|
|
Post by kurnai on Apr 2, 2007 12:08:55 GMT 10
Made by "Wilson Wheel Works " Brisbane  |
|
|
|
Post by kurnai on Apr 2, 2007 17:15:53 GMT 10
We are thinking of doing a full restore , BUT, have NO idea where to start, and or where to stop the budget at .. ANY ideas welcome, the other option is to get rid of it and cut losses.. NOT the ideal solution but,...
|
|
|
|
Post by belinda on Apr 2, 2007 18:29:36 GMT 10
Where to start - what a big question!
You will see from the different posts that there are a number of approaches.
Some vans get the complete meticulous re-build from the chassis up. Others get a new set of tyres and a bit of a wash and they are on their way.
Firstly, what have you got? Is it registered? Getting the van safe and on the road is probably the most basic step - new tyres and bearings, re-wiring, a modern coupling if needed, an engineer's inspection.
Second is getting it leak-free. This can be tricky! Our biggest problem was the back windows which leaked due to the 50-year-old totally-dried-out putty.Yours has aluminium windows so that shouldn't be such a problem.
Once the van is roadworthy and dry, everything else follows and it doesn't all have to be done at once. "Full restore" is fine, but the job doesn't have to be done straight away or all at the same time. Doing it bit-by-bit is kinder on your wallet and your relationship.
From the photo, the outside of the van looks pretty straight. I'd get out in it and have some fun, then decide how much restoring you want to do. Once you start, you'll soon realise (like the rest of us) what a hoot vintage vanning is.
|
|
|
|
Post by Geoff & Jude on Apr 2, 2007 18:58:06 GMT 10
hi kurnai i tend agree with belinda.  get it roadworthy (if that's not a huge task) and use it a bit before you start the full restoration. ;D ;D ;D using it will help you decide what alterations you might need if you're not restoring it as a 'purist' van.  we used ours for 6 months before we started the external restoration and the internal restoration is about to begin next week after owning and using it for 12 months. use - restore - use - restore works for us and it mixes the pleasure and fun of using it with the pleasure and fun of restoring it. ;D ;D ;D it's a nice looking van and if it was my choice, i'd certainly keep and restore it.  geoff 'n jude |
|
|
|
Post by fcdriver on Apr 2, 2007 20:53:33 GMT 10
MMmm
I took our van to a caravan repairer (who we trusted), made sure it was safe to use (after bringing it from Victoria to N S W)......
But...anyway once safe I registered the Van, painted the inside, new curtains, new mattress and made the inside look good...well I think it looks good!
Now we use it...but I have been lazy doing work on the outside.
I will get around to it one day but I do enjoy the van as is.
Kurnai....Enjoy your van Lay in it at home when it rains, doze in it on a Sunday afternoon, go on holidays in it....
Why do we do these things, Who Knows Why! Its affordable FUN in a world of stress. So I say make your van safe and enjoy whilst you restore at your leisure.
Bruce
|
|
|
|
Post by kurnai on Apr 2, 2007 21:31:20 GMT 10
Sorry Guys, 4got to mention, brought it up here (Townsville) behind the CRUMBYdore, got a (Unregistered) permit for 3 days, took 2, we could have made it in 1 but deceided to enjoy it and take our time, it is useable inside, EVERYTHING is there only had a double mattress put across the bottom bunks area, all lights work, brakes MAY need looking at ..adjusting ?? .. paint is rough, peeling/flaking a bit in places,
Have NO idea on its history, I used to be the operations manager at a wreckers, (Wish I had know about this site before now) over a 2 year period we were GIVEN about 10 old vans, some MUCH older than this one, and in as good as/better condition....we CRUSHED em..
going to go Gold Prospecting in a month or so in it, will then make up our minds
THANKS All for the advice..
|
|
|
|
Post by kurnai on Apr 3, 2007 19:09:40 GMT 10
Took a photo of the plate on the tow bar, BUT not very good,... WILSON WHEEL WORKS Pty Ltd MAYNE BRISBANE .. 53892 .........(Phone ??) PREFAB DO IT YOURSELF CARAVANS & TRAILERS On the Tow Hitch/A Frame there are the numbers AL-KO A 98 As for praying for forgiveness, I CAN'T, ... I'm TOO busy crying tears of BLOOD  As partial redemption I have put the word out to all my contacts in the industry and have been assured that Any/All vans pre 1970 I GET A LOOK AT FIRST... |
|
