VWt magazine TruePDF april 2019

OFF THE GRID – VISIONTECH-BUILT 4WD T6
6

T ked-out
Tricked-out
T4 Camper
mper

The only VW Transpor ter magazine you need!

The White stuff
13 sets of wheels
and still not
finished!

2019
SHOW

ISSUE 79 APRIL 2019 £4.30

PREVIEW!

A-TEAM
TRIBUTE
All-terrain
rescue ride

ROAD TRIP
Exploring
Italy in a T4
Camper!

PART S FOR CL ASSIC V W & PORSCHE

RUN BY ENTHUSIASTS,
FOR ENTHUSIASTS
Vehicle owned by: Mark Rickard, Heritage Parts Centre Operations Director

SUSPENSION

ACCESSORIES

FREE UK DELIV ERY ON W EB ORDERS OV ER £50

|

E XPERT ADVICE

|

BRAKES

BODY

ELECTRICAL

ENGINE PARTS

FA S T D E L I V E R Y W O R L D W I D E

19 , 0 00 PA R T S AVAI L A BL E ON L I NE V I S I T H E RI TA G E PA R T S C E NT RE . C O M


RUBBERS

EXHAUSTS

TRANSMISSION

STEERING

#driveheritage

CAMPING & LEISURE

01273 444000

WHEELS

help @ heritagepartscentre.com


For however
you kit out
your T4 or T5
Find out how we can become your
VW Campervan insurance provider

The Carole Nash Difference
UK & European breakdown and accident recovery,

including Homestart - worth over £100 when
compared to other providers

Up to £100,000 Legal Expenses Cover if you’re in
an accident that’s not your fault

Choose your own specialist repairer

Modification cover included

CALL NOW

0800 781 6433

carolenash.com

UK opening hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 5pm.
As with all insurances, terms and conditions apply. Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference no. 307243. Carole Nash is a trading
style of Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd, registered in England and Wales no. 2600841.


Knighty says

Email the editor at

Let’s get this
party started...

This month

ON PLANET
KNIGHTY

● Uptown boys
Jolly Jim blagged us a
gold-card pass to the Sky
Garden bar atop the Walkie
Talkie building in the City

First stop, The VolksWorld Show.
After that, the summer is ours
for the planning

I
● Rimmin’ it pt1
Hmm, not sure the Donklook is going to catch on in
the world of Transporters…

● Rimmin’ it pt2
Logo a go-go! Just in case
you missed the grille badge

● Schoolboy error
Booked a hotel room based
on price / location for a
lads’ night without checking
the website. Eek. Not sure
how I’m gonna explain this
to the boys…

● Beard on the ’box
Papped on live TV – my
1.5 seconds of fame

nside this issue, you’ll find a preview of The
VolksWorld Show at Sandown Park in Surrey,
which is the UK’s premier air-cooled VW event. But
that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for Transporter
fans to enjoy. Far from it. Sure, the indoor halls will
be filled with the older stuff, but outside there are Van
clubs, awning and camping accessory displays, plus
traders and Vans for sale, too.
I’ve loved being
involved with the
show since I began
my journalistic career
as a staff writer on
VolksWorld almost 20
years ago now, and
this year I’ve been
working alongside
Ian Cushway
(VolksWorld’s Editor)
sorting out the show
cars and indoor
displays. I think it’s fair to say that, even if you know
nothing about those quirky old air-cooled VWs,
the quality and level of detail in some of the debut
vehicles this year will knock your socks off.
As such, young Aaron (Goo) has stepped up

and offered to be the official
VWt representative outside, so
he’ll be the one positioning the
Transporter clubs and displays.
What could possibly go wrong?!
He’s assured me that, by the
time I escape from the air-cooleds,
I’ll be blown away by his ‘evolution
of Van’ display and the perfectly parked club displays.
I’m certainly looking forward to that point in the
weekend as it will mean I can take some time out and
catch up with Goo and the Transporter crew.
So, if you’re thinking of joining the fun, be sure to
say hi if you spot Goo or me mooching about. We’ll be
the ones with beards…
One more thing, if you’re
thinking about camping at the
show, remember you have to
pre-book weekend camping
tickets. Arrive without a camping
pass and you’ve missed the boat.
Camping / tickets can be booked
via www.volksworldshows.com
Moving forward, it’s now time
to start planning some summer
weekends, shows, road trips
and adventures. Apologies if this
conjures up an upsetting image
but, as I sit typing this column,
I’m delighted to feel a ‘breeze

around the knees’, today being

Air cooled in, water cooled
out, but Sandown Park offers
the best of both
the first outing this year
for my traditional spring /
summer / autumn wardrobe
of shorts and t-shirt.
In fact, I just heard on
the news that today (26 Feb) is officially the hottest
February day on record, with temperatures hitting
21.2degC in Kew Gardens, London.
So right now I’m itching to clock off a little early
and head for the beach to watch the sun set over the
Essex Riviera, aka Tilbury Docks.
Update: having enjoyed an ice
cream whilst watching the sun go
down, I was thinking I’d spend the
evening mapping out my summer,
only to reach home at 6 and find
the sky black and the temperature
had plummeted. Yup, reality check.
However, once I’d cracked open a beer and
slumped onto the sofa, I looked down at my hairy
knees (!) and decided it was time to turn my frown
upside down. The fact the sun was done by 5.30pm
may have burst my summer bubble but, with the
central heating in full effect, I could see a positive side
to this scenario.

In short(s), the flipside of an
early sunset is a longer evening,
meaning I had plenty of time to
look up show dates and make my
plans for the summer of ’19 before
hitting the sack. Yep, I had my
Transporter mojo back! t

“I’m delighted to feel
a ‘breeze around the
knees’ today”

Paul
Beside the seaside: sunsets, palm
trees and ice creams. It’s gotta be the
Essex Riviera!
VWt 5


Contents

Want to contact VWt?

