The air-cooled Volkswagen Kombi generally is a motoring icon. It's a classic van that is chock stricken by character, and a regarding young guys (and girls) still would love to own one as a sufferer's daily driver. But are they pc bit long in the tooth now to make a practical vehicle for every day use?
I drive my 1976 3 liter bay window every day, and my experience offers a good indication of what you need to do to make your unrestored Kombi safe and comfortable to drive as your own property car.
Volkswagen Kombis are well over 30 years old now therefore shows. I've spent time and effort and money over recent years getting mine back with reasonable condition, and if you get a cheap Kombi be prepared to do quite as well. Even a more expensive Kombi could very well need some repairs only to TLC.
The 1800cc and 2 liter models are the most practical because they have more get up and go next the models with smaller applications, though it does cost more to rebuild the cars.
First the upside.
Kombis are simply just cool, they're iconic, they have character as they are definitely not boring.
They are fun to drive so they are in good nick they appear comfortable and handle well with good steering. The later model bay windows keep up with the traffic fine and can outing 60 mph all consort with, though they do shoe on bigger hills.
And likely practical. There's lots of room within a Kombi. Maybe it's lesser as a modern van due to the fact hump for the rear side engine, but they still create a great camper or a great inspection 8 seater van on top of room for luggage or perhaps groceries. Ground clearance is good or maybe the engine over the rear side wheels gives good traction to your two wheel drive if you choose to get off the beaten track some.
Now, here's what to note if you plan on owning a number as your daily vehicle operators.
Rust of course would be the biggest killer of Kombis or a cheap car. You're much better off spending alternative money and getting a reasonably rust free Kombi. If you do find a rust free Kombi though, there are still a property to eat up salary before it's even practical to use your van regularly.
The engine may be carried out. I rebuilt mine a few years ago with new drums and pistons, all new student bearings, reground crankshaft and just camshaft, and rebuilt head. The heads were converted to use with unleaded petrol nonetheless. This all costs transaction.
The steering and suspensions are safety related and had better be right.
On the suspension Fixing and repairing stuff replaced the four main ball joints and moreover shockies. With the steering I've replaced other tierrod ends and the unique center pin. The steering damper is next nonetheless the replacement list, and that can see the steering befitting my Kombi. It's always feasible that yours may need the steering box as sufficiently.
Your Kombi's brakes also have to be right. Brake linings are something that do need regular adjusting, but I've also replaced the rear brake drums because these people were worn beyond limits, and moreover front discs will break next time the front brake pads are executed.
I've replaced all the main flexible brake hoses since they're well over thirty yrs . old now and they get brittle and I've replaced many metal brake lines as they were corroded. The rear brake cylinders were replaced not too long ago and the front foot brake calipers were rebuilt feed on new seals.
On the rear drive train there within four cv joints, and the ones on my bay eyeport were very sad. They were replaced and so the rear wheel bearings.
One very important area to think about is the fuel lines above a engine. Kombis do back up, and it's caused by petrol spraying round the engine. Check the fuel lines carefully so they look old and cracked replace these for quality fuel line. Make certain that they are not rubbing using this tinware and that the pipes signing up for the carby and fuel pump aren't loose. This is is desirable!
As well as things you are aware may need fixing, you can the unexpected. A spray nozzle came loose relating to the carby in my bay window and gone through the engine. It's only a small thin brass tube nonetheless sounded as though the guidelines marbles rattling around inside the event the engine. Luckily there was no damage, but it did mean pulling out the engine and removing the cylinder heads to ascertain everything and to the particular remains of the product nozzle. And just soon I've had to change up the alternator.
As well as mechanical injuries there are the cosmetics take note. Your cheap Kombi could need a paint job, rugs, new upholstery, and even front seats may need attention.
On the comfort assortment new door seals and window seals may be needed to stop rattles and extremely drafts. The heater could need some attention. On all my Kombi the heater wires had seized. That didn't worry actually until I moved from a hot area of the country to a miles away colder area where features get below freezing during the cold months.
On the plus side parts are readily available. For my Kombi, a contract 1976 2 liter tv show, I have been to be able to buy every part I have needed in addition to the carby spray nozzles, and even then I could truthfully get by with portions of a different model VW.
My opinion is that despite other repairs and restoration, Volkswagen Kombis can still be a practical daily agent. You do need to accept truth your purchase price is only a fraction of the story, and that you might want to spend time and money bringing your classic Kombi back to a comfortable and safe condition.
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