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Post by Surf Tragic on Nov 17, 2009 10:53:11 GMT 10
Last fri night I got a call from old mate John who helped with the recovery of the Don 120 from Eildon in Vic, he said his son Greg had found a Don 140 in a front yard at Springhurst, just 40 k's from where I live. We left for the Bendigo Swap Meet 6am Sat morning, down the hume & ducked into Springhurst, & sure enough, there's the 140 sitting there. Now Greg has a business in town here & I had only once mentioned to him what I wanted, so this alert man had actually listened to my ravings that day & remembered, & was spot on, I had my doubts when he mentioned it.  I showed the photos to Mark & Geoff at Bendigo & couldn't wait to get back to Springhurst on Monday & talk to someone about the van. We called in after lunch yesterday & knocked on the door, a young chap came out & I told him who I was & asked about the van, he said he was new in the district & renting, but gave me the owner's name & mobile, who was living in QLD. I rang the number & talked with the property owner Greg, finally got to the question, would you sell it to me? He said he is a builder & had just bought a 64ft wooden boat to restore in Qld, & even though he had once wanted to restore the Don himself, he would sell, so we agreed on a price right there & then, the money has been transferred.   I was told I was welcome to have a good look at & through the van, & there are some things that are giving me goosebumps about this particular Don, some things that couldn't possibly be a coincidence, two things actually, & a third would be a clincher if it's there.  1st thing is the spats, do a comparison with the photos of our own Don 140 in Qld in this link  Don Ricardo, remember I said Dad made a bunk for me over the set of drawers & fixed a cleat on the back wall to support the bunk? Have a look at this !! Can this be ??.. Who else would fasten a support there, at the same height as the drawers?  This van has had brakes like ours had, only the vacuum hoses have been taken off, but the brake setup is in the hubs, I've got a bump on the head from investigating that !  Last but not least, the serial No 343. I looked at the listing in Don Caravan Build No Research in the Technical section and see No 328... 14' model 1947 build No 343.. .14' model  No 461...14' model delivered new July 1949 What do you reckon Don Ricardo & others?? So the questions are, is this our original van? who was the last owner/owners, Greg said the van was on the property when he bought it. I have asked him who was the previous property owner, there are many answers I will be searching for. Dad sold his van in 1973, in Qld.... 36 years have lapsed......could this be the one sitting, rotting, 40k's from where I live in Vic? I have 2 older sisters & will try their 5 & 7 YO memories out & see if they can help pinpoint the build date. Mark had a 140 lined up for me in WA which I greatly appreciate, & was nearly committed to, & ready to drive over & trailer it home, but.... even if this van is a basket case, there's no way I could walk away & leave THIS van there. Surf Tragic |
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bobt
Full Member
"Ugly as Sin"
Posts: 458
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Post by bobt on Nov 17, 2009 21:09:43 GMT 10
Hi Surf Tragic
Let me guess.. the goose bumps are really up on this one.
Congratulations on the find. How lucky can you be...
I personally could not think of a better thing to find then the ol family van.
keep us posted...
bobt
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freeway
Full Member
Make way for the Austin Freeway!
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Post by freeway on Nov 18, 2009 10:27:18 GMT 10
Looks like you've found your very own Holly Grail! Did the owner ask you to build a shrubbery as payment? ;D ;D  |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Nov 18, 2009 17:41:22 GMT 10
Hi Surf Tragic, I am gobsmacked - what are the chances, apart from miniscule?? You have so often talked about how you would like to find your parents' van, but it seemed like a dream that could not possibly come true... Looking at the pics though, the spats on your parents' van were so unusual, so unique in shape, that it seems impossible that another van - let alone another Don - should have spats the same shape. And then you have the ledge for the extra bed. And the fact that the last time you saw the van was in Queensland, and it turns up virtually in your backyard? Yep, I'm definitely gobsmacked, but thrilled and excited for you at the same time!  When you first mentioned goosebumps in your post, I thought you meant because of the work needed on the van, but the 120 has been good practice, eh? Looking forward to the pics of the rescue and then the refurbishment! Just goes to show those Dons were built to last! I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I'm gobsmacked!   Don Ricardo |
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Post by firefighter on Nov 18, 2009 19:07:13 GMT 10
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Post by kazandadam on Nov 18, 2009 19:37:10 GMT 10
That is great news ST.....very incredible actually! It should keep a smile on your face for a long time to come........good to see theres no paint stripping required!
