HDTodd
Junior Member
Posts: 97
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Post by HDTodd on Feb 21, 2008 7:19:41 GMT 10
I thought it was about time I started a thread for the Don restoration, here are some pics of when I got it home.   After nearly 12 hours and over 1000k's I can say that it tow's really well, even without brakes or stabilizing bars at 110kmh. The yellow pieces on the back have been removed and were mdf nailed over the original ply. Thankfully there is only a bit of rot on the right hand side. I also discovered that the front was covered with a sheet of mdf to hide some rot under the window. This is all minor though and should be easy enough to repair. I've managed to obtain a smaller set of 6 stud rims so it will be moved into the shed this weekend and the resto will start. Here is a pic of the ID plate, there is also one near the door.  |
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Post by cobber on Feb 21, 2008 7:29:20 GMT 10
Good on you Todd, We are really pleased to see you get hold of a top quality ' van at last, you deserve it. Mr & Mrs Cobber  |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2008 8:34:25 GMT 10
Onya Todd
What tailights did you end up scoring at Clarendon??
There was a nice set of cast alloy lights ( early pommy may have been austin or hillman) with three 2" round lenses mounted on an old pailing that appeared to have been used as a box trailer light board. $10 the lot. Would have looked period on the old cadet.
I couldnt contact you because i didnt have your number, and the chances of finding you in that crowd again was very slim. I realised later i could have called Tickos and asked if they had your mobile number... doh!
Good luck with the resto.. full steam ahead for Coledale 2008.
Reddo
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Post by willyn on Feb 21, 2008 8:58:51 GMT 10
nice Van HDtodd
Are you keeping the same colour ? or total revamp
and full resto
seems like Dons are the predomonant choice of the Splinter group
there is a don cadet for sale in Rockingham around the $3500. mark
if any ones interested
Will
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HDTodd
Junior Member
Posts: 97
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Post by HDTodd on Feb 21, 2008 10:00:21 GMT 10
Thanks for the words of encouragement guys, it should be making it's debut at Coledale if I stay focused.
I actually bought those tailights Reddo, they were exactly what I was after and a bargain at $10, they're off a phase 2 Vanguard. The guy told me the lenses were plastic but they're actually glass and the chrome surrounds have cleaned up as new.
It'll be getting a full revamp Will. I learn't my lesson with using lairy colours on the last van (was too embarrased to tow it) so this one will be a bit more subtle (you can't tell from the photos but the blue is very bright). I've already bought the paint and have a few minor modifications planned but all in keeping with the period.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2008 11:04:19 GMT 10
"I actually bought those tailights Reddo" Yayyyyyyyyyyy  How good is this.  100s of sites with junk mounds everywhere and you managed to spot them. I thought of you as soon as i seen em. Great minds think alike. They will look extra cool on the Don , and i am glad you put those HR sedan lights down after i frowned at you and young Daniel and walked away.. Reddo |
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 21, 2008 16:55:02 GMT 10
That van is going to look great Todd, all the best with it. Make sure the paint is dry before you bring it to Coledale ;D ;D You mean to tell me that you had a van with brighter colours than my Rubic'sKube???  Impossible! Ray |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Feb 21, 2008 21:49:33 GMT 10
Hi HDTodd,
Great to see that you got home safely with the Cadet, and that you have started work on it already.
We look forward to seeing your progress...and cheering you on! But you've answered one of my questions about that van already - what's behind that extra panelling? Apparently it wasn't only for cosmetic reasons!!
Don Ricardo
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2008 23:34:05 GMT 10
HDTodd .......welcome to the Cadet club ........great to see you're taken delivery, & made a start on resto Co-incidently, I've been working on my Cadet this week as well .....fortunately mine just needs a paint 'freshnup" These Cadets are really well built caravans, in true Don fashion, the build quality is excellent, and they have some interesting extra little features  . Interestingly, you say yours has still got the 6 stud wheels, coz mine has been changed to 5 stud 14" ford wheels, probably coz its tow car was a XY Falc for many years.....the spare that come with it though is a 6 stud .....work that one out   Somehow Don have made these quite light for there size, mine is really easy to manouvre on my own, and tows beautifully Are you going to tow it with the Prem? Mark |
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