Franklin Caravelle - what year?

[Lexy]

I digitally stumbled across this forum yesterday, I wish I would have known about it a couple of months ago!

Anyway, I'm the proud new owner of this Franklin Caravelle, and am in the process of renovating it, and am still unsure of it's birthday. I'm guessing around late 60's?  Very similar shape to another member's Franklin (SGTL) but some noticeable differences:

• galley window
• split rear window (and they don't open!)
• 4 Seasons hatch (possibly after market?)
  

Are there any markings, codes or serial numbers, that should be present? If so, where?
Cheers, Lexy

P.S. I think I'm gonna be spending a bit lot of time on here!







ok, I think I got the hang of this photo bucket thingey...

[shesgotthelook]

Hello & welcome Lexy, I'm running late for something but just quickly, looks very late 60's. Have a read of this (if you have not already done so! )


vintagecaravans.proboards.com/thread/4777/franklin-chassis-number-register

I shall be more helpful later

[Lexy]

Thanks SGTL,
I will go and have a look...
By the way, I read your entire thread on your '66 Franklin. Very inspiring and reassuring to know I don't have to trail blaze anymore!
Lexy

[Lexy]

Geez, there it was all along, stamped right there on the A-frame

So it looks like 1967, number 1663

[Deleted]

Hi Lexy,
Your 4. Seasons hatch and wind out galley window are later additions,the fixed back windows are standard.( opening was an option).
Hope this helps
Cheers
hughdeani

[Lexy]

Thanks hughdeani,

Yes, that's very helpful.  It's hard to tell what's new and what's old.  Because it seems that it's all old, even though those bits of the 'van are 'newer'; if you know what I mean.  It is only logical to conclude then, that between 1966 and 1967 the design changed from a single rear window to a split rear window?

In the 2 months since I've had her, she's only been on the road twice; and both times it's rained! From a practical point of view, I wish the front windows were permanently shut, not the back ones.  When traveling at speed (90km), the amount of water that was pushed through the front windows when raining was.... well, it made everything wet! It taught me a lot and hopefully I've addressed the issue. Ain't no better teacher than experience!
cheers, Lexy

[Lexy]

As an afterthought... geez hughdeanie, how did you know the galley window was a wind out?!!!  None of the other windows are wind outs...?   I guess that explains your handle... Is there an emoticon for "suitably impressed"?

Am really stoked I found this forum, what a place to vent/share my enthusiasm...!

cheers, Lexy

[Roehm3108]

Hughdeani probably won't answer your question Lexy, but we all have been amazed by his depth of filing cabinets on all things caravanning!!! He is the "Stig" of all things caravans!!! I think that he also worked in the industry at some point!

[Lexy]

Thanks R,

If I were to document, with photos and all, on which forum board should I create a thread?
cheers,
Lexy

[Roehm3108]

Hi Lexy

Stay on this forum, but file the thread in the Members Photo Album section. When DonRicardo reads this, he might be nice and move this over to that section for you and save you having to start a new thread.

[Lexy]

A most memorable milestone was reached today:
A name.
We've decided to call her Frankie. Yes, she's a she!
It's certainly shorter than One-six-six-three-dash-seven

[Roehm3108]

S/he looks like s/he could go to Hollywood!!

[Lexy]

Yes, Hollywood is a bit too far to travel.  I was told to "Relax, don't do it!"  

On the reno front, Frankie went up on ramps yesterday.  Not as easy as I had planned, there's not much clearance under there, the ramps wouldn't fit under the chassis, so had to improvise a much longer, slowly rising incline.  
Now I can get to the water tank. It's in pretty bad shape, only 1 bracket holding it on, with bits of rope for the other.  So that's today's job.  Out she comes!