'70 Westfalia Project

[fig]

All the early bay westy kits had a mustard yellow vinyl upholstery. Cab upholstery was different. Richard's Naked fury is not the same colour as your bus. His is turquoise while yours is light blue. Both were VWSA colours, not the same as German paint colours.

[AlanH]

Thank you Fig, that confirms mine is aftermarket but I like it. It is like some brown couch material.

[sean]

Hi Alan. This looks like a very nice project.

My recommendation would be to remove that hideous motor that doesn't belong in there and throw it away to avoid it landing up in another bus.

When you drive it with a stock motor, then you will really appreciate it.

[AlanH]

Hi Sean, that is the intention but first I need to get it sorted in all other respects and more importantly keep it on the road.
I also don't know what the original motor was ie. 1600 or even (hopefully) a 1700. Is there a way one can find all this out like getting a Datacard if one has the Vin? The datacard would then have all details like axles used what gearbox, colour, optional extras fitted...

[Madbones]

Hi Alan,
Like Fig mentioned mine is turquoise with original brown seats, in fact the interior is still good and runs well. Like Sean mentioned I cant imagine cruizin with Naked Fury in any other mode but boxer mode
I might take time getting there but I always get there, tool box in hand of course. Even a weekend spanner swinger like me can keep it running, duct tape and wire plus a few cable ties.
I suggest you come through to Figs KKK Kamp out and check out the good stuff and meet the experts, me not being one.
Ciao
Madbones

[AlanH]

Thanks Madbones.
Will see Figs setup this coming weekend on my way to Gariep. If ready I would love to join on one of those outings.

[AlanH]

So, got ahead of myself ans started removing some interior to get to the floor and other things worrying me.
After removing the fridge and cupboards I found a Rat/Mouse nest and then the wet plywood. I think I caught it in time and not too much damage is done.
I also removed the radio and speakers and most of the unused wires. Now I need some spares and so far was not successful in sourcing.
I order of importance for now:
1. tank cap (Filled up with 30 l and already lost a few to spillage. Glad I did not start a fire)
2. Glove box inner and lid if possible
3. Ign switch barrel. (bought a replacement switch but after removing think the barrel needs replacing)

[Madbones]

Hi Alan,
By the way what # Westy do you have?
Mine is #155

[AlanH]

Seems mine is a little older.

[fig]

I also don't know what the original motor was ie. 1600 or even (hopefully) a 1700. Is there a way one can find all this out like getting a Datacard if one has the Vin? The datacard would then have all details like axles used what gearbox, colour, optional extras fitted...

Engine was originally a 1600 single port. If yours was one of the SA-assembled westies then it won't have the M-plate, which gives all the info on the bus's spec. If it was one of the first batch ade for SA, it was a ful import and will have the M-plate (option plate) on the bulkhead behind the passenger seat. You can send the VIN to the VW museum in Wolfsburg and they will send you a "birth certificate", but it's expensive and most of those I have seen were riddled with errors!

[AlanH]

Thanks Christian, Is the M-plate on the front or back side of the bulkhead? Rear has nothing unless already removed. Front is still covered with carpet and to remove that I have to remove the BMW seats that are bolted in fixed.

[fig]

If the VIN plate behind the driver's seat is a VWSA plate, then don't bother hunting for the M-plate. M-plate would be on the front of the bulkhead behind the passenger seat.

[AlanH]

On all the pictures I have seen so far all Westfalia's have a walk through. Mine has a solid bulkhead. Is that normal or a special version? Would actually like a walk through.
Took my locked tank cap and ignition switch to a locksmith yesterday. They are quite positive they can fix both. Waiting to hear.

Looking for two good front seats to replace the BMW units.

[fig]

On all the pictures I have seen so far all Westfalia's have a walk through. Mine has a solid bulkhead. Is that normal or a special version? Would actually like a walk through.

Interesting question. On baywindow buses the walkthru configuration was the default (as opposed to split buses where it was an option) and bulkheads were an option.

The SA early baywindow westies featured the SO67R interior (R for RHD). Because they were mirror image of the LHD SO67 interior, the rear cabinets cover the spare wheel well in the back. For that reason the SO67R westies had bulkheads and 1/3-2/3 split bench seat in front, with the spare wheel well under the seats.

Walkthru is definitely preferable on a camper.

The seats you need for your bus are the same as those fitted to single cab and double cab pick-ups.

[AlanH]

Thanks Christian, will check the position of the spare wheel once seats are removed. I'm sure there must some kind of recess which is currently covered with packing space and attached to the bulkhead with rivets.