tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Jan 14, 2008 21:58:21 GMT 10
Hi All, well I am officially a VVer now with the purchase of the 1967 Olympic off E Bay. ;D ;D  Just home after 550km trip home from Tamworth -  After Un-seizing the legs, jockey wheel, coupling, greasing the wheel bearings, swapping the wheels and rewiring the lights - straight home without any problems and tows like it's not there.   After her first bath  Full resto of the interior from the cupboards down  It also includes a full replacment of the floor  Clean out The plan is to support the body on a frame around the centre join with the chassis, windows and the full interior removed to allow the new floor to be fibreglassed in at the correct level without the body pushing down over the chassis. Anyway now that she has had a clean out she will go into the shed until the FC Ute is completed - Shouldn't be too long - no sense having multiple projects going at once.  Will put up photos as I progress. Cheers, TonyH |
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Post by atouchofglass on Jan 15, 2008 17:20:48 GMT 10
Congratulations Tonyh I commend you on your good taste. There is nothing better than a good restoration project. Looking at your car resto, I can't wait to see the finished product. What is under the floor? The reason I ask is that the floor in my Olympic is good but the fibreglass outside has been damaged and I am wondering what is under the floor. Should I be worried???  Photo if you can pretty please. Welcome to fantastic plastic, were wood is good for interiors but not in the class of glass when it comes to exteriors. ;D ;D atouchofgreen |
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Jan 15, 2008 20:55:55 GMT 10
Hi atouchofglass, The photo below shows on the left one of the 'Joists" that are the same ply as the floor glued to the bottom of the fibreglass in between the "Vs" in the bellypan with a 1" piece of timber glued and nailed to the top to support the floor.  I will have to add and /glue/screw/nail ply to the sides and glue the bottom - as original - to the side my joists as some parts of the ply joists are delaminating. I will be keeping a full photo record through the resto so it can be a guide for others in the future. As to "should I be worried" - it depends where the damage is - if it is in the bottom of the "bellypan" - that is what supports your floor joists and are glued to - then the answer is yes. Let me know where the damage is and I will try to get some shots of that area. Anything to help a fellow "fibreglassee" ;D Cheers,TonyH |
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Jan 26, 2008 23:08:00 GMT 10
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Post by Don Ricardo on Jan 27, 2008 6:38:06 GMT 10
Just catching up on the Olympic after being away, Tony. Congratulations. After a bit of a chase you were able to stay true to your goal. Well done.
The van is beginning to look terrific already, just having had a bath. I look forward to seeing some progress reports on the internals.
Bit worried about the tow vehicle though. It'll probably handle the hills ok, but not sure about the open road...you're going to have to install a windscreen...all those insects...
And when the Ford boys suggested a Mustang, I'm sure they had something else in mind. ;D ;D ;D
Enjoy the van!
Don Ricardo
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Post by atouchofglass on Jan 27, 2008 7:50:18 GMT 10
Greetings Tonyh Thanks for the photos it demystifies (who's learnt a new word then ) whats under the floor of my Olympic. Sorry for the long delay between replies, my son uses the computer most weekends and nights. He is one of these World of Warcraft freaks. So its early morning or not long in the afternoon. I get sick of these computer games. Considering the condition of my van I'm going to chance not removing and replacing the floor. Mostly due to the fact the van was under cover most of the time until I got it. Now out in the elements 24/7. No shed no room. I am green with envy of anyone that has a shed to work in. but such is life. Keep the photos coming it is encouraging to see an Olympic being redone. I'm taking my time due to various problems. Tried to get some 3mm structural ply this weekend to replace the splash back in the kitchen........forgot it is Australia Day weekend didn't I. No ply supplier open on Saturday.......aaarrrghh ....a great working weekend sloooowwwed down again. Guess it's fibreglassing this weekend then. Fix the cracks in the front. Just as a thought.... I'm going to replace the wiring both 240 and 12 volt. Then add a circuit breaker for safety reasons. Newer vans have such why shouldn't we??? Considering the age of our vans there has been a few changes in caravans since their date of manufacture 40+ years ago. So while the splash back and kitchen are out I'll redo the wiring......Damn just talked myself into another job.  ;D Regards Atog |
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Post by akallabeth on Jan 27, 2008 11:46:39 GMT 10
Id love to see more of the floor work too. I have a Rivera that i need to do and am desperate to find all the help i can before i take on the task.
Also, what does everyone use to make the fiberglass come back to life, mine has been washed (car wash) and the mould (i think it is) just wont come off!
