The Brick-yard Homepage Brickwerks
Forum Home Forum Home > LT, Crafter & Sprinter Section > LT1 chat
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Hoping to buy a '90 Westfalia Florida
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Hoping to buy a '90 Westfalia Florida

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
timaldiss View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 15 Jan 14
Status: Offline
Points: 255
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timaldiss Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Hoping to buy a '90 Westfalia Florida
    Posted: 15 Jan 14 at 21:47
Evening all. I was a '96 LT owner a few years ago and tomorrow am flying to Munich to test drive a 1990 Westfalia Florida in the hope of driving her home!

My question for you guys this evening is - what should I look out for/listen out for on the test drive tomorrow? Should I get the cowl up and hav a look or is there just no point at this age?

Cheers
Back to Top
jason k View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
twinklerims

Joined: 14 Jan 05
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 15934
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jason k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jan 14 at 21:55
Heater! Make sure the boiler works! Its a hell of a lot of cash if not working!
Bcs shallowest surf award winner 2006
camperjam 2011 chug and tug team member
aberdare. south wales
newest member of karmann korner
no longer the only moderator to manage to ban himself



Back to Top
Chappy View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar
Arriba! Yii-hah!

Joined: 08 Jul 07
Location: North O'Cardiff
Status: Offline
Points: 5085
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jan 14 at 21:57
Originally posted by jason k jason k wrote:

Make sure the boiler works! Its a hell of a lot of cash if not working!


And time eh? WinkLOL
Back in the slow lane, yeah!
Back to Top
jason k View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
twinklerims

Joined: 14 Jan 05
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 15934
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jason k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jan 14 at 21:59
In fact make sure all the westy stuff works! Fridge etc as all prohibitively expensive to replace.

I'd be poking and prodding everything and if something is naffed I'd be wanting strong money off!
Bcs shallowest surf award winner 2006
camperjam 2011 chug and tug team member
aberdare. south wales
newest member of karmann korner
no longer the only moderator to manage to ban himself



Back to Top
Chappy View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar
Arriba! Yii-hah!

Joined: 08 Jul 07
Location: North O'Cardiff
Status: Offline
Points: 5085
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jan 14 at 22:11

Night heater, boiler, fridge, hob, gas tank switches/knobs, taps and water system and shower must all be seen working.

The boiler will cost you upwards of a grand to replace with the equivalent modern version as the one fitted at manufacture is now obsolete. 

Vehicle furniture - not just the chairs - I mean stuff like roof rack, windows (seriously), latches etc all need to be there as they're not easy to source.

Look for signs of damp around the roof lights - it's indicative of leaks.  Not a massive job to replace, but new roof lights are around the £100 mark (each), and there 3!

Mechanically, check for whining or groaning from the gearbox that indicates potential issues, check for noise that goes away when you press the clutch in (worn clutch release bearing).

Check belly pan for oil leaks to the best of your ability.  Get the engine cover off and do a visual with a torch - crank oil seals can leak and it will manifest itself as a very oily lower half of motor.

Check it starts promptly after the glowplug light has gone out - they all smoke a bit initially, but make sure it clears when warm.

Check history to see when the timing belts (there are two!) were last done.  It's pricey to get it done.

Having said all that, it probably paints a bleak picture, but you have to bear in mind that there vehicles are 20+ years old now.  There are good one's out there, but as with anything, if neglected they can be a horror.

We've had ours for a while now and we love it - having a shower on board with running hot water is fantastic Big smile................ but we had a fair bit to do.

Read this (click here) if you get a chance - it'll give you an idea of what we did.

Good luck! They're ace vans Tongue
  




Edited by Chappy - 15 Jan 14 at 22:15
Back in the slow lane, yeah!
Back to Top
timaldiss View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 15 Jan 14
Status: Offline
Points: 255
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timaldiss Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jan 14 at 05:49
Thank you so much for this chaps - sets me off with just the right balance of reality and fear! And thanks to you Chappy for some reading material for the flight.

At the airport now. Will update you live!

By the way some of you may have stumbled across my LT camper conversion page http://www.loftsites.co.uk/jj.html ...just hope I don't have to go that far with any restoration work this time round!
Back to Top
mat_the_cat View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar

Joined: 06 May 09
Location: North Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 1862
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mat_the_cat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jan 14 at 09:21
Good luck! I can't add any more other than perhaps don't let on you're going over just to look at the van as it will make haggling more difficult if they know you have a one way ticket. Maybe say you're visiting friends and seeing the van at the same time?
Mid engined, 6 cylinder, turbocharged 2 seater - it can only be a VW LT!
Back to Top
timaldiss View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 15 Jan 14
Status: Offline
Points: 255
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timaldiss Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jan 14 at 20:49
Gentlemen, she's mine TongueWinkBig smileThumbs Up

So excited. A kid again! And I have to say I think I've been really lucky. Check it out - one owner from new, and guess what he was... a mechanic! Looks (and feels) pretty much like he did anything and everything that needed doing when it was needed. She drives like she's just worn in but has 188k on the clock. Purrs along in only the way an LT 1 can. Oh yes, and guess what - I could not believe what she looked like underneath - she'd been keep indoors! Looked like new under there :)

So it was a short test drive. Everything inside seemed to work although (as the dealer 'Kapo' had no clue how to work any of the gadgets we couldn't ignite the fridge) and the whole gas system had a recent service certificate. 

So not much to barter on. All in (with the flight, the diesel for the trip back, peage tolls, tax, insurance and license £7k isn't bad at all is it? 


