G
Grebetow
Morning all,
I originally posted this morning as a reply to an earlier thread, but then realised it would probably be better as the start of a new thread. Apologies for the duplication.
Here goes.......
I'm sure that some of you may remember my project van, purchased by me in June 2018, via 2into1 and the original (18yrs) UK owner. I thought I would provide a long overdue update.
The van was very much a project, and was an absolute mess bodywise. I went into it eyes wide open (or so I thought), and thought it would be worthwhile as the interior is in outstanding condition, and it is a later long nose, very high spec van with the much brighter later interior. Also, although it is a bit (?!) high on the mileage front, it has a truly astonishing service history.
Moving on, I had quite a bit of mechanical work done straight away, ie cambelt, engine mounts, full service etc. etc., and subsequently we used - and hugely enjoyed - the van loads throughout summer and autumn 2018. I also fitted a set of much nicer 16" alloys, which are in perfect condition with new tyres.
Then, the major work commenced. I know a chap who runs a highly renowned vehicle restoration business in Sheffield. Long story short, the van was much much much worse than I had thought, and he was reluctant to take the job on. After much cajoling, and because I have known him a long time and explained to him the value in Westfalia Californias, he agreed to do the work and they had the van in the bodyshop for two months throughout November and December.
Well, it was all definitely worth all the heartache. The van is, basically, new from the waist down and looks stunning. Everything was replaced - inner and outer, ie front wings, front & rear arches, sills, front & rear cross members etc. etc. We also had a towbar and electrics fitted. A huge amount of work was completed.
It's not quite a finished project. The only bits left to do are to paint the bonnet/front bumper (these were not replaced) and, perhaps, the roof. Also, I may, or may not, fit some decals. I do quite like the naked look. I just don't feel that I can spend any more just yet. If we keep it, then I will have these bits done, but they are unimportant to me.
The van has 226,000 miles and was used as a daily driver for 18 years by it's first UK owner, who acquired it from Deepcar Motorhomes when it was just two years old. Unusually it has a UK MPH speedometer, and UK headlights. Weirdly, the van lived about a mile away from me for 18 years, and I never spotted it.
It has an incredible service history, with an unbelievable 92 (yes - ninety two) invoices totalling £23,876.78!!
This does not include the body refurbishment work, and also does not include two services whilst it was still in Germany - including a cambelt service, bizarrely. The van has had well north of thirty grand spent on it.
It drives, and looks, like a new van and is, to me at least, a thing of great beauty. We have had some fantastic comments wherever we have been throughout the UK this year and it, quite literally, turns heads.
A few post restoration photos attached. I do have some pictures of the restoration, but unfortunately I am unable to convert them into a format that I can attach to the post.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the mileage (and history), I believe it is a unique van. Perhaps it is one of the best out there? Or, maybe not. I would be interested in your thoughts..........
Now we have been through all that, I may sell it next year. Thinking about moving to the dark side of T5 ownership...........
I originally posted this morning as a reply to an earlier thread, but then realised it would probably be better as the start of a new thread. Apologies for the duplication.
Here goes.......
I'm sure that some of you may remember my project van, purchased by me in June 2018, via 2into1 and the original (18yrs) UK owner. I thought I would provide a long overdue update.
The van was very much a project, and was an absolute mess bodywise. I went into it eyes wide open (or so I thought), and thought it would be worthwhile as the interior is in outstanding condition, and it is a later long nose, very high spec van with the much brighter later interior. Also, although it is a bit (?!) high on the mileage front, it has a truly astonishing service history.
Moving on, I had quite a bit of mechanical work done straight away, ie cambelt, engine mounts, full service etc. etc., and subsequently we used - and hugely enjoyed - the van loads throughout summer and autumn 2018. I also fitted a set of much nicer 16" alloys, which are in perfect condition with new tyres.
Then, the major work commenced. I know a chap who runs a highly renowned vehicle restoration business in Sheffield. Long story short, the van was much much much worse than I had thought, and he was reluctant to take the job on. After much cajoling, and because I have known him a long time and explained to him the value in Westfalia Californias, he agreed to do the work and they had the van in the bodyshop for two months throughout November and December.
Well, it was all definitely worth all the heartache. The van is, basically, new from the waist down and looks stunning. Everything was replaced - inner and outer, ie front wings, front & rear arches, sills, front & rear cross members etc. etc. We also had a towbar and electrics fitted. A huge amount of work was completed.
It's not quite a finished project. The only bits left to do are to paint the bonnet/front bumper (these were not replaced) and, perhaps, the roof. Also, I may, or may not, fit some decals. I do quite like the naked look. I just don't feel that I can spend any more just yet. If we keep it, then I will have these bits done, but they are unimportant to me.
The van has 226,000 miles and was used as a daily driver for 18 years by it's first UK owner, who acquired it from Deepcar Motorhomes when it was just two years old. Unusually it has a UK MPH speedometer, and UK headlights. Weirdly, the van lived about a mile away from me for 18 years, and I never spotted it.
It has an incredible service history, with an unbelievable 92 (yes - ninety two) invoices totalling £23,876.78!!
This does not include the body refurbishment work, and also does not include two services whilst it was still in Germany - including a cambelt service, bizarrely. The van has had well north of thirty grand spent on it.
It drives, and looks, like a new van and is, to me at least, a thing of great beauty. We have had some fantastic comments wherever we have been throughout the UK this year and it, quite literally, turns heads.
A few post restoration photos attached. I do have some pictures of the restoration, but unfortunately I am unable to convert them into a format that I can attach to the post.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the mileage (and history), I believe it is a unique van. Perhaps it is one of the best out there? Or, maybe not. I would be interested in your thoughts..........
Now we have been through all that, I may sell it next year. Thinking about moving to the dark side of T5 ownership...........
Enjoy the fruits of your work!
