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Seamoar
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2017
Posts: 5
Location: Ca
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 Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:07 am Post subject: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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Hi all - new to town and looking to pick up my first westy!
I'm in the market for a weekender for the additional seating and floor space - this will be mostly a weekend surf trip mobile.
I'm finding that there are a lot fewer weekenders to go around, and generally see better deals on the full campers in my area just due to the quantity. So, question is, can I convert a full camper into a weekender with a jump seat and extra long bench? I see lots of info on weekender to full camper conversions, but not the other way around.
Thoughts? Anyone seen or done this and have photos? Is this an awful idea? |
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davevickery
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005
Posts: 2887
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:52 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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I would keep looking until you find a weekender if you don't need the camper stuff. You will make an abortion out of the van trying to turn it into a weekender. [Now someone with 20 years experience modifying vans will chime in that they did it and it came out great]
Weekenders 86-87 and Multivans 90-91 are out there. Keeps searching craigslist. |
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61Scout
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2011
Posts: 1297
Location: Shoreline/Yakima WA
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:04 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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Buy a tintop, get a full length bed (w/o the rear cabinet too) and add just the jumpseat, or carry a cargo box type thing that's strong enough to sit on. The only thing you'll miss is the ability to stand up and change your clothes. Unless of course, you need the upper bed. But if this going to be a weekend surf mobile, I'd think it would be easier to use a tintop for board storage up top too. Anyway, I have a tintop and a weekender and the tintops are great for camping honestly.
-Kevin
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=
-Nec Spe, Nec Metu |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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A real weekender has much less chance of dreaded kitchen wall "rot"
(rust from leaky water supply lines found only in a full Westy).
Consider traveling to find a good van. Better in the long run to get rust-free needing
mechanical work than mechanically sorted with rust throughout...(ask me how I know) 
- Dave
PS: Nationwide search tool: www.searchtempest.com
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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I removed the cabinets on both my Vanagon campers (Westfalia and ASI), but that was long before Vanagons were a "thing". Since these bricks are worth serious $$$ nowadays I would start with a good Carat model and then add a pop top or high roof. Carats are relatively cheap and come with lots of cool options and the interior you want. This is what I'm doing with my Bluestar.
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Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7922
Location: Arizona
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ZsZ
Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010
Posts: 1647
Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 11:16 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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I'm with the others who advise to get a factory weekender.
It is possible to convert but financially wont be a wise idea.
You pay more for the camper then you buy the interior put some work into and then you will have a cheaper van. You may get some money back selling the camper furniture but I think it wont cover the extra price and work.
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Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6832
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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Check craigslist for the San Fernando Valley. Saw a few through used car lots there a while v
back.
_________________
This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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davevickery
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005
Posts: 2887
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 3:48 pm Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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BTW, if you post what your looking for, condition, manual or auto, price range, location, any other preferences or limitations, you might get some good leads. The people here tend to see ads all the time and can spot a good one or a bad deal from very little info.
This looks like a nice unmolested Calif van.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2091672 |
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Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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welcome to thesamba
I don't know the answer to your question
there are a few multi vans in the classifieds
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...ton=Search
you can't stand up in a tintop, they can be like dark mancaves once you close the curtains.
The pop top is a Whole Other Spacial Dimension, more like an Atrium. And you are more likely to get laid in a pop top. Do you travel alone?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrium_(architecture) wonderful to be able to stand up and change comfortably while watching the surf out the tent window(s)
what is your budget?
are you handy, do you do your own engine swaps on your cars, and build your own kitchen cabinets? Have a shop, and a lift to work on a Vanagon?
or would you like something a little more turnkey?:
Here is a used Eurovan Weekender, not Multivan
http://www.2040-cars.com/Volkswagen/EuroVan/2002-v...ce-480573/
_________________
My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco
Last edited by Jon_slider on Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:45 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:32 pm Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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That's a Eurovan Weekender. A Eurovan MV is similar but is a tintop
_________________
Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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PDXWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 6246
Location: Portland OR
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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Where does one acquire enough ferm in order to purchase that van?
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Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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Seamoar
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2017
Posts: 5
Location: Ca
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| Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 11:26 pm Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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Ferm must be a new crypto currency?  I'm in the SF bay area and would not be surprised if i ended up paying for one of these puppies in bitcoin.
Y'all are awesome. Thanks for all the responses. I hereby promise not to buy a full camper and rip the guts out. Weekender/multivan/carat it is.
For those who asked, here's a description of what I'm looking for. I'll post on the official forum for that too. I see a lot of promising listings on CL, but having someone who knows something point out the good ones is priceless.
-Watercooled engine - preferably '86 on up
-Pop top - not opposed to buying a tin top and converting, but I've read other threads that suggest against this. Is there a final verdict on this issue?
-Weekender/multivan/carat - not into eurovans, wish I was...
-No preference on manual or auto
-Prefer solid, rust/dent free body to upgraded mechanical work
-Will travel up to 500 miles from SF
-Budget really depends on how much work needs to be done. Anywhere between 15-25k. Ideally I'd shoot somewhere in between, buy something reliable, and spend the cushion on nice to have maintenance or upgrades.