5
VWt
Kelsey Media
Cudham Tithe Barn
Berry’s Hill, Cudham
Kent TN16 3AG

WEBSITE
Find current subscription offers at:
shop.kelsey.co.uk/vwt
Buy back issues at:
shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/list/publication/VWT

EDITORIAL
Editor: Paul Knight
Email: ;

Art Editor: Barbara Stanley
Sub Editor: Mike Pye
Contributors: James Wallace,
Mark Walker, Aaron ‘Algoo’ Good,
Andy Saunders, Gordie Woollacott,
Ian Cushway, Peter Simpson,
Lee Cant, Jolly Jim, DikPiks,
Dan Pullen, Jamie Hearne & Ella Fenwick

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?
Manage your subscription online at:
shop.kelsey.co.uk/myaccount

ADVERTISEMENT SALES
Hill View Media Ltd
Ben Foster, Director
01366 728 488
07976 256 205

Amy Wattam-Foster, Senior Sales

Executive
01366 728 488

Liz Murray, Sales Executive
01366 728 488

PRODUCTION
A.T. Graphics

01733 363485
Copy Production Manager:
Melanie Cooper 01733 362701
MANAGEMENT
Managing Director: Phil Weeden
Chief Executive: Steve Wright
Chairman: Steve Annetts
Finance Director:
Joyce Parker-Sarioglu
Retail Distribution Manager:
Eleanor Brown
Publishing Operations Manager:
Charlotte Whittaker
Print Production Manager:
Nicola Pollard
Print Production Controller:
Georgina Harris
Audience Development Manager:
Andy Cotton
Brand Marketing Managers:
Debra Hagger and Nikolas Lovely

Events Manager: Kat Chappell
SUBSCRIPTIONS
13 issues of VWt are published per annum
UK annual subscription price: £55.25
Europe annual subscription price: £70
USA annual subscription price: £70
Rest of World annual subscription price:
£76
CONTACT US
UK subscription and back issue orderline:
01959 543747
Overseas subscription order line:
0044 (0) 1959 543 747
Toll-free USA subscription order line:
1-888-777-0275
UK customer service team:
01959 543 747
Customer service email address:

Customer service and subscription postal
address:
VWt Customer Service Team
Kelsey Publishing Ltd
Cudham Tithe Barn
Berry’s Hill, Cudham
Kent TN16 3AG
United Kingdom

6 VWt

CLASSIFIEDS
Tel: 0906 802 0279
(premium rate line, operated by Kelsey
Publishing Ltd. Calls cost 65p per minute
from a BT landline; other networks and
mobiles may vary. Lines open MondayFriday, 10am-4pm)

18

22

5 Knighty speaks
Sunsets, ice cream and palm
trees on the Essex Riviera have
got Knighty ready for summer!
18 News and products
Check out all the latest Transporterrelated news, products and events
22 Inbox
Get in touch with team VWt
24 Readers’ rides
Show us yours – email us at

49 Free poster
One for the workshop wall
50 Showtime
Early-season dates for your diary
98 The wandered returns
Aaron ‘AlGoo’ Good finally
surfaces after his party break!

24

98

For complaints or queries about the
premium rate number, please call
01959 543723, 9–5pm, Mon–Fri

Kelsey Classifieds
c/o Talk Media Sales
Kelsey Media
PO Box 13
Cudham
Westerham
Kent TN16 3WT
DISTRIBUTION
Seymour Distribution Ltd
2 East Poultry Avenue
London EC1A 9PT
www.seymour.co.uk
Tel: 020 7429 4000
PRINTING
Warners Midlands
Kelsey Media 2019 © all rights reserved.
Kelsey Media is a trading name of
Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in
whole or in part is forbidden except with
permission in writing from the publishers.
Note to contributors: articles submitted
for consideration by the editor must be

the original work of the author and not
previously published. Where photographs
are included, which are not the property of
the contributor, permission to reproduce
them must have been obtained from the
owner of the copyright. The editor cannot
guarantee a personal response to all letters
and emails received. The views expressed
in the magazine are not necessarily those
of the Editor or the Publisher. Kelsey
Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for
products and services offered by third
parties.

REGULARS

Kelsey Publishing Ltd uses a multi-layered
privacy notice, giving you brief details
about how we would like to use your
personal information. For full details, visit
www.kelsey.co.uk, or call 01959 543524.
If you have any questions, please ask as
submitting your details indicates your
consent, until you choose otherwise, that
we and our partners may contact you
about products and services that will be
of relevance to you via direct mail, phone,
email or SMS. You can opt out at ANY time
via email: or
01959 543524.

Back issues

VWt is available for licensing worldwide.
For more information, contact


If there’s a gap in your
VWt collection visit:

www.kelsey.co.uk

shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/
list/publication/VWT


28

10

IN THIS ISSUE

56

66

74

FEATURES
10 Destination anywhere

A top-end LWB T6 Camper to die for!
28 Skin deep
Spencer Scott’s T5 will be on its 14th set of
rims by the time you read this...
38 VolksWorld Show preview
Here’s what to expect at VoWo 2019!
56 Rescue ’Wagen
We love it when a plan comes together
66 Halfway house
Vince Povey’s tricked-out T4 Camper
74 Bucket list banquet pt1
On the road to Italy in a trusty T4
EVENTS
82 Flat Four Hangout
Goo heads for Bruntingthorpe!
84 VolksWorld Spares Day
Early season VW action at Ardingly
PLUS
90 Pete’s molluscs
Pete flexes his muscles this month

82
Next month
Issue 80 (May 2019) goes on sale
Friday 12 April 2019
Don’t miss it, subscribe here:

shop.kelsey.co.uk/vwt
VWt 7

POPTOPS NEW SEMI SLIM &
SLIMLINE ROOF RANGE

Standard T5/T6 including many more vehicle roof types are
available in black or white gel coat with a choice of 6 cotton canvas
colours at no extra cost. (Fast Track UK Delivery Available)

UPGRADES

STANDARD

Ex. Durable Standard Canvas
Ex. Durable Bright Canvas
Extreme Cotton Canvas

L

Beige

Black

Upgrade Canvas Style;
Full Zipout Canvas

Green
SOME OF OUR SUPPLIERS AND INSTALLERS .
nearest depot
Please call for further information on your

