My newest project camper - a 1986 Karmann Gipsy I recently imported from Germany -- Original 1.6 JX turbodiesel, five speed, what a slow one!

       

       

   

Eventual plans are to 'Syncronize' this one and swap out the 1.6TD 'JX' for a proper torque-monster mTDI.  

 

My 'new' Syncro Westfalia!

This one has a fresh m-TDI 1.9, rebuilt/regeared tranny. Relatively rust-free, it will be the basis on which I build and experiment with many interesting new projects, including a demountable kitchen.

   


My 'Syncro Monster' project - a 1990 Syncro 16" turbodiesel, Reimo camper conversion and high-roof

Progress, so far: http://westyventures.com/Syncro16highroofcamper.html

This camper traveled all over the world before coming to me: Europe, South America, all over N. America and more.

 
 

The stock 16-er  brakes will be updated to Audi S8 345mm brake discs and 4-piston calipers. Brake swept area will be effectively doubled. Rear brakes will remain as the LT drums are pretty good! (photo to come later)

The wheels will be upgraded to these sweet - and super strong - Audi S8 alloys.



An interior photo as it appeared when I bought the van.
Someone's work leaves a bit to be desired, eh?



 

I have big plans for the interior, almost everything you see here will be replaced with more modern appliances - huge 90-liter Vitrifrigo SS electric fridge, Espar diesel furnace/water heater, Webasto diesel cooktop, custom wood cabinets and floor (possibly a heated floor?), Recaro seats, wood steering wheel, Audi instrument package from a Euro TDI, Westfalia full-width bed, and more!




Here is my old reliable (but rusty) Syncro Westfalia I've owned since 1996: He came with the name 'Otto', from Toronto Canada. I've driven this van nearly 500,000 km, it now has over 700,000 km (450,000 of those km as a diesel), and still running the original viscous coupler and many other parts!

This wonderful little camper has taken me around the 48 states multiple times and to most of the lower provinces of Canada over the course of the past 15 years. Sadly, in September of 2011, the left rear suspension mounts collapsed into the body, so I decided to retire it, finally. Such a sad day, but I have hundreds of great memories of the places it took me and my dogs.

  

One of the best changes I ever made to this van: The Vitrifrigo C51iSAC electric fridge. Well....let's not forget the installation of the awesome TDI engine!

   
 

My former Dehler Profi, 1984 model with 1.9 carbureted wbx and five-speed. One of six formally imported to the US.