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Post by humpyboy on Nov 21, 2009 21:42:14 GMT 10
Hi all, I went for a drive today to look at a van (bond wood) that has been offered to me and I am looking for some feedback as to whether or not I should take on this mammoth project. I am at this stage not wishing to revel the brand of van as it may sway some of your responses, I will say that all it's identifying plates etcetera are in place and it still has it's ice chest but the stove is missing as are most of the cupboard doors, other items that are original are the tow coupling and jockey wheel. The roof is probably the worst part as it has been left in the open for quite some time and has even sagged in somewhat due to all the rot in the frame that I could feel, also the hatch is not there but all it's hardware is, with the hatch missing I was surprised to find the floor in quite good nic in that it did not flex as I walked over it nor does it look to have any rot, the walls do not appear to be as bad but would still need to be replaced due to weathering. I believe that it would be a "MAJOR" rebuild not just a resto, as for the missing pieces I am sure that I will not have any trouble in obtaining photos, measurements or assistance from other members here on the forum should I take on this task (not that I really need another project) so please what do you all think? I am not frightened by the idea but am more concerned as to if it is really worth all the trouble and hard work. Thank you for reading.
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Post by firefighter on Nov 21, 2009 21:56:34 GMT 10
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 21, 2009 22:02:20 GMT 10
I have photos but then the make will be known and I am looking for some responses before I post them, unbiased opinion if you know what I mean I might just add that this brand of caravan appears to be popular here on the forum ;D
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Post by Don Ricardo on Nov 21, 2009 22:37:16 GMT 10
G'day Humpyboy, Boy, do you ever make it hard! No pics. No info on the type of van! Well, here goes: Whether you should save the aforesaid van to my mind depends on your answers to the following questions - 1. Does the shape, era, style and brand appeal to you enough to want to see what sounds like a major, major project through to the end? 2. Is there something about this van that makes it special and particularly worth saving? 3. Is the van actually savable? Sounds like a fair bit of the top section will need to be replaced, and from what I've seen on the forum things are generally turn out to be worse than they seemed at first, once you start taking off the cladding, lifting the lino, etc. 4. Do you have the skills needed to do the rebuild, or are you happy to learn them along the way (or somebody else that help you)? 5. Do you have the folding currency needed to buy the materials, etc, needed? In terms of rebuilding, it seems that almost nothing is impossible - take Don257's Don rebuild, or Surf Tragic's work on his van, or what is being done currently on Bondwoodvan's caravan, for example... So, if your answer to all of the above questions, or maybe even just four of them is 'yes', go for it!! Of course you are right - if I knew what kind of van it was I might give a different answer! ;D ;D ;D From a couple of hints you have given (maybe unconsciously?) I am wondering if I can guess the brand - and if I am correct my answer would be an unequivocal 'Yes, it must be saved'... But then again, I may have completely misread what you have been saying. I'll just have to wait and see like everybody else. One thing's for sure, at least you will have the shed for the project! ;D ;D ;D Don Ricardo
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 21, 2009 22:47:20 GMT 10
Hi Don, Answer to 1, yes. Answer to 2, maybe. Answer to 3, yes but it would be a major undertaking. Answer to 4, I think I have. Answer to 5, has anyone? I will post pics but as I said I'm going for unbiased opinions and input first.\ Should also mention that the opening to my shed will not have enough hight to get it inside but once there it will fit to the rear so may need to break out the old shovel
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Post by sportsman 1 on Nov 22, 2009 7:53:28 GMT 10
Come on Dirk,
you know you want it!
Grab it now, put it aside until you get the Safetee finished and then you can decide if you really want to do it. If not then at least it has been saved and you can pass it on to someone else. If indeed it is beyond restoration it may then provide valuable spares to others.
I am going to take a guess based on your comments "bondwood van" and "popular here on the forum" It sounds like one of those - its good, its D@% thingys.
Bring the piccys next week.
Cheers, Leigh.