Love the update TonyH, cant wait for more
James
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Post by willyn on Jan 27, 2008 13:26:03 GMT 10
gidday Tony H luv your vans Guidewheels definately not $300.00 at caravan city  getting into it mate have you got much glassing to do? keep up the progress posts  Will |
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Jan 28, 2008 4:56:40 GMT 10
Thanks Guys for the interest, - Don, being a GM Teddy it's the only Mustang I'll ever own!!! ;D ;D ,,, atog, I will be rewiring - exposed earth wires! - aarrr the good old days - as well as all new double pole switches, safety switch etc. - my Dad was a (sparky) - Olympic did some strange things - no 12V in the rear light - all 12v wiring is white - so my set up will have the "normal" new van mod cons. Is your fridge 240V as well? - there is no wiring in mine for the fridge just the gas pipe. My mates son did his Cabinetry trade with Riviera Boats (does beautiful work) so will be calling on him for assistance from time to time. Just on the ply - I have spoken to people over the years and been told there is no "marine ply" any more - "all plys are the same, because the glues are all that good", but when I spoke to him he said there is about 5 to 6 different qualities of ply depending on the usage. The fibreglass on mine is pretty good with some minor repairs, so I am hoping that the polish will bring it up so as to try to keep it original. Hey just a note - the only good timber in the van is the stuff covered by FIBREGLASS Hee Hee ;D ;D Sorry Reddo James, I washed mine in BP truckwash and a DULL scrower which took the mould off ok. The polish is Poli Glow from Nautical Wholesalers, Ross Skells is the Rep. 0413 44 55 33 ask for 1 Litre kit - (info from the Olympic guru Bob Taylor) Haven't bought mine yet but I have been busy with other things, but I will - Bob says that as you keep putting it on -up to 8 coats (I think) - it just keeps getting better. Will, on the outside there is only minor repairs, but on the inside the entire floor has to be fibreglassed back into the shell as well as new timber on the door jams - all the bottoms of the table seats, bottom cupboards, bed frames etc., so just a bit of fibreglassing - I know I said I would finish the FC first but when I have hold ups I head for the Olympic shed!!!!  Cheers, TonyH |
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Post by dosse on Jan 28, 2008 5:35:54 GMT 10
G'day Tonyh
Great to see you have made a start on your Olympic and you have a roof over it,
that ute of yours must be ready to go by now. Any-thing I can help with just give me a call.
Regards dosse.
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Post by boblor on Jan 28, 2008 10:06:08 GMT 10
Hi. James
If you require any info on your van we may be able to assist as we have a register of Olympic van with the details of each. Would love to add your Riviera to the list if we do not already have it. You can email us robertt@cn-newc.com.au
Cheers boblor
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Post by atouchofglass on Feb 12, 2008 21:10:18 GMT 10
Greetings Tonyh
I removed my last post because the photos were too large and I feel, slowing down your thread.
Speaking of which how is the Olympic going?
Atog
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Feb 12, 2008 21:46:06 GMT 10
Hi atog,
she's tucked up in her shed nice and dry out of the weather until I finish the FC and final touches to the shed, concrete, drains etc. The first job is to make the stands to support the body while I drop out the chassis and let the base to hang down so that the floor will drop down to level and pull out the ripples in the fibreglass before I fit the new floor The ripple you see in the front fibreglass is because the ply floor is rotted from the chassis to the outside fibreglass allowing the body to sag and slightly distort.
Cheers, TonyH
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Post by atouchofglass on Feb 14, 2008 6:22:31 GMT 10
Tonyh Glad to hear the van is getting preped for more work and under cover until then. Please take photos of the stands and caravan frame when the lift is done. Cause I have been thinking of it but not haven't been game to lift it. No space, machinery or inclination at the moment. But you know what they say where there's a Will there's a way. The condition my van is in, it is unlikely that it needs a lift, but you never can tell.... I may have another some time in the distant future. As with all my projects I get started and somewhere along the line run out of puff for a few months. Then kick in again later. The 100% humidity in Cairns doesn't improve the desire to work either. In summer you just think about working and you break out in a sweat here. ;D ;D  All the Best Atog |
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Post by bratso on Mar 18, 2008 12:56:51 GMT 10
hi tonyh i to have a glassie olympic just like yours except it doesnt have the two small windows on the side and is blue so would like to find out more
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Apr 9, 2008 23:05:19 GMT 10
Hi bratso, Yours would be a double bed model and mine is a double bunk one - hence the two small windows at the rear. Bob Taylor is the Olympic guru with more info including chassis numbers, models, and details on these vans. He is a member and follows the forum so send him a note and you will get all you need. ;D Cheers, TonyH |
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on May 18, 2008 20:45:32 GMT 10
Update: Got busy this weekend & made the support frames for the body while I lowered the chassis to re level the interior and to allow me to remove what was left of the interior and the floor. **************************************************** Hey Reddo the only good bondwood was the stuff with FIBREGLASS over it ;D ;D ;D ;D I'm not sure but I think this was set up as a "wet" area as the whole area under the drivers side seat was fibreglassed  **************************************************** Stands made - ready to fit  **************************************************** Van lifted and supports fitted   **************************************************** Removing the interior and old floor  **************************************************** nearly there  **************************************************** all removed - only the tidy up grinding of the fibreglass and old glue to do    **************************************************** another pile of bondwood - love the smell of burning wood hee hee hee ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D - couldn't resist R  **************************************************** Off to order some grinding/sanding discs, acetone, resin, mesh, ply and the list goes on and oooonnn ;D |
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Post by Franklin1 on May 18, 2008 22:19:07 GMT 10
Hi tonyh, If you are old enough to remember Laurel and Hardy, then you'll understand when I say "Stanley, this is another fine mess you've got us into!!" I would have liked to see the plywood treated with a bit more respect, but I can see that you had quite a job on your hands to get it off! ;D Congratulations on your progress so far. Lots of ingenuity in the stands. Very clever! Keep at it...I'm cheering for ya! cheers (...see, I told you so... ), Al. |
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Post by atouchofglass on May 24, 2008 9:37:27 GMT 10
Greetings Tonyh
Good to see the progress
As far as the front drivers side being glassed in.....
