Forgotten 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro Westfalia- Will it RUN AND DRIVE 600 Miles after 22 YEARS?

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

This 1987 VW Vanagon Syncro Westfalia was parked in 2001!! Do you think our team of vw enthusiasts can get it running and driving, and make the 600 mile journey home? WATCH AND FIND OUT!
We drove 600 miles with a crew of 5 VW enthusiasts in 4 VW Vanagons to go rescue and drive this rare 4wd Camper-Van home! This mission came together pretty quickly- so we packed our tools, our knowledge, and our team- but will we get it running and driving?

Пікірлер: 121

  • @Thevwmethod
    @Thevwmethod12 күн бұрын

    I done the key thing before and spent about 2 hours for my dad to go what about your ones ! Yep my key just fired it rght up.. I keep a fuel can set up for EFI now ... As a kid? I took a drop in and go beetle engine on a 200 mile Trin trip in a radio flyer across London to drive a bug home... If doing like you guys would have a carb 1.9 engine with me to drop in and go!! Keep up the good work..

  • @leostevens8589
    @leostevens85894 ай бұрын

    Another great video, I don't own a VW any more, I Had a 67 Beetle and a 72 Type 2 Camper. But these videos are tempting me to dip my foot in again... Keep up the great content. Perth Australia

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks buddy!

  • @michaelraleigh-co7og
    @michaelraleigh-co7og9 ай бұрын

    Oh to have a crew like you!! Great bunch of guys, working for the greater good! Van a go go gone, Westy and away! Syncro and away!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    It should be a reliable vehicle before ya know it!

  • @hooh125
    @hooh1259 ай бұрын

    I love this videos of recovering old vans, keep it up! thank you guys

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’ll be a great bus, fueled by memories once she’s back on the road.

  • @user-ht1xu4gv2u

    @user-ht1xu4gv2u

    6 ай бұрын

    ​@@TheBarefootForgeadd some mothballs 4. Interior

  • @glendebruyn6041
    @glendebruyn60419 ай бұрын

    Great job! Keep the videos coming! You’re lucky to have great friends to hang out with, while working on these old vw’s.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    It definitely keeps it fun!

  • @pauljefferies9087
    @pauljefferies90876 ай бұрын

    First step in a restoration, vacuum ALL interior surfaces and spaces, compartments, cabinets, storage boxes, storage areas, under all seats. Under back seats, bottom of pockets in trunk, inside of door panels, inside yes in the bottom inside, glove box. Check behind inside of dash board and any other place where a space exists out of the rain. That is where the mice would live. Remove cardboard trim decoration panels, vacuum inside lower areas at bottom of all body spaces.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    6 ай бұрын

    How does that compare to what we did?

  • @pertjarnstrom1330
    @pertjarnstrom13308 ай бұрын

    Really nice to see your channel again, never see any new vids latest 7 months, thats fixed now. Hope to see this VW Part ÌI soon.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    7 ай бұрын

    Heck ya! The next part should be up very soon.

  • @theslyrylan
    @theslyrylan8 ай бұрын

    Anxiously been checking your page for part 2 every day. Love your videos!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    8 ай бұрын

    Why not just enable notifications by smashing the bell icon?

  • @vDC2me
    @vDC2me9 ай бұрын

    I like the videos because of the way you guys stay positive and use humor to keep things alive. It's almost like a bunch of young boys playing make-believe and enjoying their time together.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    It’s supposed to be fun, so we try to have fun. At the end of the day- the sign in the shop reads “failure is absolutely an option”, and it is…. We don’t HAVE to drive it home, and we don’t have to drive it home at the end of this video. Heck, we’ve made 4 trips back on this one, and if it doesn’t make it back on the next trip…. Maybe it will on the following one. That’s fine. I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Chapter 2 soon!

  • @joostspikker
    @joostspikker9 ай бұрын

    Love your vids, keep up the great work !

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks buddy! Chapter 2 soon!

  • @blyhigh4199
    @blyhigh41998 ай бұрын

    Great vid. Can't wait for Chapter II.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    8 ай бұрын

    Coming soon!!!

  • @fishhead1844
    @fishhead18449 ай бұрын

    Loving the video can’t wait for part 2 🇬🇧🚐

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Coming soon! What was your favorite part?