Not afraid of doing work but won't be doing it myself for now. I'm invested in learning, but the mechanical world is new to me.
Again, thanks all! |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16504
Location: Brookeville, MD
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sanchius 
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 1452
Location: IN
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 5:53 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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This weekender checks most of your boxes except too cheap, too far away and not exactly rust free.
Oh, rebuilt title.... no bueno.
But you'd sure learn a lot getting this one back on the road...
https://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/d/87-vw-westfalia-weekender-8k/6321041082.html
87 VW Westfalia Weekender $8k obo - $8000 (Aurora)
1987 vw vanagon
~300k miles on frame
~60k on engine
Needs head gasket
condition: fair
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 152000
paint color: brown
size: full-size
title status: rebuilt
transmission: manual
type: van
| Seamoar wrote: |
-Watercooled engine - preferably '86 on up
-Pop top - not opposed to buying a tin top and converting, but I've read other threads that suggest against this. Is there a final verdict on this issue?
-Weekender/multivan/carat - not into eurovans, wish I was...
-No preference on manual or auto
-Prefer solid, rust/dent free body to upgraded mechanical work
-Will travel up to 500 miles from SF
-Budget really depends on how much work needs to be done. Anywhere between 15-25k. Ideally I'd shoot somewhere in between, buy something reliable, and spend the cushion on nice to have maintenance or upgrades.
Not afraid of doing work but won't be doing it myself for now. I'm invested in learning, but the mechanical world is new to me.
Again, thanks all! |
_________________
The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
Your gold star membership keeps this awesome list going!
Last edited by sanchius on Tue Sep 26, 2017 5:56 am; edited 2 times in total |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16504
Location: Brookeville, MD
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61Scout
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2011
Posts: 1297
Location: Shoreline/Yakima WA
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 9:45 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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| Seamoar wrote: |
...
-Prefer solid, rust/dent free body to upgraded mechanical work
-Will travel up to 500 miles from SF
-Budget really depends on how much work needs to be done. Anywhere between 15-25k. Ideally I'd shoot somewhere in between, buy something reliable, and spend the cushion on nice to have maintenance or upgrades.
Not afraid of doing work but won't be doing it myself for now. I'm invested in learning, but the mechanical world is new to me.
Again, thanks all! |
Wise decision focusing on a clean body vs. mechanical condition. The entry budget is realistic. I would however strongly urge you to widen your net a bit. 500 miles is a bit restrictive. 800 miles will reach into Portland and Seattle, which will broaden the available number of vans considerably.
Finding a good classic takes time. I spent many months looking for my van. When the right one popped up I had to act quickly and had cash on hand to close the deal. Cash. This is important to note too. Don't miss out on a good deal because you didn't have the cash. Here I'd suggest carrying $5-10K on you for a deposit and then finish business ASAP. Or carry the full $25K on you if you're comfortable with that. Folks have lost deals because one person had the full amount of cash on them and the other person did not. Most sellers are nice and will accept a deposit and allow the vehicle to be inspected and whatnot, but this isn't always the case. Good luck, be patient, but also be willing/able to pounce when the right deal comes around.
-Kevin
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=
-Nec Spe, Nec Metu |
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davevickery
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005
Posts: 2887
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 10:08 am Post subject: Re: Converting a full camper to a weekender |
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| 61Scout wrote: |
...Cash. This is important to note too. Don't miss out on a good deal because you didn't have the cash. Here I'd suggest carrying $5-10K on you for a deposit and then finish business ASAP. Or carry the full $25K on you if you're comfortable with that.
-Kevin |
I would say the opposite. Don't try to find an amazing deal. There will be too many people looking for the same thing and you are more likely to make a mistake than get a great deal. Focus on a finding a nice van at a reasonable price and you won't have to rush. A van from a good home that is priced even a little high may be a better deal in the long run. They will be more willing to let you have it inspected and may come down a bit in price f it has been for sale for a month or more. Look at everything within driving distance just to get a feel for differences and cost. That way when you see one you like, you will be more ready to pull the trigger.
I would stick with as stock a van as possible except it is nice if they have some of the common upgrades too like awning, or 3 window test, newer wheels. If they spent money on optional upgrades it is probably in pretty good mechanical condition.
That one I posted above looks like a good example of a nice van at the higher end of the price range. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2091672 I don't think you will need to spend more than that. This one doesn't mention miles or condition of the engine, or have interior pics, but it is worth considering, except it isn't local and you may not ready to buy yet.
A cheaper 86 Weekender in very nice condition will still probably cost you 14K or more so I would be looking for a later model one like a 90 or 91. The weekender seat behind the driver is nicer and has storage compared to the jumpseat on the later Multivans otherwide the interiors are the same. But that is a small difference and you might be able to find or make that style seat if you need the extra storage. Overall a 90/91 is newer and will have less wear and tear and a quieter ride. It kind of depends what you find though. A very nice Weekender may pop up at the right price before a Multivan. |
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1990 Vanagon Westfalia: 
