|
|
Post by JohnStockwell on May 29, 2012 10:18:46 GMT 10
Hi there, I'm new to this. Fact is I hated caravans until recently. I called them the scourge of the highways. Back road terrorists. Why in hell would anyone want to tow one of those stupid things? That was until I clapped eyes on a vintage van. Now that's cool I thought. Then I began seeing the bloody things everywhere. I even found a magazine dedicated to them. And what's also funny is the magazine is published from my home town. Maleny. Just around the corner from where I live. Weird or what? Anyway now I'm hooked. I've been outbid on eBay. I've looked at vans that promised the world and delivered a pile of crap. Looked high and low. Even contemplated moving to bloody Victoria cause that's where all the good vans seem to be. So here's my plea... If anybody has a decent vintage or classic van and want's to see it go to a good family (mum, dad and 2 beautiful daughters in primary school) please let me know. It has to sleep 4 people and preferably have an annex for the kids bikes etc. We wan't to holiday in it. Not just have it look pretty  I'll even drive to bloody Victoria or South Australia to pick it up if it's the right van. I'd prefer one that's mechanically sound and doesn't leak. It will be living in the back yard until I build a shed for the bugger. Oh yeh, I'm looking to spend around 4-5K for the right one. Seems you can get something decent for that price. Any help would be much appreciated. John. |
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 10:52:18 GMT 10
Hi John, welcome, and go to the end of the line. just kidding  we're in same boat as you, and it's a cr#ppy old boat. just when grow out of your aversion to caravans, carefully nurtured by hippyish leftish righteous indignation (and such and such), expecting to find a plethora of old vans looking for a new home, there's nada!. we're in nsw, and can't find one for love or money  same dealybob as you - family of 4, no leaks (the van, not the family), travelworthy, etc etc. tell you what, if you find one and a spare, let me know, and if I come across any extras, I'll let you know. brilliant! cheers, and happy hunting to both of us |
|
|
|
Post by 56effy on May 29, 2012 12:30:04 GMT 10
G,day John,
Good luck with the hunting, we had to go to vic to get a beauty and the trip down and back was a very enjoyable time.
catch Y'a later,
Effy.
|
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on May 29, 2012 13:14:09 GMT 10
You just have to refine your searching techniques on ebay, trading post car sales. Use 'vintage, classic, retro, old' then just 'caravan' newly listed every day. if you really like something, either ring the seller & do the deal or use a sniping service to blow all the other bidders out of the water in the last 7 seconds  I particularly enjoy the last one. Then again, you could use Mark T's vintage caravan finder which he built himself with amazing results ;D |
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 13:37:23 GMT 10
You just have to refine your searching techniques on ebay, trading post car sales. Use 'vintage, classic, retro, old' then just 'caravan' newly listed every day. if you really like something, either ring the seller & do the deal or use a sniping service to blow all the other bidders out of the water in the last 7 seconds I particularly enjoy the last one. Then again, you could use Mark T's vintage caravan finder which he built himself with amazing results ;D they're great tips! I use them all - except for that last one. I'm useless at auctions  meantime, where can I buy a Mark T model vanfinder? are they expensive? |
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on May 29, 2012 14:41:43 GMT 10
I can't find the original thread & maybe someone with more experience ( or the registered patent holder) may point it out for me but it's known as the 'Reddo Tel International Mark 11 Van Finda' Beeps & everything when you are within range of a vintage van  |
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 14:46:24 GMT 10
that sounds tremendously cool! I must try to track one down, asap meantime, do you think it would go "beep" if it scanned this: ebay1950's Vintage Caravan (#251070770325), or would it show "move along, nothing to see here" on its little viewscreen? |
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on May 29, 2012 15:32:43 GMT 10
Mmm, depends how much of a handyman you are & I wouldn't attempt to tow any great distance. Be patient, I bought a globe trotter that didn't need anything done, admittedly paid a bit for it, but then i bought one at a clearing sale for $2 & sold it for $100 the next day! Also, you know how it goes 'buy in haste, repent at leisure'  |
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on May 29, 2012 15:41:52 GMT 10
Does appear to have water damage inside at the front too  |
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 15:49:10 GMT 10