  • @slimpickins3425
    @slimpickins34259 ай бұрын

    Good to see you guys back in action! I cant beleive how nice the interior looked when you finished cleaning it up! Disappointing with the motor, and hey you got a go-cart going too! Cant wait to see the next chapter. Wouldnt it be easier to tow it home now that its so much lighter? But ive watched all your rescues, and know how you guys roll. Its a amazing crew you have, love seeing that camaraderie !!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Towing it home is giving up- it’s a fine option, but we’re not there yet. It’ll drive!

  • @petebuttons210
    @petebuttons2109 ай бұрын

    The whole concept of getting it drivable to bring home is what I think makes for great content.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    I agree. Why tow it home and fix it there? Repair and restore all vehicles in primitive conditions hundreds of miles away- or you took the easy way out!

  • @danacataldi5119
    @danacataldi51198 ай бұрын

    I found I had to keep watching the screen because I couldn't detect your sarcasm. Totally enjoyable. I busted out laughing at the acorns. We have had that problem too... it accompanied mouse damage to a new Carmaro. $7900.00. Hate those buggers.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    8 ай бұрын

    The mice will always win!

  • @marclandry4175
    @marclandry41759 ай бұрын

    Keep em coming!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Heck ya, there’s a whole lot more to this story to tell, I can’t wait to share it all!

  • @user-gf4xr7kb9k
    @user-gf4xr7kb9k9 ай бұрын

    Great job guys

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks friend! It’s not over till it drives home…. But we will get there, soon!

  • @daviddesantis7872
    @daviddesantis78725 ай бұрын

    Love your videos, your crew, your content, skills and demeanor! I would love to take a week of vacation and hang with you guys on the next barn find! Keep them coming. I might have to consult with Craig for help on my next Vanagon.

  • @daviddesantis7872

    @daviddesantis7872

    5 ай бұрын

    oh, by the way, what do these barn finds cost you?

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    4 ай бұрын

    That may be possible! We’re thinking of selling spots to be included on a rescue to help fund these projects- “vanagon summer camp”! Email me for more info! Each rescue consumes about $3-5k in parts and 200-500 hours of labor. (Plus their initial cost).

  • @jackmehoff2961
    @jackmehoff29619 ай бұрын

    I enjoy watching you save a VW .

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks man! Lots more to come!

  • @pauljefferies9087
    @pauljefferies90876 ай бұрын

    Crud decency also forces me to add, wear gloves on your hands, disposable gloves, and wipe down all surfaces with Lysol type disinfectant cleaner. Allow interior to ventilate and dry. Crud. If possible, use a vacuum with a second exhaust hose, which could be attached to the vacuum, and directed outside, this will carry dust away and outside of the vehicle.😮 Buy this second hose, if necessary.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    6 ай бұрын

    So now that it's clean..... would you say we did all the cleaning "wrong"?

  • @bearpits
    @bearpits9 ай бұрын

    The only channel that still posts long form factor Vanagon vids. 6 years later, I bought one ! Btw Craig I’m in NY we should chat !

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Awesome man! Well, send me an email!

  • @leejensen7550
    @leejensen75509 ай бұрын

    I get to sleep in my van down by the river AND there's a new Craig video? Now this is living.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Sounds like you’re living the dream!

  • @Turboxantia
    @Turboxantia9 ай бұрын

    This is just so well made. This is better content that I can ever dream of from Netflix or whatever. Keep it coming guys ❤🎉! I do have a westy high top with the biggest boxer (DJ 112bhp), you deserve to experience a Vanagon with that setup. Look for european import. And to respond to what you wished: Best part is where the engine changes status from resurrectable to dead when the spark plug plug decided to stay 😅. Really painful.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Ya, it was a real bummer to see that spark plug seperate! : / Oh well, the show goes on! I’ve driven a few 112 DJs, they’re cool. Not all that great, I actually prefer a well built bored out MV, as the injection system is far superior.

  • @Tom_in_Alaska
    @Tom_in_Alaska9 ай бұрын

    Don't tell anybody but I may or may not (but definitely) used HVAC tape to cover over a couple of rust spots in the foot wells of my van, too! Love it!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    It’s the correct way! That’s proper, full metal body repair! That’s a “restoration”!

  • @pauljefferies9087
    @pauljefferies90876 ай бұрын

    Hey guys, the entire purpose and reason for vacuuming the interior of the vehicle is to remove large loose dirt and debris, before trying to perform a finale super duper detail and polish action. Vacuuming mouse debris first will reduce the exposure of the crew to dust inside the small space inside . See next post.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the detailed suggestions- did you not see the first two videos where we….. did that already?

