I purchased Bertie, a '73 panel van last Saturday. I've dreamed of owning a bay window for many years and am glad this has finally happened. I'm a complete novice in anything mechanical, probably more suited to interior finishing, but want to get knee deep in anything to do with Bertie & learn as many new skills as I can along the way! Bertie runs & drives well! We drove 6 hours home together without any issues. I'm not really sure where to start with his restoration, as he's not perfect. He seems pretty solid, but has some rust bubbles in places, some lifting paint etc. His interior is dated (done in the 80's I think). Where do you decide to start with the whole process? I was thinking of having a garage look over him to give me a sort-of "to do list" of what needs improving from the mechanical side. Is this a good idea? He's drive-able, so I can use him for weekends camping etc already without the challenge of making him "road worthy". The only minor things I've come across so far when driving are that his gears are a little sticky into reverse and the fuel gauge seems to say half empty when at the petrol pump, it doesn't allow me to put any more petrol in - so must be full?
Welcome along. You're just in time for techenders next weekend in Lutterworth. Full weekend or day visit, you'll get free garage services from peeps who drive and love these vehicles
Welcome. When I bought my van it came with the advice, “On the days when the fuel gauge works, you can watch it go down.”
Hello and welcome from a bit further east than you in the sunny New Forest. A bit of a trek, but if you could get yourself up to Lutterworth next weekend, you and Bertie would get some great advice free of charge from a load of nutcases who know VWs - and there's beer too
Nice bus I have the same petrol gauge issue on my ‘78 bay. I’m making a list for techenders...very keen to get some tips on how to sort stuff myself
Hi from the Italian Alps. ..currently in Tuscany. Our fuel gauge has worked 3 times in four years! We use the trusty pen and paper method...