Cheers Adam
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 18, 2009 20:49:50 GMT 10
Having read this thread and comparing to the other thread, numerous times I might add, it would be very difficult to discount what you believe, If we were just talking of one similarity then you could argue but in my view you have a very strong case here in believing what you do this is truely a one in a million find ,even better than a needle in a Haystack. |
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Post by Surf Tragic on Nov 23, 2009 9:55:13 GMT 10
The first thing I did when going to retrieve the van was to check & see if these eyelet screws were between each door, & sure enough     Dad strung plastic covered curtain wire between the doors to make them more secure, as I remember stuff everywhere over the floor after some long trips. This wouldn't be a general Don fittings surely, I think this is #3 item that identifies this van as our family van.  I am continually amazed that tyres as perished as these stay up at all, but sure makes it easier to load   This old beauty has a bit of weight, the ramps show a bit of a bend for once  Andew who rents the house, gave me a hand. Look at the jockey wheel stem, the trailer moved on the chocks & bent it.  Down to the Springhurst PO looking for information & leads on property owners, spoke to Jenni who took my contact numbers. She said the 'privacy act' stops her from giving me personal info, but said she will talk to some people who may know some history of the van & get back.  These were a surprise being 16" and 5 stud, the centres dont look original as they are just flat steel welded in, maybe to fit the Standard Vanguard that Dad had at the time as the tow car, they had 5 stud. Dad soon sold the under powered Vanguard & bought a single or double spinner (dont know which) Ford to do the job, followed by the Mk11 Humber in '51. Someone there who reads this might know for sure what wheels they are.   Underneath is remarkably sound with all the bearers & floor boards, very pleased with that, just a few bits on the stabilizer legs bent & rusted up.   The sheeting needed some running repairs to stop it getting ripped off on the trip home. All the outside sheeting is de-laminating, it will all have to be replaced. I think the reason it has gone back to bare ply is because Dad burnt off all the red lead and layers with a blow-torch a couple of times. So Adam, definitely dont have to scrape any paint off, a lot stripped off on the way home too, a bit embarrassing driving down the hume with bits flying !!  Welcome home Baby, a long 36 years since you were under our care & ownership. Do I sound confident that this is "THE" van? Read on..........in the final homecoming chapter......showing positive......total.....proof. Surf Tragic |
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Post by Surf Tragic on Nov 23, 2009 12:21:03 GMT 10
 One good badge, the front one is missing, the ply has been replaced there so the badge disappeared at the same time I guess.  Young #784 meets the more sedate #343 & says cheer up, you too can look like this again, just need a 2000 hr facelift!! Now for a look inside   The bottom of the bath is very corroded, but the plug is still there  The watertank looks ok from the outside, the filler & tap will be reusable at least.  This bracket held a small bronze fire extinguisher I recall,= ( I think or imagine)  All the original wiring looks intact everywhere & hope to use it like Don Ricardo has with his 140   The interior is reasonable, water has come down through the cupboards but the ply looks ok & just needs repainting, some doors need easing, some catches broken, the enamel basin missing.   This is #4 evidence, it shows a block of wood with a hole to take a barrel both fixing where my bunk sat on top of the set of drawers, there is another fixing point similar the other end, & still another for a stay that went up on an angle from the bottom of the drawers, #5 & #6. The other end of the bunk sat on the rail against the back wall.   These mattress/sofas have original rubber inserts & the covers looked familiar, then I noticed a rip in one cover & some old upholstery underneath, so I ripped it open & my heart did a flip.   Original tags & studs to hold seat cushion in place   This photo was taken with my sister in the van in 1958-59, 50 years ago. Notice how the stripes dont line up on the back cushion on the RHS? also on the seat cushion, the margins of the striping are uneven on the RHS? So I set them up in the van how they were 50 years ago, & the irregularities are the same !! Evidence #7 No more proof needed, this is indeed the same van & it is a most incredible feeling. At first there was the excitement of finding, then retrieving the van, but now there are emotions kicking in that I haven't experienced before like this, I am getting around a bit stunned, for a few days I couldnt do more than clean up the shed trying to settle my mind down a bit, I didnt know I possessed sentimentality, I used to chuckle about people who were affected by stuff like this. But I was involved with this little 'home on wheels' from the start of my memories in 1950 at 4 YO, indeed it was our home for 12 months at Jinjellic where Dad built his Bro-in-law a house, & for 6 months at Munna Point Noosaville while Dad was building there, for many Christmases together at Noosa Woods, long stretchy stocking hanging from my special bunk. Later after we married in '68 we lived for months in it at Noosa again where I worked with a gang from Gympie. Great memories. The only sentimental things I have ever kept is a rocking horse & small wheelbarrow that Dad made for the kids so that they remember stuff he did, but this is magic, & Words dont express this bit of excitement, it is a dream come true I have no intention in dashing into a resto on #343 in any foreseeable time soon, it can sit there under cover & take a few tours from anyone interested, in its present state, I have the other project that I am enjoying & is going fine. It is especially good to share this experience with you who have the Vintage van passion. Surf Tragic |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2009 12:24:41 GMT 10
