We get a lot of enquiries from proud Kombi owners who are ready to part with their pride and joy. Often they would like to know how much they are worth before listing an ad. There is a rough benchmark that I still use - a good mechanically sound and registered, running Kombi may cost between $7000 - $10,000. If the paintwork and the upholstery are in great condition then maybe $10,000 - $15,000. They are like houses - they will sell for what someone is prepared to pay.

Back in 1998 I was restored my first VW Kombi - an 1800 panel van with webber carburettors - she used to go like the wind... OK, more like a big white brick plowing its way through a gale, but fast nevertheless. My biggest headache was that there was no seat in the back - or a bed for that matter! My surfboards and partner at the time deserved better. It took a LOT of stuffing around and knockbacks from the RTA before I finally got a working solution.

Originally we referred to this kombi as "The Honey Badger". It just seemed to have that kind of "I don't give a crap" kind of attitude. His undercarraige was loaded with bucket loads of mud from the unsealed roads around Bulahdelah. He had a few scars and some wounds that had been covered with a generous helping of bog and lashings of house paint. As usual the quarter windows were rusted out, but overall, his body was straight, and his bones looked pretty solid and free from rust. Purchase price $1500 - no motor included.

In July 2013 we started work on a 1971 Ex-Army VW Kombi Lowlight microbus. You might remember we posted some "before photos" to give some kind of benchmark that indicates where we started. Most of our Kombis take about 3 - 4 months from start to finish, but this lump of coal needed some extra polishing before we could make her shine.

All good things come to those who wait! It's been a 3 month long process, but today we put the finishing touches on Orange Crush. The devil is always in the detail, and this little charmer was no exception. Our original brief was to remove any rust, freshen up the faded orange paint job, and fit some new front seats with a new rock n roll bed - Easy!

About a month ago, a VW Kombi caught fire on Parramatta Rd, Sydney, and burnt to the ground. There was no explanation as to what caused it, or how the vehicle had been maintained.

Since then, I have been mulling over the problem, and trying to determine whether it is a problem specific to air cooled VW in general, or do all cars suffer this fate due to bad maintenance?

We first met our Orange Camper about 2 months ago, and started working towards a brief that would result in a Kombi that would resprayed in original orange with a white window line and roof. It was to be enjoyed on a daily basis and taken to the surf, with a few modern touches like a new fridge, microwave and updated cabinetry. On first look, we thought that the body was in fantastic condition, with little or no rust that was very obvious. This one should be easy!!

Introducing Ruby, a 1971 Ex-Army VW Kombi Lowlight microbus that was one of 9 Kombis that we purchased from Steve Muller of Kombi Rescue back in 2012. I knew this one was special when we started lifting up the floor and the paint was still shiny like the day it left the factory. Until now she has been waiting for a new owner with the right vision and a budget to restore her to something better than new.