by being less specialised.

I'd be really interested to see the amount of space with the board folded down and the bench as far back as possible. You're a star for taking all these photos for me!

Our caravan is a tourer. I'm assured the Cali is a good tow vehicle, though it will be replacing my 3.0d Quattro A6 Avant so it has big shoes to fill! We haven't been to Abersoch but I'll have a look. We're definitely staying in the UK this year for all our holidays. I hate to give in to the threat of terrorism, but we just don't want to take the kids abroad. Plus, of course, there'll be a new Cali to use (and pay for!).

Good point about the camera - I do like it when Passats have cameras and the badge pops open - that would have been perfect, but I guess the boot lid is pretty full of chairs and a blind already so an additional motor probably wouldn't have fitted anyway.

My Porsche was great fun! We had it before the kids were born (so about 11 years ago) and it was a 1979 911SC. 3.0, air cooled, only about 70k miles and the scariest thing in the world when the road was even remotely slippy! It got replaced by a motorbike and, eventually, nothing. C'est la vie!

 

[Yorkdubshire]

Just bought one of these flat pack stools from Amazon so I can put things on/strap things down on the roof bars and clean it. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Large-Folding-Step-Stool-Capacity/dp/B00AQX5PWY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51pXj58rVbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0W3Q7MTSHRP2BDAP560N
Would recommend they are really well make and can easily take my weight without any problems
Also bought one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007G8VUSU/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
Very bright and very flexible, might be a bit long though. Still very good quality and you can link a few together. Hope this of some use!

 

[Yorkdubshire]

Hi,
We only have two kids but I thought the seats were worth adding as I'd already overspent! In for a penny... and all that! I'd be interested in an Ocean too, if we didn't have the caravan and I wasn't going to use the Cali as my everyday car. I do quite a few miles with work so it would be unnecessary baggage 90% of the time. Like you said, the Ocean is fab but the Beach is just far more versatile by being less specialised.

I'd be really interested to see the amount of space with the board folded down and the bench as far back as possible. You're a star for taking all these photos for me!

Our caravan is a tourer. I'm assured the Cali is a good tow vehicle, though it will be replacing my 3.0d Quattro A6 Avant so it has big shoes to fill! We haven't been to Abersoch but I'll have a look. We're definitely staying in the UK this year for all our holidays. I hate to give in to the threat of terrorism, but we just don't want to take the kids abroad. Plus, of course, there'll be a new Cali to use (and pay for!).

Good point about the camera - I do like it when Passats have cameras and the badge pops open - that would have been perfect, but I guess the boot lid is pretty full of chairs and a blind already so an additional motor probably wouldn't have fitted anyway.

My Porsche was great fun! We had it before the kids were born (so about 11 years ago) and it was a 1979 911SC. 3.0, air cooled, only about 70k miles and the scariest thing in the world when the road was even remotely slippy! It got replaced by a motorbike and, eventually, nothing. C'est la vie!

Haaa I really like that way of thinking, already overspent to what the heck. same here that's why I like the idea of the slide pod as you can take it out when you have to do the boring stuff (work).
No problem regarding the pics I really don't mind, as I've said I know what it's like waiting and not knowing the fine details of what you have bought.
I'm sure the Cali will be fine, I used to tow sweeping machines on a trailer with my T5 no problem. I know what you mean the terrorism thing is a real worry these days. Time to explore our country for a few years and get some use out of the Cali's
That sounds like just the best toy before you had to be sensible. I can imagine how scary that must have been in the wet, very twitchy. I've never had anything that exotic but maybe when the kids have been packed off!

 

[Rhyddin]

Haaa I really like that way of thinking, already overspent to what the heck. same here that's why I like the idea of the slide pod as you can take it out when you have to do the boring stuff (work).
No problem regarding the pics I really don't mind, as I've said I know what it's like waiting and not knowing the fine details of what you have bought.
I'm sure the Cali will be fine, I used to tow sweeping machines on a trailer with my T5 no problem. I know what you mean the terrorism thing is a real worry these days. Time to explore our country for a few years and get some use out of the Cali's
That sounds like just the best toy before you had to be sensible. I can imagine how scary that must have been in the wet, very twitchy. I've never had anything that exotic but maybe when the kids have been packed off!

The good old days! It wasn't silly money either: I paid £10k for it and sold it, after a few years, for £10k.

It was a kind of early relative of the Beetle which, of course, is a relative of the T1. Therefore, my Cali is a return to the fold! Sort of.