Acura Conversions
All Season Leisure
AM Autos
Arrow Conversions
Aurora Campers
Autobarn
Aztec Campers
Bailey Conversions
Bay 2 Campers
Big V Campers
Brett Harrison
CaberVans
Caledonian Campers
Camper King
Camper Scotland
Camper Versions
Cannon Campers
Car Glass & Trim
Cascade Conversions
Chapel Motorhomes
Convert Your Van
Coast 2 Coast Campers
Cornwall Van Conversions
Excel Conversions
Evans Campers
F40 Motorhomes
G & P Campers
Go CamperVans
Greenline Leisure Vehicles
Hinckley Body Wrx

Imperial Car Centre
Kent PopTops
Key Campers
Knights Custom Campers
Lakeland Windscreens
Louth Autoclinic
Love Campers
NE Camper Interiors
Olivwerks
Platinum Custom Campers
PM Campers
Prestige Campers
Redfish Campers
ReVampavan
RockinVans
Salisbury Conversions
Signature Conversions
Simon Lee Conversions
Skelmersdale Conversions
SK Motorhomes
Sterling Motors
Styleline Conversions
Swanson Conversions
T1 Conversions
T4 Life
TB Conversions
The Wee Spray Shop
TWRV Motorhome
Touch of Glass
Tuxford Campers

VanHaus
VW Bi Design
VW Camperline
VW Transporters T4 & T5
Welsh Coast Campers
Wild Camper Conversions

07714 387 284
0191 492 1292
07814 157 695
07870 237 695
07831 669 862
07702 695 487
01792 586 715
01684 298 279
07831 563 223
01793 847 474
07791 832 682
01475 638 775
07877 564 822
01789 721 203
01324 489 211
01254 447 404
01443 863 555
01473 214 611
07815 846 899
01323 811 455
0114 398 4141
07850 790 953
07713 458 393

01392 824 045
07773 356 348
07841 043 605
01889 508 098
07890 032 062
07719 727 939
01455 698 144
01724 867 000
01732 824 551
01482 228 225
07581 467 899
01539 736 422
07771 544 761
07973 687 950
07530 611 882
07884 364 266
07817 410 073
07760 271 903
0151 343 0853
07972 513 552
01425 276 290
07805 554 444
01722 783 179
07967 047 462
07403 465 256
01695 557 688
07853 176 590
07887 566 917
01213 080 583
07738 537 253

07788 975 654
07977 200 567
07954 379 455
07977 404 426
01379 384 525
07861 886 668
07425 768 588
01785 719 831
07974 907 952
07900 513 596
07875 935 349
01554 778 866
02380 638 986

Hartlepool
Washington
Manchester
Swanse
sea
Nottingham
am
Staffordshir
shire
Swanse
sea
Tewkesburry
Shipley
ley
Wiltshire
Derbyshire

Lanarkshire
Glasgow
Warwickshire
Falkirk
Lancashire
Caerphilly
Suffolk
Pontyclun
Polegate
Sheffield
Warwickshire
Devon
Doncaster
Swansea
Clacton-on-Sea
Staffordshire
Derbyshire
Darlington
Leicestershire
Scunthorpe
Kent
Hull
Spalding
g
Kenda
al
Louth
h
Sussex
ex

Newton Aycliffe
ffe
Crook
k
Swansea
Wallasey
Wirrall
Redruth
Dorset
Kilmarnock
Salisbury
Barnstaple
Teeside
Skelmersdale
West Yorkshire
Berkshire
Midlands
Aberystwyth
Bridgend
Preston
Wakefield
Perth
Suffolk
Newton Aycliffe
Nottinghamshire
Staffordshire
Chesterfield
Suffolk
Barnstaple
Swansea

Hampshire

Please chose from
our list of vehicle
manufacturers
from our website
for over 150+ roof
types
M1 Tested
T5/T6 SWB
T5/T6 LWB

RENAULT

M1 Tested
Trafic SWB
Trafic LWB
(Old & New)

M1 Tested
Custom
SWB & LWB

M1 Tested
Vivaro
SWB & LWB
(Old & New)

Upgrade Window Mesh;
Fine Mosquito Netting

Upgrade Headlining:
Suede (10 colours available)

www.poptoproofs.co.uk
www.streamline-campervan-roofs.co.uk
www.campervanbeds.com

BED SEAT RANGE

HEIGHT

- Securon quality seat belts with most seats
- Boards supplied inc headrests for upholstery
WHEEL - Powder coated black to British Standard
ARCH
- Fixing kit supplied with all beds
- General purpose installation drawings available
- In most instances there is area for a Porta Potti
- User friendly design
- Profile engineered to the highest of standards
- Upholstery available in basic colour range
CLOSED

M1 TESTED BED
RANGE

M1 Tested
Talento
SWB & LWB

NLBD1
NLBD2
NLBD3 1300
NLBD3 1500
NLBD4

OPEN
Height
Closed

Width

Length
Closed

Length
Open

1100
1015
1015
1015
960

240 1130
1116
1100 190 1020
1300 178/122 1020
1500 178/122 1020
1100 200/60 850

1740
1790
1840
1840
1570

PLUS MANY MORE
VEHICLE ROOFS
TO CHOOSE FROM

Orderline:
07557871125
01914191111

Wheel
Arch

Please note NLBD4 can extend to 1900 in the open position
M1 TESTED

T5 Double Swivel
(Passenger)

N/A N/A

Budget Bed Range
TOYOTA

British Standard

or RAL Colour Gel Coat

Mid
Grey

Blue

M1 Tested
Primastar
SWB & LWB

M1 Tested
Vito/Viano
SWB, LWB &
ELWB

Natural

Compact Single
Compact Double Small
Compact Double Large
u-Shape Standard
u-Shape Walkthrough

Height
Closed

950
950
980

360
360

Width

N/A
Wheel
Arch

N/A

N/A

Length
Closed

Length
(Open)

535 75/45 870 1600
930 115/160 910 1685
1115 180/155 860 1610
1540 160 1250 1800
1540 160 1250 1800

Technical helpline:
07980025688
Visit our website;
www.campervanbeds.com
01914191111

AD5
Gloss Black/Polished,
Gloss Black,
Gunmetal/Polished
8”x18”

