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    7 Tips for Maintaining a Classic VW Campervan

    Owning a classic VW campervan is like holding a piece of automotive history in your hands. These iconic vehicles aren’t just about getting from point A to point B—they represent freedom, adventure, and a connection to the past. However, to ensure your vintage campervan remains in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to help you keep your classic VW campervan road-ready and looking great.

    Regular Maintenance

    There’s a lot to remember when it comes to owning your own VW campervan and where there’s body and upholstery to be concerned about, there are other equally-important things to consider when it comes to its excellent maintenance. This ensures that it not only looks the part, but that it runs as smoothly as possible also. Here’s everything you need to know about the regular maintenance of your VW campervan:

    1. Engine Care

    • Oil Changes: Regular oil changes are crucial. Aim to change the oil every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.
    • Air Filters: Replace the air filter annually to ensure the engine breathes well and runs smoothly.
    • Spark Plugs: Check and replace spark plugs as needed. Worn spark plugs can lead to misfires and poor fuel economy.

    2. Cooling System

    • Check Coolant Levels: Regularly check the coolant level and top up as necessary. Overheating can cause significant damage to an air-cooled engine.
    • Radiator Maintenance (for water-cooled models): Ensure the radiator is clean and functioning correctly. Flush the cooling system every two years.

     

    Body and Interior Care

    When it comes to classic cars and other vehicles, such as the VW campervan, much of its value comes from its aesthetics and its overall condition. Part of that includes the bodywork and the upholstery on the interior of the vehicle. This is where Regal Furnishings come in. 

    We have a team of dedicated upholsters who are fully-trained and highly-experienced in refreshing the interior fabrics and materials of a VW campervan, restoring it to its former glory. However, if you have original upholstery in your VW campervan, or if you’re looking to care for its exterior alone, then here’s what you can do to maintain its body and its interior.

    3. Rust Prevention and Treatment

    • Inspect Regularly: Routinely inspect the bodywork for signs of rust, especially around the wheel arches, underbody, and door sills.
    • Rust Treatment: Treat any rust spots immediately to prevent them from spreading. Use rust converters and sealants to protect affected areas.
    • Undercoating: Consider applying an undercoating to protect the undercarriage from moisture and road salt.

    4. Interior Maintenance

    • Upholstery Care: Clean and condition the upholstery regularly. Use appropriate cleaners for fabric or leather to maintain their appearance and durability.
    • Electrical System: Ensure all lights, switches, and electrical components are functioning correctly. Replace any faulty fuses or bulbs promptly.

     

    Driving and Storage Tips

    There are multiple things that can affect how well your VW campervan performs and how it looks. One of those factors includes how you drive and store your VW campervan. From driving gently and taking short journeys right through to ensuring its covered and kept in an outbuilding, such as a garage, to protect it from the elements. Here are some driving and storage tips for your VW campervan maintenance:

    5. Gentle Driving

    • Warm Up the Engine: Allow the engine to warm up before driving, especially in colder weather. This helps reduce wear and tear.
    • Smooth Driving: Avoid hard acceleration and deceleration. Gentle driving extends the life of your engine and transmission.

    6. Proper Storage

    • Cover Up: If possible, store your campervan in a garage or use a high-quality cover to protect it from the elements.
    • Battery Care: Disconnect the battery if you’re storing the van for an extended period. Use a trickle charger to maintain battery health.

     

    Expert Assistance

    The experts will always be on hand with some useful, informative and helpful advice, if you ask them for it. While you could seek out some information from the internet, it would be far more beneficial to you if you sought the help of a classic car dealer, for example. They will have far more knowledge and expertise than a forum that exists on the internet, for example. They might even be able to impart some information that you may never have thought about or come across otherwise. Get some expert advice on VW campervan maintenance to ensure it remains in excellent condition for as long as possible.

    7. Professional Inspections

    • Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular inspections with a mechanic who specialises in classic VW vehicles. They can spot potential issues before they become major problems.
    • Tune-Ups: Have professional tune-ups at least once a year to ensure all systems are running optimally.

     

    Conclusion

    Maintaining a classic VW campervan requires dedication and attention to detail, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By following these tips, you can ensure your beloved vehicle remains a reliable and cherished part of your adventures for years to come. If you’re looking for additional support or advice, consider booking a consultation with a vintage vehicle specialist who can provide tailored care and maintenance plans for your classic campervan.

