1970 Volkswagen Type 2

VW Camper T2 Early Bay 1970 – Danbury Conversion – 1776 CC


After 28 years, and many fond memories from travels through Europe and the UK, it’s time to sell my Early Bay T2 Danbury.

Originally converted by Danbury from a microbus (rather than a panel van) this means that this bus has factory-fit windows and other touches like heater vents and rear seat-belt mounts. In short, it’s an original UK RHD example of one of the most desirable Early Bay models.

My philosophy has always placed reliability and performance above comforts, so while there’s scope to enhance the interior and make it your own, what you’ll not have to do is the expensive and time consuming big jobs around body work structure or mechanics as most of that side of things is done for you.

In the early 2000s I decided the bus needed a tidy up and the following work was completed, most of it by the highly regarded Modern and Classic Restorations in Bedford. These included;

· New cab doors
· New sills outer, repair to inner
· New slide door lower section
· New front arches
· New rear arches
· New front valance
· Slide door lower 9” inner and outer repair
· S/ H solid rear engine hatch
· New door seals
· Some new window seals (can’t remember which)
· Respray in Brilliant Blue with Cloud white roof to original scheme
· New pop top roof seal last year
· New steel brake-pipe set and new flexible hoses (although the latter could probably do with replacing again I guess)
· Refurbished brake master and new slaves
· Rebuilt 1776 cc with twin ICT carbs.



Since then the bus has always been dry stored van, the fact that 20 years after the above work that the bus remains solid and rust free bears testament to the work done. The odometer currently shows around 27000 but I think we can safely say it's been around the clock (before my ownership).

The engine is a rebuilt 1776cc twin port upgraded with full-flow oil filtering and uprated oil pump, it also features a Scat 25 (if I recall correctly) camshaft and swivel rockers, plus genuine Weber ICT34s from Redline Weber in USA. It has vacuum distributor and electronic points-less system means it starts readily. The rebuilt motor has probably covered less than 10k miles and pulls strongly, so no more first or second gear hills. I would guess this is now 60+ HP motor – substantially up from the standard 47hp. Recently (last year) I also replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter fan belt and fuel lines.

Obviously given the age the van is MOT exempt, and as Historic also VED tax and ULEZ charge exempt too.

There is a full folder with much history and many invoices from this period and even before I owned the bus(see final picture).

The brakes are as standard (all drums) but I also have the correct parts to update it a 72 disk brake system (these are available separately by negotiation).

The interior is missing most of the original Danbury features (reproduction parts are readily available by specialist suppliers should you want to return it to original). That said it does feature a rock and roll bed, storage, a two way (gas and 12V) Electrolux fridge (untested), gas hob and grill with sink but no longer a water pump – something for the new owner to improve upon. The underseat storage houses an electrical hook-up with an MCB consumer unit serving a twin three pin UK socket. Sleeping is ‘two plus two’, with two hammocks in the pop top –suitable for children or small adults.

Original seats are clean and have no rips but the original ‘basket weave’ vinyl has discoloured over the years. Again, the original design covers are available from specialist vendors. The headlining is remarkably good.

Inertia reel seatbelts with new mounts are in the front and on one side in the rear utilising a rare OEM belt extender bracket. Second seat in the rear has a lap belt but neither is compulsory for this age vehicle.

The buddy seat is from a MK1 Range Rover discovery and works well.

There is a period style Raclet drive away awning included but this has not been erected in some years – it is of ‘French Army quality’ however so should still be fine. I may even give it an airing to check before the sale ends.

EarlyBay. com forum members will tell you how to do pretty much any maintenance job required and these busses still have a remarkable spares network running.

Doubtless there are other aspects I’ve forgotten so please feel free to ask any questions.

In summary a rock-solid bus with a strong engine ready to use as it is for this coming festival and holiday season and offering scope for your to make it your own.

The bus has hardly been used in the past 5 years, the last time being for a friends wedding last year (see pics) - hence the sale.