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John
Full Member
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Post by John on Nov 22, 2009 13:50:46 GMT 10
Everything is restorable! Time, money, effort and the will to want it enough is all that's required. If this was a car that you wanted or needed to have, would any of us hesitate? Before starting my van I had very little skills in anything other than playing music. I learnt as i went, made stacks of mistakes that cost me a bomb, but at the end of the day I walk out of my front door and look at the finished product and feel proud every single time. If you like it enough, despite what brand it maybe, you'll find a way to make it what you want. There are plenty of people on here that are here to watch, learn and help if they can. Everyone will have a different opinion on what's "worth" saving, but at the end of the day if you can see yourself enjoying the process of restoring this van and using it, then save it. My 20 cents worth..... Regards, John
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Post by Jennison on Nov 22, 2009 15:12:32 GMT 10
What year Don is it.............!!??
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2009 15:29:13 GMT 10
Attaboy Jennison.. no beating around the bush . I am not going to comment on whats best for someone to do about an old van that will probably cost 3 times what it is worth when finished to restore. What price do ya put on "true Love" All comes down to the individual who has it.. or has the opportunity to own/purchase it. Nothing is beyond salvage... but like old cars, trucks, motorbikes etc. There will always be a percentage that end up becoming ... .. "Donor" .. Thats "donor" .. not "DonR" vans. In the end Humpboy .. it is your call. You do what ya feel ya need to do. Even if it means simply getting it out of where it is and bringing it home. 8-)That has to be better than leaving it to the elements or.. the current owner who may well just take the old darlin to the tip.... end of story if it goes there aye mate. Reddo
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Post by Don Ricardo on Nov 22, 2009 16:34:15 GMT 10
Should also mention that the opening to my shed will not have enough hight to get it inside So, Humpyboy, What is the height of the van exactly? (Not that I'm asking exactly you understand - a close approximation will do... ) Trying to winkle information out of you aside, I must say I agree with Reddo: In the end Humpboy .. it is your call. You do what ya feel ya need to do. Even if it means simply getting it out of where it is and bringing it home. 8-)That has to be better than leaving it to the elements or.. the current owner who may well just take the old darlin to the tip.... If you do end up bringing it home, probably the worst that can happen is that you get a supply of bits and pieces and a bit of kindling for yourself or someone else. Don Ricardo
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Post by chev51 on Nov 22, 2009 17:19:42 GMT 10
what is the reason of not letting the brand be known, seems a odd way to go about it. If its a no name homebuilt one that is rotting away, you could easily say not worth it... But if it is a "Don" or something rare then yes it would be worth it.....
Like looking at a rusted out morris = not worth it Looking at a rusty holden Monaro= drag it home
just my thoughts on it ;D ;D
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 22, 2009 17:45:25 GMT 10
So the general consensus is drag it home regardless and worry about the rest later, sort of how I was looking at it but I then I don't mind a challenge, what with me cars and all. Now to answer a few questions, Cost $0000.00 he just wants it gone. Speedway? it wouldn't make it there, the only reason I got onto this one was because the owner told me about it, it's stuck some god awfull distance in the bush and been there that long I need my Axe and maybe a chain saw to get it out, and the only reason it is still there is because conditions have been to dry to put a match to it so I guess it'll come home, if just to keep it from Lucifer. Height, unknown but have been told they are around 2.8 meters(does that help DR?) my shed height at the opening is only 2.3 mtrs BUT if I check the spacings on my posts I may be able to squeeze it through the back wall (it's 3+ mtrs there) and just screw those sheets on and later I can just unscrew the lot and tow it out Jezzz Jennison are always so blunt? ;D
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Post by Don Ricardo on Nov 22, 2009 18:13:39 GMT 10
Height, unknown but have been told they are around 2.8 meters(does that help DR?) my shed height at the opening is only 2.3 mtrs Hmm, not sure Humpyboy. I was thinking of something more along the lines of 2.5 to 2.6 metres... Maybe, my line of investigation has taken me up the garden path? But maybe not. We'll just have to wait and see... In the meantime, it's good fun speculating! ;D ;D ;D Don Ricardo
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 22, 2009 18:26:34 GMT 10
Hmmmmmmm 2.5 to 2.6 you say depending on make that is, dig out a little soil, take off wheels so I can roll it in on hubs, hey presto, might just fit after all, the fellow I spoke to thought it may have been around 2.8 but he hadn't measured his so wasn't quite sure.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2009 19:32:49 GMT 10
Hi Humpyboy I had thje same delema when i was getting "Rosie" into my shed. I completely removed all of the springs, shackles , axle , brakes, watertank and lowered the whole thing down onto 4 "shed skates. I tyhen removed the hatch cover.. still didnt fit through the door. i sat the thing on the ground and slid it along on the chassis until the hatch surround was passed the roller door. Then stuck it back on 2 of the shed skates and moved it in until it had clearance to fit the other 2 skates at the other end. Left it on the skates while i worked on it. Other alternative... take all the wrecking tools out to where the van is ..Spend a day or 2 out there and fill a ute/ trailer with as many trinkets as you can.. then leave the "rib cage" to quietly rot away . Reddo
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Post by Jennison on Nov 22, 2009 19:36:07 GMT 10
go for it humpy! I agree with reddo. Get it home first and then after more extensive investigation make your decision. Even if it does turn out only good for a Donor job you,ll make some of us happy when you put the bits up for sale if you can't use em!!- no point letting it rot away or end up at the tip with nothing salvaged from it! regards
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Post by Surf Tragic on Nov 22, 2009 21:40:12 GMT 10
Hi Humpyboy it would have to be a brand name for me to restore it, I would have to love the shape, it would have to be wooden ;D ;D I would prefer if I had some affinity with the type/model of the van to help fan the passion.
