Thanks for that DonR , just got home a half hour ago
Well I set off on Wednesday and overnited at at Larrys at Moyhu.
We then left for Melb thursday AM.
It was raining in Melb when we arrived so after reversing the van back into the shed we we set about checking it out for roadworthiness.
The dolly wheel took grease AOK in all it's grease points, the dolly-wheel spun freely and had plenty of grease. Everything was there and appeared to be working OK.
Same for the trailer wheels, both spinning freely and quietly. The grease was a bit black and runny but had plenty there. We decided they were good enough to get us back to Wang where we could clean them up and pack them with fresh grease the next day which we did yesterday. Might add there that the tyres (which gave no trouble) will of course need to be replaced as they are very old 4wd wintertreads. They were a also bit wide and it was wrestle getting them on and off.
The only delay we had before heading home was a bad earth in the parking/tail lights. We mucked around for an hour or so before deciding bugger it, as long as we had brake and indicator we could attend to the parkers later so off we went!
Towing with the dolly wheel was a breeze! Initially it was a bit rough on dipping surfaces till we realized it was our mistake in leaving the height adjustor rod (although backed off) still seated in contact with the wheel assembly. A quick stop with a bit of head scratching and staring us in the face was the fact that the rod should be wound back out of the seat on the wheel assembly, pivoted to the horizontal and seated in its' clip/holder leaving the wheel assembly free travel and operate as it should. After that you would not know it was there
;D.
Reversing is the same, you would not know any difference with the dolly wheel easily turning where it needs to point.
I negotiated a few petrol stations with dubious angled driveways coming back onto the road with no difficulty or scraping at the rear of the van and the same when passing over the causeway into my place.
On the highway although there was still some effect from the suction of passing trucks I reckon it was somewhat reduced having the extra wheel at the front of the van.
I maintained the stato at a comfortable 95 to 100 kph all the way up the hume with the van staying nicely stable behind.
Even passed a few jaycos!! ;D Don't know if the dolly helped there as the stato always tows rock solid
As for the van it is in very original condition.
The shower is actually a HOT shower
You crank the pump handle in the shower area to pump the water up to the stainless steel reservoir. Underneath the reservoir is a gas ring to heat the water and taps to turn the gas and water on or off!
The porthole in the shower opens but the one on the kitchen side is sealed.
All the windows have their original venetian blinds and curtains.
The only "faults" with the interior is that some of the laminate on the kitchen bench and the inside of the shower door are starting to lift away. A quick clamping with some fresh contact adhesive would remedy that. The breadbox sliding cupboard door has had some of its' laminated strips separate from their backing as well but they are all there in the drawer. Fix them and then the inside is done.
Don't know if the footpump works for the sink yet. Also the original electrolux fridge looks to be in great nick.
Flooring has carpet but I would hope that the original lino is underneath.
The roof hatch set up is different to mine insofar that the flyscreen is attached all around the edge of the hatch. It will need to be replaced as it is torn in places. Not a hard job just a tedious one I would think....Lots of screws!!
The hatch lock setup is different to mine too. Much better in fact . Mine has just a single padbolt front and rear where this has a hand screw up locking point on each corner.
On the outside the chassis definitely needs a sand blast or heavy wire brushing but its all surface rust. The legs are all the same but wound up without any difficulty.
The dolly would only need a heavy wire brushing I think before hitting it with rust converter, primer and some silver paint. A new shocky for sure....the rubber washer is perished and hard too.
The van itself is very faded with the paint peeling in places. The timber sides of the hatch are peeling extensively, it's down to bare wood there for the most part and needs rubbing back and repriming soon.
When Larry and I washed it yesterday we hosed it heavily from a ladder all aroung the edge of the roof hatch and on the windows with not a drop of water entering the van!!
One side window is cracked, one front window has been replaced with perspex and both back windows need new rubbers(they are as dry and solid as rocks) but the glass is OK.
Two small dints on the RHS rear panel and that's about it.
Unbelievably untouched from new. Also has original tools.
So that's about it.
Still unsure as I alluded in earlier posts as to whether I will keep it.
The wife says if one stays the other goes and I don't think I could bear to part with the 53 . Besides that, to now get both the vans undercover in my shed means I have to pull either the EH or the Royal out
, which I will not do
(answer ....build another shed ;D but unfortunately finances will prevent that
)
BUT nevertheless I am happy I have saved it from the unknown ;D
keep you all posted on my decision and
Many thanks to Larry for his help and hospitality and again to Brenten and the Kaybees for their local help and advice.
jenno
, which I will not do 
(answer ....build another shed ;D but unfortunately finances will prevent that 
)
Enjoyed the travel log about your trip home - glad to hear all went well. Did you notice the car and van performed differently with the JW on than past pairings?
