Thread: Classic VW Van Rebuild Shop Near Bangkok

I was returning from Bangkok this week and noticed a shop with several VW Van bodies in different stages of rebuild inside. The only way I can describe the location was that I was heading north just outside of Bangkok on my way back to Udon Thani. As you pass the huge cement factory on the left, you go up the hill and the shop was on the right side of the highway. Does anyone know about this shop, or any other shop rebuilding split window VW vans?

I should have stopped, but I was in a hurry to get back home. I may need to go back and check it out. I owned three of the split windows when I was young and would love to have another one here in Thailand.

The series 1 with the flip up wind-screen panels is not cheap these days.

Even old wrecks in Aussie go for many 10s of thousands of dollars now.

You can get the lego version for $170



http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/...-van-109664650

^
There are stunning rebuilds of these VW's all around Thailand.

Thai's are expert at it without the stupid costs of the real world.

Yes Terry, during my internet search I found one Thai who can duplicate all panels needed for the old split windows by hand. I am hoping the labor costs here can be held within reason.

^

Labor costs are nothing compared to our silly countries. Good luck with it.

Speak to the Thais who've turned there camper vans into bars. There used to be one on suk Soi 11. They will tell you the score.

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Yep, and I could even buy one here.

Volkswagen Cocktail Van From 1976 | East Coast: Pattaya & Region | Vans, Mini Bus for Sale | Bahtsold.com | Baht&Sold

I have had a total of seven older VWs, so they gave me a chance to learn about their simple engines and mechanics. Four bolts hold the engine in and it did not take much time to remove the entire unit. They are pretty basic vehicles which is why I like them. There seems to be plenty of parts for them in Thailand now, especially around Bangkok.

Lots of VW clubs with many events around Thailand as well. For me, it would be a great hobby and keep my mind going. It beats sitting in the village watching coconuts fall.

^
Nice. I am not a purist, but would rather stick with the 4 cylinder stock engine. You can do lots to them now.

^ Flat 6 rules.

You need an Oetinger Wasserboxer.



Or at least i would like one.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

As you pass the huge cement factory on the left, you go up the hill and the shop was on the right side of the highway

Sounds like Saraburi not Bangkok. Can't recall going up any hills leaving Bangkok on Hwy 1.

Would be nice to find one of these.

Originally Posted by Humbert

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

As you pass the huge cement factory on the left, you go up the hill and the shop was on the right side of the highway

Sounds like Saraburi not Bangkok. Can't recall going up any hills leaving Bangkok on Hwy 1.

How about Hwy 2? Could that be Saraburi? Where is the huge CPak factory?

Originally Posted by Humbert

Would be nice to find one of these.

My last VW van was a 23 window. If I had only known.

I used to have a early Cooper S also with a full length Webasto style roof

This is not mine.

Here is some information on the Surf Seeker VW van seen in my avatar. Thailand is way behind in the custom car world. Would there be a market here?

^Gotta love that front door!

Some beautiful work there.

Not sure if it is a stock engine...



I don't think the original type 1 had auto-retracting wheelie bars!

Here is a good type 1 restoration going for $198,000 3 years ago



The cheapest available in Aussie now is $59,000

OK, let's do this another way. Does anyone know shops that sell classic VW's? It can be the classic beetles since the will probably also know how to source a van. If the vans are just too much money, I will purchase a classic beetle instead. I have already looked at several used car sites, but the older VWs seem to be pretty rare.

Perfect Humbert. Yes on the opposite side of the huge cement plant then up the hill. They had a couple VW van bodies out front with more inside the shop when I drove by. I should have plugged coordinates into my satnav when I went by, but that would be too easy.

Saw a split windscreen Kombi dual cab parked out the back of a garage in Vientiane, looked pretty straight and would make a nice project I reckon, also spotted a karmann Ghia in need of a resto in another part of town .