1957 Phoenix Caravan

[HAD708]

Heh Guys
My name is Brett and i have just purchased a 1957 Phoenix caravan. i live in the Dandenongs outside Melbourne VIC. I have a interest in old Holdens and 1950,s memrobilia so the addition of the Bondy seemed only natural! It has been on this forum previously, i bought the van off a good friend who also frequents this site. It will need a bit of work but i am looking forward to giving a new lease of life. It is all complete but will need a strip of the paint, structural repairs, new paint inside and out and etc etc. I have posted a few photos for those that are interested. does anyone know of any other phoenix caravans?
Cheers
Brett

[minicamper]

Hi Brett and well done!
I'm in the process of restoring a Bondy as well. Have a look in the Down memory lane for Phoenix info. Someone on here will definitely know something.
You know i pulled my old house kitchen out a few years ago and all the cupboard knobs were the ones you have in your van!
The repairs will be easy with the bondwood, its the things like, period stoves, fridges, upholstery and laminex that are the hard bits. You seem to have done well. Did you get the porthole window too? They'd be the preverbial rocking horse doo if you didn't.
Welcome to the forum!
Cheers
Chris

[kingy]

Hi Brett,
Good combo there, a bondwood and an EH, i can relate to that ;D - Can't say i've heard of a phoenix before though, but it appears to be a worthy project thats for sure .
Looking forward to seeing more of the resto
If your going to that holden turnout in FEB. at the Flemington racecoarse call by and say hello, we're taking our EH and van down.
Cheers Kingy

[Don Ricardo]

G'day Brett,

Welcome to the V V forum, and congratulations on your new van. As has been said, it will make a great combo with your EH.

You mentioned that your van has been shown on the forum before, and there is a little glimmer of recognition in my brain, however I don't think there have been any other Phoenix caravans listed... Certainly, there isn't a thread for Phoenixes on Down History Lane as yet, so perhaps your van will be a first.

I note that there is a site for a modern variety of Phoenix van on the web. They seem to specialise in dirt road and off-road vans and are based in Caboolture, Queensland. www.phoenixcaravans.com.au/index.html

Somebody may be able to tell us whether your van is the great, great grandfather of the modern Phoenixes or they just share the same name.

Do you have a manufacturer's plate indicating place of manufacture or anything like that, or a logo?

Anyway I look forward to seeing your progress as you refurbish your van, and I trust that you have many happy journeys in her.

Regards,

Don Ricardo

[HAD708]

Thanks for the replies and the interest. The EH is my late model i am a committee member of the FE FC Car Club of Vic and i have a FC Sedan grey and white that will also tow the van at a later date.The van has all the gear with it the stove is alll their and complete the original ice box is concealed behid two of the cupboards and the original tap is getting re threaded. The port hole is out for sanding and stripping and is complete and undamaged.Don the caravan was home assembled with all chassis and materails bought through the maker Phoenix Caravans and accesssories 183-189 Grange Road Fairfield VIC. it was assembled in Balwyn and then taken back to phoenix and skined at there factory. I have all the paperwork etc so if you are keen i can send it too you as i have a CD Rom of it all. PM me if you are keen. It was previously on the forum in november 2006 in the for sale section. Thread no 115756787. Aparently their is an add in 1953 motor manual trailer book.
Cheers
Brett

[exocet]

Hi Brett, in the '56 edition of the Keith Winser book they do list the Phoenix caravan, they had 4 models that year and they made a 10ft, 11ft,12ft and a 14ft model. Their motto was ''Remember ... If it's used in caravans we have it''

Cheers Exocet

[Deleted]

Hi Brett

I like the "3 hole modification" to the stove drop down door . I have a 2 burner metho stove that is just a tad too big for any van i have owned so far. The knobs prevent the door from closing.
looks like Phoenix caravans solved the problem by boring 3 holes in the door and letting 'em all hang out..

Keep at it mate. she will look cool when she's finished.
Ahhhhhhh.. another bondy heading back from the brink of extinction...... Bloody bewdy Mate ........

and being towed by an old Holden ;D ;D extra cool .

Reddo

[don257]

Brett.great work ! we agree with reddos comments, we are glad to see another TIMBER BEAUDY under restoration.Im sure it will come up fantastic ,cant wait to see it finished,sure tony agrees with us. Shame about the black & white thing hanging up keeping it company in the shed! -----ha! ha!-----Doug. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D