[Wanted: Car] Buying 1 st Vdub UK / IRELAND

[Roadcow]

I posted an Original Paint Early Bay Westy Pop Top needing an engine for $9000.00 US. it will cost $3000.00 to ship it to Ireland. That's $12,000.00 Us landed in Belfast. That works out to just less than 7200 Pounds Sterling. Now you have Dave aka Caddy rebuild the engine (can't quote a price for him) but I bet he's not going to charge any where near 3000 pounds but if he does then you are in the Bus 10,200.00 pounds with a rebuilt engine and a solid body with no hidden surprises.That also works out to 12,800.00 Euro. Just a thought.......

 

[kvinyl]

^ sounds like a no-brainer to me

 

[Dolly Rocker]

Hey Trev you make a very valid point here ive been saving for ages and my budget is just about there but i gotta say i am very anxious about buying a heap of crap and as i know very little on the mechanics of the vans and with prices rising especially in the UK its pretty frustrating i was very tempted to buy a tin top import from John at Krazy Kombis but me and my daughters are holding out for a pop top weve waited this long so makes no difference ..

 

[JustinOval]

I know it is a massive leap of faith, but I honestly believe your money is safe on a Cal import westy. If you can see past the scruffiness (adds value believe it or not!).

Westys are the best camping conversions IMHO, a '71 has the advantage of servo assisted disc brakes and being early, is in demand and they sell for big €€. Your budget also allows for the engine rebuild, maybe a brake overhaul and some tidying. I'd be very surprised if after that (if you found it wasn't for you) you couldn't sell it on for a modest profit.

 

[CulmoreDubClub]

Hi Dolly, Just my tuppence worth,

You have come to the right place for sound advice. I am newish to the eircooled club and can say everyone is dedicated to helping other guys and gals out....Everyone in the club goes above and beyond the call of duty to help and assist each other out and thats a great thing. Roadcow has imported lots of buses/bugs into Ireland at a very steady rate and many many club members are running Britts Buses...lol..He is a very well respected member of the club and the buses will suffer from none of the rust issues you would get from a 40 year old vehicle from our climate. Engine checked over by Caddy when it lands and you have something pretty special.

The feeling from owning, driving, working and sharing vw's with like minded folk is truly a wonderful thing and you have a great group of like minded folk here at the club.

Enjoy the journey to getting your dream bus as much as the destination of owning one.....

 

[JustinOval]

You should go meet the Eireballers when they are passing close to you. Not sure of the route this year...

https://www.facebook.com/EireballRun

 

[kvinyl]

btw Britt = Roadcow

 

[Kg69]

Van prices have gone up drastically over the last 10 years. My opinion is that +20k will get you a very good bus and if you have the money give 'cosy' a look too for top money restored bus. 13-19K leaves a bus that someone has either put alot of money into and its not a great result or is a overpriced average rust bus. 6 to 12K is rusty bus that you shoud be able to suss out on inspection, but could have potential with a bit of money invested (welding and painting). 5K or less is just rusty lump that requires a lifetime to fix, steer clear.
Westy is nice and practical conversion especially sleeping setup; Dormobile is good too and lighter conversion; Devon is ok but upstairs just for kids.
Warning do not buy a rust bucket. It will cost and cost. As someone said on here go for a busted engine but good bodywork van over a nice running rusty van. And take your time, something nice might come up.

 

[p0x]

This is probably the only info/help/advice you will need.

I know it is a massive leap of faith, but I honestly believe your money is safe on a Cal import westy. If you can see past the scruffiness (adds value believe it or not!).

Westys are the best camping conversions IMHO, a '71 has the advantage of servo assisted disc brakes and being early, is in demand and they sell for big €€. Your budget also allows for the engine rebuild, maybe a brake overhaul and some tidying. I'd be very surprised if after that (if you found it wasn't for you) you couldn't sell it on for a modest profit.

I posted an Original Paint Early Bay Westy Pop Top needing an engine for $9000.00 US. it will cost $3000.00 to ship it to Ireland. That's $12,000.00 Us landed in Belfast. That works out to just less than 7200 Pounds Sterling. Now you have Dave aka Caddy rebuild the engine (can't quote a price for him) but I bet he's not going to charge any where near 3000 pounds but if he does then you are in the Bus 10,200.00 pounds with a rebuilt engine and a solid body with no hidden surprises.That also works out to 12,800.00 Euro. Just a thought.......

BTW you will get used to LHD very quickly, so thats the only excuse out of the way!

 

[Dolly Rocker]

Hey Guys, thank you so much for your sound advice to a novice like me i do feel a bit more at ease .Driving LHD is not an obstacle and from all the advice i have had so far a US import is a safer bet .
Roadcow your offer sounds like a definite goer if its a pop top budget is there in place can hook up when ever you want gimme a shout when you have time .
Thanks again to everyone really appreciate the help have a great weekend !!

 

[RattyOval]

http://www.eircooled.com/deforum/sh...-Paint-1971-Westy-Pop-Top-in-Calif&highlight=

this is the bus Roadcow has

 

[Roadcow]

Got your pm will send more pictures tomorrow.

 

[Dolly Rocker]

Hey Roadcow
Not sure if you got my last message there today? Your inbox is full will keep a look out for the pics thanks again..

 

[EvilMonkley]

I got my Van from Roadcow and was very happy with the van and the honesty and service received from Britt. He worked very hard to make sure I was happy and recieced the van I needed.

Still have the van nearly 4 years later there's a link below in my sig.

 

[Roadcow]

Resend your message, inbox cleared

 

[p0x]

http://www.eircooled.com/deforum/sh...-Paint-1971-Westy-Pop-Top-in-Calif&highlight=

this is the bus Roadcow has

Oh shit - thats nice. '71 white Westy. Perfect.

 

[shifty]

That's a great bus but you might need to do a few modifications if your gona seat six.the early westy interior is very cramped.you might be better off with a bus with a bulkhead and 3 seats up front.

 

[p0x]

Any VW camper is going to be cramped with 6 people in it! Walkthrus are much better. The bulkhead in mine is a complete pain in the hole. Hate the thing. And, I had heap of trouble insuring it because of the bulkhead. Insurance company prefers a walkthru, for easy access front to back. If you want to seat six, get a bus instead, and a few tents!

 

[trev]

I'd say with six people, a driveaway awning would be a must...

 

[Well Boy]

Interesting thread. I'm in the same boat, completely new to the scene with a similar budget. Will definitely keep an eye on the advice and things here.