New Owner in Suffolk, UK

[Viktorgeorge]

Ordered this week:

2TDI 204PS 4 Motion & Speed DSG
Ascot grey paint 6U6U
Inlays pewter wave grey 7TD
Kitchen trim with outdoor shower ll6
Bellow in basalt grey J10
Aracju wheels ZOB
All weather tyres Q31/J13/J70
Discover Pro ZI8
Storage compartment package QE6
Wood effect flooring 5BH
Hill descent control UG5
Driver assistance package PAQ
Tow bar 1D2
Mechanical rear differential lock 1Y4
Mudflaps 6N2
Driving profile selection P7C
Four keys 8QM
Bend extension/comfort sleeping mattress 3UI

Two further possibilities considered:
- Z2C laminated glazing, however currently not available;
- 'Suspension Range 13' apparently not applicable with all weather tyres.
Both items appear on the configurator but both the dealer and others on this forum, it appears, are unclear on exactly what they are. Accordingly, any further information welcome.

I wanted to buy from my excellent local VW dealer in Ipswich, but their van department do not supply VW campers, so went to Volkswagen Crawley Camper Vans. Early days, but so far the latter (Mike & Victor) have been helpful and attentive.

I did initially choose the ArtVelour but have decided to order standard fabric seats then do an immediate leather retrofit (in a similar soft grey colour to the fabric) for practicality (my current VW Phaeton of 16 years, with regular leather cream treatment, has served my wife and me well). I have the following possible companies for leather covers:
https://www.dkschweizer.co.uk/leather-re-trimming/
http://transcal.co.uk/automotive/
https://www.racelinesportsvans.com/leather
http://www.trimtechnik.net/
https://theseatsurgeons.co.uk/
https://www.customvanz.com/leather-seats-for-vw-transporter.htm
https://auto-kit.co.uk/
https://www.auto-trim.co.uk/
The first is local to me and looks pretty suitable, they apparently do lots of T6's and California's and have given me an indicative price only slightly higher that the ArtVelour for standard leather though £200 more in addition for nappa. All feedback on all the above and any other re-trimmers welcome.

I have noted one posting elsewhere warning about re-trimmers cutting cables below the seats, and will keep a check on that. I will also me mindful that airbag function should not be compromised.

I have asked Volkswagen Crawley to price for a dash-cam, once again any thoughts and/or product recommendation welcome.

I would like to de-badge (I know a subject with a range of opinions) and then ceramic glaze, Diamondbrite or similar. Debadging was an option I took on the Phaeton, but is not available on the California, so it will be either a detailer or me and a hair dryer (plus dental floss on the chrome ones). We are coastal and there are a lot of seagulls, so the ceramic could be particularly beneficial. I don't plan to Diamondbrite the interior leather (when done) as this will inhibit the leather cream. Ever since I bought a 1933 Austin in the 1960's, and lavished the seats with Connolly hide food, I have enjoyed the smell and feel of well-oiled leather.

My favourite YouTube videos so far, are 'California Chris' (particularly the two videos analysing the beds), and 'California Time' the latter's enthusiasm is infectious.

Thank you to all the contributors and moderators (in particular) at VW California Club who have helped inform and enhance this enjoyable exercise.

 

[Karlos]

Hope the wait isn't too long.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Hope the wait isn't too long.

Thank you Karlos: I am reconciled to 12 months.

I am new to this forum and (upcoming) California ownership but I have the impression that quite a lot of new ones are being ordered at the moment. I wonder if this is actually the case, and if so whether waiting times could be even longer as a result. The original dealer I spoke to said he could sell 4 California for each on the 20 he was allocated a year.

 

[Chris_BLG_Ocean]

Hello from Stowmarket area, you might see my Green Ocean driving around Ipswich.

The wait is long but when it arrives it’s well worth it, I’ve only had mine nearly a month.

Any questions just ask.

Chris


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Graham T]

from up the road, in Norfolk.

 

[Nick.C]

We have been to some lovely sites in nearby Norfolk this year. You are really spoilt for choice for those first weekends away when it arrives. Clippersby Hall is one of our favourites, but also had a really nice long weekend at the Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Sandringham.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

from up the road, in Norfolk.

Hello Stowmarket Chris and Norfolk Graham. I shall be looking out for you on the road. So if you are headlight flashed by a dark green/grey Phaeton **06 UKL that will be me (the colour was only briefly a VW option, and I believe no one else ordered it: I also was told that Germans don't like green cars, which they consider unlucky). The Phaeton goes on the market - or to the mechanic who has cared for it from new - when the California arrives.

Having only ordered my California last week, I can vary my order for some time. So I would be grateful If anyone can point me towards photos or YouTube videos, showing this item, which I have ordered but never seen:

- Storage compartment package QE6

Also, whilst I know 4 motion well from my Phaeton, I have added:

- Hill descent control UG5
- Driver assistance package PAQ
- Mechanical rear differential lock 1Y4

and if anyone has any or all of these on their California, then their advice on whether they are worth having (given the costs) would be appreciated.