Crusader Caravan NZ

[frank]

We started looking around for a van, found this Crusader, would anyone know the aprox year of this van? We would like to know that before we actually purchase it. hope i have done this right











Thanks
Frank

[Deleted]

Its a later Crusader,looks to be early to mid 1970s.(They had fibreglass front and back)
Hope this helps
hughdeani

[Franklin1]

G'day Frank,

I'd be guessing a bit earlier than hughdeani, and put it around 1971. It seems to be pretty much the same as the van in the Sept 1971 newspaper article that is down near the bottom of the Crusader thread in the Down History Lane section.

If you're still thinking of buying it after knowing its age, have a read of those other links showing for the Classic forum.

cheers,
Al.

[hilldweller]

Hi there just saying hello to another Kiwi. Don't know the age of your van but it looks pretty cool The book Vantastic might have some useful info.

[frank]

Thanks for all the information, as we are looking for a vintage van we will give this one a miss then.. and keep looking. Thanks to Dave01 its hard to drive past any old vans these days without at least having a look.
Frank

[frank]

Frank's Missus - Barbara - here. Just adding some details that may help date this van.
It has 12 volt light internal light fittings (diamond shaped clear glass shades) with toggle type switches.
The cupbards are stained timber, not veneer -doors and internals.
The lino is a cream colour with yellow/gold pebbling.
The 240 volt lights are milky white balls with an overall diamond pattern.
The stove is a two burner gas stove, with grill under - looks original. It is stainless steel and has a brown front where the knobs are. Couldn't read the name on the photos.
The gas bottle is stored in the van with outside access, in a fibreglass box.
The double bed is made from a pull out couch, located at the front of the van.
The tri-fold table folds up over the drawers between the two single beds/seating, at the back.
Frank will follow with photos,.

[frank]

please find the photos as promised by Barbara, yep she likes the van to.. and she has more of an eye for detail.. isnt that surprising, so here are the photos of the lights and the stove, also the fiberglass does not cover the whole roof, its only the shaped panels front and back, then in between them is also metal sheeting like on the side walls.






going to hopefully check out another van this afternoon.
and i think next time i post anything i will make sure barbara is sitting next to me with the first post
thanks
Frank

[frank]

have just been looking on internet for the book Vantastic, NZ book as mentioned earlier by Hilldweller, found a copy in NZ but im afraid i cant pay $550 plus NZ dollars for this book and that is when they are available second hand.
have however also looked on nz sales sites for this caravan and looks like the mid to late 60s could be right..
if you have the above mentioned book make sure you look after it. would be interested in seeing it if anyone around the area has one to view.
thanks
Frank

[cobber]

G'day Frank,

To be furally frank Frank. I didn't believe you when you said Vantastic the book was selling for around $500...... so I looked on my favourite book search places and found that $500 for the book is cheap ...... I don't believe it

As it says... The book is "A pictorial history of caravans in New Zealand".... it is not a caravan identification book or much help in dating caravans, in fact it is more about the caravan industry in NZ.
One of its more frustrating features is.......... It has many caravan photos with no mention of what make the caravan is and.........it has NO index.....

Having had that moan... I can't find anything in the book (at a casual glance) that would help to date the van you are looking at... sorry bout that

Cobber

[frank]

Thanks Cobber,
after thoroughly investigating it on the internet it seems to be around 1967, as the 70s crusader vans had single front windows. the double seem to be from mid to late 60s,
thanks
frank

[hilldweller]

I've seen Vantastic on trademe for around 40ish. I can't believe anyone would pay $500! As an aside, Trademe itself is a useful source of info.

Edit: there's one on there now which has reached reserve at $90. Too rich for my blood when the local library has a copy but better than $500. You can buy a whole van for that!

[frank]

we checked trademe and thats where we saw the only two second hand ones available.. but will check again as we look like we might go nz van so would be interesting to look read. (love the big windows)
Frank

[dave01]

Some more details which make us think the van may be pre 70 (we are fully into wishful thinking) - by the way, this is Lilian talking on behalf of Frank.

The 12 volt light switches look OLD


The power point has a recessed portion in it like the ones I remember from when I was younger (and yes, I was born in the 60's)


The hatch winder looks totally retro (does this make it 60's or 70's? Or instead of retro is it repro(duction)?


Not using the tap in our van, I'm not sure what age this tap looks.


There is an outside porthole light which seems to be a pre '70's detail.


The floor covering under beds and carpet is lino which has totally thrown me 'cos it does look somewhat '70's.


So, what is the general consensus? Does it belong in the Vintage forum? Maybe take a vote? We will continue our research.

Dave AKA Lilian

[sutcac]

Hi Mrs dave01......we have the same hatch winders in our foldout "Fugly" expandavan and it was first registered in 1968 ........so I reckon you've got a pre 1970 van ;D

[dave01]

Sutcac, you are a star!!!!
Thank you sooo much, hope everyone reads your official verdict.
Lilian x
(And Frank and Barb)