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Post by akeepsake on Jan 8, 2014 0:33:49 GMT 10
Well it all started when I laid eyes on " Jennisons" Jeff Gill's 53 pathfinder but let's take a step back ... Last march myself and a mate ventured on the boat to the big island to the ACT to pick up a lovely original 63 Millard Florida which had been posted in the for sale section here by Jeff on behalf of an old cocky Frank, who lived just down the road from him. Jeff had been to check out a tractor there when he spotted the Millard in the shed where it had come to rest almost 40 years ago.! One thing led to another and with Jeff's help I purchased the Millard and in the process came to know Jeff . He assisted in the retrieval and that night after a long drive (for a Tasmanian !) we spent the first night in the van at Jeff's The temperature got to minus something that night but before entering the refrigerator (van) we had a great chat around the kitchen table about all things caravan related . Many of you would already know that Jeff's Grandfather, John Jennison began caravan manufacturing in the early 1930s ( correct me if I'm wrong Jeff!) An entrepreneur who patented the first pop top Caravan and went on to build cutting edge Pathfinder Caravans! History fascinates me and the stories, pictures, early sales brochures and even Jeff's grandfathers diary really struck a chord and I couldn't wait to see Jeff's pathfinder the next morning after I thawed out that is!) Morning brought a blanket of thick frost over the Millard and Jeff greeted us with a welcome hot cuppa! We meandered to the shed to check out Jeff's 14 foot 53 Pathfinder ...........and that when it all started ! Jeff's Pathfinder was found in country Victoria by "Chev51" (Dale) and was in remarkable original condition!( see the thread in DHL under "53 Jennison Pathfinder") It was aluminium clad with aluminium windows and was a great shaped van that really was well built !!! One thing led to another and I found myself saying to Jeff, "if you ever come across a bondwood one of this I would really be interested!" Jeff just smiled and didn't give much away but mentioned briefly about an old farmer out near Baccus Marsh in Vic had one but he didn't give too much away! Anyway we hitched up the Millard and headed for the little island , Tassie ( that's another story!) I kept in contact with Jeff often yarning on the phone and I think he came to realise that I loved the idea of conserving history and like himself was passionate about it ! I often asked about the mystery Jennison Bondwood that he had eluded to at our visit and trawled the forum for any info until one day Jeff put me in contact with Dale ( Chev 51) who knew Jack and Gwen, the owners of the elusive 14 footer Jennison Pathfinder. After chatting with Dale ( a lovely helpful bloke!.....and remember, he found Jeff's Jennison !) he contacted Jack and Gwen on my behalf and no sooner I was on a plane and went to see the caravan in the flesh! The van had been in the same family since new and was purchased originally by Gwen's Uncle and was sold to Jack and Gwen in the late 50's They had three girls and used it well Jack kept it in tip top Knicks adding a front stone guard and a specially made wider annex to accommodate the tow car! He also painted the overhead cupboards and chest of drawers in different colours to add some of his own character to the van. Believe me, for an 87 year old he still has plenty of character! It has been in the same shed untouched since it's last rego sticker which reads Jan 1970. 44 years and is in remarkable condition for its age with no rot ! The original cream paint with a blue waist stipe painted spats and hand signwritten Jennison Pathfinder logo have been painted over in light blue To be continued........   Resting place for the last 44 years!!  Nice rear end!  Jack and Gwen  A younger Jack with the family :note original colours.  Original photo taken from sales brochure  |
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Post by cobber on Jan 8, 2014 8:39:05 GMT 10
Well done Andrew,
It really is good news to see an old vintage caravan icon such as the plywood Jennison Pathfinder pursued and picked up by a keen enthusiastic young restorer such as yourself. 
I look forward to hearing the rest of your story about the recovery and then the restoration of this old gem.... good luck with it.
Cobber.