  • @VanaConn
    @VanaConn9 ай бұрын

    Rare find for sure. Solid too.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Heck ya- there’s a whole lot of potential there!

  • @duncanpage1556
    @duncanpage15569 ай бұрын

    My 87 looks brand new after seeing this! lol

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    I’m glad I could help boost your confidence! Lol. This one’s rough, but far from dead!

  • @djambrosia
    @djambrosia9 ай бұрын

    I snapped a plug on a 1.9 wbx back in the 90's. Such a gut wrenching feeling when it's your daily car. I quite fancy owning a Vanagon but they're getting pricey these days in the UK.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    They’re pricy here too- but they totally should be. They’re 35 years old.

  • @Joesrustbuckets
    @Joesrustbuckets7 ай бұрын

    nice find guyz,

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    6 ай бұрын

    They find me!

  • @HubertusSchaper
    @HubertusSchaper9 ай бұрын

    Hi Barefootguys.Great job done a lot of hard work is so far done🛠😓 respect you are a great team🤙👏🏻. looking forward to the next ep😊🇺🇸.Greetings.Hubertus👍🏻🙏🏻🇳🇱🇳🇴☮🍀🛠😊

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Chapter 2 soon!

  • @JackStolz
    @JackStolz9 ай бұрын

    Another great one. Thanks so much for making these videos for us!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    I love telling the story! Thanks for being a part of the crew!

  • @oonami
    @oonami9 ай бұрын

    I like all the speed holes

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    They’ll definitely increase horse powerssssss

  • @chrishomel9558
    @chrishomel95589 ай бұрын

    My favorite part is seeing it all coming together. Nice work. Can't wait to see the new engine go in. Keep the videos coming guys.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks buddy! Yep, it’ll be pretty cool once it gets an engine and drives!

  • @oldgadfly8398
    @oldgadfly83989 ай бұрын

    The FEMA jacket was a good choice for this one!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Naturally- he just owns this.

  • @colleenkidwell5820
    @colleenkidwell58209 ай бұрын

    Baking soda? Good work.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    8 ай бұрын

    Could be!

  • @YoshiSIX39
    @YoshiSIX399 ай бұрын

    amazing work. I wish I had this amount of help, I would not have a Westfalia in my garage for 3 years now :)

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Get out there and get after it dude! You’ve Gota make it happen.

  • @Gnarlodious
    @Gnarlodious8 ай бұрын

    Your backhatch strut is on upside down. The oil must sink to the bottom where the rod seal is when the hatch is closed, otherwise the nitrogen gas gradually leaks out the seal.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    8 ай бұрын

    They don’t go on the other way. This is the way VW installed them in 1,289,572 vanagons throughout the production run. Did vw get it wrong on 1.2 million vehicles?

  • @dre4011
    @dre4011Ай бұрын

    3:39...bridge looks ALOT like The old ACL bridge here in Richmond from 1899

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    Ай бұрын

    Nah, haven’t made it to Richmond on these trips- yet!

  • @geepeerces
    @geepeerces9 ай бұрын

    re that 'rear squat' comment, most cars, the rear track is narrower than the front, it has something to do with stability. for an extreme case, consider the Citroen DS

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Well, ya, but not the different tire widths. 7” on the front and 5.5” on the back is weird. Lol

  • @richardroos5965
    @richardroos59659 ай бұрын

    Great video! But I was wondering why you didn't run up to New York in your daily driver (Doka)? Because you needed a place to sleep at night? Yes...amazed how much work a team of guys can accomplish in a day or two!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    The doka burns a quart of oil every 36 miles. Realistically, it would take 33-35 quarts of oil to make that trip round trip. That’s horrible. Lol.

  • @wkat950
    @wkat9506 ай бұрын

    I don't get to see many "will it run" videos of minivans. I figure the poison dust was a furtive attempt to run the mice out. It's a good vehicle other than needing de-turdifying and having a straight shift.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    6 ай бұрын

    All syncros are stick shifts- so it’s naturally a great vehicle. If anything, it takes a great driver to rise to the occasion. Not there yet? Time to learn!

  • @chrishomel9558
    @chrishomel95589 ай бұрын

    Man. That's a holy grail Syncro. Well worth the work. Drink up boys.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Heck ya man, it’s the dream!

