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willemsmit · (This post was last modified: 01-16-2016 08:44 AM by willemsmit.)

Nice. Bruce I like

Who did your flip top?

Bruce · (This post was last modified: 01-16-2016 11:37 AM by Bruce.)

Thanks!
Russel put it on for me.
He took it off an original Westfalia 2WD I think and then built a Syncro with it on - on that car he did the whole roof like this one in the link below

Link for Pastis

He then pulled the roof off his modified Syncro Westfalia and stuck it on my Syncro.

This was available in other countries as an optional add on kit called a Mozaik Westy Roof.

It is not as nice as the original Westy interior but the aircon unit remains in tact, because there is space for it and it is actually better than the completely different original Westy aircon unit.

So I have excellent AC and a pop top.
I'm still working on the bed which I have had to build myself.

I don't have a kitchen or cupboards inside because I use the car for work as well and need the space.

I don't get the whole kitchen in the car thing - I'm sure there are times when it is nice - to make coffee in the morning is one I can think of, but when I go camping I appreciate the space in the interior and I like to braai and keep smoke and food mess outside.

Perhaps it is really nice when it is raining - like it does for much of the year in Europe.
Maybe someone who has a fully functional kitchen could share as to why it is actually the way to go.

(01-16-2016 08:44 AM)willemsmit Wrote: Nice. Bruce I like

Who did your flip top?

willemsmit · 01-18-2016, 08:52 PM

Good point about the kitchen. Maybe when we have wind in the Cape? How does the top hold up in wind? Surely the interior is nice if it is too windy outside?

Bruce · (This post was last modified: 01-22-2016 09:59 PM by Bruce.)

Yip my Pop top is awesome in the wind.

My camping situation involves a hell of a lot of packing and unpacking - everything is in ammo crates - I have been thinking about it and reckon that with a kitchen and cupboards there will be less of that.
But seen as I use my Syncro for many other applications as well and only have one Syncro it is better for me without any cupboards and a sink and stove.

(01-18-2016 08:52 PM)willemsmit Wrote: Good point about the kitchen. Maybe when we have wind in the Cape? How does the top hold up in wind? Surely the interior is nice if it is too windy outside?

Bruce · (This post was last modified: 03-12-2016 11:12 PM by Bruce.)

My Syncro is a caravelle but has a cluster with a clock.
I don't know but I'm guessing it is not original because there is no rev counter and the mileage is then a bit of a mystery.
So I decided to get a new cluster but couldn't find one in good nick so I bought three broken clusters and am putting together a new cluster with the original looking rev counter and the odometer at zero.
It was quite a challenge to take apart the odometer.

And this little badge arrived from Capervanculture.
Quite cool, now I have to figure out how to attach it.

32wbx6 · 03-13-2016, 10:31 AM

With regards to built in kitchens etc, I had a camper van vehicle many years ago before my Syncro and found it limiting as not flexible for different uses. I often take a group of people diving then want the people space. It is nice to have the built in stuff however when traveling.

I think the answer is to make a couple of modular units that get put in place when camping and taken out when not. I envisage a lightweight system that bolts down in place of the seats when they come out. A lightweight cupboard arrangement should be possible in rear of vehicle when bed folded out.

I haven't done it yet but will be experimenting soon and see if it's at all practical. It would never be as geared up as a full Westy type built in system but there should be a compromise somewhere.

Bruce · (This post was last modified: 03-14-2016 11:04 PM by Bruce.)

Yip, I think the answer is that I need a second Syncro which is just a camper. Wink

This is the completed cluster

Camperholic · 03-15-2016, 02:58 PM

Well done Bruce. You seem to have a technical skill which is needed if you are saving a buck and doing it your self. Keep those tips coming.

Bruce · 03-15-2016, 06:52 PM

Pleasure.
I want to make a youtube video when I get the time, but the truth is I've spent a fortune trying to do it myself although now I have lots of spares.

If i had found a cluster in good nick right away I would have bought it, but that is a really hard thing to do.

Bruce · 07-06-2016, 01:03 PM

After having my box out twice and replacing the syncro rings twice I still had a grind between 2nd and 3rd so I'm trying this new Ellerman's Recon Box from Dean with a brand new housing.
Thanks Dean
Looks smart!