Westfalia Knowledge Base
How can I restore the original finish on my Westfalia? I just purchased a 1974 Westfalia, in original condition with 38000 miles. It is in the most amazing shape I've ever seen, outside of a show vehicle. Absolutely no rust or rot anywhere. Even the original paint is still intact on the underbody. Just to brag a little, I got this amazing vehicle for a song and a dance! Anyhow, the paint on it is Yosemite Yellow, with the original green carpet and blue and green plaid interior also in near perfect shape. But somewhere down the line one of its owners didn't like the Yosemite Yellow color - it resembles pea soup in shade. So they painted it white on the outside only. Its a decent paint job, but on the leading edges of the doors etc it is starting to wear away, and the near-perfect yellow is visible underneath. Can I wet sand the white with some 800 or so grit and get back down to the original color? A vehicle in this shape deserves to be ALL original. It was not painted to fix any bodywork, just to change color. Body is perfect! Nope, they didn't sand it when they prepped it. That's why I said the near perfect yellow color is visible underneath. That's also why I think it is wearing away at any leading edge where it gets wind/weathered when the bus is moving.
How much does it cost to maintain a 1985 Westfalia in decent shape? Recently bought a Vanagon for $2500 that was well-maintained but had sat for a couple years. It died on us nearly right away; we are thinking fuel lines or pump, because the engine turns over but won't catch. Just trying to decide to sell or keep...if this is going to be way too expensive to maintain, we want to know now. I'm very aware that these vehicles can be tempermental.
should i keep my 1987 Westfalia Vanagon that needs work? The van is a beaut but something is always needing to be fixed. right now it needs new breaks, new water pump (which is currently leaking) estimated at about 400 dollars of work and I find myself wondering how much money I am going to put into this car before I give up. I really love the car. Is it worth the money to keep sprucing up every bit that eventually breaks?
How would I convert a 72 Westfalia Camper to run on E85? I plan on buying a Volkswagen camper to restore relatively soon. In it's current state, it's about 95% complete...it's not running yet. I figure, I want to convert it to run on E85 fuel, with Economy and money aside, once Cellulose Ethanol is widely available, it's much better for the environment (I understand that Corn Ethanol brings it's own various environmental problems).
How do I remove the glove box of my VW Westfalia? I'm about to install a new stereo n my 1971 Camper. If iI remove the glove box I'll have much more room to work with. I see 9 screws on the upper, inner lip of the glove box. I've checked my 3 manuals but can't find any reference. Anybody know for sure? Thanks
How can I give away a Westfalia tent? I have a relative with a Westfalia tent left over from their T2 VW Bus. what would be a good organization/club in the DC area to donate it to? (FYI, not interested in selling, shipping, etc. Looking for a club to come and take it away as is.)
Where to find a Volkswagen Westfalia for sale in Alaska? I'm a teenager, and ever since I saw that putrid orange van/camper, it stole my heart. I've searched online, but can't seem to find one for sale in Alaska. Preferably I'd like one used, price-wise. Anyone know where to find one?
How do I get lost title for vehicle? VW 1973 westfalia transport? I have in my possession a westfalia transport. I am trying to get the lost title to it. Pre-owners name still on title. What can I do that is fast and easy? I did buy it. It was sitting in a field for a long time and I have had it for a year. I cant find the prone. opps.....cant find pre owner.
my 83 vw westfalia wont start when it hot!? i have a 83 vw westfalia that doesnt want to start after it have been running and hot. the van is fuel injected, it will turn over fine but just doesnt want to start..... any ideas out there?
1985 westfalia, thanks to everyone for advice, of course more questions.? I pulled the alternator, told it was bad after test. I think I can replace myself. Question today is, what years are favored buy drivers or collectors? Is there a big difference between 1984-1987? I have 1985 and I think it was last year with round headlights, I have been told it was also a good year but curious why, and is it a possible value to keep. I do love it, regardless, just wanted input on what I have-nastalgia or investment. thanks, again for reponse.
Volkswagan westfalia beds? I am going to get a Westfalia but I was just wondering how many beds there are? someone said that the pop-top goes up and beds come down but someone else said that the pop top is only for head space. Which is true? how many beds are there and what is the pop top used for?? thanks
What is the towing capacity of a VW Bus? I've heard the VW bus from the 70's has a 60hp engine, which isn't particularly powerful. Does anyone know what the towing capacity of that vehicle would be? And is there a difference for the Westfalia / popup version?
Were 1st generation Plymouth Barracudas' manual transmissions on the floor or column? I'm getting rid of my 1980 air cooled piece of crap Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia, and I'm looking at getting a classic Plymouth to replace it. Whatever it is, I want it to be a stick, and I've never driven a car with a stick on the column. Also, if you have any idea on the fuel mileage a 'Cuda or Scamp/Fury would get with a slant-6, that would be great. Thanks!
Is a VW Vanagon capable of towing a trailer? Considering buying a Westfalia for a upcoming road trip. All I have seen in my Vanagon search is 4cyl, 2 wd. I would prefer AWD, but can do without. Not sure about 4cyl though. I live in the Denver area and will need to pull a 5x8 or 5x10 cargo trailer for a motorcycle (approx 500lb) and other misc cargo to FL. Will a 4 cyl do this?
