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Post by davo7th on Nov 2, 2014 14:56:17 GMT 10
Hi all, The shed outback has been built around an old bondwood caravan and used as a cubby house/store, long before we moved in. We are moving out in a few months, so I decided to investigate the best thing to do with it. It's in better condition than I thought. The body will require a lot of sanding and paint stripping, but there are no leaks, all the windows are intact, it has tail lights and looks like it has the old number plate, but I cant quite get into it to see. The draw bar has been removed, I don't know if it is under the van somewhere, or gone. The van still has it's wheels and axle but is on blocks to keep it stable. There are no identification labels or plates that I can see. I guess it is a home made van, but what do I know. It is fairly plain inside, no sink or cooker etc. just table area and bed up the other end. I'm would be interested in fixing it up myself, but have no experience. I also have no idea what it would be worth now or when fixed up, so I don't know if I would be wasting my time. I realise its impossible for anyone to give me any estimated prices, but a ball park yes or no would be a starting point for me. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Attachment Deleted Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted Thanks Davo |
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Aussie
Junior Member
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Post by Aussie on Nov 2, 2014 19:09:07 GMT 10
Sounds like a great project, but....How are you gonna get it out?
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Post by DC3Td on Nov 2, 2014 20:07:43 GMT 10
Gday Davo7th.Could be an interesting van albeit limited pics but one of the things we dont do(as per forum rules) is valuate. Its a case of what one is prepared to pay.If you decide to keep it theres plenty of help on the forum & you never know you might surprise yourself.
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Post by davo7th on Nov 3, 2014 15:42:25 GMT 10
The shed is coming down in Feb, so the van will be set free one way or another. I was hoping by then I could figure out if it's worth while for me (or someone else) to keep and renovate.
Actually I was really hoping someone would say 'that's one of those rare ones, what a great find' lol.
I'm not looking for anyone to give me a valuation, but I'm hoping someone might be able to give me some info on what to look for etc. or even if someone may be interested in it. For example - it doesn't have a draw bar and I have no idea how big a big deal that is. I guess the FJ Holden hub caps might be worth 5 or 10 bucks.
I can take more pics if anyone is interested, even if I have to start pulling down the shed to get around it.
Thanks again,
Davo
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Post by Don Ricardo on Nov 3, 2014 21:33:37 GMT 10
Hi Davo7th, What an intriguing story you've told us! From the photos you've shown us, it looks to me as if the van is a 50's build and could quite possibly have been built by one of the manufacturers of the day, rather than being home built. But then you've seen the van in the flesh and can assess the quality of the workmanship, etc. If the van is in as good condition as you say, it sounds like it might be worth preserving for refurbishment or restoration by you or someone else. I am sure that the A-frame problem can be resolved. Once we see the full shape and design of the van we may be able to identify it for you, so go carefully when you're demolishing the shed and let the van enjoy being free for the first time in I wonder how many years?  Don Ricardo |
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Post by davo7th on Nov 5, 2014 18:21:44 GMT 10
Hi Don, Here's a pic of the van's front corner and a sketch I did of the shape. The front windows are not in the best condition because part of the front of the shed only had a lattice screen. All windows are timber framed. I cant really get a better angle of it until the shed comes down, probably over Christmas. Cheers Davo
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Post by akeepsake on Nov 5, 2014 18:44:01 GMT 10
Giday davo7th what a great find well worth restoration ! A great size and very popular the little 10 footers
Can't wait to see it "untombed"
Cheers Andrew
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Post by shesgotthelook on Nov 5, 2014 20:31:49 GMT 10
Davo, judging by your sketching abilities, you appear quite capable of undertaking a restoration What you have, is what many of us on here dream of (well I do ), a near immaculate, old wooden caravan that has been stored out of the elements. I'm still waiting for someone to approach me & say "My old Aunty has an old caravan in her shed, you can have it if you like"  |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Nov 6, 2014 12:52:14 GMT 10
Davo, judging by your sketching abilities, you appear quite capable of undertaking a restoration Exactly my thoughts SGTL- and he called it a "sketch"? I reckon there might be some drafting experience in there somewhere... Davo7th, from the additional photo and the drawing you've provided, it looks as if the van is well worth preserving. I guess you won't fully know what you've got until the shed is gone - sometimes there can be some hidden damage or rot even when a van has been kept in what appears to be a pretty waterproof and dry shed - but the prospects for a worthwhile restoration project appear to be pretty positive. As Akeepsake has commented a 10 ft van is quite a popular size because it is a good size for towing behind a 50's or 60's classic car. Make sure you keep feeding us photos when the shed demolition starts in earnest. Don Ricardo |
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Post by davo7th on Nov 7, 2014 13:19:00 GMT 10
Hi Again, Yes, I'm usually drawing houses but it works for caravans too. Drawing is a lot different from building tho. You've got me excited about saving the van, and I realise I've got to get it out of the shed to see exactly what I've got, so I'll see over the next few weekends if I can get it out without making too much mess. I'll post some pics when I do.
Davo |
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Post by davo7th on Dec 25, 2014 14:40:41 GMT 10
Finally got the old van out of the shed. Here's some pics of it enjoying a bit of sun. Working on a draw bar at the moment so I can move it. Not in bad shape, a little damage to one wheel arch and a little bit of rot in the bottom of the two front side panels. Front windows need to be replaced. Inside is very plain. Looks like it never had a sink or stove etc. just a narrow cup'd and shelves. I'm guessing its home made? as there are no labels of any kind to be found. Cheers DavoAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted |
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Post by DC3Td on Dec 25, 2014 16:39:15 GMT 10
Gday Davo. Looks like its in pretty good shape overall.As for the wheels if they are FX (48 - 53)they will be 7/8 hex taper & if FJ they will be 3/4 hex taper.Either way they appear to be period - fitted at time of build which itself looks to be done very well.Maybe some pencil scribbles in/under drawers/cupboards etc.Couple more interior shots might be interesting so we can see the complete layout which might indicate if it was built from a set of drawinfs/plans.Still a worthwhile project.
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Post by akeepsake on Dec 26, 2014 8:30:34 GMT 10
Davo, a nice Christmas pressie for you! Looks fantastic ! Bet you can't wait to get into the resto! It'll do up a treat! I have a similar shape 50s homemade bondy which will be my winter project so very happy to help you and compare notes etc Plenty of help available on the forum from seasoned veterans ! Yep some more pics of internal layout would be good . Cheers Andrew
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