okay, I'll chalk that one down to "move along" having said that, we're actually pretty handy but only have time for cosmetics at this juncture. meantime, I get what you're saying about paying a bit - and you'd think that willingness to do so would reveal all sorts of wonderous vans, ready to be bought, wouldn't you. we're prepared to pay well .. very well, but draw blanks nevertheless. repenting at leisure .. yes, a good point! however we actually have something of a deadline. crazy as it might sound, we've actually booked a powered site at a family reunion type shindig at xmas time. we're hoping that something turns up in time for us to have a few practice runs before the Big Drive (2000km). or at least in time to make any minor modifications/improvements that need doing. crazy, innit. you go about thinking that if only you had the money you'd buy this, or that, or that other thing over there. when you're poor the world is chock full of "things I want". the minute your coffers start groaning, you can't find The Thing anywhere in the galaxy. All those "I wants" are mysteriously MIA, all of a sudden. poo on a stick |
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 15:50:49 GMT 10
Does appear to have water damage inside at the front too oh yeah, plenty of that, methinks. scary mary  |
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on May 29, 2012 17:00:09 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 17:11:00 GMT 10
I'm watching that one closely! Lordy knows how we'd pick her up if we won, though. cross that bridge later meantime I fear we've hijacked the OPs thread. though we're still on topic, so it's all good I guess. been noice chattin' |
|
|
|
Post by junctionbox on May 29, 2012 19:32:18 GMT 10
oh yeah, plenty of that, methinks. scary mary That's a nice looking van and would make a great project....I can't over emphasise the term projectEarly this year I looked at a different van from (perhaps?) the same seller. It was cheap, and a very attractive 50's bondwood van with stunning black & white marbled laminex interior. At the time I decided it was just a little too much of a project for me so I let it slide....and maybe I'm a tad regretful now? After watching the progress of several van restorations on this forum and noting the unloved and horific conditions that some of these vintage vans are in when purchased I came to the conclusion that I would have to harden up, roll up my sleeves, put my head down and ass up, and (re)build the van of my dreams...which is what I am now doing! My tip - when perusing ebay, gumtree, trading post, etc, never except anything the seller tells you as gospel truth. Beware of the snake oil and damn lies - like almost roadworthy, never leaked, wont need much to register, blah blah blah! Show me an old van that's never leaked and I'll show you some genuine rocking horse dung! Never buy without first inspecting. And if you don't know much about old caravans take somebody with you that does. |
|
|
|
Post by JBJ on May 29, 2012 19:52:11 GMT 10
Hi,
Thats a REAL big statement about old vans never leaking, & a pretty stupid thing to say based on your limited experience.
Neglected vans can leak, but a well maintained van will not neccessarily leak.
I dont like having to come on & say this, but a lot of you newer members are not aware of as much about old vans like you think you are.
I have owned, & rebuilt as neccessary, 5 old vans, & have a fair idea of what I am talking about. My present van, Deejay, has been well cared for all its life (built in 1956) It has NEVER suffered from leaking. The others I have rebuilt have required various amounts of rebuilding, but not from leaking specifically. They suffered from weathering from being out in the weather, but not direct damage from leaking.
I've seen good looking vans leak badly, but you cant make a general statement like you did & expect people to agree with you.
Having said that , & having upset your thoughts, I'd like to comment generally that you only get what you pay for. If you want a good van with no faults, you wont get it cheap unless you are real lucky.
No body but you can decide what you buy. If you have the skills & money to rebuild a van, go that way.
BUT if you dont, just buy the best you can.
No easy way to make a silk purse from a sows ear (an old aussie saying)
JBJ
|
|
|
|
Post by hwyman on May 29, 2012 20:35:01 GMT 10
YOUR WRONG JBJ The expression derives from the old proverb 'you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear', which dates from the 16th century. The English clergyman Stephen Gosson published the romantic story Ephemerides in 1579 and in it referred to people who were engaged in a hopeless task: "Seekinge too make a silke purse of a Sowes eare." Although over the years i have noticed you are blessed with the ability to turn a sow's ear in to a silk purse ;D ;D ;D Hwyman |
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 20:45:16 GMT 10
What would be really nice (and helpful) if forum members would post up their location. NOT your house #, but the general area in which you live That way you can expect much more help from people looking out for you. No good me excitedly finding a maybe suitable van for you at, say, Bringabagalong and you live on the other side of our great big country at a town commonly called Wheelabarraback ;D ;D Nobody wants to intrude in another persons space but some times it is about location, location, location.  ;D ;D Cheers and happy hunting Rod Just my thoughts  hi Rod I've let the good folk here know where I am (novanland), so hoping you Sydney peeps with one of those you beaut 'vandars' might know of something that has thus far ebaded my investigations. meantime, to JB, I havent the first solitary clue about van restoration, nor the time, nor the facilities. precisely why I'm prepared to pay through both nostrils for one that doesnt leak |
|
|
|
Post by JBJ on May 29, 2012 20:46:06 GMT 10
Thanks Highwayman,
Always happy to be corrected where I'm wrong. My english history is not one of my stronger points.
