1982 VW Westfalia Full Camper - A Restoration by Uncle Lon!

 Okay. guys. here's a beautiful restoration by Uncle Lon's Westies.  

First. the basics: We start with rust-free Westfalia vans. then do whatever they need mechanically. first.   We don't start with beat up junkers. but we do repair any small body damage and repaint the exteriors.   Then. we completely rebuild the interiors.   That means. we not only put in custom fabrics. but we also rebuild seats with new rubber and foundations where necessary.   (I have a much longer discussion of the deterioration of 'original' interiors on our Facebook page. ) 

Also. I put 100. 00 miles in the category. since Ebay won't let me say 'exempt'. The odometer shows about 42. 00 miles. but like any Westy which has had the odometer stop working. we do not actually know the mileage of the vehicle.   But after 30 years. that's kinda a moot point anyway.   The important thing with ANY vintage vehicle is. 'how long since it has had a rebuild of the important components like suspension. brakes. etc. ?"

On this '82 full camper. we have:

- A full custom Santa Fe interior. including new seat rubber. new fabrics on seats and all interior panels and headliners.  
- The cabinets have mostly been relined with non-slip rubber fabric.  
- The carpets are original and have been cleaned (They do show wear. but not enough to warrant a complete replacement. ) 
- We have installed new stereo radio/CD player.  
- The front doors. rear hatch and sliding door have all been treated with new 'Boom Mat' soundproofing.
- New map pockets installed on doors.
- New custom curtains


- Exterior has been repainted. including the pop top to match.   Wheels have been color-coordinated and new 'baby moon' hubcaps installed.  
    New exterior trim and appearance items include: 
        Wiper blades
        Both rear view mirrors
        Bumper end caps
        Flue vent cover
        Camper hook-up boxes and covers
        Door handles and grills have been painted or resurfaced

- Headlights have been replaced with a Vision Kit. including new Bosch H4 headlights with 90/100 bulbs. and the necessary new wiring and relays.

- We normally replace the canvas tent under the pop-top.   However. this tent was in such good shape. we decided to leave it and accept a lower price.   I shall include a new. three-window. tan canvas tent in the sale.   The new owner can use the old one for a season or two. or replace it as you like.

- This Westy comes with one table support. but no table.   Again. some owners want a table. and some don't; so I left it up to you after you purchase the camper.   I can show you where to buy a new table top if you wish.


We employ a professional VW shop to do our mechanical repairs.   They start with a complete 27-point inspection of all engine. drive. suspension. safety and accessory systems - giving extra attention to anything rubber!  Any components that fail inspection are repaired or replaced.    This particular Westy was in very good mechanical shape and only required the following care:

- New V-Belt
- New valve covers and gaskets (both sides)
- New push rod tube seals

This Westy happens to have been air-conditioned. which is rare for 1982.   HOWEVER. the A/C system was not working when we bought it and we did not attempt to repair it.   Our reasoning is that many experienced Westy owners would rather have the horsepower than the A/C.   We have left all components in place. and the new owner can make any decisions as to what is cost-effective in their case.   We would expect a repair of this system to be in the range of $500 - $1000.

One item I deem not to be economically feasible to repair is the odometer. as it relies on small plastic gears which are always brittle with age and seldom working when we buy a van.   We cannot guarantee the mileage on a vehicle anyway. so an odometer tells you basically nothing when buying a Westy.   We can replace it with a rebuild. but I just figure that's a waste of $500 or so. which would ultimately make my price higher.   I'll be glad to show you where to buy a replacement odometer. should you wish.   We have. and shall include. the original owner's manual and some receipts from the previous owner.  

Also. this van does NOT pass the Idaho emissions test for Canyon County.   It does not have a catalytic converter on the exhaust system.   It was licensed by the previous owner as a 'Recreational Vehicle' in Idaho. and was therefore exempt.   Please check with your local Dept of Motor Vehicles for your own specifics PRIOR to bidding.   Our mechanic shop can certainly do additional work on this or any system. but at YOUR additional cost after purchase.

