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Post by nugget on Jun 9, 2010 8:57:26 GMT 10
THIS THREAD TELLS THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY OF THE RESTORATION OF NUGGET'S VAN.
TO READ THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY CLICK HERE[/URL][/size]
G'day all,   Well here as promised are photos of nuggets new resto project. Please folks take a look as I would like to try to I/D this van and as I stated in my earlier post I don't really care if this is a home made or not. I am also after ideas and suggestions re resto. s1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/wilfred61ek/Nuggets%20Van%20Resto/The attachment is of the tow car my ek which is currently under resto as well (not enough projects), It is in original condition and am rebuilding motor and car to original the interior is immaculate. Plans include obviously colour matching to car and already have paint. However, I'm struggling with how original to keep this VV. The exterior is to be re-clad is currently clad in masonite or resiboard any ideas on substitute materials, the front stone guard area below front windows is the standard white corrugated aluminium as is the lower back. I was thinking of sheeting this area in stainless steel sheet, any ideas suggestions on this? The draw bar A frame is attached to floor board bearers, and has an old tow ball attachment (see pics), does anyone know the vic roads structural standards and requirements for re-registering a VV. The front and rear windows where stuffed, the hardwood frame had a masonite covering then aluminium strip front edges and had 3mm glass, I have remade these out of second hand 25mm hardwood ($27) from scrap yard. My mate is a glazier he is fitting new 6mm glass (it's who you know) Internally, big plans. The floor boards are in excellent condition (200mm wide). My plan is to overlay with 3mm mdf sheet then lino with black and white small checkers. The plywood internal walls and ceiling are being replaced with internal colour’s to match the argosy turquoise (Car colour) and white theme continued from outside. Electrics are all being replaced, I intend to rewire for both normal 24v power and install an inverter/generator. All old light fittings, power points and switches removed. Another mate is a sparky so he said he would re-wire with conduit covered cables (so I can insulate) for me to my own requirements. I was considering removing both and replacing with a bar fridge keeping the original cupboard as facade, ideas please?? Mates are great when doing up an old VV they all want to help on such a fun project, my mate the cabinet maker said he would re-laminate the bench tops and tables to match, nice,,,,, The Van (haven't named it yet) has a sink no taps or tap holes but has an external water filler hole that goes to a void (obviously for container) under the sink. I am going to install a sink with a tap with direct hose connection and pump from container option (have small 12v water pump). There is a place next to the sink that has been previously used as an ice box I am going to install a gas/electric ? (ideas) stove and grill. Other plans include a few small luxuries ie radio, small flat screen TV and heater. I am also looking for a good upholsterer (reasonably priced) to redo seats. Please folks leave your feedback and ideas they will all be appreciated. Thanx Nugget
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Post by nugget on Jun 9, 2010 10:18:39 GMT 10
missed a bit when pasting about electrics and fridge. I intend to rewire and move dome light to be the main light feature and install led lighting in unobtrusive points, new power points and repair tail lights. The fridge is an old style with a large motor at the bottom of the tall cupboard, I was considering removing both and replacing with a bar fridge keeping the original cupboard as facade, ideas please?? |
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Post by Franklin1 on Jun 9, 2010 23:31:25 GMT 10
G'day nugget, I had to read through your information a few times to try and make sense of all the things you are planning to do.  You've certainly jumped straight into the deep end with the restoration plans, ay!? ;D ;D Some of the bits and pieces you've described in the van still confuse me. You say there looks like an icebox next to the sink?  If you're talking about the next door that is hinged at the bottom, I would think that's where the original stove went. So, you're plan to put a stove there sounds ok. Whether you go gas or electric is based on where you think the van will mostly go. If usually to powered sites, you can go electric; if not, ya gotta go gas. Keep in mind a lot of people don't cook in their van...heat, smoke, fumes, soot, etc. Possibly you could spend the money on a decent stove for outside use? ---------------------- You say there's a fridge motor at the bottom of the wardrobe?  The lighter cupboard door to the left of the wardrobe has the fittings that are typical of an icebox. Is it possible someone has converted the icebox to a fridge, and the compressor has been placed at the bottom of the wardrobe? (Or am I totally misunderstanding the photo? :  ------------------------- You say your sparky mate is going to put the wiring in conduit? Do you have the wall thickness to be able to hide the conduit in the wall cavity, or will the conduit be on show? Maybe you could get the sparky to hide a double-pole rcd/mcb safety switch somewhere in the van, and do away with the conduit? ------------------------- The aluminium cladding on the front is nowhere near the age of your van, but the aluminium will sure give some protection from road grit hitting the front of the van. Six o' one, half a dozen o' the other as to whether you keep them on or not. If you're hoping to achieve a bit of a historic look on the outside of the van, they'll have to go. Cover the outside with exterior grade plywood sheets (with the good glue bond). Thickness will depend on how the framework in the front wall is made. (Looks like a nice job on the front windows, by the way!  ) ------------------------- I'd give the MDF a miss on the floor. Can't write anything positive about that stuff at all. Soaks up water like a sponge, and then swells up to a crumbly mess. Maybe you can do what our parents did in the 50s and 60s, and just lay thick sheets of newspaper down on the flooring and lay the vinyl over that. In another 50 years, someone else will enjoy discovering newspapers from 2010.  Otherwise I'd be putting some masonite/hardboard sheeting down if you think the original floorboards are not up to scratch (they don't look too badly cupped from the photo taken underneath the van...  -------------------------------- They're my thoughts, nugget. Have fun mulling them over... cheers, Al. |
