Where do you get caravan parts from

[extractor]

I would like a vintage caravan and wondered where you get things like new/replacement mattresses from?

Also does anyone know what the costs are for registration of a van in Victoria?

Also what should I look at when inspecting a vintage caravan ie chassis, axles etc...any tips?

Appreciated

Extractor

[Deleted]

Hi extractor,
can help with a couple of your questions.Mattresses can be obtained from any motor trimmer or boat trimmer,depending on what is required or you can buy foam from Clark rubber.Or do what I do,go to garage sales and buy foam mattresses and cut them to fit with an electric kitchen knife and get a friend who can sew to make covers for you!
Regarding rego in vic,an existing rego is about $36 for a caravan.
hope this is helpful for you.
Cheers
hughdeani

[extractor]

Thanks hughdeani.

Any idea what one would pay for the mattress from an autotrimmer?

[fatboy71]

Hi Extractor, i work at the bedshed in shepparton and we can get innerspring mattresses made to size some them depending on what you want come in at around the $350 - $400 mark for a really good quality mattress with a ten year guarantee, any bedding shop should be able to get one made up for you.
Cheers
Dave.

[Franklin1]

Also what should I look at when inspecting a vintage caravan ie chassis, axles etc...any tips?

G'day extractor, it would be a very thick "How to..." manual for inspecting caravans, if we developed one on this forum. There's too many different things to look for, depending on whether it's aluminium, fibreglass, bondwood, or combinations thereof.

Biggest killer of old vans is moisture getting into the van via window openings, vents, hatch, edge cover strips, etc. Water getting in will obviously want to travel downwards, so the lower half of the van is where most trouble will likely be found. Check the chassis for any rust holes, broken welds, damage, etc. Check the lower four corners of the cabin for any signs of wood rot. Check condition of aluminium window frames for extent of corrosion pitting.

It's difficult to give you comprehensive advice in a short space, so it's best to attack the issue the same as you would if inspecting a house, or a car...
1) are the foundations (ie. chassis) ok
2) is the cabin shell ok
3) is the interior ok

Only you can say what level of time/skills/money you have to throw at any problems found, so don't be afraid to back away from anything you feel might be out of your league. There'll always be a better opportunity for you around the corner somewhere.

Good luck,
cheers,
Al.

[davenq]

Have to agree with what Franklin said , how ever ...if you want to....like the Nike ad..just do it.....I was very lucky and scored a reasonable bauxite van .....for a reasonable price...
.am customizing it to suit what I.. want ,.. however I could have used it "as is"
.
.it's up to you
.
.
.cheers