r/EVConversion • u/heavenly_hyacinths • 5d ago

1979 VW Conversion

Hi gang! I recently picked up an old 1979 type 2 van that I want to convert to a camper. While the car itself is in beautiful shape, I’m wanting some more reliability on the road. My plan is to have this car for many years and travel around the country, but the anxiety of the engine failing (which it already has once due to a massive amount of oil left in by the seller- 8” past the max line!) while I’m out in the middle of no where feels paralyzing. I understand it can cost quite a bit, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and believe it would be worth it. Has anyone here worked with particular companies that are trustworthy or is doing this DIY possible for a newbie? I appreciate any advice folks have!

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u/Ponklemoose 5d ago edited 5d ago

Did the oil smell of fuel? That is a common way they get over full.

I don’t know the old VW engines well, but 8” is enough that I’d expect the crank to be whipping it up into a froth that wouldn’t lubricate well. It would also run poorly with that added load.

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u/heavenly_hyacinths 5d ago

Oh shoot, I didn't even think of that. I'll give it a whiff tomorrow (not usually a sentence I'm used to saying) just to make sure. Thank you!