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Post by nugget on Jun 10, 2010 4:24:02 GMT 10
Thanks for the feedback Al, Yes, I have jumped in the deep end and opened a can of worms, but I am sure the effort will be worth it (Have the first trip planned June 2011 hope I make it).  Yeah Al, next to the sink is an ice box than looks as though at some stage a stove, I didn’t think about soot etc so I will probably put in a small electric hotplate stove(just for a cuppa) and will have plenty of space to pack a small bbq. You are right about the photo of the fridge in the lighter cupboard, and the compressor at the bottom of the wardrobe cupboard, I have decided to rip it out and insert a bar fridge as its too heavy, bulky inefficient etc, I will try to keep the fridge door as facade. Thanks for idea on the double-pole rcd/mcb safety switch, it makes sense. The wall cavity is about 1inch thick so plenty of room to run conduits, I’m paranoid about water etc with electric’s in a wooden van.  The front stone guard aluminium is clad on the outside of the exterior plywood so won’t hard to replace, can get cheap stainless to make new cover or guards, but might cross this bridge when I get to it. I was reluctant with mdf sheet on the floor because of the water issue as you mentioned, the floor boards are good, however the odd bump and warp inclined me to sheeting it over sanding it exactly level. I intend to seal the underside to prevent water penetration. I remember when I was a kid my cousin and I went through an old closed pub in Trundle NSW and found old newspapers from the 40’s very interesting, so I’m sold on your newspaper idea. I like it!!!  ;D Windows are nearly ready for primer, had small mishap when finishing off last frame with electric planner, I hit a screw a smashed the framed into 4 bits doh! Start again.  Yesterday, I built a level base working frame and jacked the van on to it have 1” clearance off the ground. This has given me a good level base to run internal levels off without body movement. I can now drop the draw bar and wheels and axle off as well. What do you think about the axle and springs (check pics), rather low and huge heavy drums, 16” narrow rimmed wheels (small truck or 4wd i think). I believe these are the springs you can turn upside down for off road. Draw bar is attached to main bearers. Do you think these would pass rego inspection? Should I replace axles and/or draw bar?. Any thoughts.. Thanks Nugget |
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Post by Franklin1 on Jun 10, 2010 17:54:13 GMT 10
G'day again, nugget, One of the car experts on this forum will be able to tell you what the wheels are off. Maybe if you post a photo of the wheel centre without the hubcap, it'll make it easier for people to tell. [...And here's a handy little tip for using Photobucket: Before you click on the [Upload Images and Videos] bar, click on the blue words just below the bar: (more options). A box will come up on your screen giving you some more options, including resizing your photos. On the left hand side is a list of photo sizes. Put the dot in the " Large (640 x 480)" option, and click Save at the bottom. Then go back and hit the Upload bar. Photobucket will resize your uploaded photos to that saved size. You'll still have the whopper-size photos on your computer to do other things with, but the resized photos in your Photobucket album will make it more user-friendly for our computers to download. ] I tried counting the number of leaves on your springs. Is it 9 or 10, or something like that?! Man oh man, you could certainly carry some weight around on those!! There would be other members more familiar with the Victorian registration idiosyncracies, but from a design point of view, I'd like to know what provides rigidity to the drawbar under the front of the van? There are a couple of sections of aluminium cladding cut out above where the drawbar protudes out the front, suggesting there is some sort of cross-member there that "locks" the two side bearers and the drawbar together in the one plane. Otherwise, what stops your drawbar from moving in an up-and-down motion?...  Providing the chassis has been engineered correctly, I see no reason why it wouldn't pass rego. And providing you can get all the bits and pieces associated with the wheels/brakes working (brake shoes, wheel bearings, etc), I see no reason why you should spend your hard-earned money on replacement wheels, axle, etc. (Others may have a different view ). Just out of curiousity, the bearer on the nearside (the doorside) looks like it is fairly new timber. Not much sign of years of accumulated dirt on it. Does it look like it's been replaced at some stage?? Hope some or all of the above helps. cheers, Al. |
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whippy
Full Member
"Twiggy" the Globetrotter
Posts: 462
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Post by whippy on Jun 11, 2010 20:00:08 GMT 10
Hi, From my experience with Vic Roads in relation to registration, all they are interested in is the number stamped on the chassis, all roadworthy items work & a receipt from the previous owner.You will also need a weigh bridge certificate if you don't have previous registration details.
