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Post by Roehm3108 on Jan 17, 2005 22:13:23 GMT 10
Anybody out there know how the numbering system works on the Propert folding vans. Have spoken to two other owners, and they can't help. I'm getting more and more curious. Thanks Ray
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Post by doctor rock on Feb 3, 2005 23:10:49 GMT 10
saw a well restored propert last year. Would love to know more about them - any info?
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 4, 2005 20:19:01 GMT 10
Hi and welcome to the VC site. Watch it though, there is a bug in this site, as most people who look end up getting a pre 70's van!!! There is some information about the Propert under Members Photo Album, which will give you some idea about the vans. As well, if you look under For Sale/Wanted, on page 2 there is still a link to the ebay van which I bought. It has some quite good photos, and the link still works. I first saw this strange van about 3 years ago whilst travelling through Coffs Harbour. It was in the Watson Caravans yard. It now sits in their showroom on display. The patent for the folding mechanism on these vans goes back to 1952. My van is in bits at the moment, being restored, and I can tell you that this folding mechanism is so simple. It simply works on leverage. Basically, the van is made up of two shells, one hinged on the back, the other on the front. When the top shell is lifted, it takes the bottom shell with it via the levers and simply opens up until it can go no further. Even with only half the hinges effectively working, mine still opened up within 10 seconds, and I could go into he van. There is full head height if you are no more than 6ft tall, in part of the van. The Propert in Coffs actually has a poptop in the lower top of the rear shell, with a canvas insert, which thereby gives even more area of full head height. Each van has its own serial number, which is what I am trying to find out at present. I know that Mr Propert is now dead, but I keep hoping that someone who reads my note will have the answer. There are two Properts in the Canberra Museum, one was a "one off" and the other is a folding type. Hope this helps. Yell if you would like more info
Regards Ray
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Post by jazhow2 on Feb 20, 2005 19:49:15 GMT 10
Hey Ray! Since you are a one eyed Propert fanatic.. ;D ...and you are not alone it seems......... Found a 70's book at a local market that has a chapter on the history of Australian Caravan Manufacturers. This bit made me think of you. If you are interested let me know and I will scan the other couple of pages and put them here...assuming the scan reads clearly? ? Regards, Marc
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 21, 2005 20:51:26 GMT 10
Marc Thanks for thinking of me. Yes, if you can, I would appreciate if you could scan the other pages for me. You might wish to send it to me direct at rayandlee@bigpond.com. Interestingly, this is the first paicture I have seen of a Propert with square parallelogram ( ) style of windows, which is what I have got. All thge others have had porthole types. Anyone out there know when or why they changed? Hoping to take the Propert out on her maiden holiday under her new livery by the end of the week. Taking a trip via New England Highway, to Sydney, Blue Mountains, Canberra, (to see the Propert in the Canberra Museum of course) then across to Bateman's Bay, and the coast road around to Melbourne. Might even get to Adelaide if time permits. Are there any VCers along the route? Regards Ray
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2005 14:44:19 GMT 10
and may I ask Ray whether the Propert is going to be towed behind an old car, or a modern car?
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 22, 2005 20:16:48 GMT 10
Sorry to disappoint Mark. I like my creature comforts too much. She is being towed behind our Nissan Xtrail. As a matter of fact, her outside colours match the vehicle. She who must be ........ calls it champagne, but officially its called metallic beige. Champagne sounds much nicer though.
Am I the ONLY VC'er who DOESN'T have an old car? I guess that makes me unique, and it's nice to be different to all the other VC'ers in that case. ;D ;D ;D
After seeing what my neighbour over the road is going thru restoring his Armstrong Siddley, I absolutely refuse to get hooked on restoring an old car!!!! Vans are enough heartache.
Regards Ray
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Jim
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Post by Jim on Feb 23, 2005 8:18:43 GMT 10
.... Hoping to take the Propert out on her maiden holiday under her new livery by the end of the week. Taking a trip via New England Highway, to Sydney, Blue Mountains, Canberra, (to see the Propert in the Canberra Museum of course) then across to Bateman's Bay, and the coast road around to Melbourne. Might even get to Adelaide if time permits. Are there any VCers along the route? Regards Ray Hi Ray, I'm in Melbourne (Bayswater.. eastern suburbs) Call in for a chat and a cuppa if you have time. I'd like to see your Propert. Am I right in assuming your bought it on ebay a little while ago? One of the pictures you put up looks very much like one that was for auction in Lancefield a couple of months back. Jim
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2005 17:41:33 GMT 10
you haven't disappointed me at all Ray ......this website is all about old caravans .......not cars . The old caravans however do make an interesting extension to the hobby of old cars. I was just interested to see if you were going to tow the Propert behind an old car, but I'm sure the Nissan Xtrail will do the job just as good ;D
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Post by jazhow2 on Feb 23, 2005 20:53:12 GMT 10
Hey Ray! Will send you the article soon.... but don't do what all the big touring acts do ...and leave little old Adelaide off of the itinery!!! Would love to see what all the fuss is about...Properts, Proprts,Propert,,all the time Properts!!!!!! I'm sure you would be made feel welcome up in the hills...keep us posted!!! ;D If you are short of time ......just skip Melbourne!!!!! Marc (One of the other vintage van owners who does not run a classic car.......yet!! (It is in the shed waiting but!!!!!)
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