ASSASS
SIN
N
Gloss Black,
Gloss Black/Polished
d
7”x16”, 7”x17”
8”x18”, 8.5”x19”
8.5”x20”

JDM
Satin Black
7.5”x17”

GENESIS

AERO
Gloss Black/Polished,
Gunmetal/Polished
8.5”x18”
8.5x20

DORTMU
UN
ND
Gloss black/polished
d
Gloss black
Gunmetal/polished
and bronze
bronze (20” only)
8.5”x18” 8.5”x19”,
8.5”x20”

KIBO
Diamond Black Lip
Polished, Gunmetal
9”x20”, 9.5”x21”

ASSASSIN GT
T2
2

Gloss black/polished

Gloss Black/ Polished

8.5x18

8.5x18,
8.5x20

MUNIC
CH
Gloss Black/Polished,,
Gloss Back

STUTTGART

Gunmetal,silver,
racing black,
8.5X18,9X19

WARRANTY ON SELECTED
WHEELS WHEN YOU
REGISTER ONLINE.

TUV CERTIFICATION
GERMAN TUV
CERTIFICATION ON
SELECTED WHEELS.

MADE IN EUROPE
WOLFRACE EUROSPORT
WHEELS, ARE MADE IN
EUROPE

HUGE RANGE AVAILABLE

HUGE RANGE OF WHEELS
AVAILABLE, SEE
WWW.WOLFRACE.COM

FOR THE FULL RANGE.

INTERACTIVE GUIDE

Gloss Black/Polished
8.5”x20”

8.5”x18”, 8.5”x20”
0””

X10

UP TO 5 YEAR

TURISMO
O
Gloss Black/Polished,
Gloss Black
8.5”x18”

ROAD|OFF ROAD|TRACK|LUXURY
WWW.WOLFRACE.COM
Head over to www.facebook.com/officialwolfrace/ and look out
for monthly competitions to win alloy wheels!

USE OUR INTERACTIVE
FITMENT GUIDE AT
WWW.WOLFRACE.COM

GO ONLINE

PLEASE VISIT YOUR
NEAREST DEALER TO BUY
WOLFRACE WHEELS, YOU
CAN GO ONLINE TO FIND
YOUR NEAREST DEALER.


Destination
anywhere
Visiontech Automotive have
done it again – another
stonking customer build that,
in the infamous words of the
Martini adverts of old, can
take its owners any time, any
place, anywhere
Words Mark Walker Photos Dan Pullen

10 VWt


H

aving run a VW service-based
company in the past myself, I can
say from experience there are
two distinct types of customer.
The first wants everything done
on a shoestring, and always chooses the

budget option. The second will let you blow
the budget, and often allow you to have some
creative input, too. I can’t speak for Visiontech,
but I liked both. The former paid the bills and
kept their VWs on the road, but also allowed
me to really splurge on the higher budget
builds when they came along.
But when you’ve established a name in
the industry, like Dan Lewis at Visiontech
undoubtedly has, you tend to attract the
customers with a bit more spending power.
These days Dan is so busy – he’d just
returned from a trip down under to set up
Visiontech Australia when we were writing

this feature – that to get the lowdown on this
latest customer build we spoke to workshop
manager, Greg.
This Iridium Grey 2017 T6 started life as
a high spec, LWB 4motion with the 201bhp
engine. The customer added Sportline wheels
and suspension to the otherwise completely
stock exterior so from the outside, it really
is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, at least
in comparison with a lot of the more visually
modified Vans you see within these pages.

Idea station
But it’s inside this T6 where a great proportion
of the budget has been eaten up. Greg

explains: “It originally came in for a full VTA
Vision package, but the customer had a few
ideas of his own for how to make his Van
really stand out from the crowd.”

“It originally came in for a
full VTA Vision package,
but the customer had a
few ideas of his own”

VWt 11


Not just a Comfort dash upgrade, but a re-trimmed Comfort dash to boot, with leather and the same
Tesla blue as the furniture. Stylish
The Tesla metallic blue paint that adorns
the furniture, table surrounds and the inserts
on the dashboard, but he also had a Kemi Loo
portable toilet he wanted incorporated. That
now sits in a modified LWB rear cabinet.
Speaking of the dash, the original one
was carefully extracted to be replaced by a
T6 Comfort dash, but the Visiontech team
didn’t just bung a stock one in. Oh no. Before
it was bolted into place, it received copious
amounts of black leather, with blue stitching
on the lower half and bottle holder. That same
treatment was mirrored on the a, b and d
pillars and lower door cards.
When it came to the front seats and bed,

another few hides were used, but this time
with contrasting Alcantara for the inserts.

Under the surface
Of course, those of you reading this who have
ever undertaken a Camper conversion will
know there’s far more goes into a build like this
under the surface than you’ll ever see from
taking a peek inside, and all of the cuts for the
windows and pop-top, insulation, wiring, lining
and upholstery must go in before the cabinets
can be bolted into place.
When it came to this build, the customer
went with the Executive interior and roof lining
package, which includes the interior of the
sliding door lined with Alcantara. Note the
handy, California-spec table storage in the
door too – a really neat and well thought out
modification.
As the customer wanted to be able to stand
up in the Van and sleep more than just two, a
colour-coded Hilo roof was installed, complete
with polished hinges and a scenic roof canvas
– perfect for those hot summer days.
When it comes to lifting and lowering a T6
roof, it’s a far cry from an old school Split or
Bay pop-top, but operation of this one is made
12 VWt

LED headlamps

were part of the high
factory spec

Sportline alloys and
suspension package


Seats were given a little spice up with Alcantara inserts. Note the same tactile cloth has been used on
the pillars and cab headliner...

...and for the inserts and door pockets. Look
closely and you’ll see blue stitching to match the
furniture run

“there’s far more goes
into a build like this
under the surface”


“there’s no slumming
it when it comes to
creature comforts”

HD 17in monitor is
mounted to the bottom
of the bed board

Neat table storage
solution on the sliding
door à la VW California

In fact, just about everywhere you look, apart
from the floor, it’s Alcantara. That’s an Executive
lining package in Visiontech speak.
Both the table and the rock ‘n’ roll bed run on
sliding rails
Now just imagine having a fry up in here with
all that lovely Alcantara around. Not likely!