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Post by firefighter on Nov 23, 2009 12:59:10 GMT 10
Hi Ron What a story............and its all come true for you.......the old family caravan comes home ..........unbelivable your quote I have no intention in dashing into a resto on #343 in any foreseeable time soon, it can sit there under cover ........WHY NOT .....sell the other 2 off ....and get into it .........the way you work you can have it finished in time for Mildura ;D ;D f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by cobber on Nov 23, 2009 13:41:41 GMT 10
G'day Ron, I don't think we need anymore proof that you have managed to find the Don that you grew up with.... and I suspect you might spend the rest of your vintage caravanning life with  . And to think that you might have finished up with an impostor  How the story has gradually unfolded has given us all goose bumps and it's not hard to imagine how excited you must be.... we look forward to watching the restoration of this once in a life time opportunity.... don't rush it Cobber. |
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 23, 2009 17:00:04 GMT 10
Hey there BIG fella, fes up now, you shed a  or two didn't ya nothin wrong with that if you did mate, this is the sort of thing you just don't read about, hang on yes you do right here, I'm sure that this is going to be one very spoilt and pampered van for ever more, no doubt all of dad's mods will be retained and along with the stories you have to tell you will be one busy fella when you take her out telling the world of your find, by the way have we booked a site at Noosa Woods have we? you know the spot looking down Hastings street with the one shop ;D |
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Post by smiles on Nov 23, 2009 20:35:15 GMT 10
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of your family and the van with the forum.
Please don't rush the resto, just enjoy the flood of memories that will come for you now. Plenty of time to ply the ply down the track.
Cathie
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Post by Surf Tragic on Nov 24, 2009 9:59:15 GMT 10
Bobt, the goosebumps are settling down ! freeway, the payment was minimal, just a token, the owner was kind to me, I was watching for snakes in the shrubbery, believe me ! Don Ricardo, I didn't really think this would happen, it was a dream, but it came true. It will take some time to sink in, & every day I feel strange when I think of it all, & thats why I am content to let it sit there for quite some time, I dont know how long it will be until I feel its the right time !! Gobsmacked is one of many words to describe this event, I just dont have the right words! I would really like you to estimate a build date on it, my youngest sister remembers going to the factory to see it in its construction & it was a December, maybe 1948, thinking of #343, then picked it up early Jan/Feb 1949, because yours was delivered July 1949 #461, which is 118 vans later? But in the Don registry it shows a van #328 as 1947 build, so ours may have been in construction Dec 1947 & delivered ex factory anywhere in 1948. What do you think? G'day Ron, and I suspect you might spend the rest of your vintage caravanning life with . And to think that you might have finished up with an impostor Cobber. ;D ;D & I'll leave it on show for a while Cobber Hi Ron ........WHY NOT .....sell the other 2 off ....and get into it ........ ;D ;D f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D refer to previous answer to Cobber ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Hey there BIG fella, fes up now, you shed a or two didn't ya nothin wrong with that if you did mate, , by the way have we booked a site at Noosa Woods have we? you know the spot looking down Hastings street with the one shop ;D I dunno Humpyboy, but something kept getting stuck in my neck when I was writing the story!! Last time I checked on 'The Woods', there was only a small area left for about a dozen campers, probably closed completely now, used to be acres. Well I seem to have been on the computer for the last 4 days, better get out & do stuff the majority in the world understands, mowing, the vege garden, hay baling ......................... Surf Tragic
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2009 13:44:34 GMT 10
What can you say! I have read ths thread from top to bottom twice and it's getting more exciting each time. The bit that gets me is when you tore the cushion covers and found the striped pattern and then we scroll down and see a young lady sitting there and the stripes match! Yep you've found the holy grail alright we get a few people pop up here looking for their old caravans and I doubt they ever find them. Good luck with the resto, I dare say it could be an emotional rollercoaster for you. |
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Post by Cruz on Nov 29, 2009 16:30:19 GMT 10
WOW What can i say well done.
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Post by Jennison on Nov 29, 2009 18:38:58 GMT 10
Surf T,
Though not quite in your league I know that the emotions I felt when i collected the pathfinder, with the "family" connection and all that, were nothing short of indescribable. As I drove the 1000k home with it in tow, I had so much adrenalin (or whatever it was) boiling in my bloodstream I had 2 choices!
1 - stop the car every 5klm , jump out and run around for joy
2 -Hang my head out the window as I drove along and scream at the top of my lungs!!
Can't deny that no1 happened once or twice but to save time given the distance ahead of me I elected for the most part to no 2.
Thrilled for you as I think I know just how you feel!!!!!
What a good story and a great feeling
regards
jennison
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HAD708
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by HAD708 on Nov 29, 2009 19:42:01 GMT 10
Well what a great story probably one of the best in all my VC watching history!!!! That comes under the "it just doesnt happen file", again conratulations on a fantastic find and a special link to your family and most of all to your dad!