The first van I registered I had to go through the whole routine proving everything works etc. The second older van, I didn't have to prove a thing, she walked around the van with no rear window and when I went into the office I heard her say to the other person, " he even has a great car towing it." So it depends on the Vic Roads person who is going to do the check.
If you do it right the first time, it doesn't matter who checks it!!!
I
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Post by nugget on Jun 12, 2010 0:11:32 GMT 10
G’day all, Thanks for the info whippy, I love your van , what’s the exterior cladding?. I really do appreciate any feedback as I’m flying by the seat of my pants so appreciate any info. Yes, I also adhere to do it right the first time, my latest photos should depict this.... I will check A frame tomorrow for chassis number but haven’t seen one at this stage, I’m pretty confident it’s a home-made job so may not have one??? If need be I can butcher an old trailer frame, I better duck into vic roads next week and check this out. Al, thanks for the info on the photos have done this next lot at 640 x 480. Had a busy couple of days, opened that can of worms a bit further.  In answer to your questions the A frame goes through the main wooden floor bearers and bolt (bolts all rusted through) to a right angle steel length where you see the cut out in the aluminium.  The bearer you mentioned is old, but the bearers and floor boards are in good nic for their age. I replaced 70mm off the front floor board where water had worked its way through and had rotted the board.I So a progress update, I’m ripping in to it as I have to go back to work on the 22nd so it’s all in. Curiosity got the better of me, so I pulled the cupboard backing board over the fridge motor and check it out...   Should I keep it???I might see if it works tomorrow. Pulled the aluminium front and ply exterior and interior, a fair bit of water damage to the frame where exterior joined on front edges, so I bit the bullet (my dad’s words still haunt me- do it once, do it right) and I will let the pictures tell the story.... s1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/wilfred61ek/Nuggets%20Van%20Resto%20updates%201/I know it looks a mess but it is actually organised chaos....  So tomorrow is finish repairing side and reinstall repaired front frames and work on window surrounds. Thanks for following Nugget ;D |
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Post by Franklin1 on Jun 12, 2010 16:21:46 GMT 10
Crikey nugget, there sure are some clever people around (...including YOU!) ;D That fridge set-up in the wardrobe is amazing! Should you keep it? Hmmm...would be a great talking point with visitors in your van... Tour Guide 'Nugget': "And over here folks is the wardrobe. But wait! Have a look at what's inside!" (opens door)
Crowd leans forward: "Ooh...Wow!!"Other than for it's uniqueness, my vote would be to ditch it. Waste of a good cupboard, I reckon. If you don't want to go the ice-box route, I'd be doing what you've already mentioned and putting a small fridge into the ice-box space. If you don't end up using the hinges and catch that are currently on the ice-box door, just remember to hang onto them. There's always someone looking for bits for their restoration. As for the Vic rego situation, my memory was jogged about some info that forum member minicamper put up a few months back. Seems there's some tricks about chassis numbers you might need to think about. Click on this link: How to tango with VicRoads (partial resto)The work you've done so far is amazing. Nothing like the old "Rip-tear-bust" approach to restorations, ay?!! Keep at it mate...you're doing just fine! ;D ;D cheers, Al. |
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Post by nugget on Jun 12, 2010 23:17:41 GMT 10
G'day All, Thanks Al for the feedback for fridge, the trouble is people wouldn't see it anyway as it was built into the frame, so there goes the talking point no oohs or ahhhs, so I guess I rip it out and replace it, I might turn it into a still.  By the way 13 leaves in springs probably needed to carry the fridge. I know that last pic looked a bit savage so had a bit of a cleanup today. Yep, nothing like the rip tear bust approach, but am using the ripped out items as templates and making replacement pieces as I go, so will be easy to rebuild.  I am now pretty confident the van is a home made job, the timber floor is amazing light hardwood timber 200mm wide I'm not sure what timber it is and am going to get it checked out, as it is in great nic for its age.. The rear end framework won’t need much to bring back to its former glory. The other reason I'm sure it's homemade as there are no chassis numbers anywhere. Thanks for link to vic roads forum I had a read and will po0p down and see the local inspector before i even touch or fix up trailer frame and draw bar. Today I replaced front left skirt timber under the edge of the floorboards (needed to do this before replacing door jamb). So should be able to start rebuilding front end tomorrow . I'm loving this resto, and am sure some wouldn't waste their time on such a relic but I guess one man’s beauty is another man’s beast. ;D Thanks for following. Nugget ;D |
