The 1971 White Westfalia 'Fe'

[Supertramp]

Well now that my European adventure to get the bus home is over I thought I would start this thread to document my future with the bus. She's a white 1971 Westy, imported from San Francisco to Holland and then to me in the UK. Three previous owners and has been stood in a barn for 16 years. I wanted something original and this pretty much fit the bill. Original paint (mostly) and interior. With that in mind it isn't pristine, but the plan is to go on as many trips as possible in it.

For some reason the rear two panels and corner of this side have been repainted in this horrible scratchy, chalky stuff. Can't find any accident damage though and the magnet says no filler? Rest is original.

Some damage to deal with in the future (ahem, Midland Paintwerks)

Weird tyres have to go

First job after driving 300 miles overnight was to clean it. Years and years of dust and dirt and one or two mice droppings needed to be thoroughly dealt with.

Much better

Comes up good with Cif

Then put my feet up in my new home

Dog (reluctantly) joined me

Certain little addition I've waited ages for

And that's all I've got to so far. NOVA declaration has been done and came back immediately as requiring no VAT. Just got to get it registered and we're good to go!

 

[*Sam*]

Congrats mate, you must well pleased.

Sam

 

[CHILDSEY]

Very nice Westy mate 8)

 

[admwllms]

Love this bus, beautiful – congrats!

 

[Supertramp]

Thank you! I'm very pleased and love it. This is the first westy I've ever sat inside and it's so cosy. With a little tlc and some furnishings it's going to be a home from home.

Plans for the bus
Propex!! Undecided whether to fit under the bus so that I can keep the storage space under the rnr bed.
Full leisure battery system, split charge zig unit, 240v etc
Waeco CR-50 fridge installed where the cool box is in the sink unit, following Alistair's install.
Vintage speed exhaust
Gene berg shifter
Carpet the cab area and new kick panels
Repair/replace any of the ply headliner/door cards.
New door seals all round
Polish louvred windows
Curtains and soft furnishings (girlfriend's project)


We are going to latitude in the bus and then a planned trip to France in August. Won't get everything done before those and want to keep the bus on the road so things will be added as and when time and funds allow.

 

[Myvanway]

Awesome... 8)

 

[mister]

Looks great!
Reminds me of mine when I first got it.... Lots of dust, sand, coir and grime to clean up.
I love how the dash, door cards and vinyl are all in good nick. Enjoy!

 

[Shorty]

lovely looking bus dude!

 

[Dave.P]

Lovely Westy!
Must be a good un to better your last bus, that was one of my faves.
Good luck with making it your own, p.s I like the tyres on it ! Cool as fuck IMO ,different 8)

 

[aogrady]

Hi!

Looks great, you not fancy solar instead of 240V? Good choice on the fridge, happy with mine, always got beers and juice for the kids in...even when not turned on.

Look forward to seeing progress

Alistair

 

[Supertramp]

Thanks for all the nice replies. Dave I was gutted to sell my last bus but with the girlfriend and wanting to do longer trips I just needed the extra space and couldn't bring myself to altering the deluxe too much. Love the westy interior too.

Hi!

Looks great, you not fancy solar instead of 240V? Good choice on the fridge, happy with mine, always got beers and juice for the kids in...even when not turned on.

Look forward to seeing progress

Alistair

I think that's one for the future Alistair. Want to see how much we use the luggage rack and if not, solar is the way to go. I'll be coming to you with plenty of questions in the coming weeks I imagine.

Updates
Nearly managed to get a Zig cf9 unit on ebay but just missed out so keeping my eye out.

MOT TODAY!! Can't imagine it will fail but will know in a few hours.
Just a few tweaks and bits and bobs to get sorted. Two weeks until latitude festival, cutting it fine for getting the bus registered.

 

[Supertramp]

Very productive day today.
MOT PASSED!! No advisories either woo
Also managed to pick up a zig cf9 for £27. Dale recommended a Sargent 155 but couldn't resist a zig at that price.

 

[Myvanway]

Super sweet on both... 8)

 

[Linney]

Emmm 4th July same as last year with Grace ! She passed yesterday . Paul

 

[Supertramp]

Cheers both Pauls.
Just posted off all my registration docs special delivery. Hoping for a quick response so we can get out and about.

 

[Supertramp]

Gave the bus a wash today as the tree outside our drive covers everything in sap and this sticky stuff the insects produce, it's an absolute nightmare.
Here's before:

And after:

Not polished or waxed it yet as it still needs another wash and I'm at work for five days straight.
Registration needs to come before Tuesday in order for us to go to Latitude festival in it, otherwise I'll need to make alternative arrangements. :roll:

Cab doors, sliding door and tailgate seals are a priority as washing it showed how much water is getting in. Curtains too, always about the curtains!

 

[rallye dale]

Looking good Paddy

Cut that feckin tree down !

 

[Supertramp]

Looking good Paddy

Cut that feckin tree down !

Cheers Dale. Don't get me started on this damn tree. Nightmare every bloody summer. Contacted the council fifty billion times with no reply. So tempted to stick a few copper nails into it. :evil:

 

[Supertramp]

Sent my registration off Monday, special delivery. Arrived Tuesday. Rang DVLA yesterday and they said it was posted Friday. Should be here today, fingers crossed. Latitude tomorrow, cutting it fine? :msn4:

 

[Supertramp]

Well my V5 has (rather surprisingly) turned up today, but no tax disc (the thing I actually need). Hoping a special delivery this afternoon will come otherwise won't be going to Latitude tomorrow!