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Post by ovalbob on Sept 9, 2006 7:32:55 GMT 10
hi to all, im new to your forum and find myself intrigued with the concept of vintage caravans. suppose it makes sense if you ve got an old car to tow it with. i own a 56 beetle with 36(raging)hp,
what options do i have re caravans? i have no intention of modifying my car(shes original and thats how i like it). i know i havent got much grunt to play with, but you dont own a beetle if youre in rush to get somewhere. any thoughts, ideas, and tales of experience would be greatly appreciated. thanks rob.
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Post by marshy74 on Sept 9, 2006 8:16:24 GMT 10
G'day Rob,
We too have the same problem. We have a few vw's but none powerful enough to tow much at all. Maybe a teadrop would be ok but they are kind of rare as rocking horse poo. Check out what veedub nut has done with his teardrop - awesome (member's photo albumn). We bought a Bondwood a few months back as a resto project but I am coming to the sad realization that it is way too heavy for anything we own and I'm thinking of selling. When it comes to towing I guess it is not just the towing but also the stopping! I'm assuming you have an oval? Good on you for keeping her original.
Marshy 74
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Post by ovalbob on Sept 9, 2006 9:36:03 GMT 10
hey marshy, yeh its an oval. i had thought that stopping maybe an issue. shall check out veedubnuts setup. what sought of money do teardrops change hands for?
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Post by hwyman on Sept 9, 2006 10:54:07 GMT 10
Hey guy's dont forget the possibility of a propert even though they are a bit scarce!
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Post by marshy74 on Sept 9, 2006 11:55:46 GMT 10
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veedubnut
Full Member
The Compact Camper
Posts: 272
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Post by veedubnut on Sept 9, 2006 12:57:04 GMT 10
Welcome aboard ovalbob, Great to see another VW Fan on here! We need to build the numbers up a little ;D I have a 65 Beetle with its original 1200 still in place... It tows my Teardrop Trailer fairly well but, as you can imagine you won't be breaking any world land speed records with a trailer in tow  I've towed in on a level motorway and the cars max speed is 80 km/ph (You could probably squeeze a little more power out with a favourable tailwind  ) However once you start climbing a few hills you know about it. I've towed my Teardrop up the Blue Mountains here a couple of times now and have decided to fit a larger 1600 engine. I will just store the 1200 away and can always refit it later. Like yourself I like the originality of the correct engine but, unfortunately it just is'nt quite up to the task of coping comfortably with my other hobby. The brakes seem to be adequate but, of course if you drive defensively and allow a safe stopping distance you'll be fine. Cheers Greg |
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Post by ovalbob on Sept 9, 2006 13:46:54 GMT 10
wow, looks good. more money than i had imagined. is that the top end of the market or about right? what is a propert? thanks rob. |
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Post by ovalbob on Sept 9, 2006 13:48:29 GMT 10
Welcome aboard ovalbob, Great to see another VW Fan on here! We need to build the numbers up a little ;D I have a 65 Beetle with its original 1200 still in place... It tows my Teardrop Trailer fairly well but, as you can imagine you won't be breaking any world land speed records with a trailer in tow I've towed in on a level motorway and the cars max speed is 80 km/ph (You could probably squeeze a little more power out with a favourable tailwind ) However once you start climbing a few hills you know about it. I've towed my Teardrop up the Blue Mountains here a couple of times now and have decided to fit a larger 1600 engine. I will just store the 1200 away and can always refit it later. Like yourself I like the originality of the correct engine but, unfortunately it just is'nt quite up to the task of coping comfortably with my other hobby. The brakes seem to be adequate but, of course if you drive defensively and allow a safe stopping distance you'll be fine. Cheers Greg Btw your td looks fantastic Greg. thanks rob. |
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veedubnut
Full Member
The Compact Camper
Posts: 272
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Post by veedubnut on Sept 9, 2006 14:09:25 GMT 10
Rob,
Have a look through the members list and look up chippydave he has posted some pictures and brochures of Propert Folding caravans. Quite a few members here own them and have posted photos throughout the members photo album...
You may have to do a little searching but, you'll find them. According to the original literature a standard VW will tow a Propert. But, good luck finding one mate ;D
Cheers
Greg
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Post by marshy74 on Sept 9, 2006 17:28:59 GMT 10
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Post by bigdidda on Sept 9, 2006 17:46:44 GMT 10
Rob A Propert is a folding caravan that actually folds over itself into a 6 x 6 foot square approx.Opened up they are about 9 x 6 foot. They are very easy to tow and manouver as it can be done by one person. The only drawback is you cannot be more than 5' 11" as the bed is only 6 foot long by about 3 foot wide.VVVery cosy. They were manufactured in Vaucluse NSW by an extraordinary man whose brother made egg swisks and bathroom fitting ( the company still exists in Castle Hill NSW i believe ). They are quite basic but a hell of a lot of fun to own. Sorry about the feet and inches but metric confuses me too much and i am usually pretty confused at the best of times.  Hope this has helped you. regards don |
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Post by ovalbob on Sept 9, 2006 18:58:59 GMT 10
thanks bigd,
sounds like a propert would suit me as im a little shorter than 5'11. what sought of price range are we talking? im thinking theyre hard to come by also? thanks rob.
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Post by chippydave01 on Sept 9, 2006 20:47:05 GMT 10
 here is a propert for all u vw drivers  the above photos are 1958.Cheers chippydave |
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Post by trodler on Sept 10, 2006 7:45:15 GMT 10
Hi Rob
The price range can vary a bit for a propert, I was lucky enough to pick my propert up for $200, they turn up on ebay occasionally and they can sell for two to three thousand for one that needs to be restored.
From memory a friend of Rays had one for sale about 2 years ago in a nice restored condition for $4500
So it all depends how desperatly you want one.
Cheers.
Trodler
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veedubnut
Full Member
The Compact Camper
Posts: 272
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Post by veedubnut on Sept 19, 2006 23:14:45 GMT 10
Here you go ovalbob, A friend of mine emailed these pics to me today. If ever I was insane enough to build another Teardrop (from scratch that is) this is how I would want it to look. ;D Owner even has an oval window bug... Hmmm I'm starting to think of leaving my 1200cc in its place  decisions, decisions     Cheers Greg |
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Post by earlee on Sept 20, 2006 5:05:43 GMT 10
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Post by marshy74 on Sept 20, 2006 22:24:57 GMT 10
Wow, what a cool setup. I love the oval lights on the Teardrop. Those heart lights are a bit hard to come by - ?off a 54 or 55. Guards look cool too.
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Post by type82e on Sept 27, 2006 20:12:50 GMT 10
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) However once you start climbing a few hills you know about it. I've towed my Teardrop up the Blue Mountains here a couple of times now and have decided to fit a larger 1600 engine. I will just store the 1200 away and can always refit it later.
decisions, decisions