Cheers
Brett
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dave01
Full Member
MR ROADHAVEN
Posts: 234
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Post by dave01 on Nov 29, 2009 20:36:23 GMT 10
Loved reading about the don and its history,good luck with its resto... eerie how some things pan out, as a child in the early 60s a roadhaven van was parked in a driveway south of melb and dad had to slow down when we approached, i loved that van, after some investigation that very same van is now owned by a friend and despite requests he wont sell. dave
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2011 14:56:21 GMT 10
Took me a while to find this thread lol, bored, at work and felt like a good read ;D. Sorry to be thread mining but I just love this story!!! my favourite on this site. Who knows hopefully there will be a few newbies on here who will get the goosebumps like we did when we first read it. Still amazes me to this day. |
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Post by cobber on Apr 15, 2011 17:11:52 GMT 10
G'day Andrew, It is a thread worth BUMPING up again.... might inspire the man to get on with the job  Actually.... I think that is what this "recovery" operation might have been about -- getting hold of some bits and pieces needed for the restoration of #343 ........... but then again, there might be something else on the boil Cobber. |
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Post by Surf Tragic on Apr 16, 2011 8:37:43 GMT 10
G'day andrew82 & Cobber. Inspiration isn't lacking to start working on the vans again , at least I have got together all the bits needed to fully restore 3 , the 100, 120, & 140. while I'm waiting It was 10th June 2010 when we drove out of our property after selling. We were about to sign up for the new house on 2 acres just 5 weeks ago, all planning right up to choosing colours, & the builders/developers raised the land price 80k from original quote so it was an easy decision to walk away, sadly, but I have found things like this are all for the best every time, & 2 days later looked at an established property, 18 y.o. house on 1/2 acre, 12 x 6m shed (about 1/3 what is needed), both loved it, did the deal (and saved heaps) & is ours on 2nd May. This is really downsizing, this is what we were trying to achieve, this makes sense at our age & will give us much more freedom. We still have to build/extend to accommodate Michael, that project has been planned & ready to submit to council, 2 builders raring to go. I'm past building construction, have to save what's left of my shoulders for restoring vans & fishing ;D, but can still be project manager. So there it is, the projects will still have to wait for a couple months yet. I want to finish the 120 first, that's what the kitchen in the van from Cobbers is for, move it on, as ultimately I only want to end up with the ONE.................., the family 140, can't wait to make a start on it .............in the mean time, I'm doing some restoring on the 1940's house we are living in, scratching off peeling paint , repainting, not my favourite thing, but the agent convinced me it would be worth the effort, the sun is shining, so better keep at it  ;D. Surf Tragic. |
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Post by retro64 on Apr 17, 2011 22:10:35 GMT 10
G,day surf Tragic,
This is a great story about your family Don. Personally i don't believe in the coincidence of just stumbling onto the family van after so many years but rather think its a case of getting your just deserves, as in, you just deserve it.
Obviously you had great memories of your time spent in the old family van, you wanted one just the same, and the universe provided one, exactly the same one, as wished for.
Now the carting home of the other old Dons makes more sense, much needed bits and pieces to lovingly restore your treasured family Don along with some others.
Glad to hear your new home is pretty much what you wanted , fits in with your long term goals and we hope that your happy with the move.
We're very glad that this thread was bumped so we could enjoy it (thanks andrew82) as newbies we hadn't seen it and appreciate it being brought to our attention.
All the best with the restoration of the old family don surf Tragic,
we look forward to seeing it happen.
cheers retro64
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Post by Surf Tragic on Jul 22, 2017 19:50:02 GMT 10
Here we go again after losing all the photos & re-posting them through PostImage which is a dream to use, so simple, & no Ads.  The Chassis comes out 1st  I used an engine hoist to get it this far & placed it on a trolley I had made some time ago to roll windows around building sites  The chassis is bent at least 10mm from front to back & has failed badly from use on Qld roads in the 50's- 60's. Axle is badly bent too. At last the reason of the RHS wall " belly out" reveals itself on most 140 models. The chassis bends & the wall has no choice but to belly out, the LHS wall has the wardrobe floor to ceiling to hold it up & remains straight. There is no way I am going to spend 1000 hours restoring this van without a new stronger chassis, otherwise it will collapse again in time.  Matching ID plates on Step (bad one)  Outside wall  Inside Plate  The bowed-out wall. There has been repairs done here by my Dad, have always wondered what was behind this wide strip of ply repair along the centre.  There is lots of nogging fitted as well as a waterproofing plastic flashing.  Definitely Dad's work.  There's quite a bit done, so will keep posting some more if this remains successful. The Photobucket thing is disappointing to put it mildly  Surf Tragic |
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