Jo Bone's Sandrover

[Deleted]

Hi Mark,
My name is Jo and I've recently purchased a vintage caravan. I have joined membership with the website but I'm having trouble trying to join the forums and post photos. I was wondering if you could tell me the age and model of the van we bought or if not, could you post it on the forum to see if anyone else would know. It's registered as a 1988 "Sigma" caravan but I can't find any "Sigma" caravans anywhere and I'm wondering if it's been accidentally called that due to the Sigma floor mats stuck on the front of the van for stone chip protection? I also question the age of 1988?
Anyhow, I will continue to attempt joining the forums as I will find them really useful from now on. It's a great website and I've already enjoyed looking at the many and varied photos of vans.
I hope you can help, if not, it's appreciated anyway.
Cheers Jo.


Jo

[firefighter]

G,Day Mark

Can you send conti ........Jo's forum name ..........The list shows no member as Jo maybe she has an invalid e mail address ......come to think about it ...Conti was chasing some body the other day as they had an invalid e,mail address and their account was returned
f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[firefighter]

Hi Mark

Found it .......maybe this is Jo it was in what ever section

Re: account activation
« Thread Started Yesterday at 19:12 »

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message for cat

the email address you have given us is invalid and as a result your account cannot be activated.

please correct the email address in your profile and advise me by return email so your activation code can be forwarded.

conti, for the moderating team.

[mgandwartz]

good god thats very pink inside.

[cobber]

Jun 17, 2011 8:14:54 GMT 10 @olfarts said:

......................at least they used SLOT HEAD screws to secure the.............rubber mat/stone guard to the van ;D ;D ;D


Dave

Didn't line 'em up proper though did they Dave

Dad Cobber

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Jo,

Welcome to the forum! I trust that one of our (other) moderators can sort out why you are having difficulty in logging on, etc.

Congratulations on the purchase of your caravan - it looks like a great little van! You will already know from browsing the forum that this V V business can become addictive, so you will realise that you have taken the first step to what one of our members has called 'caravanitis'! ;D ;D ;D

My guess is that your van is a Sandrover. My reason for saying this is the fact that it only has an overhanging bulkhead at the front, but no bulkhead at the back. The back runs vertically until it reaches the roofline.

This is a quite unusual styling element. Most caravans of the 1960's had a more symmetrical design, by which I mean that if they had an overhanging bulkhead over the front window, they also had one over the back window too.

The only caravan manufacturer that I can think of that built vans with a bulkhead at the front but a straight back was Sandrover. Have a look at the Sandrover thread in the Down History Lane section here, and also at the Sandrover owned by Elpea here and see what you think...

Both the 1961 van on the DHL thread and Elpea's are different to yours. For starters, they are both longer than yours with the kitchenette at the side, whereas yours is smaller (10 ft?) with a front kitchen. The cladding and window set up is different to yours as well, but because of the cladding on your van, I am guessing that yours is younger than the 1961 van and older than Elpea's. However, can you see any similarities with yours in terms of construction, cupboards, that sort of thing?

You commented about the Sigma mats. I have never heard of a Sigma van either (not that that's conclusive!!), but my guess is that the van was re-registered at some point and the then owner may not have known what type of van it was and so called it a Sigma because of the mats. Maybe its towcar at some stage was a Mitsubishi Sigma?

I will be interested in your thoughts on what I have suggested.

And by the way - ignore all the posts above about slothead screws, etc. They are referring to a long running in-joke amongst some of the forum members. The posts are not intended as a criticism of your van or its quality!

Don Ricardo

PS Regarding the problems you are having logging in, does this post relate to you?

[retro64]

Hi Jo,

Welcome to the forum, hope you've got your login all sorted so you can post your progress with your new van.
My, it's a little cutie is'nt it!!! Nice shape and the kitchen up front gives it a" roomy" feel.
Now i've just got new glasses (they're not helping) so i'll ask, is that a little port hole window high up on the door side? Or is it the remnants of an outside light? It looks like a flat surface in the photos.
The inside reminds us of "fairy floss", the sort you used to get at the show when we were kids, a great bonus if pink is your favourite colour.

