Korong 14 Resto

[53vicky]

Hi all
Recently purchased this from a forum member and still pretty happy with the purchase.
Whilst I wasn't planning a full on resto have decided it the only way to go as more investigation has shown it was worse than first thought. Went into it hoping for the best but expecting the worst so all is good.
Have got heaps of questions so any info/suggestions will be appreciated.

Got into it today and removed all cupboards, beds etc as all windows were leaking and there was a lot of damage to interior ply etc. Found a few soft areas in the floor so decided to get straight into it.







Chassis looks fairly solid but springs & brakes will need an upgrade
What is the norm for these era vans as I was considering constructing a newy with RHS and a longer draw bar, new spring & brakes etc but not sure if it's better to keep all original?

What floor material is best, have seen some using formply whilst others have used 3/4" marine ply?


Cheers ted

[53vicky]

Finally finished removing all the floor and found most of the lower supports that are fibreglassed in were also gone.
The big Question is what goes in first, a new floor or all of the wall supports , timber window frames etc.
I have the body well supported and level so it is hanging freely and was thinking about doing all the walls and the floor last but would appreciate a more experienced opinion.

[53vicky]

Progressing ok with the floor, have got the van supporting and hanging free and squared it up.
Cut out some of the templates for the floor from 3mm mdf as I had to hack the old floor out and couldn't use it as a template.
Decided on some 18mm Marine ply from a local distributor and am also going to try some bote-cote epoxy resin with the floor as I has been recommended by a friend who did a timber boat.

Looking at all of the structure now I am happy I have completely gutted the van as its true condition was hidden behind cupboards and floor was gone.



All the window sills all around the van are in need of replacement.... Not sure if I am going to keep my Australia Day weekend deadline but that's what the aim is.......

[shesgotthelook]

Amazing work Ted. Hats off to you for taking on such a mammoth task but i'm sure it will be worth it. Such a rare & stylish van. Cheers, SGTL

[53vicky]

Thanks SGTL for the encouragement , starting to wonder what I have got myself into !!!
Did a bit more on the floor. Got it all cut just waiting for the bote cote resin to set and will start bonding into place
Once floor is in will get onto chassis



Decided best to keep original chassis as it was pretty good except for the draw bar being bent
Will have to figure out what rhs to use and may add another foot onto the length
Cheers ted

[53vicky]

OK, Got a little more done in the past week or so, floor is now laminated in. Happy that stage is over and am pleased with the result.








Next stage is getting the chassis done so I can sit the body back down as there isn't anything more cumbersome that a chassis-less caravan hanging in the shed.

Had it sandblasted








Will be replacing the drawbar (bent) and also the drop axle/brake setup as it is beyond help. Will seperate and cleanup springs as they are in good order and add a
little more reinforcement here and there where needed.

[Franklin1]

You've certainly got some very detailed work happening there, Ted!

Hope you've allowed extra length in the drawbar, so that when the van puffs its chest out at how good it looks, there'll still be plenty of room to turn corners!

Great work you're doing.

♫ Ya can't go wrong with a Korong ♪♫

cheers,
Al.

[53vicky]

Hi Al thanks for the feedback
Yep, have allowed for about an extra 350mm on the drawbar length which should hopefully be enough   
Really new to this so any feedback or suggestions gratefully accepted
Cheers Ted

[gman]

Hi Ted,
Wow, it's looking SERIOUSLY good! You have done (and are doing) such a great job.
I'll be watching this with great interest.
cheers
Graeme

[53vicky]

Hi Graeme
I hope all is well with you?
yep, van is going well, it am managing to keep myself busy on it.
cheers ted

[53vicky]

Little more done now, chassis has been updated with new axle assembly, drawbar ,coupling etc.





Back on the chassis now and all went well

[willow5075]

She'll be lovely when you're done!

[53vicky]

Thanks......Yep, I hope so.....Still a long, long way to go !!!!!!!!

[53vicky]

Small update to the build, have just finished bonding all the replacement internal timber which went pretty well. I am happy it's at this stage now as I am looking forward to making something that looks good (hopefully) rather than all the structural stuff

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Photos are a couple of days old and missing a couple of timbers but all done know so hopefully can start on the fit out as I am not ready to tackle the exterior yet........cheers

[53vicky]

[53vicky]

Been a while but finally getting back into the korong !!!















And also picked up a new tow vehicle.........

[Mustang]

Magic!!!!!!!

[53vicky]

Just getting back into the van project, waiting on the sparkie to do his stuff.
Always loved these fj tail lamps and thought I would use one here.



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[53vicky]

Ooooop's

[53vicky]

Been spending a few hours trying to straighten out the old girl and deviated onto the rear lamps.
Installed some Oldsmobile lenses on the Vicky and wanted to have the van match, They match the fj high mounted stop lamp which is good....LHS is a customline lens
cheers

[53vicky]

Starting surfacing the exterior whilst waiting for the sparkie.
I have used bote cote epoxy system for any woofs in the exterior surface after first massaging the internal frame to keep filler to a minimum. This is the first go and I will do a 2k surfacer/ primer / high fill soon and continue surfacing.
A long process but hopefully it comes out ok.
I can agree with Sutcacs comments concerning losing fingerprints and fingernails !! 

[53vicky]

After a couple of days of sanding finally got all the old paint off and down to get gelcoat and all the epoxy on waiting for the first surfacer / primer to go on.
I'm At least from now on I will be wet sanding so not as much dust. My once nice workshop has a layer of fine dust everywhere 🙄🙄
I have now now done all fibreglass repairs and modifications so full steam ahead, if I could just regain some feeling in my arms it would be even better.......

[sutcac]

Hi Ted She's coming along great!. It WILL be worth it in the end!!!
Really like the Olds tail lights. That dust does get everywhere doesn't it !!??
Ah well the wet sanding will will lay a bit

Cheers Sutcac

[Don Ricardo]

G'day 53vicky,

Looks as if you're making great progress on your van.

As you may have seen, I have just replied to a post from Vintagevangirl who has a 'Skyline' badged van which was built from the Franklin Futura mould, like yours. She mentioned that she found a serial number of '993' on the A-frame and '993 F.G.' in a cupboard, which sounds like a Franklin serial number with 'F G' possibly indicating 'Fibre Glass'.

I'm wondering if you've found a serial number on the A-frame of your van? If you have and can tell us what it is, it may tell us something about the origins of these vans, and also how to date them.

I will be interested to hear if there is anything you can tell us.

Don Ricardo

[53vicky]

Hi Don
The original A Frame from the van has been replaced as it was damaged. I was very particular to go over all of the surfaces prior to discarding as I was looking for a Vin or serial number but there was nothing at all on the angle iron frame.
most of the upper cupboards are still being used so I will definitely go over all of them before I sand and paint the interior and will advise if I find anything at all.
cheers ted