Dumbass Newbie Kombi questions

Karl Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 22 Mar 2006, 7:57 am

#466584

I am a new member who needs advice and help so I can make an informed decsion about buying a Kombi Camper. I know I want to buy one - question is which one and how much? I like Jamie Oliver's if that is an indicator.

I have posted a "want" ad in the relevant section, but I figured that only a certain number of members look in there, so I thought I would ask a few general questions in here and see what information I get.

I am after a Kombi Camper, mechanically A1, pop top, all the extras. I am a realist, not a purist, so tastefull and effective modernisations are fine, provided they are in keeping, if that makes sense. I am good for a very authentic restoration as well. I am trying to find out what is around, how often a good restoration comes up, whether I would be better to have the restoration done myself (not preferred, when it comes to mechanical stuff, I am as adept as a palsy victim doing brain surgery with a lead pipe(apologies to Frank Miller)) Also, and Info on options, what to look out for, avoid etc would be much appreciated, and where else I can look too.

Thanks in advance. Seeing as I am new, it may be a while before I can contribute much, so your time is appreciated. Oh, just remembered, I remember the Beetle Dad used to have had a lounge instead of a backseat, so if anyone wants to go with that mod, I can ask him how he did it :blush

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 22 Mar 2006, 8:14 am

#466589

Karl wrote:I like Jamie Oliver's if that is an indicator.

Ok - as an indicator, that is for sale at the moment.............. for like 50k..........£ :jesus

Bang for buck, go for a late 70's. Good stong 1800 or 2L, disc brakes etc etc.

Should get a good one for $5k

Futue te ipsum!!!

Karl Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 22 Mar 2006, 8:50 am

#466605

Thanks for the info. Is ebay a good place to look?

Dave Barber Learner Dubber

6 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 22 Mar 2006, 10:42 am

#466641

Have a good look at the body. Rust is the enemy. I got stung with my first camper, the pop top must have leaked previousy and the roof rusted out from the inside all around the gutters. I gave up on retoring the body and bought another one without motor and gear box. Now i'm stripping it down.

Also suggest you drive a few to get a feeling for ride quality, steering, braking. Kombi's are a different beast with unique qualities.

Two Kombis in the yard is a bit cramped.

Karl Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 22 Mar 2006, 11:44 am

#466652

It's pretty hard to test drive one when as far as I can see, there isn't one for sale in Brisbane! What are the most noticeable handling quiks they have? It would not be needed as a performance vehicle, just a couple kays each way, 5 days a week, and drives within a few hours of Brisbane in a recreational sense - to beaches, camping spots etc.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 22 Mar 2006, 11:58 am

#466654

may be check

http://www.kombiclub.com/forums/

and

http://www.dsk.com.au/dsk/forum/index.php

Futue te ipsum!!!

76camper Fahrvergnugen

884 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 22 Mar 2006, 12:18 pm

#466660

hey,
i recently just bought a camper (year ago) and knew absolutely nothing about them!

Also suggest you drive a few to get a feeling for ride quality, steering, braking. Kombi's are a different beast with unique qualities.

thats the best advice i think there is. look around, drive a few. Notice the power difference, braking ability, difficulty changing gears etc.

http://wetwesties.tripod.com/buyers.txt

too many things checkable to list...

http://www.bytevision.com.au/dee/kombi/index.htm