How much rust is too much? Buying a T2

Discussion in 'Buying a VW Camper' started by Snader den Boer, Jul 9, 2018.

  1. IMG_7546.jpg IMG_7524.jpg IMG_7529.jpg IMG_7534.jpg IMG_7543.jpg IMG_7544.jpg IMG_7527.jpg IMG_7549.jpg IMG_7530.jpg Hello all,


    A quick few questions before we buy a campervan.


    We’ve been looking at a T2 that seems mechanically sound, well maintained and passed its MOT.


    I understand that the bodywork and underside are probably the most important things to check, so I thought I’d ask for you opinion.


    There is some rust on the bodywork and under the van, although it all seems to be fairly limited.


    It would be great if someone could have a look at the pictures I took to let me know if the amount of rust that you can see is acceptable, i.e. is unlikely to cause any serious issues in the next 1-2 years. Is the amount of rust seen here (especially underneath) normal for an VW van in this price range?


    The van is on at £12,000, which seems pretty fair for a van than is basically ready to use.


    Thanks for your help!


    Sander
     
    jivedubbin and Poptop2 like this.
  2. foe

    foe

    As always, without seeing the whole bus, it's hard to say, but so far the only area of concern is the belly pan where its bolted to the chassis, looks a bit rotten.
    What's the year?
    Have you seen any other buses, to compare?
    Looks alright for what I can see, but again see first sentence.
     
    Coco likes this.
  3. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    As above, otherwise, most of that is surface rust,and should be rubbed back, treated with rust treatment and a coat of paint, I am sure the bits by the front step are slightly more serious, and the bit at the bottom of the front panel looks as if it has had work.

    I think a lot of people on here would like van with so little rust.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2018
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  4. Belly pans may hide a lot of problems,,..:thinking:
     
  5. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    The belly pans each side that are welded on, give them a bash with your hand to hear any loose rust bouncing on top of them , get a better picture of the length of the sills underneath where that join the belly pans, ask if the seller is prepared to unbolt the centre pan to look at the chassis rails!
    Pictures of the gutters ?
    Looks tidy from the pics you’ve got but need more details , door bottoms , rear corners , window surrounds etc
     
    DubCat likes this.
  6. Mine has belly pans but they had been removed to weld chassis rail just before I bought it - and we're screwed back so that They were easily removed and I could see underneath that was 4 years ago and I have since had to do quite a bit of welding (not under the belly pans) to get through this year's MOT .I would steer clear of any bus where you could not remove the pans. The pristine gutters finally sold it to me
     
  7. Whilst I agree all belly pans were added as a strengthener and would/should be welded or what’s the point ?
     
    cunny44 likes this.
  8. Yep - screwed on ones don't do much except add weight and maybe keep a it of mud off on campsites
     
  9. Have a look under all the doors /tailgate/ engine lid and pay particular attention to the gutters and windscreen surround
     
    Poptop2 likes this.
  10. Many thanks for the quick replies, everyone. Very much appreciated, this makes my life a lot easier!

    Haven't seen any other buses. I think it's from 1976. By the sounds of it, I'd have to expect to do a bit of welding over the next year or so to contain any rot.


    Yeah, I was definitely thinking about a rust treatment. The bodywork was re-done 10 years ago, so I suspect most of the rust on there stems from the last 10 years or so.


    Thanks! Had a look through there. Seems like we'll have to have a look under the belly pan as well. We do have a few grand to spend on it, so in case of problems I'm sure we can sort them out.

    There wasn't any rust in the gutters. I checked all corners, window surrounds, etc... A few tiny specs of rust here and there, but didn't look like anything out of the ordinary for an older vehicle.

    They're pretty much rust-free.

    Seems like the biggest worry would be the undercarriage. I'll have another look at that and will get it treated as well.

    Thanks again everyone!

    Sander
     
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  11. Bhubesi

    Bhubesi Supporter

    'n Boer maak 'n plan:thumbsup:
    Tony
     
    Snader den Boer likes this.
  12. foe

    foe

    I'd go for it!
     
    Day likes this.
  13. good idea to use a magnet when looking at a bus - some times shiny paint can hide filler/damage
     
  14. Day

    Day

    Bus looks pretty good from those pics.

    Maybe take into account your instincts on the seller....genuine or mmmmm!
     
  15. why not ask the owner if you can get a specialist to inspect the vehicle ,200 to 300 cost could save you a world of grief
     
    Coco and mgbman like this.
  16. vinnyboy

    vinnyboy Supporter

    I would strongly recommend this.
     
    kevs t2 likes this.
  17. Dub and Dubber

    Dub and Dubber Supporter

    [QUOTE="
    Haven't seen any other buses."QUOTE]

    This would be my main concern, particularly with the belly pans on. Thumping them will certainly help, but you would be amazed at how much can be hidden in there!
    Unless you can get someone local and experienced to look at this one as well I would advise against buying the only bus you've ever seen.
    In the current market £12,000 seems a lot to be going in saying "we've got a few thousand to spend" as you have no way of telling for sure how many thousand you will need ...
    and MOT's don't count as a selling point!
     
    taiga79 and mgbman like this.
  18. Good advice that. What's the vehicle registration number so we can look at its mot history online. That usually reveals a lot about the vehicle.

    12k is a lot of money to risk on a vehicle which has a lot of rust. and repairs and painting are very expensive. and bear in mind all further costs you would never get back when you sell it.

    A careful owner would have attended to the obvious rust but they are selling it on for someone else to spend the money. I would expect the mechanicals to be much the same. I would walk away, you could do better for 12k.

    Good you have come on here first for advice, so many have joined after they bought a rotter and asking for help.
     
    Coda, taiga79 and art b like this.
  19. Where are you and the van located?
    We may have a member near by who can come and take a look for you.
     
    mgbman and vinnyboy like this.

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