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Post by humpyboy on Jun 12, 2010 23:34:24 GMT 10
Hi nugget, good fun this ripping vans apart isn't it, I like the shape of what you have there and it should come up real nice when finished, on the matter of your fridge, should you dicide to replace it and would like a good home for old fridge hinges and lock I would like to put my hand up, it was suggested to me today that I could build a small ice box for my project so the mind is ticking over.
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Post by Don Ricardo on Jun 13, 2010 22:50:01 GMT 10
The other reason I'm sure it's homemade as there are no chassis numbers anywhere. G'day Nugget, Nothing like watching somebody do a root, trunk and branch restoration of a V V! More fun than TV! ;D ;D ;D As you say, when you're doing a resto as major as yours there's a lot of chaos before much order, but I'm glad that in your case its organised chaos. Re your comment about the lack of a chassis number - that doesn't necessarily tell you much, especially if the van was built before (say) the mid-50's. Many, maybe most manufacturers - both small and large - in the 30's, 40's and 50's didn't put a chassis number on their chassis and there was no legal requirement for them to do so. Some manufacturers put a serial number somewhere on their van, but some of them didn't even do that. So not having a chassis number doesn't mean that your van was homebuilt, however from what I've seen of your van, and heard about it, my personal feeling is that your conclusion is probably correct. Looking forward to seeing more of your work, Don Ricardo |
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Post by nugget on Jun 16, 2010 21:01:33 GMT 10
G’day all, ;D Great fun pulling them apart, I like putting them back together as wel, ???l which is where most get stuck. Here’s some updates.... s1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/wilfred61ek/Nuggets%20Van%20Resto%20updates%201/Will keep it in mind Humpy mind about the fridge humpyboy will let you know as soon as I get to it. Thanks for the info about chassis numbers Don, whoever made did had obviously had some experience in making vans and due to the nature of timber joins for the period at times seem rushed or manufactured. Yet on the positives the frame is mostly good hardwood It has only rotted where water has rotted through the masonite cladding (if only they had chosen a better material to clad with). When I purchased it they said mid 50’s – 60’s can you shed some light on to this I assume being purchased at Tolmie and called Tolmie (which is renowned logging area) was probably built there (which may explain the200mm floorboards). I have replaced both front running boards as they had rotted through, this had caused the whole right hand side wall and floor to drop 30mm. This required some fancy jack work.   I have removed the rusted out bolts and main RHS draw bar, re-welded the wooden front frame supports where they had brok  I reinforced the frame with 2 second brackets welded to the inside as the original was too flimsy..  I brushed, etch primed and replaced rusted bolts that connect to A frame and bearers. I then sealed and primed under RHS cross member draw bar.  With the new front side supports I made I reinforced these with two sheets of cut to size masonite glued together and screwed with brass screws (I always use brass coated to prevent rust).  I have fixed the front frame and checked new windows for fit (before my mate fits glass to them) and after an initial scare THEY FIT perfect ..... ;D ;D ;D I wasn’t sure how it would go after lifting the wall, so I am glad I made them square regardless of fit,  The new window side supports are made and trimmed them tonight,  I also strengthened windows by driving 55 mm 8g screws through the top and bottom vertically. They will never move. Any way that’s all for the moment, thanks for following. Nugget
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Post by humpyboy on Jun 16, 2010 21:34:56 GMT 10
Hey there nugget, only need to put a few bits back and they start looking good straight away,keep the pics coming, I love a good resto.
