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Post by marray on Feb 10, 2010 13:34:17 GMT 10
Hi to everybody.....my wife and I have recently acquired a Franklin Freeway caravan - chassis number looks to be 1661-6.
We have no idea what size it is or even how to measure it...i.e. - is the size from inside or outside.
We have no ideas about caravans and are trying to learn.
The van is in reasonable condition and has used it once, a short drive to Anglesea, Vic where we spent a great week learning about the van...sure beats the tent.
We are now in the process of doing some repairs, flooring, beds, locks, minor water leaks etc.....
Finding parts for the van seems to be a bit of an adventure....but is sure teaching us a lot.
Finding rubber glazing wedge that fits around the exterior of our large front and rear windows is presenting a little challenge.
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Post by cobber on Feb 10, 2010 14:35:20 GMT 10
G'day Marray, Welcome to the forum. We do have a bloke on the forum who professes to know a bit about Franklin caravans   ... he'll be along shortly and tell you a tale or two.... (a tip... always use "smilies" when you say something you think is funny ;D ) In the mean time there are a couple of places on the site you can browse. Go to the "Down History Lane" forum and click on the index at the top of the page... scroll down the page to " Franklin".. read that and you'll then know as much as we do. For locating bits and pieces go to the "Technical Stuff" forum and click on the " Vintage Restoration Parts Suppliers" at the top of that page... there are some suggestions there as to where you might get the window rubbers you are after. Size is measured externally excluding the "A" frame . Good luck with it all. Cobber. |
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Post by Franklin1 on Feb 10, 2010 23:25:39 GMT 10
G'day marray, the bloke that's supposed to know a bit about Franklins is a FRAUD! Ask him a simple question about the maiden name of Geoff Robinson's great-great-grandmother, and he just goes to water!! So come in a bit closer marray, and I'll let you in on a few secrets... 1. Geoff Robinson was the bloke who started Franklin caravans. 2. Your van is a 1966 model. Franklin were building about 50 vans per week back then, so your van would have been built in early September that year. 3. Forum member frankidownunder is a pretty cluey bloke on where to get Franklin bits and pieces from, so give him time to discover this thread and he'll be only too happy to help. 4. Always respect the opinion of a certain senior member of this forum, otherwise your phone might get cut off. [...he still has connections  ] There ya go, marray, that's enough secrets for tonight! Great to have you and your Franklin Freeway with us! ;D ;D cheers, Al. |
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Post by minicamper on Feb 11, 2010 6:19:32 GMT 10
Hi Marray, Another "rule" here... when you talk about a van that none of us have seen before, you MUST put up photo's of it... ;D Allowing us to have a good perv at what you've got  is just how it is. You'll soon find yourself doing the same... You'll be AMAZED at just what detail some of the eagle eyed viewers will pick up from your photo's The downside is that you have to endure your initiation in the world of Photobucket, a place to host your photo's and then link into when posting here. The option you used only allows teeny photo's.. Photobucket will allow any size. It's free, just not exceptionally intuitive. There are guides here on how to use it, or any of us can talk you through it. This is one: vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=display&thread=1176If you're not big on PC's you can always email myself at chris@grow-your-own-vegetable-garden.com and I'll post them for you... Now get a move on... We want to check out your drawers, suss out your undercarriage :oand generally admire your new home on wheels..  Welcome aboard ;D Cheers Chris |
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Post by marray on Feb 11, 2010 9:44:44 GMT 10
 thanks for all the welcoming messages.....and an explanation of the rules.... I will take a crash course in Photobucket.....in between sealing leaking windows..... ......trying to unscrew rusted screws....but the fun has begun.... I look forward to reading your comments..... by the way Franklin 1...re the maiden name of Geoff Robinson's great-great-grandmother...which side..paternal or maternal.... ;D... oh, and the stripes on the side of the van.....that's how I bought it....the guy said it makes it go smoother on the road....  stay safe Ray & Marty
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Post by DC3Td on Feb 11, 2010 15:39:11 GMT 10
Nice van Marray. Clip on table, side stabilisers, "A" frame add-on water tank. Just what i`ve seen from the tiny pic, but then i`m not familiar with frankies although i do like them. cheers gordon
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Post by marray on Feb 11, 2010 17:47:37 GMT 10
Thanks DC3Td But as a newbie to caravans, the following terms don’t mean anything to me...side stabilisers or "A" frame add-on water tank....  I am using Photobucket for the 1st time, so I hope these work out.... Exterior Front View  Interior Front View  Interior Rear View  Minicamper, thanks for the link re Photobucket.... Ray |
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Post by DC3Td on Feb 11, 2010 18:31:09 GMT 10
Hello Ray. It looks like a wind-down stabiliser left of step,under front. Should have said water container? lying across the "A" frame behind the spare tyre. If you go back into Photobucket you`ll see that you can upload the actual picture here instead of just the link. Don`t worry,most of us went through the woes of uploading. Once mastered, its a breeze. Nice interior shots by the way. cheers gordon
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Post by marray on Feb 11, 2010 18:41:40 GMT 10
Thanks Gordon.... managed to fix the links in photobucket.... now I understand....stabilisers..it has 2 on the front and two on the rear...the rear ones have wheels as well...I guess they are there for the times I hit the bottom... no water container in the front....the pvc (I guess that's what youy are talking about) holds poles ( Iguess).... It has a water tank underneath....although I need to fix the tap...that you pump... |
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Post by humpyboy on Feb 11, 2010 20:14:32 GMT 10
Hi there marray and welcome, only been on a day or two and already you've got the hang of things it gets better the longer you hang around, I used to lurk in the background for a couple of years then decided to join in now I own a teardrop with another van yet to be collected so it is infectious , nice van you have there it should give the two of you many years of good traveling, can I ask where you are situated (ie:living ;D) |
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Post by Franklin1 on Feb 11, 2010 20:55:00 GMT 10
G'day marray, would you do me a favour please and confirm if the Franklin logo on the roof above the front windows looks like this...  (...without the black lines hanging down either end). I've added your van into the Franklin Chassis Register, so you are now preserved for future generations. ;D ;D cheers, Al. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 21:47:20 GMT 10
Hi Marray,
Nice Franklin you have there,nice job been done painting the cupboard doors and putting the "colonial'' wood trim around them.I'm sure you will have great times in her.
