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Post by fshealey on Sept 9, 2012 13:24:10 GMT 10
Hi,
I'm a new member and am wanting to purchace a vintage van to tow behind my recently restored Morris Oxford Traveller, and i've found a carapark zestline van locally and would like some feed back on these vans, weight and interior layout as most of the interior has been butchered.
The rear sub frame has dropped away from the floor (rusted), the outside is in pretty good nic needs TLC of coarse.
It comes with a new fridge, stove/oven, microwave, just been rewired, it needs a lot of work but it would be great in the end.
So any info would be appricated.
Thanks Frank
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Post by fshealey on Sept 9, 2012 13:36:14 GMT 10
Photo of van
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Post by Roehm3108 on Sept 9, 2012 14:42:35 GMT 10
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Post by retro64 on Sept 10, 2012 17:11:49 GMT 10
Hi there,
It's nice to hear of another Carapark Zestline (if you buy it) going to a new home to be restored and enjoyed. Lucky to find it so close to home too.
There is so much variety that as Vintage Van owners we are spoiled for choice as to the shape, size and material that the pre 70's vans are made of.
Alot of really popular and sought after vans are rounded in shape, often bondwood or fiberglass, the complete opposite to the Zestline in fact.
In our opinion the Zestlines and the larger Carapark Astronaught are beautiful and unique. We love the square lines etc. When standing inside, the windows truly do give a "panoramic' view. Just imagine being parked up near the beach or a rain forest with the curtains open. The butterfly type hatch, another interesting feature, lets in lots of ventilation too.
When we did some restoration on our Zestline "Ziggy", and posted photos in the members section, we were really surprised and delighted at how many people appreciated the beauty of this style of van. They were interested to see its progress and we received encouraging comments.
Ours had interior water damage due to corroded rivets, where the sheets are held together and attatched to the frame.Rivets holding the cladding even popped off during transportation.
We think/guess these vans originally had a fold down lounge/bed, but ours had a home made metal bed frame the full lenght of the rear wall.. The dinette inside the front door to the left running across the front of the van. A wardrobe to the right as you walk in, and a kitchen between the dinette and rear bed runs along the wall opposite to the doorway. Full length overheads above the dinette, kitchen and bed. Floor covering was square tiles.
As to weight, that will depend on what you put in it, building materials you choose etc. etc. etc. Our weighbridge certificate says 780kg tare weight. That's before anything is loaded into it, food, water, clothes bedding and everything else you would normally pack. This by no means gives you, nor is intended to give you, your finished weight, but it may give a rough idea.
Cost of refitting can be vastly underestimated, we know as we've done it. The kitchen cupboard unit was missing in ours. Lionel built a new one from scratch using ply and light pine framing. We had the handles allready, and we still spent approx $200.00 on materials and another $250.00 for the laminate bench top. Paint was extra.
Lastly as other members have suggested, take a look at other Zestlines on this forum, they are all a reflection of their owners enthusiasm and style.
We wish you all the best in your decision," to buy or not to buy".
Cheers and good luck,
retro64
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Post by fshealey on Sept 10, 2012 19:30:49 GMT 10
Thanks for the great welcome and the also the great info.
This is making my decission very easy to buy, retro64 like yours this one's interior has been butchered the kitchen has been moved to the front where the table normally is and has been fitted with a very Large new oven/stove combo, no sink but a new fridge, no doors at all and only the stick frame of the cupboards, (not original).
All the overheads where taken out and the bed has gone as well as the wardrobe.
So basiclly i have to pull it all out and refit as close to original as possible.
Oh yeah there is an ugly big aircon hanging out the back window which they put a new 3/4 window on one side and big angle brackets bolted to the outside of the van.
I found some ID marks welded to the drawbar C/P 1324 for you to document.
I think from reading the forums that this is a 12/9 Zestline 1960 with fins, pretty cool.
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Post by Jennison on Sept 10, 2012 22:17:17 GMT 10
Gday there,
Don't mean to be negative but at approx 780kg unladen might that van possibly be a little heavy for a mighty morry? Happy to be shouted down here but that was my first thought on the subject when I read your thread even before retro gave us a more accurate idea of the approx weight you are looking at.
good luck anyway
regards
jenno
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Post by retro64 on Sept 11, 2012 13:15:54 GMT 10
Hi there,
Jennison has a valid point re your tow car. We use a Landcruiser Utility to tow our Zestline.The amount of stuff we load in the back of the ute is staggering, and heavy, just imagine old canvas annexe, timber poles, outdoor table and chairs, supplies and etc. Our van is close to empty when we travel and we set up when we get where we are going.
Definately a consideration.
The internal layout of our Zestline may differ from others owned by other members too, perhaps another member can shed light on alternative interior?
Once again, good luck with whatever you decide,
There are an awfull lot of vans our there for sale to choose from.
We love the Carapark, but that doesn't stop us from owning a Sunliner also, it has its own brand of charm and appeal, and is considerably lighter.
Cheers retro64
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noblesgarage
Full Member
A Man with many projects Dosen't have a lot of time."Cause He Walks Round In Circles"
Posts: 363
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Post by noblesgarage on Sept 11, 2012 20:35:26 GMT 10
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bigkel
Full Member
If you never never go, you never never know.
Posts: 248
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Post by bigkel on Sept 12, 2012 10:39:53 GMT 10
Get a tow bar on that Oxford , borrow / hire a van of the same size/weight aprox , get out on the HWY & into the wind and look for a hill ,, that should tell what you can tow ,, cheers Kel.
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melanco
Full Member
Bess in all her glory!
Posts: 204
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Post by melanco on Sept 12, 2012 19:42:40 GMT 10
Welcome Frank! You will see from my avatar that I have one too!
I am passionate about all the lovely space in a Zestline, and the huge full width windows are truly beautiful. If you are anywhere near Preston in melbourne then you are very welcome to come and have a look at Bess, or I can email you pics if you PM me your email address. I also may have some original cupboard doors that have been passed on to me from another van. So that might be a help!
Anyway, get in touch and I will share. Please do spend the time, they are really worth it!
Mel
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Post by fshealey on Sept 12, 2012 20:28:06 GMT 10
Back again,
I have allready fitted a towbar to the Morrie and tried to tow my 800kg work trailer it did it but complained alot.
I have my BA ford 1 tonner that will do most of the towing and i'll keep an eye out for something lighter.
Mel i would love to see some pics especially of the interior .
Thanks Frank
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chubi
Full Member
Posts: 158
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Post by chubi on Nov 7, 2012 13:59:07 GMT 10
Our Zestline is 100% original and it has a fold down lounge/bed in it.
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