Yet another example of Visiontech’s attention to
detail, and branding of course
14 VWt


The blue interior might be a surprise when you first
open the doors, but it’s a classy surprise, complete with
Smartphone-controlled LED lighting and both hot and cold air
temperature control

Room for four at the inn, all in abject comfort

easier still by an electric roof upgrade – yes,
the pop-top really can be raised and lowered at
the touch of a button, California-style.
When it comes to electrical improvements,
it doesn’t end at the pop-top. The interior
lighting now features an RGB LED upgrade,
which is controllable from a Smartphone app.

Hidden extras
One of our favourite details on a VTA interior

is the hidden fridge, which you’ll find behind
the company’s trademark curved door. At this
point Greg was quick to point out there’s a
whole list of other possible ‘hidden’ options
too, including a key-coded safe, should you
wish to store your valuables safely out of sight
when you hit the beach.
Far from just a basic rock ’n’ roll bed, this
Van is fitted with the VTA multi-position seat
rail, enabling the whole rear seat to slide back
and forth – handy when the kids want to sit
closer to you, and makes for a much more
flexible storage area, too.
Interior entertainment is taken care of
with a 17in HD roof monitor, fitted directly
to the Hilo bed board. Or, if the occupants
would rather listen to music, there’s an audio
upgrade in the form of a Bose 360 Resolve
rear speaker set up.
As you’ve probably guessed by now,
there’s no slumming it when it comes to
creature comforts. If it’s hot outside, there’s a
Webasto Thermo Cool air conditioning unit,
again Smartphone controllable, and also a
VWt 15


“giving the VW
factory a run for
its money”

-40mm Sportline drop might not get you in the
Lowdown Transporters, but it also won’t get you in
the osteopath’s chair either!
thermostatically-controlled Webasto diesel
heater for those chilly winter camping trips.
In addition, the under body-mounted LPG
tank not only powers a Propex Expanse water
heater and shower, but also offers its services
to a handy BBQ connection for those summer
camp outs. Helping power all of this are two
20W solar panels fitted to the roof, running
through an MPPT Bluetooth charger.

Sportline of duty
Alongside all this, the Sportline-spec exterior
of the T6 is pretty tame, though it looks
noticeably more aggressive than stock, and
the addition of aluminium roof bars, a VW
bike rack and a VTA V4 awning all help to
transport a family and all their camping gear
safely to wherever the destination may be.
The crowning glory on the accessories
list, at least as far as I am concerned, is the
genuine VW California camping chair set,
which stores away inside the tailgate.
There’s no denying the whole package
makes for an amazingly useable Camper,
and one with a bit of the owner’s personality
injected in the choice of Tesla blue for the

cabinets. Most importantly, it was built both to
Visiontech’s standards, and to the customer’s
spec, and we’re sure he’s delighted with the
finished product.
Yep, this is another one at the upper end
of the Campervan budget scale, but it also
proves once again that Visiontech Automotive
is at the top of its game and more than
capable of giving the VW factory a run for its
money. As they say, you pays your money and
you takes your choice. t
16 VWt

Propex BBQ point under the Van and Cali’ chairs in factory tailgate storage. There’s even a Kemi Loo,
though it’s stored discreetly out of sight


Specialists in VW Transporter sales, conversions & accessories

EXPERTS IN SUPPLYING T5’S AND T6 KOMBI’S TO SUIT
YOUR REQUIREMENTS OVER 60 VANS TO CHOOSE FROM

T: 01743 351400
WWW.VWTRANSPORTERSALES.CO.UK
Visit us at: Hereford Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 7QZ


News & products

Meet Multivan 6.1

Wind Assist, Lane Assist, Park
VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL
Assist (now with Side Protection
Vehicles recently presented
option for use during manual
the new, digitalised Bulli 6.1 at
manoeuvring), Rear View Assist
Autostadt Wolfsburg.
and Trailer Assist.
Dr. Thomas Sedran, Chairman
We’re just disappointed Make The
of the Management Board of
Tea and Tuck You Up In Bed Assist
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
haven’t yet made it onto the options
explained the last evolution of the
list for the ’6.1 California.
world’s favourite Van: “The new
Yet another
T6.1 is the car
“new standards
new dash, now
for the here
and now. We
in vehicle safety, with digital
new
have taken a
convenience
and gauges,
infotainment

proven vehicle
comfort”
and connectivity
and updated
systems and an
its assistance
integrated eSIM card will apparently
and infotainment systems and
“open up a new range of onlineconnectivity to the state-of-the-art
based functions and services” and
today.
make user operation more intuitive.
“In the T6.1, we wanted to
The T6.1 will be available with
set new standards in vehicle
the choice of 2.0-litre turbo diesel
safety, convenience and comfort.
(66kW / 90 or 146kW / 199bhp)
Especially important to us was
engine options, both complying
driving stability. And we have made
with Euro-6d-TEMP-EVAP
significant progress here.”
emissions standard, and a zeroSo, as well as completely
emissions rated 82kW / 112bhp
new electro-mechanical power
version partnered with ABT.
steering, the ’6.1 comes with Cross

The new T6.1 will be available to buy from autumn 2019

The T6.1 is the first
VW model to feature
the new Digital Cockpit

Two TDi engine options and,
in conjunction with ABT, the first
electric zero-emissions Transporter

Campers by Design

Just Kampers’ Open Day

We recently caught up with Spencer Brown of
Dorset-based Campers by Design who shared a
few pictures of some of the bespoke conversions
he’s tackled recently.
It’s not just full-blown camping conversions
these guys offer though, they’ll undertake
electrical installations and upgrades, fit Skyline
pop-tops, night heaters, windows, solar charging
systems or even camping pods. In fact, pretty
much anything Campervan-related.
So, if you’re looking for an experienced Camper
conversion company to transform your Van,
contact Spencer on 07867 433402 or look up
www.campersbydesign.com

The always popular JK Open Day and camping
weekender returns for 2019 on Saturday 8 June.