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 8, 2014 17:25:07 GMT 10
Thanks Cobber! I really appreciate it. Looking forward to putting faces to names sometime soon at an event! Wait till you see the coupling!!  I have plenty more pics to upload and will defiantly keep them coming! Cheers Andrew  |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 9, 2014 13:39:55 GMT 10
Part 2: Dale and myself pushed it out of the shed and went to work getting it ready to tow . Jack assured me it would be ready to tow around Australia as is! I admired his enthusiasm and was hoping he wasn't too far off the mark! The tyre that I could see was an old Olympic air ride and looked in good nick. The caravan had been up on blocks so was hopefully that I could make the 60 km trip to the boat without incident !!! The tyre closest to the shed wall was a different story and was perished but was holding pressure and I knew Dale who owns and operates Automotive Transport Towing & Salvage Service would be following behind in case of any mishaps!!! (That's if I could get him out of Jacks sheds!!) if you need an cars vans etc towing he's your guy !! Ph 0413248009 (Dale that's your free plug!!) I hooked up a new trailer plug tested the lights which all worked !! Checked all the windows and the large hatch was secure, attached it to the car with the Jennison designed coupling , had a cup of tea or two and some home made fruitcake , listened to a dozen of Jacks yarns then hit the road for the Melbourne wharf ! The van towed extremely well and sat rock solid on the road ! We stopped ten minutes down the road to check wheel bearing temperature which were all ok then on to Spirit of Tas terminal where I spent my first night in the van beachfront in the car park as I wasn't sailing out till 9am the next morning . Apart from a Chinese gentleman knocking on my window at about 3am trying to sell me drugs it was a peacful night! I was amazed how many people stopped and wanted to chat about the old girl , have a look inside etc even on the boat back I was chatting to people who had seen it parked on the side of the road!.....   Beach front views at Melb wharf!  On the Spirit of Tasmania heading for the little island!  16" wheels. Would appreciate any clues on make as I am chasing a hubcap see below   Jennison tow coupling can I get it registered with this?  More to come soon! |
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Post by hilldweller on Jan 9, 2014 15:45:18 GMT 10
Wow what a find! Looking forward to more pics |
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Post by redmr2red on Jan 9, 2014 16:58:22 GMT 10
The best I can come up with for the wheels (and they certainly look British) is this 1938 Hillman:  |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Jan 9, 2014 17:00:32 GMT 10
Hi Akeepsake, What a great story so far...I'm really looking forward to the next instalments! I reckon it's going to one of those serials that has a lot of us glued to the screen for ages. Great to see the pics of the Jennison out in the open, and to see what a fantastic caravan it is. You'd have to say that this really is 'a keep sake'! Definitely a keeper! A couple of things I've notice about your van, compared to the publicity shot you posted: 1. The van in the publicity shot has an 'upswept A-frame' (not sure how else to describe it), whereas your van appears to have a regular straight (ie level) A-frame. 2. The van in the publicity shot just has 'Pathfinder' under the front window, while the photo of yours back in the day has the more usual 'Jennison Pathfnder' signage. I don't know what significance there is in either of those things - probably none - just things I noticed. Maybe the van in the publicity shot was a prototype with some things that were changed in production? Re the tow coupling, if I don't say this Cobber will...  Most states allow you to retain original fittings on a restored vehicle if they are in a working and safe state. You may have to argue the point because sometimes the rego authorities don't know that part of the regulations. There's a thread in the Technical Stuff section on this topic (near the top). Don't know what the rules are in Tassie but worth investigating. Can't wait to see the next post! Don Ricardo |
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Post by cobber on Jan 9, 2014 18:25:56 GMT 10
Hi Akeepsake, Re the tow coupling, if I don't say this Cobber will... Most states allow you to retain original fittings on a restored vehicle if they are in a working and safe state. You may have to argue the point because sometimes the rego authorities don't know that part of the regulations. There's a thread in the Technical Stuff section on this topic (near the top). Don't know what the rules are in Tassie but worth investigating. Can't wait to see the next post! Don Ricardo
The only point they might get you on is if the coupling has no makers name or max weight limit marked on it......... a set of metal stamps before you visit the blue slip man will overcome that potential problem ( keep that little hint to yourself.... OK ?
Cobber.
