Meet Bertie! (& me)

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourselves' started by Louise, Apr 20, 2019.

  1. I purchased Bertie, a '73 panel van last Saturday. I've dreamed of owning a bay window for many years and am glad this has finally happened. I'm a complete novice in anything mechanical, probably more suited to interior finishing, but want to get knee deep in anything to do with Bertie & learn as many new skills as I can along the way!

    Bertie runs & drives well! We drove 6 hours home together without any issues.

    I'm not really sure where to start with his restoration, as he's not perfect. He seems pretty solid, but has some rust bubbles in places, some lifting paint etc. His interior is dated (done in the 80's I think). Where do you decide to start with the whole process?

    I was thinking of having a garage look over him to give me a sort-of "to do list" of what needs improving from the mechanical side. Is this a good idea? He's drive-able, so I can use him for weekends camping etc already without the challenge of making him "road worthy". The only minor things I've come across so far when driving are that his gears are a little sticky into reverse and the fuel gauge seems to say half empty when at the petrol pump, it doesn't allow me to put any more petrol in - so must be full?

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    Last edited by a moderator: May 5, 2019
  2. CollyP

    CollyP Moderator

    Howdy! :)

    :TTIWWP:
     
  3. Sorry the photo uploads were being temperamental! Much like my avatar - though all fixed now.
     
    CollyP likes this.
  4. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    Welcome along.
    You're just in time for techenders next weekend in Lutterworth.
    Full weekend or day visit, you'll get free garage services from peeps who drive and love these vehicles :thumbsup:
     
  5. Wow... I've just had a quick look at that. That's insane!
     
    theBusmonkey likes this.
  6. Welcome. When I bought my van it came with the advice, “On the days when the fuel gauge works, you can watch it go down.”
     
  7. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    Hello and welcome from a bit further east than you in the sunny New Forest.
    A bit of a trek, but if you could get yourself up to Lutterworth next weekend, you and Bertie would get some great advice free of charge from a load of nutcases who know VWs - and there's beer too :)
     
  8. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Welcome to the forum, enjoy your bus!
     
  9. Nice bus :thumbsup: I have the same petrol gauge issue on my ‘78 bay. I’m making a list for techenders...very keen to get some tips on how to sort stuff myself :)
     
    Louise, scrooge95 and theBusmonkey like this.
  10. bernjb56

    bernjb56 Supporter

    Welcome along :thumbsup:
     
    Louise likes this.
  11. Dub and Dubber

    Dub and Dubber Supporter

    Halloooooooooo!
    From Glosssurrrshire :)
     
    Louise likes this.
  12. Hello
    Welcome

    crossdresser? Or a late registered early?
     
    Dub and Dubber likes this.
  13. Oh god that’s gonna take some explaining isn’t it
     
    Louise, Razzyh, Suss and 3 others like this.
  14. Dub and Dubber

    Dub and Dubber Supporter

    Late vents, early front, early rear quarters?
     
    Louise likes this.
  15. Pudelwagen

    Pudelwagen Supporter

    Welcome from sunny Yorkshire!
    Smart looking bus.
     
    Louise likes this.
  16. Enjoy the ride :thumbsup:
     
    Louise likes this.
  17. Day

    Day

    Hi from the Italian Alps. ..currently in Tuscany.

    Our fuel gauge has worked 3 times in four years! We use the trusty pen and paper method...
     
    scrooge95, Ermintrude, Louise and 2 others like this.
  18. Suss

    Suss Supporter

    Sorry about him, medication time again.
    Welcome along by the way:)
     
    Louise, rustbucket and Bulletooth like this.
  19. Faust

    Faust Supporter

    Welcome ....WB on your No plate means it's a Sheffield motor .
     
    Louise likes this.
  20. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    Hello from Sheffield:). Lovely van.
     
    Louise likes this.

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