8ft Bantam Caravan

[bekstar76]

Hello Vintage Vanners,

It was suggested that I make a post about the story behind my recent purchase of a vintage van. And thank you to the knowledgable Don Ricardo, there will probably be a more informative history and photos to add shortly.

The search for a "little" vintage van as a project for myself and my daughter lead me on a wild goose chase to a property in Caloundra, QLD.  

Initially I really wanted all the bells and whistles of a perfect-condition, top-working-order, less than 10ft, close proximity to Byron Bay, must be towable, yet 50's-vintage van for my project......PFT! I soon learned that I knew nothing about vintage vans but the more I learned the more I really wanted to learn more. If that makes sense!

I had my heart set on one of those "bubble" caravans so when I saw an add on Gumtree for an 8ft "Cigany" caravan in Caloundra I was on the dog and bone. As it turns out, after I hired a car with a tow-ball, and drove the 3 hours to Caloundra (and too chicken to "chicken out") I went ahead with the sale of a very blank yet cute little Cigany.  Despite not finding any info on google about Cigany, despite the gutted and relatively poor condition of the van, I really fell in love with that little van. 

Yet as we were standing around ole Cigany chewing the fat.......A few faint letters and an outline of a possible logo grabbed my eye. Something the previous owners had never noticed.  Was it Random?, was it Abandon?, Fathom?......To us amateurs the word Bantam was not obvious nor did it have any relevance except the van was very small. The whole way home, towing for the first time in my life I pondered: What on earth had I done and what was the logo Bantam?  It was not until I did a google search on Bantam Vintage Caravans under Images late that night that KelsKombi came up and a fantastic thread on the history little Bantam vans made by Trail-a-Home in Kedron.  Turns out it is a late 50's early 60's van.....Just what I had been looking for. Check out kelskombi's transformation of their little beauty, its very inspiring!

So now, the fun begins in trying to breath some life back into its tiny frame so that it resembles something of its former glory...... Wish me luck!

[Don Ricardo]

Hi all,

I'm posting photos of Bekstar76's Trail-a-Home Bantam on her behalf:









Bantam logo:



In 1960 the Bantam model was offered clad either in bondwood or aluminium - this is obviously one of the aluminium vans.

It's interesting to see the kangaroos and the map of Australia on the rear and side. I presume they are "after-market", as are possibly some of the extra vents, etc. "Cigany" means 'gypsy' in Hungarian, so that seems like an appropriate name for a caravan. Maybe it's also a clue as to the identity and background of one of the previous owners?

Don Ricardo

[cobber]

G'day Bek, (with the stodgy internet and the gutted bantam     )

I do wish you luck, but I reckon you're up to it 

There have been a few 'gutted' vans that have appeared on the forum from time to time, some get refurbished for non-touring duties ,  but I get the impression you want to restore this van with the intention of eventually being able to do a bit of travelling around in it with your young daughter..... what a great ambition   and an incentive to do a nice job on the Bantam.

Good luck with it, and I hope you get lots of help with bits and pieces... and advice (if you need it ) from members of the forum 


Cobber.

[bekstar76]

Thank you Don Ricardo and Cobber 

It's sad to think the previous owners gutted her thinking she would be more saleable to those looking for a food van 

Yes, big job ahead indeed but I've found so many helpful people and information on this forum that I'm starting to feel a little more confident!

You will probably see my head pop up a fair bit as I ask a tonne of silly questions..... I'm new AND I jumped in the deep end! 

[akeepsake]

Hi Bekstar 76 love your little van and it sounds like you have the passion and drive to make it happen ! My advice for what it's worth is take it slow and work on one thing at a time ...eg if you start on the outside and get that done while you are doing that you may source some interior bits in the process . Do what you can do and the rest will come in due course! As someone suggested trace your " bantam " livery and document it with photos so you have accurate references when re painting stripes etc
Personally I would unscrew a panel where signwriting is and see if bondwood underneath was original outer skin and has had, or been painted over original exterior paint!
I could be wrong but you may be surprised what you find!
Your in good hands here and there are plenty of seasoned experts ( and them there is me) who would love to see this gem back to original
Can't wait to see more

[cobber]

G'day Bek,

To give us an idea of what you have as a foundation can you give us a few photos of the inside of the Bantam.

I imagine it is single skin ie. no internal lining ?

Is there much framework or any indication where cupboards, table or bed might have been located in a previous life 

Have you had a good look at the inside corners, down where the walls meet the floor to determine if there is any water damage there.

The steel parts of the chassis may be covered in surface rust, not a big problem but...check to make sure the rust hasn't eaten through the chassis anywhere.

Once you've determined that you have a solid foundation to work with you can start to plan what sort of fit out you can put in an 8ft van

And as Ray has suggested on the other thread, it would be best if you keep all conversation regarding the Bantam on one thread, and as Don R has put your photos here ... this one's the go   ..I reckon.

Cobber.

[bekstar76]

Thank you all for the much heeded advice and ideas, I have taken them all on board and as initially suggested, taking it slow!

Unfortunately she has been out in the rain and has been leaking, where exactly I am yet to source. I am thinking that the exterior is probably the best place to start so that I can fix any and all leaks.

I need to replace one of the windows (it a pop out that used to have struts but they're long gone) however the pin up the top has rusted and won't budge. Actually none of the windows will budge.

The chassis is not original and recently replaced by the previous owners as he used to build trailers so I am assuming its pretty stable. the previous owners have put in the internal lining. The floor however is very rotted and I can see through many of the holes!

I will get a bit more savvy with Photobucket so I can load some more photos soon.

Again, thank you. You're words of wisdom, advice and encouragement are very much appreciated!