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 9, 2014 20:57:45 GMT 10
Thanks everyone for your kind comments! I have followed many threads with thorough enjoyment of restorations retrievals etc and have marveled at the attention to detail and willingness to share knowledge to all interested so I thought it would be only fitting to do one of my own! Just hope I'm not doing too much rambling Redmr2red thanks for the picture of the Hillman. I have also seen similar wheels on an Austin A10 . From what I have heard Jennison used whatever wheels was available at the time and being early post war that makes sense. Jeff Gill said he had his own hubcaps so not sure if I'll find one but you never know! Cobber thanks for the tip on the coupling ( tags) I have an engineer mate so will cross that bridge soon! I am sure it's over engineered anyway. Don I love a person who has an eye for detail! Yes the drawbar does kink up ( welded angle joint) like the promo photo I presume because the chassis is lower than most vans . It is only quite short Jeff's 53 is the same from memory  Drawbar detail In regards to the painted logo on the front (and rear) of the promo shot only reading "Jennison" of all the bondwood Jennisons pictures I have seen on the DHL thread . All the other had "Jennison Pathfinder hand painted on them . My logo ( what's left under the existing coat of blue paint ) is a royal blue colour as is the stripe and painted spats. Which leads me to wonder if they were always this colour trim on a cream base? ( roof windows and sides all cream originally on mine)  Hidden under old paint! Front almost completely sanded off but have enough detail on rear to replicate when repainted!  Some detail of the blue waist stripe at the front window what's left under paint  Here is the brass trade plate located on the front side of the drawbar . it is stamped 8549/14 Jeff thinks the first two numerals are the build number, the second two the year of manufacture and the /14 the length 14foot!  More to come!!!!! |
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Post by Jennison on Jan 9, 2014 21:21:58 GMT 10
Yep I too am looking forward to Andrews story of the resto unfolding.. To say the negotiations for this van were drawn out is an understatement ... Old jack knows how to work a dollar(or two) in his direction !! It was high stress and and a regularly changing playing board for poor Andrew over quite a period of time. This van has a unique rear bed/side table/seat reconfiguration that I /we have not seen before as well..... and as for the elusive Jennison one hubcap problem again rearing it's ugly head?!
Anyway, well done to keepsake and many thanks to chev51 for all his help to finally winkle this very rare VV off of jack and into our fold. Jenno
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Post by shesgotthelook on Jan 9, 2014 21:33:10 GMT 10
Andrew, what is the diameter of the hubcap? I may be able to help you  |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 9, 2014 21:49:57 GMT 10
Andrew, what is the diameter of the hubcap? I may be able to help you SGTL thanks heaps I'll have a look tomorrow and let you know! Jeff have you any specs on Jennison couplings? |
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Post by seeshell on Jan 10, 2014 2:06:49 GMT 10
Hi Akeepsake What a wonderful story! It's nice to know that perseverance pays off and that you've finally got your hands on this find. Amazing details so far, and I'll be following your story with interest. Don't keep us in suspense - where are the interior shots? Cheers Seeshell |
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Post by Jennison on Jan 10, 2014 9:02:16 GMT 10
No Andrew, no idea or info on jenno couplings. Mine's a Newcastle hitch, I guess they just changed with the times
jenno
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 10, 2014 10:41:14 GMT 10
Thanks Seeshell ! Yes perserverence does pay off! In the mist of negotiations another party came on the scene so nearly lost out!! ( sorry if it was a forum member  ) I can't reveal it all at once ! The making of a good story is always a little snippit at a time lol! But interior is original ( well most of it ) and I intend to only clean it up and leave it as original as possible ? Jack painted the overhead cupboard panels and the drawer fronts in different colours which to me is part of its history and I'll keep them as they are . They laid new Lino ( in the late 50s) over the original which was a dark swirly brown colour the same as what was on the dinette table so I may remove that back to original . It is done well and is in good nick so the jury is still out on that one. Gwen said they did it just to brighten things up not because it was worn out. Anyway here are some inside peeks!  Only kitchen painted a greeney colour the rest in cream note original Lino on table same as original floor!  Overhead cupboards detailing Jacks handywork ( I like it!)  A nice touch removable plate and cup racks! All internals are varnished More to come!! |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 10, 2014 10:52:55 GMT 10
No Andrew, no idea or info on jenno couplings. Mine's a Newcastle hitch, I guess they just changed with the times jenno No worries Jeff I defiantly want to retain original coupling so will take Cobbers suggestion on board I thought you may have some tech specs in your archives etc but no worries |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 10, 2014 18:03:41 GMT 10
Andrew, what is the diameter of the hubcap? I may be able to help you SGTL thanks heaps I'll have a look tomorrow and let you know! Jeff have you any specs on Jennison couplings? SGTL Here is the inside and dimensions for the hub cap. It would be great to get a match but I realise that could be near impossible so a set of two that fit would good as well  Appreciate it |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2014 19:41:22 GMT 10
Hi Andrew,
just wondering what has happened to your other vans??