The best way to describe the event is
laid back, family-friendly fun, so head
down to JK HQ in Odiham, Hampshire
(RG29 1JE) for 10am to meet the JK
team, take advantage of some amazing
discounts on parts, see the new-for-2019
JK camping and leisure range and
sample some of the produce
available from the hand-picked
food vendors and traders that
will be on site.
With live music, free VW
health checks, cookery demos
with the chefcampers.com, kids
activities, a free giant garden
games area, the Hogs Back
Brewery beer tent and a silent auction,
it’s a day not to be missed, especially
as all money raised this year will go to
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care.
We’ll see you there!

Some neat work here for sure. Loving that three drawer unit
18 VWt


Vanlife

Loopo Breeze inflatable awning

If you need that bit of extra space for outdoor living, sleeping or storage,
the Loopo Breeze drive-away Campervan awning is a perfect solution.
Inflatable beams makes setting up a breeze, and it’s available in blue / grey,
orange / blue or sage green / chalk to coordinate with your Camper.
Optional extras include a footprint groundsheet and awning carpet
and, if you head for the website, you can check out special offers on the
company’s wide range of products.
Price: £479
From: www.olproshop.com

Pioneer AVH- Z9100DAB

Pioneer’s latest all-singing, all-dancing head unit combines high-quality
audio and video with smart navigation, as well as supporting Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto, WiFi and Bluetooth.
With a seven-inch touch screen, built in 4 x 50W amplifier, 13-band
graphic EQ and gold-plated RCA pre-outs, it’s one serious powerhouse.
On top, there’s also an HDMI input, twin camera inputs, dual USB inputs
and a DAB tuner for a quality radio signal when you’re not streaming music.
Price: approx. £549.99
From: www.pioneer-car.eu

Room up top

These roof beds from Grassroutes Leisure feature an
outer frame made from aluminium and a hardwood
inner frame that holds the bamboo slats in place,
creating a strong and comfortable base to sleep on.
The bed comes with gas struts and fixing brackets to
attach to the safety frame fitted to your Van.

Approximate dimensions are 110.5cm x 186cm and
the bed is available as a full kit.
Price: £293.25
From: www.grassroutesleisure.co.uk / 01963 824792

LEGO Westy
Rene Hoffmeister, one of only 12 officially certified LEGO model makers in the world, together with
colleague, Pascal Lenhard, recently built this full-size Bay Window Westfalia Camper, complete with
pop-top roof and full interior, for the f.re.e travel and leisure trade fair in Munich.
3D simulation programmes were used to design a construction plan and calculate the rigidity of the
side walls and windows to ensure the whole thing wouldn’t collapse under the 700kg weight of its
400,000 LEGO bricks.
Apparently, the whole thing was a world record attempt, but we’re not sure what world record they
were going for, or if there are any other contenders. Impressive nonetheless, huh?

Mousse on the loose

Autoglym’s Wheel Cleaning Mousse is a spray
on, react, agitate and hose off wheel cleaning
solution that offers an easy way to keep your
alloy wheels looking factory fresh.
The pH-neutral cleaner clings to the contours
of your wheels, ensuring good coverage, and
when the colour changes, it’s time to wash it off.
Simple as that.
Each can should be enough for four
applications on four wheels.
Price: £12.99
From: www.autoglym.com
VWt 19

News & products
T5 / T6 poly bushes

UK company, Problem Solving Bushes, now offers a wide range of
polyurethane bushes to replace OE rubber bushes in T5 / T6 applications.
Poly’ bushings are stronger and last longer than standard rubber
bushings and can improve vehicle handling and driveability, especially on a
high mileage Van.
Price: from £16.90 (front anti-roll bar bushes) to £175.90 for a complete
14-piece, front / rear bushing kit
From: www.psbushings.co.uk or eBay

Screw loose

Vanlife

Loosen up in 2019 with this latest addition to the German Matador
Tools range. This screw extractor kit, affectionately known as Screw IT!,
promises to unthread the unthreadable.
Simply hammer it gently into any rounded off or damaged screw head,
twist and await euphoria as the errant screw succumbs to the power of the
DIY tool.
This one simple screwdriver-like tool is suitable for M2.5-M6 Phillips
head, flat head, Pozi and hex-head screws.
Price: £13.15
www.d
bi
From: www.damar.biz

Momo Ultra steering wheel

This sporty, dished wheel from Momo is made
from microfibre and aluminium and comes with
quick reference position markers, along with
graphics of some of the world’s most famous
racing circuits laser etched into the rim.
Available in black, blue or red with a stickerbombed effect Momo logo, it could make even
the most pedestrian of Vans feel like a race car.
Price: £419.99
From: www.momo-uk.co.uk

New Machine Mart catalogue
Sealey Rust Remover

If you want to smarten up the underside of your
Van, or remove rust from just about anything,
why not try a bottle of Sealey’s new SCS201
Rust Remover liquid.
Can also be used to remove oxide and tarnish
from non-ferrous metals.
Price: £10 (500ml bottle)
From: www.sealey.co.uk

Safe at any speed

The new Road Angel Pure speed camera detector has a 2.4in, sunlight
readable TFT display with touch-sensitive buttons and colour-coded signals
to ensure you stay well within the legal speed limit at all times.

Powered via a 12V cigarette lighter and with an internal battery for
standalone operation, it’ll always be ready to go.
Road Angel operates via a subscription-based service and has access to
the constantly updated Highways England database of speed cameras across
the entire UK road network, including mobile sites and Smart motorways.
It can also give you a real time average speed alert, which could prove
useful on long road trips in your Van.
Overall, a great all-in-one solution for the speed aware.
Price: £249 + annual subscription
From: www.roadangelgroup.com
20 VWt

The new, 508-page Machine Mart Spring /
Summer catalogue is packed full of all the
workshop tools and equipment you need and
features over 600 price cuts and new products.
With over 21,000 items available in stores
across the country and online, it’s a one-stop
tool shop.
To order your catalogue, go to
www.machinemart.co.uk,
or call 0844 880 1265


se al ey

.c o. uk

OUT
NOW!

w w w.

