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Post by zoona on Aug 23, 2019 21:23:59 GMT
Not an MX5... But... Having moved to Switzerland, we like to try to get out and about to see things here. It is utterly spectacular - every time we go to the mountains, we are speechless. Hotels are mentally expensive, and we are fed up with camping in a tent. Last weekend we noticed how many VW campers there were (as well as some crappy French things as well, but they are nowhere near as cool...) Anyway, we decided we would look for one. We just put a deposit down on 'joy'. T1/t2 are crazy money, and not great for passenger safety (we have a 9 year old). T4s are just vans, and t5/t6 are too new and expensive. T3/t25s seemed to be not crazy money (comparatively), so we looked at loads of them. This one had lots of extras, with virtually no rust. So Canoeing excited it is tragic... So, this will allow us to get away for 'cheap' weekends, and our stretch goal is to use it in the winter for some skiing weekends as well Meet Joy:   Given that it is 32 years old, it is bloody spotless. Second gear is a bit dodgy, so budgeting for a gearbox refresh pretty soon. Hopefully, this will scratch the itch created by a lack of my mx5 over here. If people are interested, I will post some more stuff over time. |
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Post by Zed. on Aug 23, 2019 22:35:27 GMT
Keep up with the updates, I've a few watercooled vw's ('87 mk2 golf, '89 & '93 B3 Passat wagons, '95 t4 'Clitoris' - all converted to the 1.9tdi) and have an uncomfortable urge to get a brick BUT would probably convert to the tdi (& use a flipped B5 passat gerabox for better economy & cruising)
Rich.
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Post by zoona on Aug 24, 2019 7:14:46 GMT
If I could engine swap I think I would (although after a 10 minute drive, there is something quite charming about it), but you can't do a Canoeing thing to cars here
I have asked around and apparently 20% power increase is allowed, but absolutely no engine swaps. They are super strict. That's the reason I can't have my 5 here.
But I plan to tidy a few things up. If I can find somewhere flat, inside and with a tall enough ceiling, I will do something about the gearbox myself and a few other bits and pieces.
I can't wait to get it here.
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Post by airhead70 on Aug 24, 2019 17:10:26 GMT
T5 owner here ! I love the T3 and nearly bought a Westfalia Joker years ago. Yours looks in great condition ! To be honest, I prefer the T25/T3's to the earlier T2's. If you are looking for a forum, check out Club 80 - 90 and the Brickyard.
Our trusty T5 has been all over Europe. Heading there again soon.....
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Post by zoona on Aug 24, 2019 17:15:49 GMT
I am so deep down the rabbit hole of (ddm?) original parts and club joker Vs joker it is scary.
It is just like fives in that there is so much aftermarket support.
I can see this being a bigger money sink than the Mazda...
Saw that forum thanks, lots to read and learn...
T1 and t2s are more classic VW .. but absolutely nuts money, and rear seats not good enough for carrying a child around. T3 seemed to fit the bill nicely. Was meant to be a quick easy purchase to see some more of Switzerland, but I think it has turned into more than that already!
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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Aug 24, 2019 17:28:09 GMT
Very cool, we've been wondering about a camper of some sort, so following with interest!!
Russell
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Post by zoona on Aug 24, 2019 17:29:16 GMT
Get it on Monday, currently planning to go away mid September (have family here until then) so will report back...
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Post by Zed. on Aug 24, 2019 19:14:37 GMT
T1 and t2s are more classic VW .. but absolutely nuts money classic? you mean...  sorry but I've spent enough time welding t1 & t2 vw junk, seen too many bodges & have a hatered of them   anyway, the t25/t3 is the best of the rear engine vans, actually has reasonably comfortable suspension & effective brakes, sometimes the optional power-steering and can be sorta powerfull enough (but then dreadfull on fuel) another bonus of the t25/t3 is the space inside if sonverted as a camper as the 'bed' is over the engine so less 'dead' space  (usually more 'living' space than a comparable t4 or t5  ) Rich, |
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Post by zoona on Aug 24, 2019 19:21:21 GMT
Yeah.
I can see how they would be bad.
I think this one is in pretty good shape. All original, and people keep their cars in immaculate condition here. I haven't seen a tatty car anywhere - well, the French areas are a little bit more relaxed.
This has no power steering, and no way i can fit it here.
So I need to find some weights to lift to get into shape..
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Post by Zed. on Aug 24, 2019 19:51:08 GMT
you can retro-fit an EPS column to the t25, plenty of info on the 'net & various quality's of work offered by 'specialists' & on ebay.... personally, I'm a bit suspect of some of the 'welded' alterations available  Rich. |
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Post by zoona on Aug 24, 2019 20:00:57 GMT
Didn't they only come with hydraulic power steering though?
You are not allowed to fit anything that is not original equipment here in Switzerland. The equivalent of an MOT (MFK) is ridiculous.
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Post by Zed. on Aug 24, 2019 20:18:10 GMT
Didn't they only come with hydraulic power steering though? You are not allowed to fit anything that is not original equipment here in Switzerland. The equivalent of an MOT (MFK) is ridiculous. origonal vw pas was hydro with an engine driven pump, I didn't know about the 'no mods' issue although an eps column is usulally hidden behind the column-shroud plastics.... Rich. |
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Post by zoona on Aug 24, 2019 20:28:53 GMT
although an eps column is usulally hidden behind the column-shroud plastics.... Rich. Ooh, Canoe no! They go over it with a fine-tooth comb. And I think the welded columns look pretty Canoeing dodgy too... |
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Post by zoona on Sept 3, 2019 16:21:19 GMT
It is all official and allowed on the roads now.
There is a scheme here where you can share a number plate with another car. So it shares the reg on my car as we will never use both at the same time.
Good news is that it has reduced the insurance i have to pay. It was ~1500 CHF for my Tailgate McNoIndicate, and it is now ~1470 CHF for both cars.
I get that only one can be on the road, but still. I have expected to pay more.
Must be the only time I have been surprised by a low price here.
Just printing out wiring diagrams, as somebody has added some wiring for various things, and not sure i trust it all so want to check it out.
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Post by howardb66 on Sept 3, 2019 19:17:22 GMT
That’s a flipping handy scheme- sharing plates as you can only physically be in 1 vehicle at a time- very Swiss.
I used to have a girlfriend in GVA & drove over there to visit in my 1600cc Xflow 4 sp Caterham a lot. 7.5 hours from Dieppe only stopping for fuel & a P.
There used to be a brilliant road from Nyon (?) to St Cergue that was a regular playground.
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(usually more 'living' space than a comparable t4 or t5 
)
le sigh