VW Bus T4&5+ – July 2019

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T5 was released Russell was so
impressed with it that he needed to
get involved with converting them
and concentrate his efforts there,
rather than the other vehicles he’d
been working on. Of course, having
lived in and with vans for quite some
time it gave the couple a unique
insight as to what is needed, how
to make the best use of space, as
well knowing what is best left out.
They decided to set up Teahupo’o
Camper Conversions, the name is
taken from a Tahitian village known
for its surf break and in particular
a wave that shares the name.
Pronounced “Tear-hoo-poh-oh”,
which means “The pile of heads”
or “Heap of Heads” and refers to
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Windows and Splittys. He ended
up with a yard full, as he’d stop
at any van he saw on his travels
around the country and ask if it
might be for sale, especially if they
looked a little unloved. This led him
to start offering parts to restorers
and doing engine rebuilds. He is
also a fan of surfing and managed
to merge his working pattern with
surfing tours and school holidays.
This meant he was able to take off
for six weeks with partner Lisa and
son James to head off to the South
of France or Italy to actually enjoy
the drive and camping experience.
His first T4 was a high-top and
that completed the Italy journey
with ease. However, once the

R

ussell McDonald’s first

VW was a Beetle, bought

for him by his Dad,

Robert. He was just fifteen

years of age at the time

and although he couldn’t drive at

that point, it was a moot point, as

the car was a long way from being

roadworthy. The only way Russell

was going to get to drive the car was

to complete the full nut and bolt

restoration the 1303 Bug required, he

completed the project and happily

drove the car for a while before

deciding to move it on. He then had

a few cars and vans pass through

his hands and thinking that there

might be a business opportunity, he

started to make a collection of Bay

20" Hawke Chayton

Rear facing sofa Comfort dash

What did the van

start as? Kombi

Colour? VW Candy

White

LWB/SWB SWB

BHP? 150

Wheels type and

size? Hawke Chayton

Alloys 20"

Tyres? 275/40/20

Lowered? No

Why is it special to

you? It’s special to

us as it’s given us

some great memories

and will do on to do

the same for the next

owner for years to

come

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