Mine had the same.
Not sure why
Always good to have a second van to compare with.
The front lounge and the single beds had the frame partially glassed in as a sort of extra hold on the timber I guess.
On a different note have a good look at the annex rail when you have time.
the one I had was leaking where the screws went through the glass.
The timber it screwed into has to be removed as well.
Atog
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on May 25, 2008 19:55:14 GMT 10
Hi ATOG & All, The annex rail timber looks ok up front but it had a leak at the back - the timber seems ok but will double check when the new floor is in. There doesn't look much of a difference in these latest photos but there is 2 full days of trimming the flanges where the old floor meets the body as well as the joists in preparation to fit the new floor.   All Cleaned up   I had been warned about bondyitis which occurs when sanding that dreaded bondwood but it has had a name change due to one of the worst cases ever - it's now called Reddoitis - so I put on the latest workplace safety anti Reddoitis gear - below!! Hee hee hee ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D hee hee hee  Cheers, tonyh |
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Post by humpty2 on May 25, 2008 20:06:02 GMT 10
Thanks to your efforts Tony I have been now REALLY inspired to get stuck into my 21footer. Mine is also fibreglassed in that bit under the seat . I don't know whether to blame you or thank you! I was really just going to get rid of it before, but NOW ........I'm looking forward to the challenge. Re your Reddoitis gear: I live 20ks from Reddo and have a 10' high electric fence with guard dogs and he still gets in ;D. ;D ;D |
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on May 25, 2008 20:49:49 GMT 10
Hook, Line and Sinker - couldn't ask for a better bite - except I do love the smell of burning BONDWOOD!!!!!! Hee hee hee hee ;D ;D ;D  |
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Post by atouchofglass on May 25, 2008 21:56:26 GMT 10
Hey Tonyh Just a note on the word bondwood.... It is actually a misspelling.... The original spelling was blondewood not only because of its white colour but those that prefer it are as thick as most blondes ;D ;D It also causes brain damage often seen when it's sufferers start ranting incoherently about unrelated subjects... Perhaps you've seen this in blondewood users....   ;D ;D By the way love "the Stig" suit ... if you watch Top Gear it makes sense. ;D Just as an after thought it is not nice to tease the blondewood sufferers.... they can't help their afflictions Just smile and wave boys just smile and wave.... ;D ;D ;D Atog |
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Post by atouchofglass on May 26, 2008 6:38:01 GMT 10
Hey Humpty You shouldn't fix up the 21 footer..... Their too big and take too long to do Why you could be at that repair for years.... Think of the time it takes to get all the bits and pieces together Nooooo MMMMAAAAATTTTTEEEEE Leave the old girl as she is...... Perhaps some kindly fellow from the Northern regions will take her off your hands some time in the future when he has some cash That would leave you with lots of time to fix up lots of smaller less fuel gusling vans Convinced you yet? ?? :: ;D If you ever hear of another 21 footer let me know..... I too would like to do one up.... But as always - when you have the time you don't have the money and when you have the money..ect ect Atog |
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on May 31, 2008 22:43:49 GMT 10
Greetings, ;D Once I got all that b that bon - that laminated timber off the floor and away from the beautiful smooth lines of the fibreglass I found - you guessed it that b - well you know that stuff that the moment it gets wet it separates, gets rot, borers etc etc ;D ;D - I found I had a few floor trusses to glue back together before I can fit the new b - plywood floor -only because I couldn't get any fibreglass sheeting because it is in such great demand you have to preorder 12 months ahead - plywood you can get anywhere - I wonder WHY ;D   Cheers, tonyh ;D |
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After Un-seizing the legs, jockey wheel, coupling, greasing the wheel bearings, swapping the wheels and rewiring the lights - straight home without any problems and tows like it's not there.
;D ;D