  • @MikkoKalavainen
    @MikkoKalavainen9 ай бұрын

    I’m afraid that mouse ain’t gonna drive home. You guys can fix a little but that mouse was a goner.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    I definitely feel like we’re due for a fresher mouse. That mouse is spent.

  • @nealart
    @nealart9 ай бұрын

    Challenging!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    It’s a tricky one, but we will get it together!

  • @user-jl4hj2tf1x
    @user-jl4hj2tf1x3 ай бұрын

    I picked up a 1986 Volkswagen except 15 years I'm working on it right now I'm hoping to get it right right right right it's cool if you got any help comments or anything I can do to I don't know much about him so you must be appreciated I'm in Eureka California

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    Ай бұрын

    Just start putting the time in, there are so many resources these days.

  • @DC-bm7oz
    @DC-bm7oz9 ай бұрын

    Guys I think we’re gonna have get the engine out lol

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Well the engine is out! Looking forward to putting it back in soon!

  • @achgffgh
    @achgffgh9 ай бұрын

    LETTTTTTSSSS GOOOO WE ARE SO BACK

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    7 ай бұрын

    New chapter dropped today!

  • @JustAnNPC03
    @JustAnNPC037 ай бұрын

    When the next chapter come out?

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    7 ай бұрын

    Today! Check it out!

  • @rhiantaylor3446
    @rhiantaylor34469 ай бұрын

    In Europe that Synchro would probably have been a 1.9 turbo diesel, great torque, power, gas mileage but most of all, reliability. And the spark plug wouldn't have broken off ....

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    None came factory with a 1.9TD, they came with a 1.6TD. And if you’d like a very accurate description of how horrible that engine is and just how much of a pain in the butt it can be- check out my series “I bought a doka from Poland”, where we put the third head on that engine (for the fifth time) in 2000 miles! I’ll be taking my chances with a known good wbxer. Lol.

  • @oldgadfly8398
    @oldgadfly83989 ай бұрын

    The white stuff could be vanagon preservation powder.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    That’s exactly what it is! Preservation powder!

  • @oldgadfly8398

    @oldgadfly8398

    9 ай бұрын

    @@TheBarefootForge I knew it! It works so well too.

  • @oldgadfly8398

    @oldgadfly8398

    9 ай бұрын

    @@TheBarefootForge But seriously, the videos are always good fun. Appreciate it!

  • @peteeaton8868
    @peteeaton88688 ай бұрын

    Well? Did you make it home?

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    7 ай бұрын

    Coming soon!!!!

  • @MrBertstare
    @MrBertstareАй бұрын

    Is that the diresta go kart track?

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    Ай бұрын

    Yep! Heidi was built at the Diresta Gocart track! : ) Many of these projects occur around there/in that town.

  • @billsmith1359
    @billsmith13598 ай бұрын

    Vacuum don’t sweep.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    7 ай бұрын

    She’s all vacuumed out!

  • @colingarner6175
    @colingarner61758 ай бұрын

    If you didn’t watch this but just listened you’d swear it was a load of twelve year olds .

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    7 ай бұрын

    You hang out with some very intelligent minors that curse like sailors. Why are you hanging out with all these terrible minors? Do their parents know?

  • @Eaton332
    @Eaton3329 ай бұрын

    Grateful Dead Mouse. Face stolen right off of it’s head.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Ooooh, I like that! It’s a Grateful Dead mouse!

  • @ginomenna1768
    @ginomenna17689 ай бұрын

    mousicels🤣

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Only the tastiest!

  • @pauljefferies9087
    @pauljefferies90876 ай бұрын

    I am exhausted from explaining. WHEW!!😴😴. Dang it. Decency forces me to add, wear gloves, and at least a paper mask, over your mouth and nose.

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    6 ай бұрын

    As opposed to the N95 masks everyone was wearing?

  • @roberthillyard4234
    @roberthillyard42349 ай бұрын

    SO BAD PLEASE PUT SUBS ON AS WE HAVE TO READ AS WE WE CANT HEAR OK ONE DAY YOU MAY BE THE SAME

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    Do you have any advice for how to better maintain my hearing?

  • @gerpa24
    @gerpa249 ай бұрын

    muy aburrido !!

  • @TheBarefootForge

    @TheBarefootForge

    9 ай бұрын

    What was the most boring part, and how can we make it more entertaining?

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