 

[Yorkdubshire]

The good old days! It wasn't silly money either: I paid £10k for it and sold it, after a few years, for £10k.

It was a kind of early relative of the Beetle which, of course, is a relative of the T1. Therefore, my Cali is a return to the fold! Sort of.

View attachment 11691

That looks amazing, i bet that turned a few heads and started some conversations didn't it? I can only imagine what price it would fetch now if the new owner kept it in that condition. Lol nice way of reasoning.
Not in the same class but my R32 with the polo GTi photo bombing and lost 6.6K in 12 months, but what a sound.

Then upgraded to an R

 

[Rhyddin]

That looks amazing, i bet that turned a few heads and started some conversations didn't it? I can only imagine what price it would fetch now if the new owner kept it in that condition. Lol nice way of reasoning.
Not in the same class but my R32 with the polo GTi photo bombing and lost 6.6K in 12 months, but what a sound.

Then upgraded to an R

I tried the R - LOVED the sound! And power, of course!

 

[grogan]

Hi! Nice cars!!!
I was just reading and thinking about the spare wheel that we ordered in our California. I´ve seen that many people has got that wheel stolen in their T5. Do you have any clue if the T6 is more secure in this sense or just identical to the T5. I guess if its the same will have to look for some security nut or something :-(

 

[larrylamb]

Hi! Nice cars!!!
I was just reading and thinking about the spare wheel that we ordered in our California. I´ve seen that many people has got that wheel stolen in their T5. Do you have any clue if the T6 is more secure in this sense or just identical to the T5. I guess if its the same will have to look for some security nut or something :-(

T6 is the same, you can buy an anti theft device for it in the Cali forum shop I think.

 

[ibis64]

The device is called Sparesafe and does act as a deterrent I have one fitted on my T5 Beach takes minutes to fit.

 

[Yorkdubshire]

Hi! Nice cars!!!
I was just reading and thinking about the spare wheel that we ordered in our California. I´ve seen that many people has got that wheel stolen in their T5. Do you have any clue if the T6 is more secure in this sense or just identical to the T5. I guess if its the same will have to look for some security nut or something :-(

Hi Grogan, thanks, Rhyddins old Porsche is really something to look at isn't it! I think larrylamb will be right that it is the same as the T5. Have a look here for some bits http://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product-category/security
Are people really still nicking spare wheels for a living, what scumbags!

 

[Yorkdubshire]

I'd be really interested to see the amount of space with the board folded down and the bench as far back as possible. You're a star for taking all these photos for me!
Hi Rhyddin, he is a few pics of the back with the multiflex board full size and then in half. With it full it measures 42" from back of drivers seat base to fear seat and with it half it measures about 50"

I also went to the dealers today as I forgot to give the them a headrest for the sharan I traded in and saw this.

Took some of the dash as I know you have ordered the comfort dash.

They als had an ocean and beach in the showroom if anyone wants a look.

 

[Yorkdubshire]

On a different note i had a look at the plastic fault on the Passenger b pillar and it isn't present with the darker interior (or at least it isn't on mine)?!
I also asked the dealer about car-net and from what he said my opinion is it isn't worth doing, it gives you a health check of your vehicle (which the vehicle does itself anyway) and tells you where garages are (which the sat nav does). It's free for 3 years and the you have to pay apparently.

 

[Rhyddin]

I'd be really interested to see the amount of space with the board folded down and the bench as far back as possible. You're a star for taking all these photos for me!
Hi Rhyddin, he is a few pics of the back with the multiflex board full size and then in half. With it full it measures 42" from back of drivers seat base to fear seat and with it half it measures about 50"

I also went to the dealers today as I forgot to give the them a headrest for the sharan I traded in and saw this.

Took some of the dash as I know you have ordered the comfort dash.

They also had an ocean and beach in the showroom if anyone wants a look.

Cool, thanks. Is that as far back as the bench will go when the multi board is folded down, or are the feet in the way? I assumed (always a mistake!) that you would be able to get the bench to touch the board when folded? Either way, looks spacious and the two extra seats shouldn't get in the way too much.

There's other posts on here about how to get all 7 seats in and still use the table, but it looks a little messy and the multi board has clearly been removed (below). The other important thing is still being able to use the bed with 7 seats in and I know that's possible (again, below). These are T5 photos but I'm pretty sure it's the same seats and dimensions anyway.

