|
|
Post by rtcruiser on Nov 19, 2006 21:51:39 GMT 10
Well picked up my van today. Turns out it was smaller than I though. It is a 1960 (so I'm told) 9' Fleetwind. Here's some outside shots. Will post more tomorrow night. Right now I'm off to bed.    |
|
|
|
Post by fcdriver on Nov 20, 2006 9:30:48 GMT 10
Hi Very much like our Pixie. Ours weighed 440kg. Like you we are having trouble finding out the year built, but most caravan experts (  ) seem to think early to mid 60s. I asked the same question here and drew a blank. Even at Coledale this year no one was sure. So...I just say mid 60s to anyone who ask. Although the Pixie is small we found there was plenty of room inside and keep in mind that we are both big. Looking forward to seeing your van around. Bruce & Jan....Fcdriver & Co |
|
|
|
Post by rtcruiser on Nov 20, 2006 11:52:36 GMT 10
It's a one owner original. It belonged to my Great Aunt and her son recons 1960 and I have no reason to doubt him. I've been going through the old photo albums but haven't turned up anything yet. There was one on Ebay last week. A bit bigger but very similar. It was listed as 1965 but the mattress fabric was the same as mine. Mine however isn't set up for gas (Metho cooker) and the fridge is a later edition to replace the ice chest.
I do know in it's heyday it did travel extensively, including a trip to Cairns and even up to Cooktown, which must have been a real adventure. It also made regular trips to Coffs Harbour and at least one down to the snow.
My Grandparents also had an old Bondwood van and both families would travel together. I remember the bondwood being at my grandparents because we used to use it as a cubby house. One day we found a big spider in it and the next time we visited it was gone.
|
|
|
|
Post by rtcruiser on Nov 20, 2006 17:51:48 GMT 10
OK yes I'm a d*&# head. It's a FleetWood not a flightwood. (hey I'm new to this ) Anyway here's some interior shots     Gotta love the retro fabrics   |
|
|
|
Post by rtcruiser on Nov 25, 2006 9:25:14 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by rtcruiser on Nov 25, 2006 9:38:40 GMT 10
Finally some of the extra's that the van has Window covers. Check out the camp stretcher as well. It is made from some kind of hard wood and weighs a ton  Little Side skirts. There are other bits of canvas I have no idea what they do.  The best thing though is the annex. I' not sure what condition it is in but it was stored in the van so if it's up to the standard of the rest of the van it should be good  |
|
|
|
Post by cobber on Nov 25, 2006 13:23:49 GMT 10
rtcruiser, That looks like a beaut little original (except for the fridge  ) van you have got hold of there..........with all the canvas bits & pieces in good nick too...AND a camp stretcher. That water tank filler looks to be low down, does it have a tank under the floor ? Cobber. |
|
|
|
Post by belinda on Nov 25, 2006 15:25:03 GMT 10
There is a copy of the instructions for your Ravia stove posted on the thread "old stoves and lights" in the "technical" section.
We have a Ravia too and use it all the time. However, the fuel tank had rusted out at the bottom so we had to have a new tank built by TW Sands in Melbourne. Bernie at TW Sands knew all about these stoves and gave me a demo on how to light the thing (a bit of an art, but fine when you get used to it).
I also posted some safety hints on the thread about cooking with metho.
|
|
|
|
Post by rtcruiser on Nov 25, 2006 18:25:36 GMT 10
Thanks Belinda I found the instructions for the stove in to cupboard above the stove today. Cobber I think my Aunty's son would have installed the fridge. There is a switch for it just under the sink to switch from 240 to 12 volts. Under the front lounge with the annexe there is also a box to put a car battery to run it. The water tank is under the van and is 4 copper tubes joined together.   |
|
) seem to think early to mid 60s.
) van you have got hold of there..........with all the canvas bits & pieces in good nick too...AND a camp stretcher.