Firstly Rudolf, as the vehicle is known has been used for the purpose of business for many years and during that time obviously incurred incidental damage. Exposed to the elements, it did, as so many vehicles do, require welding to repair rust damage. When found in a West German scrap yard in November 1989 I and my German friend were surprised to find this vehicle in a condition that did not relate to; a). Its use as a commercial vehicle or; b) the time (some ten years) it had spent, albeit with some cover, in this yard. In short, its condition was amazingly good! Purchasing Rudolph proved exceedingly difficult as the scrap yard owner either knew precisely its future potential value or, as my friend put it, “he’s mad”. It took 3 months of hard negotiation for the scrap yard owner to agree a purchase price with me. He would quote a different figure every time I went to see him. In fact, I ended up assessing his price fluctuations and agreed to buy when he was quoting, in my opinion, a lower price. Rudolph was driven to the UK in July of ’90 and all that was needed to be done for this to be achieved was to renew flexi brake hoses, brake fluid and fit a new battery. Not bad for a nine/ten year scrapped vehicle!

Today, Rudolf, some nine years on from restoration, remains in first class condition which is comparable to its condition when featured in July ’94 publication of “Hot VW,s Magazine. Do you have a copy?

Condition (body)
The body is straight, no ripples or dents. It is internally panelled which has protected the body skin over the years from possible internally caused damage.

At restoration, a damaged driver’s door was replaced, new door step panels fitted as were both sill panels. Curved edge of rear quarter panel (near side) rusted metal cut away and new welded in. Any other rust areas welded and cured before painting. Body painted in VW Mars Red, paint code L31B.

In the cargo area the floor is protected by a wooden floor which was replaced when vehicle was restored. The floor was re-covered with new rubber matting. Before re-painting internal panels in white, any remaining beer hose lines and shelving were removed to leave the cargo area clear.

The driver’s cabin is a two seat type allowing access to the cargo area.

The dashboard is as original plus hazard warning switch (law here). No radio or add ons fitted.

The rear platform is fitted with a wooden lip, probably to stop beer crates moving forward if braking heavily. This platform is also rubber covered.

Underside of vehicle
Unusually for a commercial VW vehicle over here, it is fitted with ‘belly pan’ covers as fitted to VW window buses. At restoration these welded on panels were removed to gain access to the ‘out riggers’. These were found to be in good condition (with exception of sills which were replaced) and not rusted through. Underside was steamed cleaned, any rust removed and then treated. Whole underside was then sprayed with quality under seal (this operation was repeated the following year for extra protection). New ‘belly pan’ covers were screw fitted rather than welded as to allow access to ‘out riggers’ in the future. In August 2001 following vehicle removal from storage, I re-under sealed the body and during this procedure removed ‘belly pans’ and found everything okay. No rust areas of any significance found and this statement I feel can be applied to the rest of the vehicle.

The High Roof is now garaged at my home in Southampton, Hampshire, which is in the South of England. It is stored in a purpose built garage, in a controlled de-humidified environment.

Electrical System
Very much original, 6 volt system. I run on two batteries and use 6v halogen headlight bulbs to improve lighting. Wiring is in good condition.

Steering and Suspension
Slight wear in steering box but within accepted tolerances. Suspension and shock absorbers are in good working order.

Mechanics
Engine: Original 1200cc replaced with 1500cc unit in Germany. This is recorded in German registration log book but date not shown. Engine stripped down and rebuilt as part of restoration in ’92 and has travelled only 3,300 miles since this time.

Engine was ‘dry’ when placed in storage facility in ’96. However slight oil leak now present and rear crankshaft oil seal is the most likely cause of this. Engine serviced August 2001.

Gearbox

Original in use. Had a spare box built by “Cog box Co” of London but not fitted as original okay. Original box will, sometime in the future, need nose cone replaced or be re-honed and sleeved. No doubt you are aware of this common problem. I cannot understand why VW never fitted oil seals on these as they did on car gearboxes?

Transfer Gearbox-rear axle: Full rebuild using new bearings etc.

Braking System
Fully overhauled, including wheel, master cylinder and shoes. In August 2001 braking system serviced and brake fluid changed. Wheels standard, however are fitted with Radial tyres not cross ply (my preference).

"A Special Thanks" to Mike Bayley Of England for saving and then restoring
Rudolph, without the work and time and money from Mike Bayley-- Rudolph
would have never made it back on the road--and eventually to The Shores of
Phoenix.

New Updates To Rudolf

This is what has been done since Rudolph came to Phoenix--
New 1776 low Compression motor--12 volt system--R&R tranny and reduction
boxes--
12 Volt Halogen lights--NOS European taillights--Remaining rubber
replaced--Nose cone sealed--Entire Bus fully detailed.

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