More piccies when she's up on the ramp at the MOT centre. Oh, and on that note, what do I need to change? I'm just going to add a rear off-side fog light and some beam benders... will that do it? Chappers?

Thanks again so much for your help (so far) - it was invaluable looking her over.

-----------
Back to Top
timaldiss View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 15 Jan 14
Status: Offline
Points: 255
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timaldiss Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jan 14 at 20:51
By the ay I'd never do that drive again! Munich to Brighton. Into the wind for 1,200km... not driven that high sided a vehicle before and it was hard work! Ruined my mpg. And as for the rain back in the UK. OMG. I was one of the last back along the A23 before they closed it due to landslides - horrendous. It was a fun 24 hrs door (back to door) :)
Back to Top
mrhutch View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar
the ginger princess

Joined: 21 Aug 07
Location: Herefordshire
Status: Offline
Points: 5147
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrhutch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jan 14 at 21:00
fuckin 'A' -  class chap..  was waiting for this update..  Love the flo's

well done.


(you did test the boiler yes? Wink)
T3 1981 Westy Vanagon - thinks lubricant is a fuel
Back to Top
Chappy View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar
Arriba! Yii-hah!

Joined: 08 Jul 07
Location: North O'Cardiff
Status: Offline
Points: 5085
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jan 14 at 21:05
Top job!

Get it insured in the Uk on the VIN number.

Then go get it MOT'd.

I think you need to send a declaration to HMRC before you register it. Didn't have to when mine came in a couple of years ago, but the law has now changed.

Then you can register it. DVLA will help you fill in the forms - most of the details on the form don't need to be completed because of the age of your van. They'll process the application, relieve you of £60 off quid plus a whole years tax and in a week or so will send you a reg doc with your new reg number on it, new tax disc, a form to permit you to get some plates made, and a revised MOT with the new reg number on.

That's pretty much it I think !


Back in the slow lane, yeah!
Back to Top
jason k View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
twinklerims

Joined: 14 Jan 05
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 15934
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jason k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jan 14 at 21:50
Nice one!! Glad.it worked out for you
Bcs shallowest surf award winner 2006
camperjam 2011 chug and tug team member
aberdare. south wales
newest member of karmann korner
no longer the only moderator to manage to ban himself



Back to Top
LTCamper89 View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar

Joined: 18 Apr 12
Location: The Toon
Status: Offline
Points: 4285
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LTCamper89 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jan 14 at 23:59
Loving itThumbs Up
1989 LT28 2.4D    Saviour of 6Music, well one of them. Now playing http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_6music

VW LT Camper not Cramper

....at least the roof is not rusting away....
Back to Top
Canada LT28 View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar

Joined: 03 Jan 10
Location: Toronto
Status: Offline
Points: 1632
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Canada LT28 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 14 at 00:18
Right Bastard, you are......jealous as fuckWink
94 LT28 Doka 2.4D
Slow and built to stay that way
87 T3 soon to be a camper
Back to Top
ringonotts View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie


Joined: 12 Sep 06
Location: Krakow (Poland)
Status: Offline
Points: 728
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ringonotts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jan 14 at 09:31
Excellent - you have got a bargain there by the looks of it.

I also recall you need indicator repeaters on the side of the front wings for the mot?

If you don't mind me asking, did you just take a load of euros that you got out the bank?

The reason I ask, is had you wanted to exchange the euros back to stirling (ie if you hadn't bought it) then you would have been stung for over a grand in fees.

Anyway, I just wondered how folks go about buying a van from the continent.

Looks lovely (although I prefer the facelift version ;) ).

Ringo
Huge big LT Florida - its slow but its a Westie!
Back to Top
timaldiss View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 15 Jan 14
Status: Offline
Points: 255
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timaldiss Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jan 14 at 09:51
I hadn't heard that about the indicator repeaters. Figured I'd just do the beam deflectors and rear offside fog and take it in to see what happens. 

I did take cash. Halifax seemed to imply a no fee rate if I needed to exchange back. Not sure if that would have covered the whole amount though.
Back to Top
t'onion View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar

Joined: 12 May 05
Location: Sheffield
Status: Offline
Points: 1419
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote t'onion Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jan 14 at 12:29
Mine didn't have indicator repeaters and always passed the mot , not fitted so how can they be tested ?

I have fitted some to mine for extra safety
LT28 Westfalia FloRida, 2.4 diesel

miserable fooker



Back to Top
Rabbit 16v View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 24 May 13
Location: Seattlish
Status: Offline
Points: 647
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rabbit 16v Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jan 14 at 22:49
Congrats!! Very nice score! 
Chris
1985 LT40 4x4 2.5 TDI
1987 LT28 Florida
1985 LT45 Sülzer D24TI
1992 LT40 4x4 D24t
Back to Top
SteveSt View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 15 May 10
Location: Surrey
Status: Offline
Points: 230
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SteveSt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jan 14 at 22:57
What a beaut'
Loving that top-box
Approve
Where's that jealous smiley when you need it?

LT31 1991 2.4 TD Florida Westphalia • Honda ST1100 • Ford Tourneo Connect
Back to Top
Uberhare View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 19 Nov 12
Location: Canada EH!
Status: Offline
Points: 126
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Uberhare Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jan 14 at 00:00
Congrats! Looks like a great deal! It has an upgraded longer awning like mine. That is one of the best features. You can open the front door without rain pouring in. The standard awning ends at the door.

$7k is a great price all in if everything works. I'd pay that for another one to have spare for when mine wears out.

Want to loan it to me when I fly over this year?   :) I've got 1 of 2 known Florida's in Canada.

Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

The WebThis site