RTW in a 60's VW Westfalia

[brianwittling]

First, let me say that *I* don't think it's that crazy!

Hello,

I am currently in the proccess of restoring my 1964 VW SO32 "Hatch Top" Westfalia camper. The central theme around my restoration is the idea of some day doing a RTW trip with it.

Along with general restoration and repair work to the chassis, I am following a VW-Factory published guide from the 70's titled "Driving Your Transporter in Extreme Conditions". It has detailed plans for things like adding bash plates, bull bars, intake snorkel, how to safely modify the suspension for more serious off-road travel, tips on spares, driving teqniques, etc. I believe this text was originally published for the South American and South Africa VW markets, where the Transporters were quite popular.

My question is more regarding the practicality in this day and age. I know a gas (er, "petrol") vehicle is considered sub-optimal, however a diesel power plant is not possible in the "split window" chassis without EXTENSIVE modification. My main quandary revolves around wether or not to build a completly STOCK motor, which would be very simple, and easy to maintain but not very powerful (50hp) and shorter-lived; OR building a more "modern" air-cooled boxer motor, one with tight tolerance, hydraulic lifters, a fuel-injection system etc. This motor would be more complicated and costly, but MAYBE less troublesome (especially at high altitude) and last much longer.

The other possible concern is that it is not 4WD, however that has yet to be an issue even on some pretty technical "4WD Only" trails here in the US. I've made a number of yuppies in $40,000 SUV's look pretty silly, in front of their women no less.

My reasons for taking the old bus VS. say, one of my many motorcycles is that the bus provides lodging where ever we happen to be, and it's much harder to fall over on sharp rocks in a vehicle with 4 wheels. I am mechanically competent and am confident I could handle any road-side repair needed. (except perhaps for total catastrophic engine failure, ie: parts on the road, but even that could be dealt with) I'm no stranger to pulling VW motors on the side of the road eh! I'd also have on-hand a full kitchen and fridge for food prep/storage, and a much greater cargo capacity than a bike. We'd also stay much drier in the rain, even with those leaky safari windscreens.

This idea is still in its fledgling stages, so please add your thoughts & comments!

Thanks!
Brian