Modernize Your Vintage Camper Van
Being able to put some TLC back into your camper van—your home on wheels, your portal to outdoor adventure—is a pretty darn good feeling. We perform all sorts of upgrades at Peace Vans. Our shop fulfills need-to-haves, nice-to-haves, and everything in between. We love when we’re able to make those big dreams come true. While many customers are in for annual oil changes and very routine maintenance, we get quite a few folks sending their van cross country to us for a a full restoration.
Comfort and nostalgia don't have to be two competing experiences. We firmly believe they can live in harmony.
Bill Soga worked with us to restore his camper van for better relaxation and reliability. Together, we brought his vintage VW camper van into the modern era.
“The van was wearing lipstick when I bought it,” says Bill with a laugh. “Cosmetically it looked great, but there were some ‘hidden gems’ underneath the hood.”
The news didn’t phase Bill one bit. He grew up tinkering on things. As a teenager, he would take apart and rebuild cars with his brothers. Bill jokes he has just enough mechanical knowledge to get into trouble.
Along with getting his hands dirty fixing up old cars, Bill spent his childhood in nature—fishing, hiking, and camping. Now 70, he isn’t too interested in putting a 50-pound pack on his back and trekking up the mountain like he used to. For Bill, the appeal of a camper van is to bring more comfort into the outdoors. And a vintage vehicle full of character and ready to be restored fit the, well … Bill.
When Bill met the ‘87 Westy, he knew it was the one. All relationships take work. And this van was going to require a bit of it. But Bill didn’t shy away from addressing the camper van’s issues. He just wasn’t going to take on the restoration work himself.
“When I drove by Peace Vans and looked in their yard, I could see 20+ Volkswagens with the doors open and someone working in there. There’s not many people who repair these vintage VWs in the area. I thought, this is the way. They know what they’re doing.”
Bill’s main wish: a mechanically sound vehicle he could drive long distances. It may be about the journey, but Bill wanted to make sure he got to his destination. He didn’t want to feel completely frazzled dealing with mechanical issues along the way.
Cara, his 11-month-old Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Water Dog), became a very good reason to get work done on the van. She’s not only his companion, she’s also his guide. Bill is working on scent training with Cara for truffle hunting. With the van, they can travel around, camp, and access all the best spots together.
We began working on Bill’s van last summer with a unique set of challenges due to the pandemic. Presented with supply chain issues and backordered parts, we were determined to get the job done. Everything took a little more time as we navigated unprecedented territory. None of us like to be away from our vans for too long—but the end result was worth it.
“You have to go in with your eyes open,” says Bill. “But also be prepared there’s always going to be some extra things. You have to understand you’re dealing with an older vehicle and you have to be patient. If you're not patient, I'm not sure you should be doing this. With Peace Vans, I’m grateful I found someone trustworthy and competent to repair it.”
We started with substantial repairs: fixing wiring, gauges, headlights, and leaks. We replaced the gasket and the brakes. Then we worked on modernizing the van’s camping features: a more efficient fridge, new propane stove, upgraded auxiliary battery, new pop-top tent, Webasto heater, new awning, adapter for solar panels, and even more.
“When I took the van to Peace Vans and I started looking at some of the things you could do to upgrade it, for that convenience, you can add a lot of bells and whistles to your van. All of the upgrades I've done have been game-changers. Peace Vans gives me peace of mind.”
The first weekend Bill was reunited with his van he went to Lake Crescent with his wife and their pup.
“We loved it,” says Bill. “We hardly needed any camping equipment. It’s almost instantaneous. Gather a couple things the night before, get some potable water and groceries, and get out of town for three days.”
Bill reserves the van for camping trips. He’s a big fan of its smaller footprint, which makes it more manageable driving around than the larger camper vans or RVs.
“I absolutely love driving the van,” says Bill. “It's nostalgic. It's comfortable. It's nice to look in the back and see I can throw down the seat, I can sleep, I can cook a meal. I can go someplace, relax, and put up the canopy. It’s the convenience of having the van, but also the nostalgia that you're doing something that people used to do, that more people are starting to do now.”
Bill has a number of trips planned this summer: a fishing trip along the Oregon coast, a 900-mile road trip down to California. Bill’s van upgrades enable him to experience these adventures with confidence—and he loves all of the waves, peace signs, and smiles he gets while on the road.
“I get a feel-good feeling driving around in this van,” admits Bill. “The music playing over the speakers, a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest … there's just a peace of mind I have driving this van. It's worth it just for that. And I don't think it would’ve happened without Peace Vans. I truly believe that.”
Bill’s Camper Van Restoration Work:
Auxiliary battery upgrade, Truck fridge & Webasto heater install, headlight & brake upgrade, rust treatment, propane tank replacement, water system overhaul, pop top tent refresh, and even more!
Want to get started restoring your VW camper van?
We’d love to chat about your big dreams for your vintage camper van! Whether it’s upgrading your camper systems for modern comfort or a complete year long restoration project we are uniquely suited to help you realize your dreams around your beloved Vanagon. Let’s connect to see what restoration work best fits your needs. Contact our team to begin your journey.