VOLKSWAGEN'S SQUARE-SIDED, rear-engine Transporter 'Bus'
is a popular camper van as it offers many of the features of earlier
Bays and Split Screens, but with more modern components and features.
Also
known as the Vanagon, Microbus, Caravelle, T3 or more commonly, T25, it
first appeared in 1979 with the Bay Window’s rear mounted air cooled
engine. Water cooled diesel and petrol engines appeared later in
1982-83.
Converters including Devon, Danbury and
Westfalia have all created practical campervans from the T25, with
elevating roofs, kitchens, electrics and beds for five people.
link original: http://www.practicalmotorhome.com/advice/volkswagen-t25-wedge-camper-van-buying-guide
What to pay for a T25
Expect
to pay around £1000 or more for a tatty abandoned project. £2000-£4000
buys a useable vehicle with wear and tear, whereas budget for up to and
beyond £10,000 for later T25s in top condition with modern features.
These
’vans are now being restored and just like the earlier Bays and Split
Screens, their values are starting to appreciate. So if you fancy
joining the VW rear engine campervan club, read our guide, put together
with help from Herbie Hospital
Volkswagen T25 Camper Buyers Guide

The underside of the T25 doesn’t usually corrode, but check around the
chassis rails and sills. If the jacking points are corroded, these can
be complicated to repair. Also, look around the middle seam of the fuel
tank for signs of leaking.

Many of the exterior panels are seam welded together and covered in
sealant. If the seams are rotten, repairing them is complicated and
expensive as the rot usually extends beyond the exterior of the seam.

Check the wheel arches for corrosion, poor repairs and filler. Repair
panels are available, but the rot may go beyond an outer arch, resulting
in holes through to the interior or close to a suspension mounting
point (MoT failure).

Open the two front doors and check around the floor area and step, inside and underneath. This area is prone to corrosion. Lift any carpets or rubber matting to inspect the floors. Luckily, repair sections are available to replace rotten panels

Check along the door bottoms, around the windscreen (corners usually
rot) and inside the guttering for corrosion. The guttering on GRP
high-tops is often filled with sealant, which can crack and trap water.
Use step ladders to closely inspect inside them.

The main and leisure batteries are located under the driver and
passenger seats, except diesel models where the main battery is in the
engine compartment. Look for corrosion around the base, caused by
leaking battery acid.

Make sure the sliding door opens, closes and locks from the inside and
outside. Sliding components can fail and some are expensive to replace.
Feel along the bottom of the door for corrosion and make sure it is
clean.

If an elevating roof is fitted, check it works properly and closes
securely. Make sure any canvas isn’t torn or mouldy. Look for signs of
leaks, which can run down to the floors of the ’van and cause corrosion.

if the ’van has a GRP high-top, look for spider cracks where the exterior
of the fibreglass has cracked – usually superficial. Look at the front
and rear for signs of damage, often caused by car park height
restriction barriers.
Water cooled engines have a radiator mounted at the front with long
coolant pipes running to the engine at the rear. Air locks will cause
overheating and the radiator can fail. Look for signs of leaks and
overheating.
Oil leaks can emerge from the pushrod tubes on all petrol engines.
Diesel engines are reliable, but expensive to replace (some owners find a
used engine from a Golf). Start the engine and look for the tell-tale
blue exhaust smoke, which indicates a worn engine.

During a road test, make sure all gears can be selected and will drive
the ’van. Diesel gearboxes in particular are expensive to replace
(£1400-£1600 for a five speed) and are known to fail.

Check the heater blows warm air through to the front. Make sure all the
’van’s electrics work, including camping equipment such as a fridge,
lights and sockets. If a leisure battery is fitted, find out how it is
charged and wired-up.

Check all seats are operational (e.g. a rock and roll bed folds down)
and all seatbelts work properly. If any of the seats are damaged and
they match the rest of the interior, can you get the damage repaired?

Check the tie rod bushes for the front suspension are not split (MoT
failure). These are tough to renew. During a test drive, if there are
knocks from the front suspension, the upper wishbone bushes may be worn
(a common problem).

Press the brake pedal down hard. If it sinks to the floor, there’s a
leak or the master cylinder needs overhauling. Check the front discs for
pitting and excessive rust. The rear brake drums are self-adjusting,
but usually don’t, so make sure the handbrake works.
Volkswagen T25 engines
Air cooled: Models from 1979-1983 are
usually air cooled with sizes ranging from 1.6 to 2.0-litre. Water
cooled petrol engines range from 1.9 to 2.1-litres. There are also water
cooled diesel engines including a 1.6 and 1.7-litre naturally aspirated
and a 1.6-litre turbo.
Volkswagen T25: Preserve or restore?
If
you want a T25 that’s ready for a summer of camping, then we recommend
finding a well looked after, original example with lots of history and
evidence it has been serviced and maintained. A recent restoration is
tempting, but only if you are sure the panels are not full of filler and
the job has been done correctly.
Volkswagen T25 water problems
Water
is the cause of many problems on the T25. It can get through the seals
on the door tops, find its way down to the bottom of the doors and cause
corrosion. It can find its way through elevating roofs and also start
the rotting process. However, a lack of water can also cause problems
for water cooled petrol and diesel engine models. Check that the low
level and overheating warning light on the dashboard works by switching
on the ignition. It should flash, then go out. Don’t trust that the
coolant system is okay. Look for evidence that the previous owner has
kept up with routine maintenance. A new radiator costs around £150 and
is much cheaper than an overheated and failed engine.
Useful T25 contacts
Cooled Air 01322 335050 www.coolairvw.co.uk
Herbie Hospital 0113 242 0029 www.herbiehospital.com
Just Kampers 0800 9156601 www.justkampers.com
Machine 7 02476 356465 http://machine7.com
South West Classic VWs 01769 573020 www.southwestvws.co.uk
The Beetle Werks 01903 773388 www.thebeetlewerks.co.uk
VW Heritage: 0845 873 7253 www.vwheritage.com
Other Guide: http://www.vwcamperguide.com/html/vw_t3_buyers_guide.html
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