Yep got it in my calendar, I see they mentioned outside looks like fun.
@unclekenz @kleinersyncro @GW2200 @kombi4x427lc @Neil
Hi everyone, does anyone know if or where you can get a second hand pop top and would this be achievable to replace a high top that already has a suitable hole in the roof.
Andy
Keep an eye on the usual suspects like Facebook marketplace or gumtree for a camper being wrecked with a usable pop-top.
A few people have gone down this route.
Will do, possible then. What about wreckers?
OK, rechecked the hightop pics, appears to show a short cutout length. That leaves a query about the cutout width, if the same or less as poptop cutouts, then may be possible.
However, given your needs are a self contained camper for four persons, seems to me there’s an enormous amount of change needed to achieve that, plus acquiring seating certification for four, as mentioned previously, adds to the difficulty.
Yep, appears the hurdles are adding up with this van, too many variables. Shame as I was really starting to like this blue boy, long distance relationships never work. The boys at work reckon the rust spots in this blue boy are more concerning than the other hurdles eg. wa, fit out, pop top.
I think the search continues disappointing.
Andy
Andy,
Over the years, many optimistic (read naive) T3 camper buyers after purchase, discover that the chosen vehicle falls way short in a number of key areas and consequently when seeking re-registration, opens a whole can of worms legal/extra cost/inconvenience wise.
To AVOID major legal/compliance headaches of an already modified interstate T3, FIRST items to tick off your check list PRIOR to purchase are:
- Only ever buy a camper vehicle already registered in the state or territory you are in and intend to stay domiciled in.
- Only buy one already complianced (in your case), to legally carry 4 people. See the riveted on vehicle compliance (VIN) plate for that.
- For a T3 already fully converted to a camper, check there is fitted the camper conversion builders compliance plate, also showing legal seating for four people. Also if possible, secure full legal documentation of the conversion from the seller, to help you fight your case for re-registration with your states Dept. Motor Transport.
- Tick off all the above, THEN and only then look at the merits of what’s on offer of the vehicle and fitout.
Ignore the above, expect you will be very inconvenienced and have a fight on your hands with re-registration in a different state or territory and big dollars seeking certification from authorised certifiers of one or more mods on board, regardless of evidence from previous Dept. MT state or territory.
Forwarned is forearmed. Enjoy! 
Addendum
So if you bought a NSW registered local (NOT interstate) T3 campervan, all goes smoothly and had registration simply transferred into your name. All good.
However, you discover little or no documentation came with the sale and also, no camper mod VIN plate anywhere to be found on body. Oh dear.
Just live with it, keep it registered … don’t let rego run out past the expiry time for re-registration (NSW at least). If rego does expire, then you’ll be up for the more intense blue slip vehicle inspection … that’s when the shite may hit the fan, given you have no proof of prior RTA certification for the mods. 
Thanks Ken,
Glad you shared this, I’m now getting over my previous disappointment because of this information.
Keeping my search closer to home and further research at the VW Nationals later this month.
Any other advice please send through.
Much appreciated
Andy
Andy,
In case you missed it, I added an addendum to my post above.
Talking about high top syncros, here’s an OZ extreme ultimate offroader. Guy who built it did sell it a number of years ago. No idea where it is now. 
1 Like
I know it went to North Queensland to a member who has a significant syncro habit and some nice vans, but that member never crossed over to the new format so I am not sure if he still has the monster truck.
That’s a beast, if I could get that WA blue boy for a steal it could be restored to live another day. Sadly I think it’ll be bought by someone who pays closer to the asking price for a short term travelling van, and probably it’ll deteriorate a little too much. Blue boy could be as good as this Van even with its ugly high top.
Think I better read that previous post on buying vans interstate again @unclekenz @kombi4x427lc
Andy
Make that a mild Steyr Puch habit & that would probably be me I guess. Syncro is still keeping good company in FNQ, although in the process of a bit of an engine & transmission “refresh” at present. I couldn’t help but get a giggle from recent high top bad press. Gotta admit folks, I love my Syncro… Including the high top…
Hi @murdmoss did you have a look at the blue high top in the link way up in earlier post. Good project at the right price, I had plans of saving it but Ken educated me on a few interstate realities I wasn’t aware of. Do you think the high top should stay would make it a lot cheaper.
@unclekenz @kombi4x427lc
Regards
Andy
Ps any more photos of the green beast what year and model is it?
Thank you for responding … it was the topic of hightops made me post the pic to add to the interest and so here you still are! Great co-incidence.
I seem to recall the previous owner was located in the Northern Territory?
Thanks again for your response, I’m pleased I kept the pic.
Cheers. 
Adding to the theme of hightops … this “syncro” look-a-like qualify?
That is the midget version of the syncro high-top but definitely not in the same league as a real VW syncro.
I cant see you having any hope of fitting in that van behind the front seats - laying down with the tailgate shut Ken…you would need to knock out the rear window.
Great to see Murdmoss is still here - you have been quiet for a long time. Great to see your nasty syncro habit has not changed either - probably worsened if anything. Dont be bothered - its a healthy habit for everything except you bank balance.
I see the Victorian syncro has now been sold so the WA version becomes more attractive.
The drive back from WA to Bathurst for you would be an awesome adventure!
After Ken’s @unclekenz advice I’m finding many of the campers are not legally four seaters even if they have seat belts, and this becomes a real issue when buying interstate then having to get a blue slip. WA I reckon would be a great project because it has great features but a risk in fitting out still doing my research on that currently eg. seat belts and seats in the back legally. But on my budget would have to get it dirt cheap otherwise I’m better buying an already fitted out van, which there’s a couple of feelers out there but nothing definite. Yes it would be a interesting trip, he sent me a video of it ticking over sounded pretty good. I’m actually thinking the high top could be improved with some raptor spray in the same colour as the van, ultimately that WA ride is one owner away from either death or resurrection. Nothing is off the table at this stage, but the search continues, there must be more Syncro’s out there people are thinking of selling!!!
Usually there is a few for sale Andy and usually somewhere on the east coast you would find one.
Just seems to be a drought of vans for sale at the moment.
There was a high-top for sale there last year but that is now long gone.
Yet there may be something there either on display for sale or in the car park for sale.
See you there.
Cheers,
Scott
Hi all. I have been following this thread with interest. Scot and Ken will recall the drama I had. My van was modified by Suncamper in NSW under a Dept of Transport approval and then first registered in Vic. I bought it in Vic and then brought it back to NSW. The Dept insisted it needed a blue slip as it was modified. there were no papers with the van. Luckily I spotted a sticker on the B pillar behind a curtain that quoted an MOT approval Number. The guy doing the pink slip convinced the RTA it was approved. I also did an FOI request and they cannot locate any records. So it was approved and I only needed a pink slip.
But, the rego papers only say its a two seater, even though Suncamper put two seat belts in the back including the sash one with the “Z bar”. I have not pursued that matter. I suspect they would make me get a blue slip.
Good luck Andy in your quest for the holy grail!!!
Peter (Port Macquarie)
I sound desperate but I’m really quite willing to be patient for the right Van, yep will check it all out at the Nationals.
Does anyone have any experience in fitting seat belts and seats and getting a blue slip? @portmacpeter @Neil @unclekenz @GW2200 @murdmoss