Preperation for picking up van after 40 years rest

[vintagecaravans]

Hi All, I am off this Saturday to bring home the new Bondwood van, it has been very carefully stored in a shed for over 40 years and I was wondering what preperation and other stuff I should be aware of bringing it down off blocks and home again, any advice you can give me to do it safely.

It has been stored up on level wooden blocks (tree trunks really) at each corner of the chassis with wheels off the ground, the water tank has been removed, all the windows are intact and securely closed. The tyres hold air (were almost brand new when the van went for hibernation) and the rims spin freely (so I dont think the brakes are seized) I have the correct sized tow ball and the hitch looks to be serviceable? I have a VICROADS unregistered vehicle permit, and trailer light board to hang instead of re-wiring he original tail lights in the short term and it gives me indicators, (something the old girl lacks)

Is it a simple case of drop it off the blocks and tow it home???

Any help is as always appreciated
Matt

[Deleted]

Hiya Matt.
Good to hear you are bringing home your van this weekend.
My advice is never ever trust anyone elses handywork.
. Take some basic tools to drop the hub caps and wheels off.
Before you take the wheels off grab them and check for any slop in the wheel bearings. They might sopin easy but that could also mean they are too loose.
If it has brakes with a mechanical overide coupling make sure it moves freely and the brake drums arent rusted on the swept area where the linings rub on the drum.
once the wheels are back on the van is sitting on the ground , double ceck wheel nut s for tightness. check the tyre pressure. dont put too much air into them. they will be happy around 20lb .
Have a good look at the drawbar and underneath for chassis rust.
If it has been painted with stuff like silver frost it could be hiding rust. not a problem providing its not too rusty and there is a chance of the drawbar snapping under load.
Once you get the coupling onto the right sized towball try lifting it off the ball. if it clunks around then adjust the screw through the coupling until all the slop is taken up. If you dont it will clatter all the way home.. or worse still bounce off the coupling alltogether.

Make sure the roof hatch is shut properly . secure it with wire or something if it looks like it has any chance of flying open when travelling. Check all windows are shut properly and latches locked.
Check the door is locked properly and if it has a cabin latch make sure it is flipped over into its hook catch.
10 minutes spent taking your time checking things before moving off can mean the difference between a memorable first tow and a miserable first tow.
Dont forget the camera.. we like pictures of retrievals and rescues.

Final word... Its a bondy.. they never give you trouble
Reddo.. pres royal soc.......