But I guess if people understand that not everything just comes to you, & sometimes you have to put a lot of effort into getting what you want, then maybe some will realise that I'm not just a cranky old fart trying to get a point across.
Thanks for the history lesson
JBJ
|
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 20:48:18 GMT 10
cant believe I actually typo'd "ebaded" instead of evaded. sigmund would diagnose ebay exhaustion.
|
|
|
|
Post by isambard on May 29, 2012 20:56:16 GMT 10
Thanks Highwayman, Always happy to be corrected where I'm wrong. My english history is not one of my stronger points. But I guess if people understand that not everything just comes to you, & sometimes you have to put a lot of effort into getting what you want, then maybe some will realise that I'm not just a cranky old fart trying to get a point across. Thanks for the history lesson JBJ mate, I've been looking a looong time. and yes, I do expect to have to put in effort. I had to earn the money to pay for the dang thing. I have to spend untold numbers of hours trawling through an endless parade of pop tops and 22 footers. I will probably have to drive to the end of the earth to collect whatever van I eventually buy. all effort - just not the effort you're referring to. doesnt make me less vv worthy - just coming at it from a different angle |
|
|
|
Post by JohnStockwell on May 29, 2012 21:08:46 GMT 10
Thanks everyone for your help. Seems I've opened up a can of whoopass.
Funny how a general request for help can get pulled and pushed a thousand different ways.
I didn't intend this discussion to get out of hand but I guess it's a sensitive topic. I want to thank everyone for their input and opinions.
Yes you do get what you pay for. And I'm willing to pay for a great caravan even if it means paying top dollar. I'll go as far as 10K for the right rig. Didn't want to play all my cards up front. Ha Ha.
So if you have a van that is suitable for a family of 4 lets talk. Hope to meet you all soon at a gathering of the vintage caravans. I brew my own bourbon by the way, so lets sit down and talk about old vans and good old fashioned, do it yourself, pastimes. Over a kick arse bourbon or 2.
John.
|
|
|
|
Post by JohnStockwell on May 29, 2012 21:34:20 GMT 10
Hi junctionbox,
By that name I reckon your a current or ex electrician. I'm an ex sparkie myself. So if you can hook me up with a van from Victoria I'd be as happy as a pig in you know what.
My sister lives in Grifith so it'd be a good excuse to head south for the winter.
Cheers mate.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jennison on May 29, 2012 21:45:47 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by junctionbox on May 29, 2012 21:56:01 GMT 10
Ya better stock up on the Rocking Horse Dung. Plenty of old vans out the that have been purchased that have never leaked. Dave Dave, right now I'm feeding my rocking horse oats, bran, and millet....that should get things moving? I think you too have missed my point in relation to sellers that claim their vans don't leak. If you thoroughly disect my first post you will notice that I referenced ebay, trading post, etc. How many supposedly non leaking vans listed in those formats have you inspected lately? In the past six months I have looked at scores of vans in the price bracket that the op suggested - and guess what?...the sellers all said they didn't leak! Amazing isn't it? But when a looked around I found evidence of leaks in almost all of them. So again my main point of my post.... beware the snake oil!In the end I knowingly bought one that leaked like a sieve but I'm damn sure that when I've finished it it wont leakThe op sums it up... I've looked at vans that promised the world and delivered a pile of crap.I merely seconded it! |
|
|
|
Post by Jennison on May 29, 2012 22:07:19 GMT 10
;D ;D ;D
|
|
same dealybob as you - family of 4, no leaks (the van, not the family), travelworthy, etc etc.
I particularly enjoy the last one.