If it was all those things & was an absolute basket case, I would still want to restore it
Surf Tragic
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freeway
Full Member
Make way for the Austin Freeway!
Posts: 191
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Post by freeway on Nov 23, 2009 9:48:05 GMT 10
I'd say the brand is irrelevant, the styling is the main factor. If you don't like the shape, you'll never really be happy with it no matter how well it's finished.
In saying that though, I'd probably be more inclined to go for a brand that's a bit less represented, because if they don't get done that brand could just fade into obscurity and be forgotten forever.
Which would suck.
As for can it be done, if it was made by man, it can be fixed by man!
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Post by minicamper on Nov 23, 2009 11:32:41 GMT 10
It's free. What more of a reason do you need? So it'll be an adventure getting it out... At the very least you should consider that entertainment for the rest of us! Shame on you Dirk. Go get it.. In my experience, the hardest stuff to get for a van resto is everything NOT made of timber...The rotten bits can always be replaced.. At least the Cows would have something else to stare at other than your shed ;D If you need a hand getting it, I may be able to lend a hand, depending on timing... Cheers Chris
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Post by humpyboy on Nov 23, 2009 16:43:50 GMT 10
Spoke to the owner today and told him I'd take her , already have the captivated tow ball home (whoops!) and one half plate is broken in two, is this a big problem or can it just be welded back together? will go back in a couple of weeks and remove both wheels and check hubs and bearings, bring wheels home for tyre's and tubes then go back and maybe tow her home, she is rugged but if I wrap a big tarp over the front and then put some stretch wrap around to hold it all together she should be right, as for year the nearest I can come up with is 52-53, according to the list she will fall in between 604 & 672, I can say that it is 65 but I'm not 100% sure about the last, me thinks and the wife thinks it is an 8, pic was a bit blurry, she is a 12' 4 berth job. I was rushed a bit while I was there the other day so yes I'm a little vague, here's a couple of pics for now will post more later. OH yes and it is a you know what ;D Will load other photos in "members photo album"here vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=display&thread=5394
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Post by humpyboy on Dec 7, 2009 18:17:24 GMT 10
Hey Chris thanks for the offer of help, I'll keep it in mind mate. I still need to get back up there and retrieve the wheels to see about tyres or tubes and I'll probably borrow my mates trailer to bring it home on, stay tuned for updates.
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Post by Highway on Dec 7, 2009 18:33:40 GMT 10
humpyboy depending on when, I would like to help you also,as you probably know I live in South Gippsland, roughly in what area is the Van.
Peter
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Post by Highway on Dec 7, 2009 18:48:39 GMT 10
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Post by humpyboy on Dec 7, 2009 20:15:09 GMT 10
Well what can I say, other than the world is full of idiots and then there is us , question is where do we fall into the scheme of things? some may say that we are the idiots but are we As for your offer of help Peter,I will keep you in mind also, thank you. The van is located in Tollern vale out near Diggers Rest, I had to meet the owner of the property out on the main road and follow him in, as I said the only way you would know of it's existance is if you were told of it.
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Post by fireballv8 on Dec 8, 2009 8:56:45 GMT 10
I think you'll have the time of your life with that one, a lot of work, but the satifaction of showing it off when your finished will be worth it.
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