Would a tintop be devalued if it was converted into a poptop/original paint colour changed?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Chris Berry, Oct 27, 2013.

  1. I have recently acquired a 1971 Tintop Kombi Westfalia Campmobile which is an import and in excellent condition. It will suit my families needs for the next few years but as children grow we may need more sleeping space. Would the van be devalued if we converted it to a front hinged Westy poptop, therefore keeping the poptop in line with the period in which the van was built.

    Same question applies as to paint colour change, it still has factory paint in reasonable but faded condition. Would changing it to a differejt colour than stock devalue the bus? The bus is currently in Pastel White, would probably go for a light blue/marine blue/sage green colour choice if went for it.
    Thanks for your input.

    Chris.
     
  2. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Who cares about the value if it means it'll continue to suit your needs?
    If you're new to buses, don't get obsessed by their values, too many people do and then Marmite themselves about changing anything.
     
  3. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    You might find it cheaper to sell up and buy one with a pop-top.
     
  4. yes, original restore goes for more
     
  5. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    I don't believe it'll be de-valued but it won't add to the value, what it costs.
     
  6. WHS...
    the only reason I'd keep a bus totally original is if it did exactly what i needed it to do at the time....it's whatever floats your boat.
    Some people are into keeping it stock, for it's own sake, some like to buy and sell them for a profit, and currently 'totally original...untouched....unmolested...etc.' are fetching higher prices...
    Personally, if someone were to sell a really well refurbished bus, with all the additional accoutrements, like proper insulation, updated electrics, mechanicals etc. it should be worth more IMO, provided all the modifications have been well thought out, well executed and any remedial bodywork has been done to a high standard...
    I'd be leaning towards a rear hinged westie roof though, but only because I prefer the look of them
     
  7. Another option is a towbar and something like an eriba puck :thumbsup:
     
  8. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Or an awning....
     
  9. Tuesday wildchild

    Tuesday wildchild I'm a circle!

    Or sell the kids and you can keep it as and make a huge saving on future outgoings to spend on the van and yourself.
     
    JT1 likes this.
  10. Given you talk about using the bus for the next few years then I would do what you want to make it work for you. That's what we did. Some people are obsessed with keeping these old vehicles original but I am not one of those :)
     
  11. kev

    kev

    i would change the colour cut a big hole in the roof fit a fiat engine put 8 inch wheels on it and graft on a bongo front on to it it would be worth millions
     
  12. the huge majority of buyers do not know what the hell they are buying ,I have sold over twenty vans and not one person could successfully put any of the vans into first gear ,I started selling them pointing in the right direction down a hill...:thumbsup:
     
    zed likes this.
  13. Shame to cut a tintop though when there are plenty of campers out there. Whatever floats your boat though.

    Could be you'd increase its value if you intend to pass it off as a 'full' westy in future. With the colour make sure you document what you do with detailed pics through the whole process.
    :)
     
  14. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    The thing with originality and value is a bit over done re selling point etc. A totally original van is just that. pretty much as it came from the factory. og paint fittings etc. A low mileage totally og garaged Westy with all service receipts etc for example would probably fetch proper money and as such would be a shame to change it. . But as lef says, most people wouldn't know an original Westy from a panel van conversion. They are old and most have signs of a long life, well done crash repairs and so on.

    It is only when you appreciate the conversions or particular vw fully, that you become sad enough to hanker after something totally as it was when it left the factory.
     
  15. take a look a fbi
     
  16. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Campers cost more. Fact.
     
  17. Your bus, but my view would be to keep it as-is. There're enough massacred busses around. Maybe in the future buy a Westie with a poptop.
     
  18. the world is`nt going to end if there is no tintops left ,modify as you like....:thumbsup:

    Do not cut holes in panelvans though, that is very naughty...:gnome:
     
    holmsen likes this.
  19. cut hole in it then i will have the only tin top in the worldo_O
     

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