How about some photos?
cheers
hughdeani
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 10, 2014 20:43:27 GMT 10
Hi Andrew, just wondering what has happened to your other vans?? How about some photos? cheers hughdeani Hi Hughdeani here are my other two vans you can find heaps of pics on the forum Cheers Millard 63 Florida 14'6"  Phoenix 63 12' ( to restore after Pathfinder!)  |
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Post by kaybee on Jan 11, 2014 14:38:39 GMT 10
Hi SGTL , those caps are Ford Pilot....could you let me know how much you want for them?,thanks.... ...and...Andrew,recognise these?....  ...they are on a Don lookalike that we saw at Wedderburn a few years ago,later purchased by Larry ( Jenno's pal) I'd suggest they may be early Chrysler/Dodge etc, bolt pattern seems about the right size , I don't think they'd be Hillman as the Hilly's are 3 stud . I'll keep an eye out for another cap ,but can you measure it with a rule and post the exact inner dimension where the cap mounts,cheers..... |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 11, 2014 15:59:39 GMT 10
SGTL looks like you might have a sale! Kaybee thanks for that will get back to you regarding proper size ( stuck on the couch at present as the back went out  ) Interesting the ones Larry had do look the same ! Will continue to do some research as I can't do much else at the moment!! Will try and find a spare wheel too Thanks again Andrew |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 12, 2014 12:44:13 GMT 10
Ok here are some more inside pictures ( hope I'm not boring you) as i can't do much as the back decided to go out on me! This pick shows the large hatch and flyscreen. The top bunk is a late 50s addition. Originally the bottom bunk was higher ( same as opposite side) The top bunk folds down to become a couch on this arrangement.  This side single is a bit special as it converts to a mini dinette when table is turned over and placed in a slot on the wall and held up with a wooden post ( which was missing but I found it under the water tank which is located under this arrangement!  In dinette position I suspect the opening at the rear of the van in this position was used like a child's high hair arrangement as you can't get in without being put in feet first! Jack and Gwen said there were originally four cushions on this side much the same as a standard dinette  Copper water tank located under dinette  |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 13, 2014 17:50:53 GMT 10
Hi SGTL , those caps are Ford Pilot....could you let me know how much you want for them?,thanks.... ...and...Andrew,recognise these?.... ...they are on a Don lookalike that we saw at Wedderburn a few years ago,later purchased by Larry ( Jenno's pal) I'd suggest they may be early Chrysler/Dodge etc, bolt pattern seems about the right size , I don't think they'd be Hillman as the Hilly's are 3 stud . I'll keep an eye out for another cap ,but can you measure it with a rule and post the exact inner dimension where the cap mounts,cheers..... Col here are more accurate dimensions from inside hubcap and profile It is slightly out of round but is close to 21cm inside dia Appreciate your help!   |
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Post by akeepsake on Jan 17, 2014 10:27:38 GMT 10
I have a question. Amazingly the canvas covered roof is still intact and waterproof thanks to living in a shed forever and a coating of Silver (aluminium oxide) paint. It was also covered with a protective coat of 2" of dust and possum poop etc. What I was wondering was I really don't think it needs redoing as it hasn't any holes etc. There is some minor shrinkage in a couple of spots around the edges where the moulding is but this could be easily sealed. What would be the best way to go to make it tip top again. Was thinking about obviously cleaning it well then coating it with a flexible waterproof membrane (like the ones used in bathrooms) as they are also for exterior and can be painted over which I would do in original cream colour with Northane or similar product??? Anyway appreciate your thoughts  I thought the roof was brown!!!  Close up at stitched joint |
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Post by Jennison on Jan 17, 2014 12:44:28 GMT 10
Andrew I just used a good quality sealer and topcoat....which is at this stage doing better than the rest of the external paintwork!!!
jenno
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