I test drove a Generation 6 in red and white to experience the 150PS with DSG (it was the only demo). I thought it looked ace - inside and out! Pretty sure, apart from the red bits, that's what mine will look like inside. In fact, in answer to a new thread I've just started, this shows what a comfort dash looks like against a black interior. I like it! In fact, I like it more than the grey in the Ocean (just my opinion, of course).

I'd love those leather/alcantara seats! It is literally the same seats and bench in that vehicle as the Beach (folds flat and everything!), so they really should have been an option!

Incidentally, if you traded in a Sharan, does that mean you've still got the Golf R? Nice choices! We'll still have my wife's A3 Cab, when my Cali arrives, but its a very clever little 1.4TFSI - nothing like the power of my A6 and definitely nothing like the power of a Golf R. I'll have to adapt my perception of 'fun' to no longer mean 'fast'

 

[Yorkdubshire]

Cool, thanks. Is that as far back as the bench will go when the multi board is folded down, or are the feet in the way? I assumed (always a mistake!) that you would be able to get the bench to touch the board when folded? Either way, looks spacious and the two extra seats shouldn't get in the way too much.

There's other posts on here about how to get all 7 seats in and still use the table, but it looks a little messy and the multi board has clearly been removed (below). The other important thing is still being able to use the bed with 7 seats in and I know that's possible (again, below). These are T5 photos but I'm pretty sure it's the same seats and dimensions anyway.

I test drove a Generation 6 in red and white to experience the 150PS with DSG (it was the only demo). I thought it looked ace - inside and out! Pretty sure, apart from the red bits, that's what mine will look like inside. In fact, in answer to a new thread I've just started, this shows what a comfort dash looks like against a black interior. I like it! In fact, I like it more than the grey in the Ocean (just my opinion, of course).

I'd love those leather/alcantara seats! It is literally the same seats and bench in that vehicle as the Beach (folds flat and everything!), so they really should have been an option!

Incidentally, if you traded in a Sharan, does that mean you've still got the Golf R? Nice choices! We'll still have my wife's A3 Cab, when my Cali arrives, but its a very clever little 1.4TFSI - nothing like the power of my A6 and definitely nothing like the power of a Golf R. I'll have to adapt my perception of 'fun' to no longer mean 'fast'

View attachment 11698

View attachment 11699

Yes it does go right up to the multiplex board, sorry about that photo I was trying to show you the gap so you could see the extra you would get in the middle.
I would have thought it is the same dims, all looks good to me but if you don't like it you can remove one or both of them for the day.
It did look stunning in the flesh but I couldn't live with it. Must admit that dash looks good, you won't be disappointed. The seats did look good, would have upgraded to those if it was an option and you didn't lose any functions!
Unfortunately the R had to go (Scotland I think) absolutely no room in the boot as the Haldex took up the space. We have a black 140 Mk7 SE 1.4 petrol probably the same unit, lovely thing for a potter. Slow is the new fast!!

 

[Skylark2.0]

Just bought one of these flat pack stools from Amazon so I can put things on/strap things down on the roof bars and clean it. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Large-Folding-Step-Stool-Capacity/dp/B00AQX5PWY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51pXj58rVbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0W3Q7MTSHRP2BDAP560N
Would recommend they are really well make and can easily take my weight without any problems
Also bought one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007G8VUSU/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
Very bright and very flexible, might be a bit long though. Still very good quality and you can link a few together. Hope this of some use!

He step looks great.
The photo on Amazon of the light is rubbish but it sounds good!

 

[Yorkdubshire]

He step looks great.
The photo on Amazon of the light is rubbish but it sounds good!

Hi skylark2.0, the step is brilliant in my opinion, for the money you can't go wrong. Just wished I had it a few days ago when I was painting the bathroom ceiling! The light strip pics are a bit rubbish but I can take some for you when I get a minute. I have also ordered the rigid one so might wait for that to arrive and take pics of both of you are interested!?

 

[Skylark2.0]

Hi skylark2.0, the step is brilliant in my opinion, for the money you can't go wrong. Just wished I had it a few days ago when I was painting the bathroom ceiling! The light strip pics are a bit rubbish but I can take some for you when I get a minute. I have also ordered the rigid one so might wait for that to arrive and take pics of both of you are interested!?

Yes please. It might silence my moans on the lack of two reading lights for the down stairs bed!
The step might make it easier for short people like me to make it upstairs too without it taking up too much space.
Thx.

 

[grogan]

Thanks all for the tip!!! Hope to get one of those before anyone can get the spare wheel.