|
|
Post by retroramblings on Oct 23, 2012 18:09:51 GMT 10
Hi everyone, My better half and I found and purchased a lovely Olympic Debonair at the weekend, we are bound to have 1001 questions over the next year, two or three!  We found the chassis number and just readable appears to be 126. Can boblor if he reads this maybe shed some light on when our little beauty was made perhaps? With no further ado here’s a few photo’s, sadly missing a window  in need of window rubbers!  possibly original fridge and kitchen?  anyone know if these are original?  in need a good restore  some damage   chassis number  more interior  and a name badge  Our goal is to completely empty the old girl out, she has a bad case of dry rot and some insect infestation, and rebuild her bit by bit. If I am correct, to start with we clean and rebuild the chassis/axle/suspension before starting up top (going purely on what we have gleamed from these fabulous forums) supporting the underneath and bellyband to stop the old girl flopping around while she is stripped clean? Hope I am correct! Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you! RetroRamblings |
|
|
|
Post by retro64 on Oct 23, 2012 18:25:52 GMT 10
Hi retroramblings,
Congratulations on the purchase of your lovely Debonaire, and welcome to the forum.
No doubt theres many a thread that shows how other members have tackled the restoration process of their Olympic. Really very inspiring to read what others have done and encouraging when starting work on your own van.
We hope you find all the info you need to help you along the way, and the vast amount of collective knowledge both in the threads and in the experience of members is quite amazing.
good luck with it retro64
|
|
|
|
Post by atouchofglass on Oct 23, 2012 18:59:22 GMT 10
Welcome to the Clan of Glass
;D ;D
The hinges are original and often sag from use.
Certainly mine did.
Your interior is also original.
Nice find.
The damage to the fibreglass behind the wheel isn't as bad as it looks.
With a bit of time and care fibreglassing you won't even know it was damaged.
Any way we can help... well ... just ask!!!!
;D ;D
Cheers
Atog
|
|
|
|
Post by retroramblings on Oct 24, 2012 9:42:48 GMT 10
Hey retro64 & atog
thanks you for the welcomes..
out of interest does TonyH still visit the forums, I sent a pm but noticed it's been over two years since he posted..I read he's the man to acquire those buggered window rubbers from
retroramblings.....
|
|
|
|
Post by atouchofglass on Oct 24, 2012 16:04:08 GMT 10
If you click on Tonyh's name you will see that he was on the forum on the 21st of this month. And yes he is the guy to talk to about the window rubbers. In the technical section you should be able to see a thread about window rubbers. His phone number should be on there. Failing that send him a PM.   Cheers Atog |
|
|
|
Post by retroramblings on Oct 24, 2012 16:31:12 GMT 10
aha I see, was looking at the last post he made, not last login, and yes sent PM. Keeping fingies crossed he still has them,
thank you again Atog.
RR
|
|
|
|
Post by boblor on Oct 26, 2012 11:07:16 GMT 10
Hi retroamblings Welcome to the Olympic family,- you will find 'glass is class', no wood worms. I don't have my register with me, (at South Ballina VV w/e), but I think your van maybe the oldest Debonair to date which will make it a 1967 model if my memory is correct. I can assist .along with others for advise on any aspect of your restoration. I would question why strip the interior out if the cabinetwork framework is ok  . TonyH has the rubbers and I can arrange your stickers. I will send you a PM. Cheers boblor |
|
|
|
Post by retroramblings on Oct 26, 2012 13:38:04 GMT 10
Hi boblor 1967 if true would be quite apt would be great to know when you check the register thank you. As for stripping the ol' gal, well there are two reasons, firstly there is a lot of rot, things are falling apart on at least the walls and kitchen, might even be a case of white ants having a munch too (evidence around kitchen cabinets) and someone has just screwed a wooden panel to the floor about 1/2 metre back from the door, so suspect a hole underneath. The floor seems solid but do want to check before she becomes pretty again...really don't want to do all the work and find problems underneath later. Secondly we would like to re-arrange the inside a little  ...does this mean we may be haunted in our sleep? For quiet a while we had been looking at finding an old Viscount Ambassador or a Sunliner we loved the fibreglass shape and smooth lines. Then last week came across the Olympics, and lo'n'behold on Gumtree not far from us was our little beauty........so the story begins The Chassis and running gear is my first thoughts, I would like to separate the chassis and body, possibly even remove the chassis for dipping...it looks quiet rusty so we want to check it and make as good as new. Any thoughts boblor? Also do you know the Tare and ATM(GTM) would be? think I should stop asking questions lol Actually can't wait to start but need to make a few changes to her resting place first thanks in advance boblor RR aka Luke & Shelly |
|
.
...does this mean we may be haunted in our sleep?