All sales require a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $500. 00 by Paypal only within 48 hours of winning bid.   Final purchase is dependent upon your inspection at our location.   You can fly into Boise. Idaho. and we will pick you up at the airport. take you to the van or assist you in making motel arrangements.  

For additional discussion. more photos. and to see our other Westfalia projects. please see our Facebook page:   (Ebay won't accept a link. so just go to Facebook and search "Uncle Lon's Westies")

Please call me personally (I'll give you the number if you ask in an Ebay message). or message me with any questions prior to placing a bid.   I shall attempt to answer any questions or furnish additional photos.   I am basically retired and restore Westy vans for the love of the little vehicle and to keep me out from underfoot of the Missus.   Please don't expect a bolt-and-nut restoration (these are available elsewhere at much greater cost). and remember that you are dealing with a curmudgeon and his dog. both of whom would much rather be fishing.

Thank you for looking at this fine little Westy.   I use my Westies. I drive them. carry my kids in them and camp in them. I love my Westy restorations. and I think you will too!





From my Facebook page:

Let's face it; the Westfalia is simply not an antique Rolls Royce. There will never be a Westy as the Best In Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Westy is simply a fun and reliable vehicle to drive or take the kids camping. When you 'restore' one by putting $20 grand into a show-car paint job. you kinda defeat the whole idea.

So that brings us to Uncle Lon's 'functional restorations'. I try to take a nice 30 to 40 year-old Westy which is basically rust-free and restore it in three categories to end up with a really nice vehicle in the price range of $15. 00 to $20. 00.

The categories of restoration that I concentrate on are:

1) Functionally. This is the mechanical repair of engine. transmission. brakes and running gear. Everything must work. correctly and reliably with no leaks. no drips. no bumps or squeals. When you drive one of my restored Westies. it will track nicely when driving down the road. and won't shiver. shake or shimmy when stopping.

2) Safety. This basically involves the inspection and/or replacement of everything rubber. From the tires to the wiper blades and including the various bushings of the drive and steering assemblies. if it is old and failing. it's replaced. We inspect the brakes. both pads and drums or rotors. the hoses and lines and holders. and bring them up to safety reliability.

3) Esthetics. Most Westies I find are 30 to 40 years old. and so. of course. is the paint. I usually get a total repaint or at least 'freshen' a good but aging paint job. The modern trend is to paint the lifting fiberglass top to match. but that is not always the best course of action. I've seen a few Westies with a red body and a fading pink top. and believe me. it ain't a pretty sight. So. sometimes we paint the top to match and sometimes we simply refurbish the top if it is otherwise acceptable. Along with the paint. the upholstery usually has seen better days. We usually restore the seats with new rubber foundation with new covers. (If the fabric is worn out. it follows that the foam rubber underneath will be crumbly and caking as well. ) We clean everything. polish everything. update anything we can. and in the end. we have a Westy that anyone would be proud to drive. even to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance!

Again. the whole concept behind my functional restorations is to fix the things that need fixing and keep the price within reason. My Westies are not new vehicles and won't be confused with the high-priced restorations. There will be some things which are strictly cosmetic that I don't fix because the cost outweighs the reward. There will be things which I fix that you may never see. but needed to be done. When I'm done. there will still be things which will break. wear out or fade. but such is the nature of the beast. I'll do my best. and if that's not good enough. I'll do better - but the price will go up!


ADDED June 9. 2014:   I have done more work to this van since listing.   I've found a bad 110 volt breaker and have ordered a new replacement.   This may be the problem with the fridge. but I'll keep tinkering with it anyway.   Also. I replaced the coach (auxiliary) battery. which was weak.   I forgot to note that the tires are so new. they still have the 'feelers' on them.   And the van has aftermarket tach and oil temp guages. which work.    Most importantly. I've thought more about the tent: it's pretty good. still. but it's old.   So. I've ordered a new tan canvas. 3-window tent today and will include it with the sale. I don't have time to install it. but a new owner can use the old one for a season or two. or replace it as he wishes.





ADDED 6/10/2014  The fridge is definitely working and cold enough to make ice! 

Also published at eBay.com

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