Builtwell by Barnwell

[sparkie]

Hi all,

I'm after info regarding the pictured van that I'm looking at buying.

It's a Builtwell by Barnwell and I need to find out what to look for so it can be re registered as in what problems need to be overcome.

The van looks sound throughout with a number of original fittings in place and has been in its current location for a number of years being used as an 'on site' van.

I may need to replace the axle just to move it from where it is as I have no idea what the three stud wheels would be from (they are 5 1/2" between studs).

I also can't get over how short the draw bar is.

The deal isn't done yet and no time frame has been set so I'm not under any pressure to buy.

Anyway, all advise would be welcome.

Many thanks in advance.

Sparkie.

[DC3Td]

Gday Sparkie.Looks like you could have yourself a very nice vin caravan.Little bit of info in our - Down History Lane - section: Builtwell/Barnwell.As for the wheels? Austin/morris 3 studs? It always helps to give your general location so members can point you towards items you need. As an aside measure the drums & centre hub hole as possible a 4 or 5 stud drum can be fitted allowing a more readily available wheel to be fitted.Measure the inner wheel space too! General/usual repairs apply to any caravan.However check chassis/tow hitch/"A" frame/external lights/flooring.Window/door latches/ROOF HATCH!! If you then decide to buy it maybe you could haul it onto a trailer as is by placing timber boards under the hubs.If latches/hatch are loose throw a tarp over the van or GLAD wrap it. cheers

EDIT:Scrap the wheels i mentioned above.Just measured the ones i have.

[cobber]

G'day Sparkie,

In addition to Dc3td's advice

Have you found the 'Builtwell' thread in our DHL board ? If not click here

There is no need to change the axle just because it has three stud wheels, I have a van with three stud wheels and it can be a bit of a challenge finding what wheels will fit but it can be done, mine were the same as early model Hillman.
When you say the distance between studs is 5 1/2 inches is that centre to centre and then you multiply that by 1. 154 which is the correct way of determining the PCD, see here (half way down the page )

Regarding the electrics, if you want the 240 volt checked out best to get an electrician to look at it, I reckon, some of them know about low voltage stuff too

Could you tell me what the brand name on the tow coupling is please

Cobber.

[JBJ]

Hi,
I think early Peugot 203 had 3 stud wheels. Not sure about the later versions, like 403, but I'm sure I remember putting 3 wheel nuts on an early 203, maybe early 50's model.


I just Googled early 1950's Peugot 203 & found an image with 3 stud wheels, like I thought.
Also some of the early Citroen's had 3 stud, so possibly it was common on early French cars??

JBJ

[humpty2]

The wheels could be Hillman circa 53/54 or earlier.........the van looks young enough for these wheels to be a common option.
I will do a measure tomorrow to check.

[humpty2]

The wheels could be Hillman circa 53/54 or earlier.........the van looks young enough for these wheels to be a common option.
I will do a measure tomorrow to check.

[sparkie]

hi guys!!! thanks for all the input so far.
I already had been told the wheels might be Citroen but thinking logically, a locally made van would use something readily available at the time and Hillman or Austin/Morris would have been more popular I'd say...now where do I find them?
When I gave that measurement it was from centre to centre of each stud.
Worst case scenario is I change the axle and fit Holden rims but I'd like to keep it original if I can.
Electrics won't be a problem, I'm an auto sparkie and my first year of tech (yes it was called tech in those days) was with the 240 volt guys as there wasn't a dedicated first year course then for auto electricians. (Geez I sound old)
Everything that opens can be shut securely, my concern is what to look out for to have it pass rego again eg: rusty chassis, body to chassis fixings etc.
The coupling is knackered, the slide shaft for the override brakes is badly rusted which is a shame but I will check out the brand when I see it next in a week or so.
I expect it's a 2 1/2" ball though and I still have one...somewhere...so towing it won't provide any problems, even with the rusty slide shaft.
Once again, thanks for the input so far, it's muchly appreciated.

[JBJ]

Hi,

I would suggest you investigate the french car clubs, & try to find someone near you that has a car with 3 stud wheels, regardless of make.
By a process of elimination, you should be able to find a wheel that will fit your van.
Then its easy, you just have to find somw wheels you can buy.
I did notice on one of the french car sites I browsed, that brand new wheels are still available for some models.
Nothing's easy if you want to try & find parts, but if you don't try you wont be able to achieve anything.

Another thought, no one but you will know what was meant to be there on the van, so changing to a readily available alternative isn't a silly idea in my eyes.

Easier to find aussie produced wheels than frog legs

JBJ

[DC3Td]

Gday Sparkie. "Everything that opens can be shut securely" - you don`t have to be driving fast,the wind of passing semi trailers pay no attention to that.You only need one front or side glass to break & guaranteed the wind will tear through the van.Been a number of folk who`ve found that out the hard way.Only in recent weeks one of our members lost the roof hatch.So best be safe,at least tie a tarp over the old girl.

[sparkie]

Hi everybody...latest news is the deal has been done and the van moved 'off site' to a 'holding area' until I can prepare it for a road journey.
For those that may be interested, the wheel problem has been solved. Turns out they are Peugot hubs, why they were chosen I don't know unless the owner had them fitted to match the tow vehicle.
Anyway, the guys at the Peugot car club were fantastic in hooking me up with some rims and I dips me lid to them in gratitude.
My big problem now is the tow coupling.The coupling is rusted badly and I wouldn't trust it. The mounting bolt pattern for coupling seems to be what is available now so that might even put a date on manufacture given there has been a standard mounting bolt pattern agreed to...but back to my problem.
The van currently has over ride brakes so do I buy a coupling that will incorporate them or do I need to go electric brakes (no problem to do) or would the van be light enough to go without brakes?
Questions
Questions
Questions...

cheers
Sparkie.