Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi/Camper (Split-screen) (1949 – 1968) Review

Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi/Camper (Split-screen) (1949 – 1968) At A Glance

Roomy, simple, elegant, and a lifestyle choice

Slow and wobbly without modifications

Model History

• January 1947: Type 2 first thoughts
• January 1949: Type 2 launched
• January 1950: Range extended
• January 1951: The legendary Samba is added to the line-up
• January 1952: Pick-up arrives.
• January 1954: Type 2 gets more power
• January 1958: Double-cab goes on sale
• January 1959: More power and a better gearbox
• January 1961: A 'big' year for the Type 2
• January 1963: The 1.5-litre option added to the range
• January 1966: Electrical system gets a much-needed upgrade
• January 1967: Split-screen model replaced by the Bay window version

Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi/Camper (Split-screen) (1949 – 1968) Buying Guide

Good

• Cool
• Usable
• Highly versatile
• Massive selection available with prices to suit almost all budgets

Bad

• Rust is an issue
• Restoration is not straightforward and costly
• Underpowered unless tuned
• Wobbly road manners unless upgraded

Watch

• On campers, check the quality of split charging systems or leisure batteries, and also any aftermarket add-ons that have undoubtedly been fitted along the way.
• As for interiors - repro and custom trim is the best way of getting immaculate insides, as originals are now near-unobtainium. Original seats are rare, but re-trimming is straightforward.
• Servicing is easy and straightforward - engine removal is relatively simple for larger jobs.
• Gearboxes cause little problems at all.
• Check the engine for signs of wear - blue smoke is a giveaway for worn rings or bores. Rebuilding is easy and cheap, and secondhand engines are plentiful. You can swap engines between models simply.
• Pre-1960 Type 2s with the 1192cc engine brake that rule - the earliest parts are harder to find and much more expensive.
• Check for signs of overheating - good flat-fours can run all day without getting hot.
• Pulling on the fan belt pulley to check for crankshaft float - if there's visual movement, the main bearings are shot and you need a rebuild.
• Make sure the oil has been changed every 3000 miles.
• Check for rusty heat exchanger - you know because the heater won't be working and the interior smells of exhaust fumes.
• Check the steering for free play, but if the bearing needs looking at, it's easily adjustable.
• If it's the kingpin, repair kits are available, complete with all bushes, bearings, shims and seals.
• If it's lowered, make sure it's been done properly - if the beam axle has been cut, check the quality of the weld is good, without stress or cracks etc.
• Check drum brakes aren't suffering from leaking wheel cylinders - easy to fix, but not always cheap.
• Rusty panels - new ones are all available off the shelf.
• The main places to check for rust are the sills, wheelarches, door bottoms and front valance.
• Closely check the floorpan, most notably, at the front.
• Chassis rails are also worrisome, which is a problem as they are tought to repair properly.
• Other rust spots: inner wheelarches, battery tray, and the leading edge of the roof.
• Check the cotton-covered rubber hose for sign of perishing - it's a complex and sometimes hot run from the petrol above the rear axle to the engine - this should be changed regularly.
• Pre-1966 six-volt electrics particularly susceptible to poor connections and bad earths - most will have been upgraded to 12-volt systems.

Running Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi/Camper (Split-screen) (1949 – 1968)

• Custom And Commercial: +44 (0)1372 452297, www.customandcommercial.com
• FBIVW (sales): +44 (0)1792 585544, www.fbivw.com
• J&S Upholstery: +44 (0)1302 789112, www.vwinteriors.com
• Karmann Konnection: +44 (0)1702 60155, www.karmannkonnection.com
• Kombi Klassics: +44 (0)1929 553336, www.kombiklassics.co.uk
• Schofield & Sons: +44 (0)1457 854267, www.ahschofield.co.uk
• Split Screen Van Club: +44 (0)1274 596564 (membership enquiries)
• Status VW: +44 (0)1524 272915, www.status-vw.co.uk
• VW Heritage: +44 (0)1273 495800, www.vwheritage.com

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