Introducing "Twinkie". My Prepped Syncro 4x4 High Top.

[sojournfocus]

I have been watching these threads for awhile now and figure that I may as well chime in and introduce myself and my vehicle since I have now wrapped up my first trip, which was a 6 month journey through the southwest to central USA for rock climbing and mountain biking.

Twink, as he's affectionately referred to as, is basically my dream vehicle. An 87 Syncro with a LOT of reliability and comfort upgrades. Constantly a work in progress, but always ready for adventure.

You can follow my blog (a work in progress) at http://www.sojournfocus.com. There you will find a few posts from adventures along with a number of photos, which I think you may enjoy

I will be back blogging a fair bit, since I journal entered many aspects of my trip and didn't have internet for much of it.

And yes... Twinkie is for sale for those interested.

 

[Abitibi]

Nice looking Syncro! Almost looks like a 16" Joker? Welcome to Expo, any plans for your next vehicle if you're selling this one? Or plans for your next extended journey?

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Nice bus... kool site too, love the pics. Van looks like it is in great shape, good luck with the sale.

 

[sojournfocus]

Thanks guys!

It is "almost" like a 16" Syncro, but not quite. The 16" jokers were factory - and even rarer! They have some additional overbuilt suspension components as well. Maybe my next van?
This one is running larger 15" wheels (std is 14) and has a lot of other modifications.


I have started another thread with more photos and a bit of a trip report at :

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/116062-6-Months-in-the-Desert-BC-WA-OR-CA-NV-AZ-UT-CO-ID-OR

 

[sojournfocus]

Next project is a non vehicle one. But I plan to have another van / expedition vehicle of some sort next year.
The next big trip I am planning is to Norway, to work and travel with a fellow adventure photographer and friend of mine.

Until then, just short trips into the mountains of BC. (not so bad)

 

[DAV!D]

Nice looking synco. Question for you. Do you happen to have a link to the company that made the hitop? I just bought a synco and I'll be doing many of the mods you have done to yours ( hope mine will look as good ). I've seen that top before but can't find out where to buy it. Any ideas?

 

[sojournfocus]

Hi David,
Congrats on the Syncro purchase! They are beautiful vans to work on.
To get the top that I have, you will have to transport yourself back to 1989 unfortunately, as that's when they made these as a factory build. I don't believe there are any tops floating around anymore.
There are a few companies (one in Toronto I believe) that are making similar high tops.. I liked this one the best though due to its profile.

www.canadianhightops.ca (not sure if the site is working.. very slow on my end)

 

[Abitibi]

Next project is a non vehicle one. But I plan to have another van / expedition vehicle of some sort next year.
The next big trip I am planning is to Norway, to work and travel with a fellow adventure photographer and friend of mine.

Until then, just short trips into the mountains of BC. (not so bad)

Sounds like a good plan. Norway is an amazing country, expensive but gorgeous! I was there a few years ago and it took my breath away! If you plan to make it above the article circle, I have some very good friends in Tromso that are also involved in arts and photography. Let me know if you want me to hook you guys up...

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[DAV!D]

Thanks for the info on the top, I didn't realize they had them as a factory option.

Far as ca tops, yea I've checked those out, I just liked how yours was lower in the front.

 

[T.Low]

Shoot me a PM if you'd prefer to have a second vehicle along for any BC mountains trips. Had a nice Vancouver Island trip this year but would still like to get out more.

And just like getting out with other vans in general. My usual traveling partner is a 1 ton Ford Sportsmobile, Railvan.

 

[thedjjack]

It is pretty easy to build your own roof....i did on my delica here is the build thread:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/vote-for-hitop-vs-poptop-photos-of-new-roof-on-delica-pg-9851-60.html

paid $200 for the used roof...Few hundred in resin and glass to mod it....putting it on was easy and way way better job then the hack job the roof installer did to the Dodge van I bought it off (looked like a serial killer cut the hole in the roof)...

 

[sojournfocus]

Getaway high tops (for scrap?) do exist out there...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=513449