In the 1960s, the Volkswagen Van became a popular choice of transportation for the “Hippy Generation,” becoming an icon of the American counterculture movement. These slow-moving, noisy vehicles were often painted with Age of Aquarius psychedelic colors, a “Flower Power” theme, and large dripping Salvador Dali-styled letters spelling, “Peace and Love.”

However, the Volkswagen van was also popular among consumers looking for a less “far-out” experience. It offered a spacious, economical vehicle suitable for weekend camping trips and vacations spent in the mountains or alongside ice-cold trout-filled streams.

The VW Westfalia, often referred to as the “Westy,” is a Volkswagen bus converted into a campervan by the German RV company, Westfalia-Werke. From 1951 to 2003, the company modified several different Volkswagen vehicle models, but the most iconic conversions were the Westfalias based on the VW Vanagon, from 1979 to 1992.

The Westy was designed with a spacious interior featuring plenty of storage and room for all the typical camp mobile accessories: a refrigerator, sink, two-burner stove, and a sofa that converts into a bed. What’s more, with the top up, occupants can stand up tall and walk around as if in a full-size camper.

If you are in the market a nice used Volkswagen Westfalia, here's what you need to know before you seal the deal.

A Brief History Of The Volkswagen Pop-Top Camper

White VW Westfalia with the top up
Via: Pinterest

Volkswagen introduced the first bus model in 1955. The original T1, produced until 1967, featured a distinctive 2-piece, flat-glass windshield. The split window models became popular as the base for “hippy vans,” and are often seen in the movies, like Fillmore, the 1960 VW Bus in the film Cars.

In 1968, Volkwagen made, perhaps, the most significant change to the bus’s appearance in its long history, when it replaced the split window with a one-piece, curved-glass windshield on the T2 buses. VW produced the “Bay Window” vans until 1979. The T3 Vanagon, launched in 1980, was the last generation fitted with an engine in the rear.

The Vanagon’s flat-four, air-cooled engine increased in size by model year, but never delivered enough power to brag about. From 1980 to 1982, the 2.0-liter produced a paltry 67 horsepower. The 1.9-liter Wasserboxer, featured in 1984 and 1985, generated a mere 82 hp, and the 2.1-liter Wasserboxer installed in the Vanagon from 1986 to 1991, only had a modest improvement to 90 hp. All the engines were mated to a four-speed manual or the optional three-speed automatic transmission.

None of the engines in the T3 VW buses produced enough power to move the 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) vehicles, passengers, and cargo with neck-snapping acceleration. But then again, most owners didn’t purchase their vehicles to impress anyone with lightning speed. Available space and fascinating charm were selling points.

In 1999, DaimlerChrysler purchased 49% of Westfalia-Werke's van conversion division, and in 2001 bought the remaining 51%. The transaction meant the end of the Volkswagen-Westfalia partnership, although Volkswagen continued to offer pop-top camper conversions in Europe from other conversion companies.

In 2008, the management at Westfalia Van Conversion bought out DaimlerChrysler’s interest, making the company an independent entity. But only two years later, Westfalia-Werke filed for bankruptcy.

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Rust Is Enemy Number One

A rusty Volkswagen Westfalia will be expensive to repair
Via: trc!

Finding a used VW Westfalia in perfect condition, requiring no repairs or restoration, is perhaps as likely as winning the U.S. Mega Millions lottery (approximately 1-in-300 million). The VW bus has a reputation for high maintenance.

However, some of the expenses and repair headaches can be avoided by taking a few precautions before making the final purchase.

According to The Plaid Zebra and other experts, looking for rust is an essential pre-purchase activity a buyer must take to avoid costly repairs. It is critical for older vehicles that have been subjected to weather for decades.

A thorough inspection includes checking out every nook and cranny. Surface rust can be easily removed by simply sanding it down, but deeper rust can destroy the metal and weaken the camper van’s structural integrity.

RELATED: 15 Cars From The '70s That Are Insanely Prone To Rusting

Mechanical Failures Are Guaranteed

A mechanic works on a Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia in the shop
Via: Peace Vans

Excessive rust on a used VW Westfalia can (and should) terminate any sale, but mechanical failures and repairs are a certainty on any VW bus.

Live Work Wander says breakdowns will occur regardless of the engine installed, “The front heater will go out or the rear heater will spill coolant or the expansion tanks will leak fuel, the list [of probable failures] could go on for days.”

The experts at Honest John recommend the following inspections, before making any Westfalia purchase:

Check for leaks:

Westfalia campers are extensively modified vehicles. Most have had bodywork cut to accommodate extra ventilation, access to water and waste tanks, additional windows, pop-up roofs, and more.

A close inspection of all seals around the modifications should be made for any indication of leaks. Trapped water can lead to corrosion. All the doors and, of course, the pop-top should be examined closely.

Ask an expert to inspect the gas systems:

Campers are equipped with gas for heating, cooking, and even operating the refrigerator, providing ample opportunity for leaks.

The pressures of butane and propane regulators should be checked. Pipework must be in good condition. Verify that the correct fittings are used, vents are not obstructed, and the gas cylinders are properly secured.

An independent inspection by a Corgi or Calor approved specialist is recommended.

Check the water system:

Most Westfalia campers are equipped with water tanks – one for freshwater and one for waste. The system operation should be checked to verify that the pumps function correctly, and no leaks are present.

The water tanks should be properly ventilated and be located next to drainage to allow any spillage to be swept away. If the vehicle includes a chemical toilet, a specialist’s inspection could help avoid any unpleasant (and foul smelling) incidents that may occur with a non-functioning system.

Test the Pop-up roof.

Raise and lower the roof several times, whether it is manual or electrically powered, to confirm its function. It should fold correctly, without pinching the material along the sides. Confirm the vents, hinges, and brackets in the pop-up roof mechanism are not worn out and verify the lock that prevents it from opening during driving is working properly.

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The Nomad Life In A Westfalia Camper Van

Relaxing at a camp site in a VW Westfalia with the pop-top up
Via: Pinterest

A young couple, Dustin and Noami, purchased a 1985 Volkswagen Westfalia in January 2016, named it Irie, and lived in the camper van for nearly four years.

Their experience is a testament to the joys and frustrations of Volkswagen bus ownership, but perhaps their usage was a bit more demanding than typical owners since they spent most of their time driving, eating, and sleeping in the vehicle.

The couple detailed the six reasons they loved the camper:

  • The Pop-top provides plenty of standing room
  • The efficient interior design gave them lots of storage
  • The exceptional interior features include the stove, sink, fridge, and slide-out table
  • A pre-computer vehicle made it easy to maintain
  • A real workhorse, it took them everywhere, even off-road
  • The vehicle attracted a lot of attention, no matter where they drove it

Dustin and Naomi also listed the six things they did not like about the Westfalia:

  • Frequent mechanical breakdowns
  • Replacement parts are expensive and difficult to find
  • Even with the Pop-top roof, the interior is full of head-banging hazards
  • Lack of a permanent bed means pulling it out and folding it up daily
  • Poor fuel economy of about 15 mpg
  • A top speed of 65 mph is limiting and requires much patience

After four years of a nomad life with the Westfalia, the couple concluded: “I’ll just tell you; we love our Westy. With all her quirks and deficiencies when compared to a ‘modern’ vehicle, there are just so many intangibles that make it our favorite choice for life on the road.”

NEXT: 15 Stunning Images Of The VW Bus That Made Us Fall In Love All Over Again

Sources: liveworkwander.com, westfaliasforsale.com, gowesty.com, bustopia.com, honestjohn.co.uk