Volkswagen Westfalia Question? Hey Im about to purchase my first car, well van really. A 1974 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper. I was just wondering if they are charging a good price for it. im getting it off of craigslist. here is the description: engine rebuilt by previous owner mechanic around 2000kms ago, real clean. new carbi's, new brakes, all new hoses. tidy inside, table and light. pop top has a few minor tears covered in tape. sleeps 4 with comfort. outside has some rust and the slidding door no longer works. can be temprementle as with all vw's, maybe just in need of a service/ tuneup. How much do you think it would cost me to fix the door? the price is $1500 (canadian)
VW Vanagon westfalia 4spd transmission. What is this opening? Here is a link to the pictures of my brother's 1.9l diesel volkswagen westfalia... We noticed that the transmission has a hole with threads on it. What is suppose to screw in here? What type of transmission fluid do we use on this type of vehicle? It is a 1.9L diesel engine. and a 4 speed stick shift transmission. Here is a link to the pics. http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/forestsun/trannypicopening.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/forestsun/P1010115.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/forestsun/P1010118.jpg is it suppose to be covered? If not, then What if I want to steam clean my engine?
1984 VW Westfalia owners- have a question? I'm looking to buy a 1984 VW Westfalia. It has 140K original miles on it- one owner. The interior is great. The poptop window doesn't crank up anymore, but not a biggie to us. Our main concern is there is rust right inside when you open the sliding door along the edge. Is this a bad place for rust? It's just a little. How much would you pay for this? Sorry...it's the window on the pop top that won't open. The pop top just works fine!
VW Vanagon westfalia 4spd transmission. What is this opening? Here is a link to the pictures of my brother's 1.9l diesel volkswagen westfalia... We noticed that the transmission has a hole with threads on it What is suppose to screw in here? Here is a link to the pics. http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/forestsun/trannypicopening.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/forestsun/P1010115.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/forestsun/P1010118.jpg We hear a bit of squealing noise while moving the stick around.. Is this the hole where we put transmission fluid? Is a tranny on a diesel different from regular gasoline vehicle transmissions? What type of fluid is best? He was gung ho to pour some tranny fluid in this hole and see if the squealing of the stick shift goes away. The squealing sound actually sounds like it coming from right about the center of the vehilce underneath the vehicle. I think that hole should be covered...what is that part called? And what about the squealing as I move the stick.? also, what type of transmission fluid does anybody recommend and is this the hole it goes in? again 1.9l diesel 4 speed vanagon / westy. thanks please read post, we never put tranny oil.. That is what he was thinking to do. But i am checking on here first. the noise does not come when the vehicle is driven. While vehicle is driven it is more difficult to hear. squealing happens with motor turned off , clutch pedal engaged and just moving the stick around through its gears. Can hear it when vehicle is started and idiling. Not sure what it is. No fluid was added yet. but where do you add the fluid for this? the vehicle drives and shifts fine... it's just why does it make a squealing noise. And should that hole have a cover on it?
Where to get a VW Westfalia/Type 2 T1? I want to get a hippie bus, either the type 2 T1 or the westfalia with split windows (the traditional, stereotypical hippie van). Does anyone have any idea where I can buy one?
I am looking for a Westfalia Volkswagen 1969 Camper? I cannot find them anywhere online, a few months ago I found one, but I didn't have the money then. I am looking for them desperately now and wish I'd had the money then :(. Can anyone help? Ps: Preferred colors... RED or SKY BLUE.
Does my Westfalia need a special battery? I have a Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia from 1981 and it needs a battery. The original battery is missing, so I can't compare to that. Let me know please! I have to buy a new battery tonight. -Austin
Westfalia Milk Separator SAMM 12006? How do you adjust the back-pressure for which some fat content gets put back into the skim milk at a specific ratio to make 1-2% milk? Also to control flooding?
Is getting a Westfalia a bad idea? I'm considering purchasing an 85-87 Westfalia, I'm not in love with a VW but I want a smaller camper van. I have a budget of $13,000 but I am willing to go up to $17,000. It would be my primary vehicle for about 6 months. I am concerned about reliability. I have owned a VW beetle and it required a lot of maintenance. I am listing my budget in case some one wants to recommend another vehicle in my price range.
Volkswagen westfalia 1977 seats? we are restoring my family's van for my birthday and it is in need of new front seats. it also needs a new canvas,and tires. i was wondering if anyone knows someplace that sells these parts.
What are some alternatives to the Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia? I want to do a road trip across Canada the US. I was considering buying a used Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia but after reading this blog I'm not so sure: http://www.carlustblog.com/2008/08/volkswagen-vana.html I want something that I can sleep and prepare food in, and my budget is about $10,000. Thanks!
Can I turn a 67' VW Westfalia (westy) into a Microbus? I want to turn a 1967 VW westy into a 1967 VW Microbus. I know Ill have to put 2 bench seats in the back in replace of the furniture, and add another window in the back, but I don't know if the microbus is longer, of has a different build. How hard would it be to do this, and is it possible? What else needs to be done. I don't care that the value will go down if I do this. Thanks