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    • Today we had our motorhome completely recovered in leather what a fabulous experience. We were looked after like one of the family, we arrived late last night offered a place with electric hook up nothing was too much trouble and safe behind metal gates. What can we say Michael was a true gentleman he came into our motorhome and checked everything made sure we had the best advice. Karen and the staff were kind and very friendly and the finished result had me in tears, I was amazed that in a day our motorhome looked stunning incredible workmanship. We are going back in January for new carpets and curtains. Thankyou regal no one is as good as you. So anyone and everyone looking for a revamp should look no further than Regal furnishing. Thank you so much guys!

    • We are really pleased with the brilliant job that has been done, it transforms our interior completely and makes it look brand new. Please pass on our thanks to the team.
      Wishing all of you a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2025.
      Kathy & Bryan

    • We would like to thank all of your team on knocking it out the park and making our Motorhome ours!!! I don’t cry often but must say I had a lump. Thank you all
      Regards
      Alex , Hilary & Bella

    • I would like to thank you and your team of professionals for carrying out our caravan cushion refilling. The job be in hand was completed with great expertise and advice from start to finish. All done in very quick time and for a reasonable price. All put back to the van now and waiting to test them out tomorrow. I will not hesitate ( already have to Wandahome) to recommend your amazing service. Hopefully more business to come your way. Thank you again.

      Garry & Lynda Milburn

    • We are the owners of this van and we are extremely happy with the workmanship. All staff so friendly and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. Stayed overnight with electric. Highly recommend!!

    • We used regal to bring life back to our dethleff esprit changing the old worn brown and dull material to a bright white/grey leather and also changed the curtains. All done in a day what a terrific company. This was over 2 years ago and still as fresh as when they did it

    • Amazing factory and customer service I had my MoHo done a few years ago and it still looks like new x

    • There’s only one trim shop to ever visit!! Fantastic service every time

    • Regal Furnishing Ltd is the most professional company. Ive ever dealt.

    • Just a big thank you to you and the team for my very unusual and off the wall request of re foaming my guitar case. Delighted with it & my precious guitar is safe for many more years of abuse on the road.

      Thanks again you’re all fab

      Mark

    • Wow they definitely went to the right place… had my motorhome upholstery done by you 8
      Years ago and it’s still looking like new

    • Fantastic service, extremely helpful from start to finish. Highly delighted with the work. Thank you Steve and Carole

    • Great company- from enquiry through to showing us the finished products everyone was professional, helpful and a delight to deal with. We are so happy with our reupholstered seats, the motor home looks like new .
      Special mention to the very helpful sales office lady (so sorry, we couldn’t remember your name, you have been there for a few months and previously worked in house sales), you were brilliant!
      We’ll be recommending you

    • Excellent service from the team today at regal furnishings, really pleased with our new leather driver and passenger seats, a perfect match with the other seats and really comfortable, thank you very much

    • Justin wanted to send a thank you to you all in getting my replacement cushions sorted so quickly. All fitted and very happy. Thank you so much. First trip away this weekend so timing couldn’t have been better.

    • Hi

      To all of the team at Regal Furnishings :)

      On Monday 1st July, we had our motorhome reupholstered in leather. Initially I was a bit anxious about the outlay, however I am so impressed!!
      It looks stunning. The workmanship is incredible. The cab seats are also so much more comfortable.
      Special thanks to Jayne who I liaised with initially and to Brett who advised us and managed the job.

      Once again a BIG thank you to you all.

    • Thank you to Regal furnishing for coming to our help when an accident occurred-leaving a window ajar whilst motorhome under cover for the winter - resulting in a massive brown water stain on the condensation panel. We were unable to remove the stain , contacted Regal furnishings , arranged to visit them with the panel to choose a fabric to cover it. We were never going to find the original fabric as our van is over 20 years old , but is ( apart from this accident) looked after well and in very good order. The team at Regal helped to choose a suitable alternative which wouldn’t look out of place , covered the panel in less than 24 hours at a very reasonable price . So thankful and would like to recommend highly.

    • Regal Furnishing Is the most professional company, i have had the pleasure to use.
      First class.

    • Fabulous company

    • This is the best company. I have had dealings with. What a professional outfit