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Post by peterconway on Sept 19, 2009 11:06:34 GMT 10
I HAVE A CARAVAN REPAIR BUSINESS IN DUNOLLY (CENTRAL VIC) AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PLEASURE OF REPAINTING A 1954 DON CARAVAN WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW BY ITS CURRENT OWNER.
THE INSIDE OF THE VAN IS FAULTLESS
THE LED LIGHT WINDOWS ARE SLIGHTLY WARPED BUT TOTALLY IN TACT AND ORIGINAL
THE VAN HAS FRONT BUNKS AND TABLE CONVERTER TO DOUBLE BED AT THE REAR
I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF ITS PROGRESS OVER THE FOLLOWING MONTHS
I ALSO HAVE A CARAVAN BY THE NAME OF JOSEPHINE WITH A TIMBER CHASSIS AND METAL EXTERIOR IT WILL BE THE PROJECT TO FOLLOW THE DON. IF ANY ONE CAN HELP ME BY TELLING ME AGE OF THIS VAN IT WOULD BE APPRECIATED
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Post by peterconway on Sept 19, 2009 11:23:35 GMT 10
I HAVE A CARAVAN REPAIR BUSINESS IN DUNOLLY (CENTRAL VIC) AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PLEASURE OF REPAINTING A 1954 DON CARAVAN WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW BY ITS CURRENT OWNER. THE INSIDE OF THE VAN IS FAULTLESS THE LED LIGHT WINDOWS ARE SLIGHTLY WARPED BUT TOTALLY IN TACT AND ORIGINAL THE VAN HAS FRONT BUNKS AND TABLE CONVERTER TO DOUBLE BED AT THE REAR I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF ITS PROGRESS OVER THE FOLLOWING MONTHS I ALSO HAVE A CARAVAN BY THE NAME OF JOSEPHINE WITH A TIMBER CHASSIS AND METAL EXTERIOR IT WILL BE THE PROJECT TO FOLLOW THE DON. IF ANY ONE CAN HELP ME BY TELLING ME AGE OF THIS VAN IT WOULD BE APPRECIATED |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Sept 19, 2009 15:05:19 GMT 10
Hi Peter, Welcome to the forum and thanks for telling us about the two vintage caravan projects you have lined up. I have a special interest in Don caravans, and there are a few other Don owners on the forum, so we're always interested in hearing about another of the breed being discovered.  (Although discovered is not quite the right word in this context, because from what you say it wasn't actually lost! ;D ;D ;D ) We have a serial number register running, so we would be interested in knowing the number of the van you are repainting (there should be an external serial number plate adjacent to the the bottom left hand corner of the door, and one inside above the stove alcove). Is the plan to paint the van in its original Don colours? If so there is some information on paint codes as well as other bits and pieces which may be helpful on the Don thread in the Down History Lane section click here. I'm also interested in the other van you have. The pic you posted rings a few bells in the back of my head, but it would be helpful if we could see a few more photos of the front and sides, etc. That might help us to identify it a bit more readily. From your photo it looks to me as if the metal cladding has been added to Josephine along the way, because sheets of tin/aluminium of various sizes have been used. This may suggest that it was originally a bondwood clad van like the Don, or it may still be bondwood underneath?? When manufacturers started producing aluminium or steel clad vans they usually used either one or two sheets per side with a single join along the waste line. The shape of the van suggests early to mid 50's to me, but some additional photos from different angles will help to confirm (or deny) this. By the way, I notice that you have posted your pics using the file attachment facility in the post message box. That means the photos only show up when somebody actually opens the thread. You may find it more satisfactory to post photos using the web-based photo manager called Photobucket - you will find instructions on how to do it here. When you use Photobucket, the photos are larger and you can post any number at a time. Looking forward to hearing more, Don Ricardo |
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Post by peterconway on Sept 20, 2009 12:51:06 GMT 10
THANKYOU FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE THE SERIAL NUMBER ON DON IS #942 AND I HAVE POSTED MORE PHOTOS AS REQUESTED  |
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Post by peterconway on Sept 20, 2009 12:56:22 GMT 10
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Post by Don Ricardo on Sept 29, 2009 20:05:00 GMT 10
G'day Peter,
Congratulations on mastering Photobucket and posting another pic of Josephine. Having looked at that photo, I think I am still of the opinion that she was built in the early to mid-50's, but maybe she is even a 40's girl.
Are you able to post some more photos of her front, her kerb side and some internal shots? That might help us to be more precise.
When there is no maker's nameplate or serial number plate on a van, the only way to work out the approximate build date and/or possible maker is by looking at the overall profile of the van and various design details. So the more pictures the better really.
We look forward to seeing and hearing more about Josephine. How long have you had her? Do you know anything about her early history?
Don Ricardo
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