New Larger Size
1024 pages
1000 New Products
Pick up your FREE copy from your
local stockist or order online at

www.sealey.co.uk

FREE Sound Bar
worth
£49.95!

with selected products

FREE LED Lanterns.
Look out for these logos

Promotion valid from 1st March until 31st May
20W COB LED Rechargeable Work Light
with Wireless Speakers + Power Bank

• Features an ultra bright 20W COB LED light producing up to
1100 lumens with three light settings: High 1100lm, Mid 580lm,
Low 350lm (working time: 3, 5 and 15 hours respectively).
• Micro USB charging lead included.
• Model No. LED100WS
• List Price £79.95

110bar Pressure Washer with TSS & Rotablast®
Nozzle 230V with Accessory Kit
• Supplied with 5m hose and full
accessory kit including patio brush,
rotary brush, fixed brush, detergent
bottle, variable nozzle and Rotablast®
nozzle which helps develop the same
effective cleaning power (ECP) as a
187bar/2720psi pressure washer.
• terrain.

NEW

£56.95
VAT
£68.34 INC.

EXC.
VAT

2019

FREE

FREE

FREE

Model No.

LED181

Model No.
LED182

Model No.
LED183

Hot Glue Paintless Dent
Repair Kit 230V

• High quality kit for the
removal of small dents
without the need for
respraying/refinishing the
painted surface.
• Model No. RE105
• List Price £159.95

NEW

VAT
£124.95 EXC.
INC.
£149.94 VAT

Ø180mm 1000W Lightweight Digital Polisher
FREE

Model No.

LED181

• Model No. PW1600
• List Price £209.95

FREE

SOUND BAR
worth £49.95

VAT
£119.95 EXC.
INC.
£143.94 VAT

• Digital display for variable speed control
from 1000-3000rpm, stepping-up in 500rpm
increments.
• Pad Size/Thread Size: Ø180mm/M14 x 2mm.
• Model No. ER1700PD
• List Price £136.95

VAT
£94.95 EXC.
INC.
£113.94 VAT


Inbox

Got something to tell us? Email

Pink or blue?
Hi VWt, I’m slightly embarrassed to admit
I have a toilet-related question, which
I hope you can help me with. I’ve just
picked up a coachbuilt T4 (Auto Sleeper
Clubman), which I’m currently cleaning
and preparing for our maiden voyage to
Devon and I’m a little confused about the
chemicals required for the Thetford toilet.
On eBay I’ve seen both a pink additive
that appears to be for the flush side of
the system, but I’ve also seen a blue
additive, which seems something to do
with the waste water system. Which one
do I need? Or do I need both?
I don’t have a manual or instructions
for the cartridge toilet in the Camper and
have just filled the ‘flush’ system with
clean water for now, but don’t want to
mess anything up. Thanks for your help.
Robert Childs
Via email

50 shades of grey
Hey VWt, the plastic bumpers on my T4 are patchy and
faded. I’ve tried bumper restoration and silicone sprays
but none seem to last more than a few days. A friend has
suggested using a heat gun on the bumpers and, after a

quick Google, it seems he’s not actually winding me up!
In your experience, though, is there anything I should
know before I give it a try?
Karen Goddard
Via email

One for
in and one
for the out,
if you catch
our drift

VWt: The short answer to your question Robert is the ‘pink’ is used on the
flush side, the ‘blue’ is added to the waste tank.
The pink additive helps prevent limescale build up in your flush water
tank and helps keep the toilet bowl clean. The blue waste tank additive
contains formaldehyde and liquefies waste making tank emptying easier and
preventing gas build up, bad odours etc.
To confuse further, there’s also a ‘green’ waste tank additive available,
which is a more environmentally-friendly alternative. You can also buy toilet
paper designed to break down quicker in chemical toilets.
Lastly, whatever colour you use, remember you can only empty the waste
cartridge at a dedicated Elsan disposal point.

Campsite
curfew
Dear VWt, towards the end
of last show season me
and a group of like-minded
buddies decided it would

be fun to organise our own
mini meet at the start of
this year as a warm up for
the summer ahead.
What we hadn’t
If you want to party like
considered, though, was
a VW show, choose your
that it seems impossible
campsite wisely
to find a campsite that will
let us camp together around a communal BBQ. They also all
appear to have ‘no music’ and 9 or 10pm silence rules.
Have we just been spoiled by the laid-back organisers of
VW shows, or are we looking at the wrong places?
Jack Oakley
Via email
VWt: There are a handful of regular campsites that allow
‘free camping’ (usually in a secondary field), and even
a few that allow open fires or music after dark, but you
have to search hard. In our experience, they tend to be
the types that are essentially farmers’ fields that are
open for just a part of the season. As such, we can’t
really give any specific recommendations. Sorry.
Maybe consider tagging your get together onto one of
the early season VW meetings (check out The VolksWorld
Show, for instance) where you’re less likely to fall out
with your campsite neighbours!
22 VWt

VWt: We have
used the heat
gun method in
the past Karen,
but it isn’t as
easy as some
claim. First, you
have to give the
bumpers a really
good clean,
especially if you have been using chemical cleaners
as some are flammable or can lead to odd reactions.
Then start somewhere out of sight, like a lower
corner, and get used to the process. Proceed with
caution as it’s easy to over-cook things and melt the
bumper. Watch carefully and you’ll see some of the
depth of colour returning, but it takes a lot of care not
to end up with streaks, which could look worse than
the faded bumpers you have now.
Other options are rubberised / textured bumper
paint or even full colour coding, but if you have to pay
someone to do it that will bump the cost significantly.

B-B-Cool?

Got
something
to say?
Don’t be
shy!

