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Post by becrowe on Nov 21, 2009 11:35:24 GMT 10
Hello All  I have recently gotten myself tangled up in the world of vintage caravans buy winning a Bondwood on ebay. We went to pick it up this week and got it home in one piece. Now I am at a complete loss as to where to go next - as I know absolutely nothing about caravans! I have two questions that I was hoping people could help me with - how do you get a caravan roadworthied? and, - how much rust is too much rust on the chassis? there is no question about roosters, it was just the next word that came into my head starting with 'r'! Hope to hear from some people with some info. Oh and I'm in Melbourne, Preston if anyone feels like popping over having a look. I have so many questions that need answering! Cheers, Bec |
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Post by Cruz on Nov 21, 2009 14:25:36 GMT 10
Hi and welcome, If the chassis only has surface rust i would suggest wire brush followed by rust converter and then paint. Other issues could be tow hitch most old types don't get passed in NSW. New tyres the old ones have possibly been on forever and may look OK ,but will need to be replaced . Sure others will have more ideas. Just remember all the work will be worth it when you are enjoying our great outdoors in your VV. Good Luck Cruz
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Post by becrowe on Nov 21, 2009 14:54:48 GMT 10
Thanks Cruz! I'm not really sure if it's surface rust or not... The bit that sticks out at the front is a mixture or silver coloured metal and rust, but underneath it's ALL red! But still, perhaps it can be restored. I'll guess I'll have to get someone to look at it. The tyres were changed by the man I bought it off, he said they were roadworthy. Completely unsure about the tow hitch... Are you able to change chassis if the one you have is stuffed?! Seems like it would be impossible, but perhaps I"m wrong! (sorry if that's a ridiculous question!!) I guess I'll keep muddling my way through! Thanks for your response Bec |
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dave01
Full Member
MR ROADHAVEN
Posts: 234
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Post by dave01 on Nov 21, 2009 21:08:43 GMT 10
Welcome Bec, any questions regarding your van will certainly be answered by some of the knowledgeable people on the forum. Don.t be shy to ask. Do you know make or year of your van? a photo would help others identify it. Look forward to reading about your vintage van and perhaps seeing it cheers dave
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Post by firefighter on Nov 21, 2009 21:45:20 GMT 10
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Post by becrowe on Nov 22, 2009 10:39:00 GMT 10
Hi Dave and Firefighter, thanks a lot for your replies! Firefighter - I would absolutely love to come to the open day, but we don't actually have a car that can tow the caravan at the moment!! We are in the process of buying a secondhand car at the moment (probably, hopefully a Subaru Liberty wagon) but we haven't got that part of the equation yet. I had to borrow a friend's car to pick up my caravan. I just saw the van on ebay and knew that they were pretty rare - so I nabbed it! I'm not even sure if it's really safe to tow or not, so i'm going to get a mobile mechanic of some sort to some and look at it and I need to get it weighed as well, to see if it needs brakes. Although I'm getting mixed messages about that. Some people are saying that if they were made without brakes, then they don't need them. But others say that it they're over 750kgs then they need brakes. Any thoughts on that? Oh and dave - I have no idea about the make or model. I have a feeling that it was homemade because as I'm hacking into it now it looks very... bitsy?! hahaha. It certainly doesn't look like it was made in a factory. |
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dave01
Full Member
MR ROADHAVEN
Posts: 234
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Post by dave01 on Nov 22, 2009 11:14:44 GMT 10
Hi bec, when changing the rego no on my van Vicroads informed me any van over 750kgs must be fitted with brakes, mine weighed 1150kgs with no brakes, fun to tow with drum brakes all round in the 60s and on crappy roads...road safety not a priority then. dave
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Post by Cruz on Nov 22, 2009 18:22:35 GMT 10
Hi Bec,
My globetrotter was only 540kg,but fitted electric brakes for added safety. Plenty of mountains to go up and down form here,alos handy in city traffic when someone takes your braking space.
Cruz
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Post by becrowe on Nov 23, 2009 13:55:15 GMT 10
I see. Cruz, how much did it cost to get electric brakes put on your van? They're the only type available, I assume?
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Post by Roehm3108 on Nov 23, 2009 16:32:43 GMT 10
Hi becrowe and welcome to the forum. You've done what so many other vintage vanners have done - buy first and worry afterwards!!  . That's the nature of this hobby/pastime! Haven't lived in Melbourne for ages, but I do know there is a very good repairer/caravan sales place out Bayswater way. (firefighter would know who that is!!) I suggest that you have a caravan mechanic type person look at your van and have them do a preliminary roadworthy to find out what may be wrong with your van. They can advise you on brake requirements etc too. There are, for example different types of braking systems around. The most modern is the electric brake, but there are mechamical and hydraulic systems too. You may also be worrying about some things that don't need to be worried about. Here is Qld, roadworthy requirements depend on the age of the van itself, and I think Victoria may be similar, hence the need to find a caravan type person to check it over. Also, a word of advice about towing vehicles. Make sure that the vehicle is rated to tow your van. You will need to know the weight for starters for that. So get the info on your van's requirements BEFORE you buy that tow car! Check through the "technical section" of this forum and you will find information that will also help you with some of the questions you have raised. Remember, most of the questions you have, have previously been asked by other members, and you will get all the help/direction you need by simply asking. We've all "been there and done that"!! All the best Ray |
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Post by viking on Nov 23, 2009 17:09:07 GMT 10
Depending on how handy you are you can buy complete brake kits from spinny things - www.spinnythings.com.au/ who supply mechanical and hydraulic disk brakes, and mechanical, hydraulic, and electric drum brakes. (I'm in the process of organising a trailer axle with hubs from them, so happen to have been looking there lately) |
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Post by becrowe on Nov 23, 2009 19:53:48 GMT 10
Viking, unfortunately I am so completely UN-handy that I think that is far beyond me! But thanks heaps for the suggestion anyway! I'll keep looking into it.
Cheers,
Bec
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