New here and looking for information

Hello all. I've been thinking about a Brazilian T2 for a while, but put it out of mind when we decided we would prefer a bigger van with a bed.

However, as my missus has decided she's not retiring for a couple more years, instead going part time, we're seriously thinking of something smaller we can use more frequently and use for short trips.

So, I'm after any buyer's guide that might be out there. I'm sure these rot in the same places as the originals, but perhaps not as quickly?

Also, any advice on layout, upgrades, etc, and any places that sell them that are to be trusted?

While I have a good mechanic round the corner, are there any specialists in the east London/south Essex area?

Many thanks,

Pádraig

Get a Diamond conversion lovely king-size bed.

Look at vwkampers.co.uk. Tim

psafloyd wrote:

Hello all. I've been thinking about a Brazilian T2 for a while, but put it out of mind when we decided we would prefer a bigger van with a bed.

However, as my missus has decided she's not retiring for a couple more years, instead going part time, we're seriously thinking of something smaller we can use more frequently and use for short trips.

So, I'm after any buyer's guide that might be out there. I'm sure these rot in the same places as the originals, but perhaps not as quickly?

Also, any advice on layout, upgrades, etc, and any places that sell them that are to be trusted?

While I have a good mechanic round the corner, are there any specialists in the east London/south Essex area?

Many thanks,

Pádraig

A Brazilian bus will rot faster than the original German buses did, (although they have at least a 25 year head start!) unless you comprehensively rust proof inside all cavities and underneath properly, if not already done. (This, of course, assumes starting with a good one that isn't already rusty, preferably a garaged example not used through winter) Winter use on salted roads will speed up rusting by an order of magnitude. Don't think because they're more recent these buses are made of similar modern galvanised steel like recent european vehicles, they're not, old school mild steel is used throughout, like back in the '70's

So it's essential to always get underneath with a torch and look over any bus thoroughly, better still get it up on a lift if you can. Any dealer selling these should have access to one and be happy to oblige if they're honest. Be very suspicious indeed of a fresh new coat of underseal.

Also be very cautious when buying from a dealer if they've recently repainted a bus prior to sale, you never know what's hiding under that lovely looking new paint. An older paint job, or even the original paint (if you're really lucky) is better as you'll see any bodywork issues that may be coming to light.

Be sure to test drive a fair distance too and at speed, not just around town, as these buses do not handle or feel anything like a modern van and the driving experience won't suit many. I love it, but it's like going back in time over 55 years and going over 60 just might terrify you a little bit!

Good luck with your hunting.

Welcome to the forum Pádraig!

You're not too far from us in Henfield. You are more than welcome to come down and view our current stock - we have a varied selection at the moment.

Incidentally, any camper we've resprayed the lower half on will have had fresh metal to solve any corrosion issue. We also apply cavity wax on every Kombi before it's handed over.

Feel free to drop me an email tim@vwkampers.co.uk .

Many thanks. I've driven original T2s, and have a Morris Minor, so know what old school driving feels like.

I never trust new paint and of course, I'd prefer one that's been waxed in the past than never before.

Any guidance on prices?

Favguy wrote:

psafloyd wrote:

Hello all. I've been thinking about a Brazilian T2 for a while, but put it out of mind when we decided we would prefer a bigger van with a bed.

However, as my missus has decided she's not retiring for a couple more years, instead going part time, we're seriously thinking of something smaller we can use more frequently and use for short trips.

So, I'm after any buyer's guide that might be out there. I'm sure these rot in the same places as the originals, but perhaps not as quickly?

Also, any advice on layout, upgrades, etc, and any places that sell them that are to be trusted?

While I have a good mechanic round the corner, are there any specialists in the east London/south Essex area?

Many thanks,

Pádraig

A Brazilian bus will rot faster than the original German buses did, (although they have at least a 25 year head start!) unless you comprehensively rust proof inside all cavities and underneath properly, if not already done. (This, of course, assumes starting with a good one that isn't already rusty, preferably a garaged example not used through winter) Winter use on salted roads will speed up rusting by an order of magnitude. Don't think because they're more recent these buses are made of similar modern galvanised steel like recent european vehicles, they're not, old school mild steel is used throughout, like back in the '70's

So it's essential to always get underneath with a torch and look over any bus thoroughly, better still get it up on a lift if you can. Any dealer selling these should have access to one and be happy to oblige if they're honest. Be very suspicious indeed of a fresh new coat of underseal.

Also be very cautious when buying from a dealer if they've recently repainted a bus prior to sale, you never know what's hiding under that lovely looking new paint. An older paint job, or even the original paint (if you're really lucky) is better as you'll see any bodywork issues that may be coming to light.

Be sure to test drive a fair distance too and at speed, not just around town, as these buses do not handle or feel anything like a modern van and the driving experience won't suit many. I love it, but it's like going back in time over 55 years and going over 60 just might terrify you a little bit!

Good luck with your hunting.

We have friends in Horsham, so may have to do that. Many thanks, Tim.

TimVWK wrote:

Welcome to the forum Pádraig!

You're not too far from us in Henfield.  You are more than welcome to come down and view our current stock - we have a varied selection at the moment.

Incidentally, any camper we've resprayed the lower half on will have had fresh metal to solve any corrosion issue.  We also apply cavity wax on every Kombi before it's handed over.

Feel free to drop me an email timvwkampers.co.uk .