I have found the BFG KO 2’s to be fantastic - especially compared to my noisy KO1’s.
It was like I was driving on a perfectly smooth road - so smooth and quiet and they got rid of a vibration I had between 85km/hr and 95km/hr.
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Love my KO1s. Kept me awake!
What with COVID lingering past, present and future causing hesitation to mingle … my KO1’s should last about … forever!
Interesting price for KO2s …
Les Harris was spot on. First you need a goldmine to afford a syncro!
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Fact: AUVIS inspectors are only tradesmen and are not trained very well and would never have enough time to understand all of the regulations. Therefore the RMS has a special person that can be contacted by the inspector.
My 1990 T3 had a R & R seat installed by an ADR approved seat installer in 1990 which meant that I did not require to notify the RTA, obtain an engineer’s report or have the vehicle inspected. In 1990 the RTA did not have records of seating capacity.
Years later the rules changed, things were privatised, although I doubt if rules were retrospective it may be a grey area. Last week I went to an AUVIS inspector for a blue slip so that I could have the RMS records show that it is a 5 seater to avoid any confusion in the future. I explained to the inspector that the seat was installed in 1990 and an approval sticker with an approval number was placed beside the compliance plate by the installer. The inspector thought that it would be OK but wanting to do his job properly decided to call the RMS. The inspector told the RMS the approval number and then the seat belt approval number as marked on the seat belts. He just added all of the information to my records and it is now listed as a 5 seater. This has been a bit of a concern as an engineer would not approve this seat to 2022 regulations.
So if you have trouble with getting a Sopru, Camperise or r&r seat conversion registered that has an approval number, ask the inspector to contact the RMS for clarification.
Thanks Phil good information for a buyer like myself.
Regards
Andy
Andy, if you become inclined to buy a Syncro as a pop top campervan a Trakka unit would be a solid choice. I believe that Volkswagen (Germany) and Trakka made some sort of deal that Trakka would build campervan conversions from ‘skeleton’ Transporter T3s (including Syncros) supplied directly from Germany - such was the high regard it had for Trakka’s quality work. My 1989 full length pop top Syncro was one of those vehicles - it was a campervan from day 1 on the road. I spoke to Dave Berry (vale), owner of the Trakka company many years ago and he told me that he could do full length pop tops on the VW Transporter without compromising the chassis strength/rigidity because they were superbly over engineered in that regard. From my experience, he was correct. Also, a full length pop top saves your back from bending awkwardly as you move through the van to the front. Anyway, just something to consider if you go the way of a campervan.
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Thanks, keeping my eye out but the price, condition and market are working against me at the moment but I’m in for the long game. Certainly Trakka’s seem to be the pick of the campers so far.
Thanks again
Just a taste Andy,
An immaculate TRAKKA 2WD in NSW:
Something to read in bed:
TRAKKA Docs.pdf (4.0 MB)
Delicious!
Great to view a fine example of a T3
Ryszard
Agreed, very tidy. Looks like new canvas and the seats have been recovered I reckon. I hope my refurbished pop top and new canvas will look good as well.
Peter (Port Macquarie)
Another one just on car sales. $31,500. Looks tidy as well with lots of accessories like wheel carrier.
Peter
Do you have a link? I usually get an email when one pops up but haven’t for this yet.
Tintop in QLD.
Seen this before. Not a new listing.
Suit height challenged people best?
Yep seen it before been on for awhile
Hmm Andy,
By entering into the world of VW T3 Syncros you have opened yourself to a plethora of vehicular variations to test your ultimate want or pragmatic compromise. I admire your patience and discerning attitude which should bode you well during your search for your Holy Grail.
As Scott and others have previously mentioned, I agree rust is the first thing to thoroughly check with any Syncro. If a van has got ferric ulcers that will involve difficult treatment or surgery, it would be prudent for your pocket and angst to give it a miss. Tired or worn mechanicals are easier to deal with because unlike insidious rust these bits can be simply replaced according to necessity. And, now for the Holy Grail bit: possible upgrading stuff to meet your personal wants - big brakes/Peloquin diffs/rear diff (if not already fitted)/possible high lift (2”)/progressive coil springs/better shocks/solid shaft/decoupler/rear Porsche 930 axle assembly/15” wheels/AT tyres; and then comes the engine and gearbox tweaking or replacement. I guess your pocket will determine at what things and rate this would happen if you go this way.
I know the above from personal experience; it’s nuts and bolts stuff reality if you maybe want to make your future Syncro a formidable beast for sensible off-roading - hope this helps.
Best of luck
Ryszard
Yep I’m aware of most of the options but I’m keen to avoid rust but as these buses get older that’s hard to find.
So that immaculate TRAKKA 2WD asking $42,000 appears now to be sold.
How quick was that after my post here?!
Who bought it?
Where’s my finders fee? 
Yep not sure I have the reflexes for this market or the budget.
Hi Andy, Patience buddy. I’ve ben following this thread and don’t know if you’ve ever owned a Syncro but once you do you won’t let it go. I did several years ago a 1989 Syncro trakka camper. No diff locks, 14" wheels nothing special ya might say. Once sold I spent the next three years looking for a replacement. Near drove me missus nuts! Finally got another 1989 Dove campered Syncro with a rear diff lock. Unfortunately I have some rust to contend with and I’m not that handy that I’d tackle it myself but I’m going to get this old girl done properly. Not right away but definitely getting it done. I won’t be letting this Syncro slip away. They are so much fun on dirt tracks and for bush camping, you just can’t beat it. So, hang in there. The right one will come along. Cheers, Harold
Sounds like a familiar story but I’m patient and I also don’t think its a great time to buy. I don’t think they’re going to get any cheaper either but I’m sure I’ll find one I have to have eventually.
Andy,
With syncro’s now up to 35 years old and in considering your price point, I would think and accept that most if not all vans would have some amount of corrosion. It’s just about differentiating what you see is acceptable and ideally DIY recoverable as opposed to extensive and/or difficult rusting examples requiring professional help, so big dollars of additional expense.
So yeah, stick with it. You have time on your side. As said on the Kombi Club forum, often it’s the case you won’t find your chosen van … it will find you. 
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