Time to Roam Magazine Issue 13 - February/March 2015 | Page 40

| feature reno rescue Tim & Alison with their boys Sam, Noah & David & John the dog fter A It’s like buying a piece of antique furniture - you don’t fully restore it My Reno Rescue: Volkswagen Microbus 1962 Are you sure that’s been renovated? TIM ELLIOTT is one of a growing number of VW Kombi owners who aspire to keep their renovated vehicle looking as original as possible. Where did you find your Kombi and how did you come to buy it? A friend found it on a station at Coober Pedy, SA. I acquired it from him in 2007. What shape was it in? Pretty rough and rusty, the bottom six inches or so were replaced with new steel and original pressed repair panels. It was a full restoration besides the paint and patina. What do you know of its history? It’s a 1962 Type 2 Australian built Microbus. A Microbus is basically a more comfy, nicer interior model 40 timetoroam.com.au efore B and more seats than a standard. I know very little else about its history besides the outback Australian graveyard where it was dumped. What were the biggest challenges in the restoration? It was basically stripped when I got it. The engine and gearbox were gone along with the electrics. There was hardly any interior left. The mechanicals were the main priority so the suspension has been upgraded to IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) and a later model Beetle gearbox along with later model Kombi disc brakes up