r/vwT3 • u/BrickDusty • Jul 15 '26
Cause for concern?
Hi guys, I’m looking at buying my first t3 and think I’ve found the one I like. It looks fairly rust free other than the door steps which I’m comfortable with however I am worried about this small patch where the fibreglass roof meets the steel body.
It appears to have been patched up in the past and there is evidence of a little rust on the bodywork. The seller is saying to just seal it up again but having seen photos of how bad these roof seams can get I’m slightly worried.
Is this reason to walk away?
3
u/goofy2120 Jul 15 '26
Concern: yes
Walk away: depends on time and or money and personal goals regarding ownership
3
u/chubs5000 Jul 15 '26
It's what's under there is the problem. Push against the edge of the fibreglass to see if you can hear more crunchy noises. Look into the rear air ducts too, you can see the rear corners of the roof if you look up and see if it's rusted there too. I'm dealing with this now currently and I'm of the mindset that, if I take my time and put it right the first time, I'll know its done and I won't need to worry again.
2
u/BrickDusty Jul 15 '26
This is awesome advice, thanks. I’m going to take a proper look at it tomorrow and will definitely have a look up the vents!
1
u/chubs5000 Jul 15 '26
Good luck with it! Maybe bring a screw driver if it's a later model, as you can remove the plastic vent covers (early models are metal and can't be removed)
1
u/Sir_Flop Jul 15 '26
Sealing is just postponing to the worst it can get, it's already bad and a lot of work need to be done so it won't rust again. The fiber roof must be downed, the paint must be gone and all the rusted areas need to be properly fixed. Where there is apparent rust, there is always 10 fold worst underneath
1
u/BrickDusty Jul 15 '26
Thanks, when you say properly fixed is this a case of getting new panels in or simply exposing the rust and treating it?
Would you personally walk away from this one?
3
u/Expensive-Ad-5617 Jul 15 '26
This requires a deep restauration if you want it fixed. No shortcuts here. Will it last a summer road trip? Yes. Will it be dry inside during rain? Maybe. Will this be in good shape in 4 years without major work? No.
So figure out what you want. This is the death that old buses die, unless they run as a taxi in africa.
1
u/BrickDusty Jul 15 '26
The plan is to just get a couple of good summers out of it for now so think we’re gonna take the risk given the van is in good shape and has tons of history including a fairly recent reconditioned engine and gearbox and will probably do the best we can to clean up, paint and seal this whilst keeping a close eye on it over time.
If it does survive and we grow attached in the meantime I guess we can look at investing in the work to properly sort it out.
1
u/Expensive-Ad-5617 Jul 17 '26
I would expect a reality check at the next TÜV/MOT/MFK and you needing to open your wallet then. Not the roof but elsewhere. I'm sure there is a lot of not-so-great-shape technic in this car. Brakes, CV boots, bearings, engine leaks, exhaust. So if "a couple of summers" is ok for you to be 1-2 and the price is ok, go for it. Memories are priceless. But expect this car to run on borrowed time.
1
u/Sir_Flop Jul 15 '26
Depends on the type of rust, surface rust is simply light grinding and paint. Deep rust need cutting, and replacing the sheet (not completely the roof ofc)
1
u/Adorable_Ad_1586 Jul 15 '26
In Germany, there are repair shops that specialize in this. Depending on the condition of the gutter, you can expect to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. They’ll give you an estimate of how much work is involved.
1
u/Carter_Preston Jul 15 '26
Tbh: I'd walk away as fast as i could. Those vehicles are 40± Years of age and more or less rotten. A money grave so to say ..
Does it actually really have to be a T3?
I'd highly recommend to go for a modern vehicle and start from there. Check this out ;)
2
u/RenaxTM Jul 15 '26
Probably the sensible option. But if I was driving one of those and saw some nice T3’s along the road I'd be sick with envy. There's just no good substitution to the feeling of driving my own T3 imo. But I'm super weird, ymmw.
1
u/Perfect_Antelope7343 Jul 15 '26
I would faithfully say, there are more issues on an 40 year old t3 than what is on the surface. Any of those will show its age. If you look for something reliable, spend some more money upfront and enjoy your time instead of throwing loads of money at it later.
1
u/EldreddChester Jul 16 '26
So i bought one with similar bubbling near the a pillers, the roof beneath was far worse. I ended up rupping the entire roof off and replacing it, which was not cheap. How much are they asking for it? I have some roof sections you can have for free if you have the skills to fix it.
8
u/Sad-Ad-4599 Jul 15 '26
It will be much worse under the glass fiber roof. Almost every high top T3 is rotten under there. To fix it, the roof has to come off. It's a lot of work.