Cheers
hughdeani
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Post by marray on Feb 12, 2010 8:51:50 GMT 10
hughdeani, thanks for the comments....we are in Melbourne western suburbs..... humpyboy...thanks for the welcome.....a teardrop....what is that...  franklin 1.....I have attached 2 pictures which should answer your query....as you can see, they are fading........ The Franklin sticker is under the rear window and the Freeway sticker is above the right front side window, next to the door....hope it helps. Franklin  Freeway  cheers Ray and Marty |
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Post by DC3Td on Feb 12, 2010 10:58:54 GMT 10
Hi Marray. What`s a teardrop? To find caravan names, click onto our "Down History Lane" tab. when that opens,click on "Caravan & Topic Index". You can scroll thru a myriad of brands alphabetically. You`ll see many & varied designs,pics etc to whet your appetite.Enjoy. Cheers (teardrop owner) gordon
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Post by humpyboy on Feb 12, 2010 22:13:15 GMT 10
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Post by marray on Feb 14, 2010 18:56:46 GMT 10
DC3Td...thanks for the link..and now I know what a teardrop is.... humpyboy...ha ha...people can be negative....but can they do what you do....restore the beauty in things....or are they jealous... I had a little teardrop (in my eye...or maybe it was a rain drop)....when I was sitting in my van, during one hell of a storm during the week, and seeing water leaking in via a corner window....  Bit of advice please, should I start a new post under "Technical Stuff" forum for questions I have re fixing the van etc.... Stay Safe Ray and Marty |
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Post by humpyboy on Feb 14, 2010 19:06:57 GMT 10
Hi marray, Tech section is the place I'd say for all questions relating to overcoming problems, re the negative people, they are usually the ones that see no value in all things old  and the jealous ones are those that don't have the skills or the inclination to put in the effort required to undertake such a job. |
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Post by frankidownunder on Feb 18, 2010 20:54:27 GMT 10
Hi Marray Welcome to the world of Franklin Caravans, Re your window rubbers, take a small sample of each to Award RV Ferntree Gully Rd Ferntree Gully, they can get the rubbers still . I used millard glazing rubber for the glass to frame seal as it is a better fit than the original Alfab type. The outer frame to wall rubber is available in original profile. Always get more than you need, do not stretch the rubbers when installing. Have heard that WD 40 helps when re fitting the rubber seals. There are 2 drain holes in the bottom of each window frame, make sure they are clear as the glazing rubber is not designed to completely seal the glass to frame, and any water that gets past the seal drains out of these drains. for other information re spares etc have a look at this thread, it complements the similar thread on this site so between the two you should find all the parts and info you need. ditzygypsy.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=techno&action=display&thread=296Frankidownunder. |
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Post by marray on Feb 23, 2010 19:24:09 GMT 10
frankidownunder thanks for the welcome..... I am so impressed by the way people help each other.... So, are you saying I have "Alfab type" windows. thanks mate.......I have tried quite a few places including Clark Rubber in Bundoora....still no luck. I'll make a trip to Ferntree Gully in the next week or so. I checked out your link re the list....awesome mate.... Ray |
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Post by taylor74 on Jul 14, 2014 19:26:54 GMT 10
If your windows are alfab type, the only place I have found rubbers are www.caravansplus.com.au. Putting together an order with them myself but waiting until I have everything to do it all in 1. |
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Post by onesneverenough on Jul 17, 2014 8:19:50 GMT 10
Hello
I notice that the Ray was seeking these rubbers in 2010 however since it is being discussed at the moment i will update. I have just Purchased my rubbers and did so for my '67 Franklin Freeway.
Call Frank directly at Alfab
130 Bamfield Road
West Heidelberg Victoria
(03) 9459 1333
The Rubber on the perimeter of the frame is # 1081 and cost me $3.50 /m
There supplied the glassing rubber # 1146 for $5.00 /m
i paid by direct deposit or credit card over the phone and it was posted.
Hope this helps any Franklin restorers finding tis thread.
Gregor
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Post by cobber on Jul 17, 2014 9:37:08 GMT 10
G'day Gregor, Thanks for that detailed info regarding the Alfab window rubbers  In the vintage restoration Parts Suppliers Information list we do suggest people contact Alfab direct but, I'll add that extra information you've provided so that it doesn't get lost Is there any chance you could post a photo of your windows because that 1146 profile rubber is not what I imagined would be appropriate as the glazing rubber in my (what I think are ) Alfab windows.  Cobber. |
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... he'll be along shortly and tell you a tale or two.... (a tip... always use "smilies" when you say something you think is funny 
] 
is just how it is. You'll soon find yourself doing the same...
thanks for all the welcoming messages.....and an explanation of the rules.... 
and the jealous ones are those that don't have the skills or the inclination to put in the effort required to undertake such a job.