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Post by Don Ricardo on Jun 16, 2010 23:17:05 GMT 10
G'day Nugget, Looks like you're making good progress with your restoration. Dating vans - particularly homebuilt vans - can be a tricky exercise, but based on the shape of your van, the placement and construction of the windows, and the general look of the van, my guess is early 50's. What do others think? Sometimes people write the date they started building the van - or completed it - in pencil somewhere on the frame or in a cupboard, etc, so keep an eye out when your pulling things apart. The fact that your van is named 'Tolmie' is another snippet of evidence which suggests that it was homebuilt by someone for their own use. There have been a few examples on the forum over the years where people have named their van after where they live, or after their children or wife. (Although come to think of it, Victorian commercial van manufacturers in the 40's and 50's had a particular penchant for using their location as a brand name - Hawthorn, Greythorn, Beaumaris, Burwood, Elwood... However, Tolmie hasn't come up before, and given Tolmie's location, my thinking is it's a one off.) Don Ricardo |
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Post by nugget on Jun 24, 2010 21:41:57 GMT 10
G’day All, ;D Thanks Don for the info about the place names very interesting , I will keep an eye out for any manufacture clues and when I pull the fridge out that may provide more info re-dates....... I have loaded a photo of the below of an old van (location secret he, he ) it has the same wheels and similar A frame draw bar (except with steel bearers running all the length to the axle.). Any ideas on this one Don, Perhaps the next project.....  Any way I have been struggling with the flimsy nature of the front end supports.   They have been cut cross grained that they lacked any strength, I knew that the outer and inner lining would give the frame extra support, which, I thought with the extra bracket on the draw bar beam,  there may be enough front frame strength, stability and most importantly square alignment that I needed. Yet, it gets back to the old saying if you going to do some-thing, do it right the first time....  so after a lot of wasted time and effort on repairing the old frame only to find I was not happy with it.  I went to the local steel roller and ten minutes $50, later I walked away with as you can see a better alternative for safety, strength and durability than the original and it will not alter the facade of the van from original so I guess the purest won’t hang me for this (I hope )!!! Anyway Judge for yourself.......  So it was important to ensure all parts fitted and were square prior to being screwed back together  I got a couple of mates in to help square up windows, centre support, sill, windows (hinges) and side frames to then screw and glued from top working downwards to ensure window stayed square. ;D They also cut all steel front frame arches to fit, I need to trim the tops of these, weld 2 centre supports to draw bar and secure exterior supports to wooden frame and floor.  I have paint stripped and brushed aluminum window sill strip, ready for primer.  Then I can give the windows a lick of paint and send them to be glazed. More pictures added to my photo bucket album...... s1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/wilfred61ek/Nuggets%20Van%20Resto%20updates%201/So in this weekend is to start lining internal ply to internal front frame and sides... So till then thanks for following.. Nugget ;D |
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Post by DC3Td on Jun 24, 2010 22:07:50 GMT 10
Coming along nicely Nugget. Sometimes you gotta do what yer gotta do regarding the steel ribs. As for the old van - no secret given the Theatre Arts Group logo in background!! cheers gordon
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Post by nugget on Jun 24, 2010 22:33:46 GMT 10
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Post by DC3Td on Jun 24, 2010 23:22:47 GMT 10
Howdy. Not really.Bit like a flat tyre. Just needs pumping up to get it back in shape! Yeah,almost not worth worrying about but you`d be surprised just what some folk have done with practically nothing to work with. Keep up the good work on your `van. cheers gordon
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Post by nugget on Jun 24, 2010 23:30:08 GMT 10
Yeah Gordon, Nearly start from scratch pretty bad, Thanks for your comments Cheers Nugget
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Post by curtis on Jul 1, 2010 21:49:31 GMT 10
Amazing work. It is great to see someone put so much into a project, you will enjoy it all the more once you are out and about with it!!
Message from the moderators THIS THREAD TELLS THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY OF THE RESTORATION OF NUGGET'S VAN.
TO READ THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY CLICK HERE[/URL][/size] This thread is now locked. If you wish to reply to Nugget or make a post, please do so on the new thread via the link provided. |
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;D
so after a lot of wasted time 
