Buying Guide
1960s camper vans
HOW’S THE ROOF?
Check the condition of the famous striped canvas elevating roof thoroughly; while it’s possible to replace a damaged original, it will be quite costly. The glassfibre roof panel should be sealed properly to prevent water ingress, so check the interior and floor for any evidence of damp or rot. External trim is difficult to replace, simply because so much of it is no longer available.
SEARCH FOR CORROSION
The age of these vehicles means that rust can be a major issue. Carefully inspect the step recesses behind the front and rear steps, door bottoms and the lower part of the body. Sill structures and chassis box sections are also vulnerable to rot. Beware of bubbling paintwork and bodged filler. It is sometimes possible to source secondhand panels, but it is more likely that existing ones will have to be patched up.
MAKE SURE IT ALL WORKS
Bedford CA Dormobiles are packed with innovative features, so check that everything is still present and correct because finding correct period replacements can be both time-consuming and expensive. Check that the clever folding seats work as they should, likewise the beds, gas hob and sink. If the seat covers, curtains or melaminecovered wooden cupboards are beyond repair, you will have to consider modern replacements.
ASSESS THE ENGINE
Early engines were 1508cc, but the later 1594cc powerplant is better, though still has its work cut out. The engine, which is situated in a box between the front seats, is accessed via an external hatch on the stubnosed bonnet. Excessive blue oil smoke may indicate bore wear – rectifying it usually entails taking the engine out. White exhaust smoke can indicate cylinder head gasket failure. Check the state of the oil for further tell-tale signs of problems.
TEST THE GEARBOX
It takes a while to get used to the ‘three-on-the-tree’ column gear change (later models have a fourspeeder), but do check that the synchromesh between second and top gear is working properly. Make sure that the all-drum brakes bring the camper to a halt efficiently and squarely and check lubricant levels, including the rear axle. Some gearbox noise is inevitable, but excessive noise suggests that a rebuild is on the cards.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Original interior equipment and fittings in good condition usually come at something of a premium but there are plenty of options to make your mobile home as comfortable as possible and make the most of the available space. A good place to start is with a rock and roll bed that doubles as the rear seat. Remember not to add too much extra weight, though – the engine has a lot to pull around even in standard guise.
EXAMINE THE BODY PANELS
‘Orange peel’ paint, dimples, cracks and blisters – any or all of these on the bodywork can mean bad news, because what you see on the surface is often only the tip of the iceberg – chances are there’s worse beneath the surface. Rot can really dig itself in with these vehicles and while VWs are well catered for when it comes to finding replacement parts, prices can really stack up when it comes to professional refurbishment.
CHECK ENGINE HEALTH
Engines are rugged, air-cooled flat-fours, beginning with a 1584cc unit and gradually increasing in capacity and power over the years to better shift that heavy box around. Temperature control is imperative to the good running of these engines so the associated tinware and rubber seals need to be in top condition. Beware loads of oil around the engine bay – replacing the rear main crankshaft seal is an engine-out job.
ASSESS END FLOAT
One of the easiest ways of checking an engine’s general health is to check for excessive end float. Grab hold of the crankshaft pulley and pull it backwards and forwards. There’s almost certainly going to be some movement, but if you can actually see the pulley moving, then chances are that the bearings are worn and a rebuild is imminent. Excessive blue or black exhaust smoke is another dead-giveaway that an engine is tired.
IS THE ROOF WATER-TIGHT?
Starting at the top, even a plain roof can have its problems as exposure to the elements can hit it hard but make it go soft and corrode the guttering. Any type of elevated roof or pop-top can further complicate matters because perished seals or roof materials can let moisture seep in – check for swampy flooring.
BEDFORD CA DORMOBILE
The Bedford CA Dormobile is a very desirable vehicle and a wellpresented one can carry a premium price because they are much harder to find (in any condition) than the VW equivalent.
There are some projects out there, but restoring a basket case isn’t always financially viable because parts – and body panels in particular – are not easily sourced. You need to be prepared to do a lot of the work yourself, too, because specialist labour charges soon mount up. It’s often better – and cheaper, in the long run – to hold out for a better example, preferably one being sold by a club member who has looked after it properly.
That said, most CA campers on sale tend to be usable with an MoT – check online to see how – and why – a vehicle has failed its MoT.
VW T2 CAMPER
T2 ‘Bays’ (so called due to their panoramic front window) were the poor relation to the T1 ‘Splitties’ for many years, but with good examples of the latter often priced at £30k+, their slightly younger cousins have made up a lot of ground in recent times.
There are many more VWs to choose from on sale and you will find campers ranging in all states from shocking to splendid. Some less-than-great models will be offered at inflated prices, so do your homework and make sensible offers based on condition and what they are actually worth to you. Don’t be afraid to walk away as there is plenty of choice. Club and trade support for these VWs is great.
An MoT and paperwork trail is desirable. Seek expert advice and heed it.