Drop us a line
and we’ll put
your point of
view in front
of the VWt
world
paul.knight@
kelsey.co.uk

Dear VWt, last summer we got by
using some cheap camping seats and
disposable BBQs, but 2019 is going to
include a lot more camping so we’ve
ordered some proper folding chairs
and are gathering the necessary
accessories to make life a little comfier.
I wanted to ask about BBQs. I’m
Fuel for
leaning towards a small gas BBQ (one
thought
with an external blue gas bottle) for
simplicity, but I hear a lot of people bang on about getting
better tasting food cooking on coal. Is this just BBQ snobbery
or would we really be missing out?
Sean Rudd
Via email
VWt: We’re a little biased Sean, as our resident BBQ
fiend, Pete ‘the meat’ Simpson, is a big fan of charcoal.
And his food tastes gooood.
On that note, he will be offering some BBQ advice in

the near future as there are various grades and types
of charcoal / wood available, though that probably just
reinforces your opinion re: BBQ snobbery!
In a nutshell, we take both gas and charcoal when we
go away. If it’s a quick and easy grill-up, you can’t
beat the convenience of gas. If we’ve an evening
of slow-cooked ribs and BBQ treats planned,
we take time out to fire up the charcoal grill,
then throw a few logs on after cooking and
use it as a fire pit.
Just be sure to check the rules at your
showground or campsite regarding BBQs
and / or fire pits.


Turn heads with a model that’s inspired by the iconic
Volkswagen T2 that made our name in 1964.
The Heritage 64 effortlessly merges classic aesthetic with the latest contemporary
features that make your home-from-home cosier than ever. While the layout is
closely based on the Surf and Surf King, this upgraded model comes with a choice
of petrol or diesel engines, and an optional Premium Pack that includes a heated
windscreen, Volkswagen navigation, and more.

Visit our brand new website

www.danburymotorcaravans.com | Tel 01454310000
Making memories since 1964


Readers’ rides

Want to see your Van in the mag? Email

Jon sat down
and spec’d his
ideal Van, and
then exactly that
came up for sale!

See one, buy one

Conversion was by Vidal Vans. Travel
system model’s own

Jon Sanderson, Essex

H

aving a lot of friends with
experience of T5s, T4s and all
types of air-cooled VWs, when
I said I was looking for a T5 I
received an abundance of advice
on what to look for, and what to avoid. I
already had a good idea of what I wanted the
finished Van to look like, and had made a list
of parts to factor in the cost of when buying a
base Van. These included a facelift kit, alloys,
coilovers and purple paint.
After searching the internet for a suitable

base T5, and finding nothing in my budget,
I started looking for older posts that may
have been missed or overlooked. And that’s
where I spotted a single post advertising
this particular T5 for sale in Bournemouth. A
quick message, and the following weekend I
was dragging my pregnant wife down to the
coast to view it. Fully loaded with advice from
my friends, I test drove it, chatted to the wife
about it and told the seller I would think about
it (the one thing they’d all drummed into me
was don’t buy the first Van you see, right?).

“he’d basically built the
Van with everything I
had on my to-do list”
But by the time I arrived home, I had
ignored that advice, paid a deposit on the Van
and made plans to go and collect it!
The Van was being sold by Alex of
Vidal Vans (www.vidalvans.co.uk). He had
converted it and told us he was selling it
because they were also expecting a baby.
Admittedly, it made us wonder if they knew
something we didn’t, but as he’d basically built
the Van with everything I had on my to-do list,
and done a great job, it felt like it was meant
to be.
The T5 has a Travelin-Lite ABS facelift
kit with all the extras, AC Schnitzer alloys,

24 VWt

Tan trim with diamond stitch detail
works well against the purple exterior

Barn door
spoiler and facelift
rear bumper

Alloys are
from German
aftermarket
BMW tuners,
AC Schnitzer
coilover suspension and a decent sound
system upgrade. He’d even painted the Van
in a custom mix based on Audi purple. What
were the chances of that?!
Driving the Van home from Bournemouth,
I was pleasantly surprised by the ride quality
from the -40mm drop set up, and the very
next weekend we went camping in it and
loved it.
Some two weeks after getting the
Van home, I found the time to do a little
investigation and and found it was sat on Jom
coilovers. That was a surprise – a brand I had

never even considered, but I’m in no rush to
change them.

All credit to Alex on the build as the only
addition I have made so far is a drive-away
awning rail, though I do have plans for more
modifications based around child-friendly
camping and convenience. I’ve also had
the engine serviced and replaced the lock
mechanisms after the central locking started
playing up, but otherwise it’s been good as
gold. Seems all my friends were right after all,
well, except about the not buying the first one
you see bit.


Vanlife

Choose an R-line model and you
get natty alloys, spoilers and GTi
styling as standard. Ride height is
a bit lofty though in stock form

Kelly’s hero

Some nifty woodworking going on
here. Ply storage unit on the left and an
intriguing ‘skeleton’ bed alongside
Early stages of the interior fit out

Kelly Gyenes, Leighton Buzzard

G

ood morning VWt, a friend of mine
tagged me in your recent post
about a write up on our Vans, so
I thought I’d drop you an email
about mine. It’s only a Caddy mind.
I’ve grown up with VW Vans in the family.
All of my dad’s side had Bay Windows, one of
which is still going strong and remains in the
family to this day! As a result, we spent many
weekends away in Volkswagens, or camping
out at various VW events.
My grandparents and my dad both now own
T5s, and do a lot of travelling around Europe.
My dad has been nagging me for years about
saving up and getting my own Van so I can tag
along on their trips (and I suspect so I don’t
keep asking to borrow his!).

All lined and
cosy, now with a
back-lit Kelly’s
Caddy sign as
part of the décor

“As well as being a Camper,
though, any Van I bought
would also need to be
my daily runaround”
As well as being a Camper, though, any

Van I bought would also need to be my daily
runaround. With the prices being asked for
both early and late Campers these days, I
wasn’t sure I could afford a good one, so I
opted for a little Caddy instead.
I didn’t want just any old Caddy, like the
white and black ones you see all the time, I
wanted to stand out a little. So, after about a
year of saving and searching, I fell upon what
is now known as ‘Bee’.
It’s a high spec R-line model (we don’t
mention the wind-down windows though!),

No windows
(yet?) but a side
awning mounted
on the roof
rails for some
additional camping
/ storage space
when parked up
well looked after and with low mileage. And it’s
bright yellow. Perfect.
Despite making full use of my newly
purchased breakdown cover, I really do love
it. And so does my dad. In fact, he keeps
stealing it from me so he can do the Camper
conversion for me!
We’re making slow progress, but it’s coming
along nicely, and should be pretty much

complete for our first scheduled camping trip
this year to Germany in May. I’ll let you know
how we get on.
VWt 25