(Re) Introduction. T4WFA becomes 2into1

2into1 · May 30, 2017

Hello fellow Cali addicts.

As I've changed my name and avatar (oh and my van) I thought I best say hello again with details of the update.

After many years of debating if I was better off with a bigger more specialist camper and a rough big car for everyday use, a change of circumstances has happily helped the decision.

So the VW California T4 Exclusive has gone, to be replaced by this:

Despite the Cascavel wheels, it's a July 2010 140SE, and very pleased I am with it too!

There doesn't seem to be many night-blue Cali's so I hadn't really positioned it on my wish list of colours, but it's certainly growing on me.

It was bought from the forum's for sale section without viewing but with a promise to return my deposit if it wasn't as good as described. So a 265 one-way rail ticket later, and it's mine, and every bit as good as described.

Although it has its risks, this seems to be the way to buy a van in this market. My T4 sold on the same basis to it's new owner who flew up from Cornwall without seeing it in the flesh.

The fee-free internet bank transfers for both sales (£25k limit) were both instant and trouble free. The balance was paid in cash and cleared in the bank before handover.

So my old T4WFA user name is consigned to history. My workhorse vehicle (a Peug Partner Teepee) will shortly be sold and therefore and '2into1' is my new 'name' as I go on to understand how practical a Cali SE is as a single vehicle.

My new van has just had the latest 'cap' roof repairs completed in Edinburgh under the 'extended' warranty - which looks to be a very nice job. It's on it's first (so far pixel free and non jumping) control panel. Also, after nearly 7 years the tambour doors are gaffer-tape free, the canvas undamaged and it has the original reading light in the roof - which are all probably good indicators of how well it has been treated by it's only previous owner and his young family.

My 'Brandrup' and accessories Mortgage application is currently under consideration..............although as the van came with 2nd skin covers, the bill may be smaller than most. I've already picked up some used bits here and new discounted bits on ebay, but will be placing some 'wanted' ads for the remaining must haves before a day trip over to see Nick and the shop for everything else.

sidepod · May 30, 2017

Very nice. :cheers

Meoncoast · May 30, 2017

Nice looking van and good colour

Hotel California · May 30, 2017

Welcome...

Now we have seen a picture of the new ride on the driveway , we wait to see pics. in more exotic locations.
The Brandrup second skin seat covers are the best .
Maybe better to put the gaffa tape on just in case , before the blinds tear appart. Gaffa tape is now factory fitted so you will only "upgrade " your cali

You will need mats , what is now in the front footwels?

2into1 · May 30, 2017

hotel california said:
You will need mats , what is now in the front footwels?

That's one of the remaining dilemmas. I fancied the folding living area mat, but the front cab carpets need better protection, so will probably buy the full set from the club shop, and have the rails exposed.

The seller washed the 2nd skins prior to sale and they are mint (perfect) too. Probably too mint for everyday / all year use with a dog and my business in antiques, so they may go in a box and be swapped for INKA waterproofs. I'll hold onto the 2nd skins though, as they are hard to find now in the correct trim material.

MattBW · May 30, 2017

I thought I saw your old van on the way back from Hulme End but I may have been mistaken.

Hotel California · May 30, 2017

2into1 said:
That's one of the remaining dilemmas. I fancied the folding living area mat, but the front cab carpets need better protection, so will probably buy the full set from the club shop, and have the rails exposed.

The seller washed the 2nd skins prior to sale and they are mint (perfect) too. Probably too mint for everyday / all year use with a dog and my business in antiques, so they may go in a box and be swapped for INKA waterproofs. I'll hold onto the 2nd skins though, as they are hard to find now in the correct trim material.

We use a xtra fleece on top of the seatcovers , on the bench seat where the dog sits ,easyer to get rid of doghair , she does not comes in the front seats!
I have a foldble mat and happy with it , it keeps sand , dog hair ,...out of the floor rails.
However if it is weared i probally (don't know sure) get one with opening for the rails .
Reason : if you fold it to the front to roll the bench seat forward making the downstaires bed the double mat makes it hard to put the chemical toilet as the mat don't fill the whole space between the front and rear seat . There is a diffrence in height .
We put a small cheap footmat on top as the dog brings in a lot of dirt sometimes...
Worth thinking about.

Theboywestie · May 30, 2017

2into1 said:
Hello fellow Cali addicts.

As I've changed my name and avatar (oh and my van) I thought I best say hello again with details of the update.

After many years of debating if I was better off with a bigger more specialist camper and a rough big car for everyday use, a change of circumstances has happily helped the decision.

So the VW California T4 Exclusive has gone, to be replaced by this:

View attachment 22307
Despite the Cascavel wheels, it's a July 2010 140SE, and very pleased I am with it too!

There doesn't seem to be many night-blue Cali's so I hadn't really positioned it on my wish list of colours, but it's certainly growing on me.

It was bought from the forum's for sale section without viewing but with a promise to return my deposit if it wasn't as good as described. So a 265 one-way rail ticket later, and it's mine, and every bit as good as described.

Although it has its risks, this seems to be the way to buy a van in this market. My T4 sold on the same basis to it's new owner who flew up from Cornwall without seeing it in the flesh.

The fee-free internet bank transfers for both sales (£25k limit) were both instant and trouble free. The balance was paid in cash and cleared in the bank before handover.

So my old T4WFA user name is consigned to history. My workhorse vehicle (a Peug Partner Teepee) will shortly be sold and therefore and '2into1' is my new 'name' as I go on to understand how practical a Cali SE is as a single vehicle.
View attachment 22308
My new van has just had the latest 'cap' roof repairs completed in Edinburgh under the 'extended' warranty - which looks to be a very nice job. It's on it's first (so far pixel free and non jumping) control panel. Also, after nearly 7 years the tambour doors are gaffer-tape free, the canvas undamaged and it has the original reading light in the roof - which are all probably good indicators of how well it has been treated by it's only previous owner and his young family.

My 'Brandrup' and accessories Mortgage application is currently under consideration..............although as the van came with 2nd skin covers, the bill may be smaller than most. I've already picked up some used bits here and new discounted bits on ebay, but will be placing some 'wanted' ads for the remaining must haves before a day trip over to see Nick and the shop for everything else.