Gearedup combination

[gearedup]

We found this old van in Strathalbyn SA where it had been standing for about 25 years , last registered in 1980 (still have the rego disc) and decided it was just what we had been looking for to tow behind our 1959 Chrysler Royal. A photo was posted by Chris (313 Royal), it’s the cream one in the middle. It was home built by a local and we are the 3rd owners. I believe it’s of a 50’s vintage and was built with Oak frames on a steel chassis with Aluminium roof and sides, with marine ply floor and ply lining. All interior screws were brass and all nails used were Monel steel. It was fitted with a gas light over the stove and I decided that was not for us, but I have kept it and will mount it in its original place when I find a new glass.
So far we have travelled to Mildura , Broken Hill and back to Adelaide and in September – October to Canberra and back. It’s fantastic to tow behind the Royal and the amount of interest the combination creates is absolutely unbelievable, especially when we travel in convoy with other Vintage caravans. My wife absolutely loves this old van.
I have more photos of inside the van before I started and also other old vans that we found in our travels if anyone is interested. Noel








This photo is of the first time the van ( restored) was connected to the Royal .

[kingy]

G'day Gearedup,
Don't ya just hate photobucket
Welcome aboard and look forward to seeing your photo's (don't worry we all went through this when first sending photo's) have you checked out the "" how to send photo's'' section yet - Cheers Kingy

[313royal]

Welcome aboard, like Kingy says you will get the hang of it, we are all waiting with baited breath

313

[gearedup]

At Last, Refer to previous article. Thanks 313 for your help and to you also kingy for your support. Hope you enjoy the photos. Noel

[1954homemade]

Hi Gearedup,

Thanks for the photos, isn't it amazing what a coat of paint can do?

What a great combination and you just can't beat a Chrylser !!!!! ;D ;D ;D

Regards
Di

[gearedup]

Hi Di, I did have quite abit of work to do on the inside at the back. Rebuilt all windows and rear window frame,new cupboard between the bunks and also new lining at the rear over beds, and a new hatch. Complete new brakes lining , hydraulic pipes, all wheel cylinders and master, wheel bearings ect. Then I got to do the paint . Your right a coat of paint makes a huge difference. Just love that Royal.
Gearedup.

[Roehm3108]

Lovely rig Gearedup. And a porthole window that opens - now you've really raised the porthole bar, so to speak. Does the gas lamp still work, or is it there for decoration only. Would presume it would need a heat-shield behind it before you attempted to have that natural gaslit evening ;D ;D ;D
Ray
Ps I used to live up the road from Strath, in Mt Barker!

[sutcac]

Hey there Gearedups......................that rig is DDG(drop dead gorgeous). Just seems to have the right colour/line combination......what a knockout !! Would fit in perfectly up Cairns way.......I think there's a few right royal bruddas and sisters up that way!!!!!

To be known now as "Their ROYAL Highnesses"

Well done!! ;D ;D

Cheers Cactus

[gearedup]

Thanks for your comment guys . The gas light was plumbed up to the gas but I decided it was to dangerous so I removed it. My intention was to remount it for decoration only but first I will have to find a new glass for, (any suggestions where I might find one), I do have new oringinal mantels for it. they were still in the cupboard. Gearedup ( One of the ROAYAL HIGHNESSES).

[cornishlass]

Hi Gearedup

I notice from your last posting that you need a new glass for the gas light. Couple of suggestions first check out this link www.vintagetrailersupply.com/product_p/vts-306.htm They sell new globes, but check the size will match up with yours.

Other suggestion is that I have several spare ones. If you measure the internal diameter of the fitting I will check through my spares and see if I have one to fit.

Should you decide to put it back and have it as a working model it looks like it should take Number 2 gas mantles. There is a guy on Ebay UK who still sells them, so that wouldn't be a problem. If it's Number 1, again I have quite a few of them so I could let you have some of those as well.

By the way, just love those cupboard hinges.... what a brilliant shape.

Ray

You mentioned a heat shield - I have never seen one behind any gas lamps before. There is a shield at the top (the round ali part) but I presume that the glass would diffuse any heat. I have certainly never had any problems in the past without one.

Cornish Lass