Page 32 - Transporter Talk Issue 144

Transporter Talk No 144
T2 SPLIT SCREEN BUYING GUIDE
We appreciate that most of our members already own a VW Camper, but not all of our members have taken the plunge just yet and some may be looking for an additional project or a change of scenery.
Over the coming issues, we will take a look at the Volkswagen T2 in its various forms and provide some information as a buying guide. This issue, we start with the Split Screen.
Driving
An early VW such as a split will not be the best motorway vehicle, but if you don’t mind taking it easy there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be enjoyable.
They can be like an “old bus” with their huge thin rimmed steering wheel and like a bus, don’t expect it to handle like a modern vehicle. It will be slow, use lots of fuel and will more than likely break down one day, but that’s the fun of VW Camper ownership (or so they say!).
Remember also that the split screen buses have smaller engines than the later models and will b less powerful than what you may be used to.
Bodywork
This is probably the most important part of any potential purchase. All classic VWs su er terribly with rust and splits are no
exception. If you can nd one that is pretty original and rust free, you’re onto a winner! But this is highly unlikely due to the age of the vehicles and that previously there wasn’t as much interest in these vans, meaning that a lot of them have been repaired badly. If possible, you want to avoid putting someone else’s shortcuts right, but chances are that most out there for sale has at least one questionable repair.
Rust can and will a ect most areas of bodywork, especially the bottom 6 inches. This includes the lower front panel, outer sills, rear corners and wheel arches. Other hotspots are inner sills, chassis rails, outriggers and jacking points. It’s worth having a look at the oor, tailgate, bottom of doors and areas around window rubbers.
If you come across a van that you decide to take on, repair panels and sections are readily available from many specialists, but before handing over the cash, ask yourself whether you are ready for the commitment that project will require.
Engines
Air cooled engines can be reliable when properly looked after, but the stress put on them by the extra weight of a van, especially a fully tted out camper, can eventually have an e ect. As discussed in the last issue’s “Don’t Panic, Ask The Mechanic!” feature on oil
32