|
|
Post by RollyDog on Sept 15, 2007 15:13:18 GMT 10
I got the teardrop back from the painters today and think that a small port hole style window would look good just back from the side door. Does anyone know where I could source one.
Rod G Brisbane
ps. The teardrop will be out for the first time at the All British Day at St Joesphs College, Tennyson (near Roclea) next Sunday.
|
|
|
|
Post by Franklin1 on Sept 16, 2007 22:52:44 GMT 10
Hi Hillmansafari, Porthole windows seem to be the "Holy Grail" when found in old caravans. They are a very, very rare item on the second-hand market, and you are only likely to come across one from somebody who has wrecked an unsalvageable van. They are usually taken for storage to a bank deposit vault, such is their value. Trying to find alternatives is also like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you are unable to source a genuine vintage caravan window anywhere, you might have to think outside the box a bit. Porthole windows are used in the marine industry, so an opportunity might be found along that line. This item on USA ebay could possibly be adapted/modified to suit your needs, but I've found postage from the US to be VERY expensive... Item # 180159908620. I've also previously thought about how to make a home-made porthole window. One idea I had was to get an old aluminium cake tin lid and cut the centre out. Then get the glass cut and seal it to the inside of the lid. The rim of the lid (where it fits into the cake tin body) would then fit into the hole in the ply. Rough-as-guts I know, but with a bit of decent handywork, I reckon you could pass it off as a reasonable backyard shed replica. Or at least you could until somebody round the campfire says, "Heyyyy, is that a cake tin lid porthole window on your teardrop?!!" At which point you can either puff your chest out and declare, "Yup!! Made it m'self!!", or you can slink away and turn your teardrop around so the window can't be seen  Sorry I can't be of more help... Al. |
|
morry
New Member
Posts: 40
|
Post by morry on Sept 17, 2007 7:53:57 GMT 10
Further to Franklin1 and JBJ's advice the old chrome element rings off coil style stoves works a treat. Simply cut the glass to fit and seal in with silastic and/or a rubber seal from Clark Rubber etc and off you go. A top edge can be fashioned from a cut down ring or some other edging material which would work as well. Dodgy Bros. construction co. at your service..... Easily obtainable brand new or secondhand - just don't pinch them off the missus new stove or you may spend more time in the van than you planned ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by 34chev on Sept 17, 2007 9:01:43 GMT 10
What are the genuine ones worth, as I just let 2 go for free with an old tear drop body I had, on the priviso that, if the tear drop didn't get rebuilt their ownership returned to me!
I got them out of an old ply van from the wreckers about 15 years ago, when I was young and stupid and didn't know anything about V.V.s
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2007 10:50:23 GMT 10
I pulled 2 original "non opening " port holes out of the fugly van when i started stripping it. I consider them and the old 3 stud rims with hub caps worth i paid for the van.  The jury is still out and there is ongoing deliberations as to whether of not to restore it and reinstall the portholes. I know if i sell them i will kick myself later if the rebuild goes ahead. I searched long and hard for them for the twelve months while i built the TD. ended up using the one that was in the old alloy van i destroyed .  I advertised for a couple of portholes here at work. a bloke replied saying he had 2 from a ship. i went and checked them out. They where solid brass hinge open style each weighing at least 10KG each  I would have torn the side out of the TD as i went around a round about  I have seen hinge open portholes in vans but i am unsure who made ( makes) them  There is plenty of options/ alternatives out there as has already been suggested. Dont let the search holds up restoration progress. something is bound to turn up before you complete the project.  Good luck in your search. Reddo |
|
|
|
Post by RollyDog on Sept 17, 2007 14:37:29 GMT 10
Thanks guys. I'll keep an eye out for windows or ways to make them but the guards are being painted today and it will be registered by Thursday and I'll get to that window when i get a chance. I got some retro style led lights from autobarn for the rear. They are clear but light up red or amber and at $16 each they seemed good value. Look out for the bright yellow Hillman Hunter wagon with matching teardrop after this week. The black minilites and white wall tyres on both car and van finish it off nicely.
