Franklins...

[surfingyogini]

After driving across the length and breadth of SEQ, stopping at random farmhouses to ask strangers if they were keen to sell their VV, I think we've found a winner, but first I wanted to ask for some technical advice!

We're looking at a Franklin Caravelle (SN 2064-7) and its in need of quite a bit of loving, so I'm wondering how hard/easy it is to find parts? It doesn't have a fridge or dining table and some of the interior cladding has come away, but I think its mostly sound on the outside.

I've read the DHL Franklin thread so know to check for leaks that may cause structural rot, but are there any other things I should be on the lookout for?

Also, does anyone have any photos of the interior of a caravelle so that I can have some idea of what i should be doing to get her back to health? The pics on one of the threads that says its got interior shots seem to have been removed...

Thanks!

SY.

[Franklin1]

G'day SY,

Parts for old vans are not easy to come by. Usually you'll come across them because somebody has dismantled a van the same as yours, and are selling the parts. However, you'll celebrate many, many birthdays waiting for the right bits to become available.

My opinion about what's important in a 1967 Franklin van is this:

- The "difficult-to-replace" fixtures and fittings need to be there. By this I mean all cupboard handles, hinges, light fittings, window frames, window stays, etc.

- The exterior aluminium cladding needs to be complete. No holes, rips, tears anywhere.

- Little or no major corrosion in the steel chassis underneath.

If the three points above are ticked off, then you would have a pretty good "foundation" for a restoration.

Things like broken window glass, rotted timber framework, broken chassis welds, damaged internal panelling/cupboards, etc etc., can all be repaired in some way. But if you have an internal light fitting with a cracked or missing glass cover, then you've got Buckley's of finding a replacement. The same with the exterior aluminium cladding. You can panelbeat any serious damage out, but if you're missing the fridge vent cover, or if there are major holes or tears in the cladding, you can't just pop around the corner store and get some more.

If you decide to go ahead with this van, I can send you some photos of the inside of Franklin Caravelles. Send me a personal message with a home email address and I can send you some higher resolution photos than what I would post on the forum.

Tread carefully when assessing any van. Take the rose-coloured glasses off and give it a thorough going-over. Despite what you'll often read on ebay listings, there is NO SUCH THING as an "easy fix" when it comes to rectifying any problems with these vans.

Best of luck,
cheers,
Al.