TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon May 12, 2008 12:28 pm

Ford with a Westy top?

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/676308496.html

Mon May 12, 2008 12:52 pm

Looks like a westy copy. Probably bigger though.

Tue May 13, 2008 6:19 am

www.sportsmobile.com

That's what people buy when they lose the love for volkswagens! The Sprinter 4x4's are quite interesting, if only they were a couple or $50k cheaper.

Tue May 13, 2008 6:36 am

That's exactly what someone has done--graft a Westfalia pop top onto the FOMOCO roof.

Take a close look at the width & length of the pop top, & the luggage rack---it's a bit short.

Tue May 13, 2008 7:35 am

In Europe the Ford Transit has been used as a camper similar to the vanagon also with a poptop.

/Mads

Tue May 13, 2008 8:57 am

I've heard of Whitey Ford. Does that count?

Tue May 13, 2008 12:40 pm

GBUS wrote: www.sportsmobile.com

The Sprinter 4x4's are quite interesting, if only they were a couple or $50k cheaper.

Where did you see the pictures of sprinter 4X4?

Wed May 14, 2008 5:36 am

tencentlife wrote: I've heard of Whitey Ford. Does that count?

Is that some kind of a Yankee pitch? Left-handed compliment?

Wed May 14, 2008 5:58 am

targis58 wrote: Where did you see the pictures of sprinter 4X4?

http://www.sportsvans.co.za/sprinter.html
This is a South African company. From what i've read Salem Kroger is teaming up with them to do 4x4 conversions in the near future.

http://www.iglhaut-allrad.de/htm/e_home.html
German company

Wed May 14, 2008 6:27 am

PDXWesty wrote: Ford with a Westy top?

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/676308496.html

Since I'm just visiting, had to tell you that Ford Motor Company did dabble with Dormobile Roofs (google it) for years back in the '60's and '70s. Also, Dormobile poptop roofs could be ordered for Land Rovers. Poptop roofs are just a good idea.

Steve

Wed May 14, 2008 7:15 am

Just went to the LEAF Festival here in Western NC this past weekend. 4 days of music, fun, and lots of Westy's.

A good friend camped with us, surrounded by Westy's. He likes them - a lot, but said he was going to go with a Ford Camper for more HP and pulling capacity.

There's an old Ford Camper with a bubble roof for sale in his hometown. He's about to bite.

So, there are alternatives out there. Me? I'm happy with my Westfalia.

Wed May 14, 2008 8:33 am

I have seen one of those in Acadia National Park a couple of years ago and the guy (not there) had a Westfalia sticker on it. Michigan plates.

Nice set up. Not for me, but it seemed to work for him.

Wed May 14, 2008 8:58 am

Ford, Dodge, Chevy, MB Sportsmobile.

They all get the same or better fuel economy as the VW, are able to keep up with prevailing traffic,( with the AC on ) and parts are available at Wal Mart if necessary.

The only thing left out is the Karma.

I don't think the Karma will get you down the road another 1000 miles in a hurry.

Wed May 14, 2008 9:27 am

DeMinimis sold his Westy and opted for a Ford last February. Here's the thread.

They do have their strong points, but I can't picture myself behind the wheel. Besides, shopping for parts would not be the challenge that it is with a VW. Might even be mundane.

Prost!

Wed May 14, 2008 9:31 am

Mundane & rolling in Podunk might be good.

Wed May 14, 2008 9:40 am

Terry Kay wrote: Mundane & rolling in Podunk might be good.

Have you ever met Click and Clack, Terry?

Wed May 14, 2008 10:00 am

Nupe.

Wed May 14, 2008 10:06 am

Just a hunch.

November 1993

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Dear Tom and Ray:

I want to buy an old VW bus to use on car camping trips and to take to bluegrass festivals. What should I look for (or look out for) in a VW bus? Should I avoid automatics? How about campers? Everyone I ask has a different opinion. What do you think? Phil

Ray: From a purely practical point of view, Phil, you couldn't possibly have come up with a worse idea. But we're not even going to try to talk you out of it, because we know it's hopeless. We can tell you're absolutely committed to this romantic notion of sputtering around the country in a VW Microbus.

Tom: So here are our suggestions. Even though you wrote to us for technical advice, the most important thing is to find a VW bus with the right history.

Ray: Right. The first thing to check is whether smoke pours out of the bus. Not from the engine compartment, from the PASSENGER compartment.

Tom: And the other signs of good "bloodlines" are the bumper stickers. Look for at least three of the following: "Grateful Dead," "McGovern '72," "Flower Power." "Don't Trust Anyone Over 30," "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out," or a "Haight Ashbury" Resident Parking sticker.

Ray: Since you did ask specifically about automatic transmissions, if you see one, you should run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. These VW buses were so underpowered, that they barely made it over hills with stick shifts. So unless you plan to camp only in the cornbelt, I'd stay away from an automatic.

Tom: And I'd say a camper is a very good idea. That way when it breaks down by the side of the road, you can just say "we'll camp here!" Good luck, Phil. And give our best to Earl Scruggs and the boys.

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Wed May 14, 2008 10:09 am

Funny Stuff---

And right on the money-- :lol:

Wed May 14, 2008 8:51 pm

Let me give their words all due attention...

.008 Picoseconds Pass...

Moving right along!

:D

I love my Van. I don't give a hoot in hell for what others think!

Best!