Rod G.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie on Nov 28, 2007 13:49:20 GMT 10
Greetings from California. Sorry about our current regime... I too seek portholes that open, and not marine salvage. Here everyone seems resigned to the hideous smoked glass rectangles. The lucky ones find round, non-opening smoked glass "opera windows" from 70's-era customized vans. I do have two suggestions, though. First, for the DIY types, I used round wooden plate frames and had tempered glass custom cut to fit. Perhaps this is a purely middle-American hobby, and I hope to God it is, but some folks collect and frame hand painted commemorative plates bearing scenes from films or cutesy kittens or stylized patriotic (always right-wing) themes. Anyway, these frames come in all sizes, are cheaper than round window frames, each one used this way is one less plate on the wall. I'd suggest varnishing the hell out of the one used outside. Second, there must be a way to find the manufacturer of the portholes used in the Danbury Teardrop Caravan, These portholes are perfect- metal-framed, tempered, and best of all, they open for ventilation. Now I tried sending emails to their site, but they haven't replied. The site has no parts catalog. Seeing as youse guy are thousands of miles closer than I am, can someone just sort of stop by their showroom and inquire? They need to understand that the teardrop world needs these portholes. In just my immediate circle here in San Francisco, they could unload at least a dozen pair. Somebody PLEASE talk to them! Hi Hillmansafari, Porthole windows seem to be the "Holy Grail" when found in old caravans. They are a very, very rare item on the second-hand market, and you are only likely to come across one from somebody who has wrecked an unsalvageable van. They are usually taken for storage to a bank deposit vault, such is their value. Trying to find alternatives is also like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you are unable to source a genuine vintage caravan window anywhere, you might have to think outside the box a bit. Porthole windows are used in the marine industry, so an opportunity might be found along that line. This item on USA ebay could possibly be adapted/modified to suit your needs, but I've found postage from the US to be VERY expensive... Item # 180159908620. I've also previously thought about how to make a home-made porthole window. One idea I had was to get an old aluminium cake tin lid and cut the centre out. Then get the glass cut and seal it to the inside of the lid. The rim of the lid (where it fits into the cake tin body) would then fit into the hole in the ply. Rough-as-guts I know, but with a bit of decent handywork, I reckon you could pass it off as a reasonable backyard shed replica. Or at least you could until somebody round the campfire says, "Heyyyy, is that a cake tin lid porthole window on your teardrop?!!" At which point you can either puff your chest out and declare, "Yup!! Made it m'self!!", or you can slink away and turn your teardrop around so the window can't be seen Sorry I can't be of more help... Al. |
|
|
|
Post by seeshell on Feb 17, 2012 21:01:17 GMT 10
Hi there All You're right they are the holy grail - one just sold today on ebay for more than $320 AUD! I'm sure it was the missing all important part of a restoration, so glad someone picked that up. Often what's up for offer seems to be the marine salvage, as Reddo and others noted. Not only are they far too heavy, but in most cases the wall thickness is far too large to even retrofit if you were so inclined. Someone mentioned Danbury Teardrop Caravans before and that they had portholes and wondered where to get them. The long canal boats (called narrowboats) do have fixed, part or full opening portholes that are quite plain and lighter to fit to vans. Of course they're not vintage, but are often made to match older designs. This is one company, though I'm sure there are others: www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk/Boat-Portholes.htmCheers Seeshell |
|
|
|
Post by humpynvan on Feb 18, 2012 7:05:53 GMT 10
I was in 2 minds wheather to fit this porthole to the TD, it came with it wheni bought it, but im thinking now that i just might.
It appears to be the same as the one reddo fitted to the door of his TD
|
|
|
|
Post by bobandjacqui on Jun 15, 2015 15:44:45 GMT 10
Posting on behalf of our good friend Case. Case made a porthole window for another member but in his words it was too time consuming but if anyone would like information on how to make one he would pleased to pass on his knowledge.   If you are interested in producing one send Case a PM. Cheers Bob and Jacqui. |
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on Jun 15, 2015 17:02:40 GMT 10
Case showed me his porthole windows, said they took an extraordinary amount of time to make but what a magnificent job he did!   |
|
|
|
Post by princessscout on Apr 6, 2016 21:44:23 GMT 10
Hi I think Case did a fabulous job on that porthole and I would love to know how he made it if he is happy to share.We are unable to find a suitable porthole for our van and we are interested in trying to make one ....maybe Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by DC3Td on Apr 7, 2016 11:17:53 GMT 10
Gday & welcome P/Scout.Couple of alternatives to think of or check out.A quick trip to the big green shed & look in Plumbing Section:PVC DWV Floor Flange.Common house size is 100mm Dia @ $3.35 each.(Actual "eye" view of 108mm).Certainly smaller than what you want & i`m sure there would have to be larger diameters available.And of course they are PVC.Another option is early type front load washing machine doors.The doors are metal with flat glass insert.These give you the scope of carefully separating the front from the back panel.Scribe a circle for regular sized porthole outer diameter.Cut down to size.Same to back panel.Clean,paint,insert glass & refit. gordo
|
|
|
|
Post by oldcarharry on Apr 9, 2016 6:22:28 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by DC3Td on Apr 9, 2016 8:30:35 GMT 10
Yep,good site but a genuine can be bought for the same price.And that`s the problem,both a bit exy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mustang on Apr 9, 2016 11:07:51 GMT 10
I have seen them advertised by this builder; link |
|
|
|
Post by shesgotthelook on Apr 10, 2016 9:32:32 GMT 10
|
|
There is plenty of options/ alternatives out there as has already been suggested. Dont let the search holds up restoration progress. something is bound to turn up before you complete the project. 
