Spats for a 1957 Phoenix bondwood van

[HAD708]

hi folks
Looking at fitting a set of Spats to my 1957 Plywood/Bondwood Caravan . after any info or ideas or photos or fitting ideas that anyone may have???
Thanks
Brett

[shesgotthelook]

Hi Brett, my Phoenix came with 1 wooden spat that was quite rotten. Just cut out 2 new ones & painted They are, of course, fitted with slot head screws.

vintagecaravans.proboards.com/thread/13016/phoenix-restoration?page=1

[HAD708]

hi
Thanks for that but I need a coloser look if possible and how are they fitted to the van? Sorry for all the questions and also where did you get the moulding along the side of your van?
Brett

[JBJ]

Hi Brett,

When I made spats for the van "Lucille" that I rebuilt, I cut the spat to have overlap all around the sides of the wheel opening. I then marked in pencil where it fitted on the van. I made sure I had clearance of about 50mm minimum overlap.
How I held them in place was to fit countersunk head 5/16" metal thread screws thru holes drilled in the spat & thru the timber body, keeping them inside the wheel well or cupboards so they weren't seen from the inside. I then put "Tee Nuts" on the metal thread, & tightened them so the tangs on the nuts bit into the inside face of the timber, & stayed in place.

I used stainless slot head countersunk metal thread screws I bought from Classis Fasteners in Adelaide, & also bought the special chrome washers they have that allow the countersunk heads to be used on a flat surface. They are quite cheap, & give a good appearance.

I will try to find some pix of this in my "Lucille" thread, then post them for you. If I cant I will email them to you.

Maybe this could work for you,


This shows the holes thru the body




This shows screwed in place




Hope it helps with an idea

JBJ

[shesgotthelook]

Like JBJ says, although I don't think mine are counter sunk. Either came from Classic fasteners or the UK. Drilled matching holes in spats & van. Easily removed for tyre changing etc. The chrome trim around the spat is an adhesive one from China.

The trim on the van is aluminium crescent moulding. I sourced mine from Echuca Metaland. It was kaybee who told me what it was & where to find.

Ask as many questions as you like. That's how I've done most of the work on my vans, picking the brains trusts on here.

[onesneverenough]

Hi Brett

Agree with all of the above comments. The Spats on the roadhaven are held on with a large chrome brass machine screw probably about 1/4", one at either end.

The spat is about 1/2" ply with the edges sanded to a round shape and they are Stabilised by about 3 flat steel straps bent and held in place with self tappers. These straps are almost the same as the ones you would see on a set of FC spats except the van ones are flat bar and the ones on a Holden spat are folded sheet metal. The screws go into some form of captive arrangement probably the 'Tee Nuts" shesgotthelook mentioned.

On the roadhaven, and I am going to copy on the Franklin, is the use of plastic guard lacing. This has a round part that sticks out of the join and a flat edge that was glued and stapled in place on the back of the spat. FJ's & 48's used this sort of thing on the rear guards.

if you want some photos i'll have to get them as the Roadhaven is a bit of a trip from home.

Cheers Gregor

[HAD708]

hi
Thanks for all the replies about the spats but I need some more info please. The van is having a repaint and reseal and as such I am reviewing a few things the windows need new brows over them and I was interested if they are available to purchase? I was wanting some aluminium ones if possible though, to replace the ineffective wooden ones that were fashioned after the original aluminium ones from new were replaced initially on my purchase.I have seen a lot fitted on vans on the forum and would love some info re scourcing some new brows for the old girl.
Thanks
Brett