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Post by littlewhitecloud on Jan 16, 2013 7:10:52 GMT 10
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Post by humpyboy on Jan 16, 2013 8:44:27 GMT 10
Let me the first to weigh in with my thoughts, first I would be asking why the roof has been replaced (you wouldn't replace it unless it was damaged or the ply had de-laminated) I would then be looking for any water damage (could be a result of the reason for replacing the roof) from there I would look closely at the outside ply, from the pictures you can see areas where the paint has split open, are these areas just that or has it affected the ply underneath? look closely also along the bottom edges of the walls as the ply would have a tendency to start rotting or de-laminating from here, check around windows to see that they are sealing properly and make sure the hatch does the same, next have a good walk around inside paying particular attention to the floor walk with heavy feet and see if it is solid all over particularly around edges and in cupboards and under seats if it feels spongey you may need to replace it as well, if your not confident have some one come with you and look at the chassis/springs and wheels.
Seems like a lot to do but you really need to look at everything as closely as you can even inside ALL the cupboards ect, if you don't be prepared to find things you will need to fix and this could end up a big surprise, if you can, have someone come with you when you inspect who has some knowledge of carpentry, at the end of the day you need to decide just how much work if any you are willing to do to bring this van back to life as they all need something done to them.
I hope this is of some help and not put you off buying a Vintage Van as it is a fun hobby/passtime.
Derk AKA humpyboy
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Post by littlewhitecloud on Jan 16, 2013 9:06:50 GMT 10
Hey Derk/humpyboy,
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge...I was wondering the same thing about the roof, I think that is my major concern, especially with the hatch.
I have the guy's number and was going to give him a call to arrange an inspection, but I wanted to have as much info as possible before I look at it : )
You have not put me off at all! I am hoping be able to share my restoration pics one day
Thank you, I'll let you know how I get on
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Post by cobber on Jan 16, 2013 13:34:07 GMT 10
G'day littlewhitecloud, I come in peace but........ I should point out the original listing for this van on eBay is here You will notice "Don caravan" gets a mention in that listing. It took a bit of determination by a couple of members of this forum to convince the seller Globetrotters had no connection with Don caravans, he eventually altered the listing. Point being...... I suspect the seller doesn't know a lot about vintage caravans so I would suggest you follow Derks advice to the letter and take somebody with you who knows what to look for....... if you find problems you could always offer the seller a sum taking into account what you may have to spend to make it shipshape. Cobber. |
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Post by littlewhitecloud on Jan 16, 2013 15:46:44 GMT 10
Thanks Cobber,
You are so on the money! I spoke with the guy today and he has no idea (but then again neither do I hahaha, I am a fast learner though)
He has assured me that the roof is original and it is water tight, but the original paint is gone and so he threw a tarp over it to protect it while he got around to painting it (2 and half years later he has realised he will never get around to it)...but he had no answers for anything else I asked him...not because he was unhelpful, just that he doesn't have the knowledge base.
I don't think he is open to any offers, he just wants to get back what he paid for it....meanwhile the poor little van is sitting on the street getting no loving : (
Thanks for letting me know another piece of the puzzle
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Post by littlewhitecloud on Jan 16, 2013 15:49:37 GMT 10
Oh, and Derk, I just saw your post about your leg...hope you are on the mend!
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Post by humpyboy on Jan 16, 2013 15:57:25 GMT 10
Oh, and Derk, I just saw your post about your leg...hope you are on the mend! Thanks for your concern littlewhitecloud, it's a slow boring wait but I will know more early Feb when I see the Surgeon. |
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Post by Roehm3108 on Jan 16, 2013 17:59:49 GMT 10
Hey LWC
You do realise that cobber is also known as "running bare ........... oops - bear" ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by littlewhitecloud on Jan 16, 2013 19:16:30 GMT 10
Hey LWC You do realise that cobber is also known as "running bare ........... oops - bear" ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Hahaha, oh there is much to learn ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by cobber on Jan 16, 2013 19:20:41 GMT 10
Ray ! ...we must not confuse "Little white cloud" with "little white dove" so.... Little white cloud you have nothing to fear  Ray, you have no idea how close you are to the truth, due to a skin infection I divest myself of most of my cloths when nobody is looking..... a knock on the door and I am " running bare"   Cobber. |
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Post by Roehm3108 on Jan 16, 2013 20:42:49 GMT 10
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Post by gilbert on Jan 19, 2013 22:38:07 GMT 10
He told my brother in law he put don on the description so people would click in to his van and look at it, once they looked he would have a better chance of selling it .
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leon
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by leon on Jan 20, 2013 7:29:39 GMT 10
I am new to vintage caravans and we are looking for our first van also. I live around the corner from the little 50's van. The poor thing has been out on the street for more than 5 years. My father inlaw had a look at her, as he knows about vans, and said that it would need alot of work as he suspects lots of leaks and the timber seems to be shredding on the outside. It usually has another tarp over the top.
I don't want to put you off buying it, as we would love to see this van restored and be loved and cherished, but we were going to offer him no more than $1,000 (father inlaw said) as it needs so much work.
The guy doesn't know anything about vans, as you would not leave this outside to rot away in the city.
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Post by littlewhitecloud on Feb 9, 2013 14:52:58 GMT 10
I am new to vintage caravans and we are looking for our first van also. I live around the corner from the little 50's van. The poor thing has been out on the street for more than 5 years. My father inlaw had a look at her, as he knows about vans, and said that it would need alot of work as he suspects lots of leaks and the timber seems to be shredding on the outside. It usually has another tarp over the top. I don't want to put you off buying it, as we would love to see this van restored and be loved and cherished, but we were going to offer him no more than $1,000 (father inlaw said) as it needs so much work. The guy doesn't know anything about vans, as you would not leave this outside to rot away in the city. Good luck, I hope he accepted your offer and the poor little van gets a new lease on life. When I spoke to the owner he told me he had only owned the van for 2 & 1/2 years....mmmm seems to be quite a few inconsistencies The seller was giving me the run around so I ran off in another direction! |
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