All the best with your new Vintage van,

cheers retro64

[bone]

hey there retro 64,

Glad you like it! The hole at the front of the door is a vent for some purpose and it's covered over with fly screen. Of course our intention is to completely renovate the exterior and after careful research see how close we can get it to original. as for the interior...it will drive my husband mad so I think I'll leave it hot pink!!!
By the way, my log in name is bone.

Cheers Jo Bone.

[bone]

Hi Don'
I've just looked at the Sandrovers and our van has a lot of similarities to the pictures you've suggested. It is definitely smaller than whats shown measuring 9 ft from the end of the tow bar to rear, and stands at 7ft 10in high, to 6ft wide. There are some similarities internally too, except for the pink!!! I reckon you're spot on but I'll keep researching. I was thinking it might have been a 1960's Franklin but being new to this craze, I had no idea. You're also right about the van being registered as a sigma because the previous owners ,like me, had no idea what it was, and had to register it as something... and I'm guessing they registered it in 1988!!! Hence the age of rego.

So I'll keep you posted but can I ask a question???. If I want to send a general thread to everyone in the forum (eg, Does anyone know how to renovate a caravan??? ) do I do it as a personal message (pm) and then who would I send it to, if I want it to go to everyone??
And how do I look up old threads, say from 4 days ago?? Sorry that was 2 Questions wasn't it!
Do you think I'm blonde... You're right!!!

Anyhow, thanks Don.
PS regards to login on... that post did not relate to me. My login name is bone, I can log in but just can't drive this thing!!
Thanks anyway,
Cheers Jo Bone

[Deleted]

Hi Jo,
Don is right,she is definately a Sandrover,no question about it!Obviously a silver aly van that has been painted over,they are great little vans.Enjoy!
hughdeani

[bone]

Think I'm getting the hang of it!!!!

Thanks hughdeani!! I reckon Don is right too. Now I've got something to go by! javascript:add(%22%20;D%22)

Jo Bone

[bone]

The java script thingy was me trying to send a smile....NO i'm NOT getting the hang of it!!!

How do I attach the smiley faces...anyone....HELLLPPPP!!!

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Jo,

Good to see that you've got your logon issues sorted, and also that we've worked out what your van is. I was reasonably sure I was on the right track, but Hughdeani has confirmed it and if it gets his nod then you can be confident you've got your answer.

Regarding, posting a post/message so that everyone on the forum can see it, you've got two choices:

1. Just ask your questions on this thread.
2. Start a new thread by choosing a section (eg General...2008 on) then press the 'New Thread' button at the top right hand corner of the section.

As a general rule, we moderators suggest to people that they post everything to do with their van on the one thread in the Members' Photo Album section (in your case, this thread), including your questions about renovation issues, etc. If you do that people who are interested in reading the story of your van can then follow it on the one thread, which may go for many pages in the end (but that's OK). Have a look at Olfarts Wayfarer thread - it's now up to 10 pages, but you can follow the full story of his resto by reading it.

If you break up the renovation story into a number of threads, then neither your cheer squad (that's us) nor you can necessarily find all the threads to read the full story.

Having said that, it's up to you how and what you do...

You only use PM's if you want to send a private or personal message to one or a couple of forum members "off the air" so to speak. Only those whom you've addressed the PM to will be able to read it.

By the way, now that we know what your van is, we can change the subject of this thread to (say) 'Jo Bone's Sandrover 9ft' or something similar so that it provides a better beginning point for the story of your van. If you want to do that, just let me know and I can do that for you.

Regarding finding threads that are 4 days old, that's not too hard. If you know what section it was in, go to the Home page, click on the section you're looking for which will open up the list of threads in that section, with the threads with the most recent post first. Scroll through to find the subject you're looking for.

If you know who wrote a post on the thread you're looking for, click the Members button on the menu bar at the top of the forum, then click the appropriate letter of the alphabet for the person concerned, then follow your nose.

If the above doesn't help you, there are a couple of other ways to find posts, but that is enough for the moment. I can explain the rest later if you need it.

Hope the above helps!

Don Ricardo

[retro64]

Hi Jo Bone,

You're right that there doesn't seem to be any obvious reason for a vent so high up on the door side of your van.

Perhaps the van was used as a spare room in a hot and humid climate, the heat rises and the moisture escapes through the flyscreen. just a wild stab in the dark at the reasoning, but there you go.

As for the pink, i once heard someone say "happy wife, happy life", seems about right, things certainly run smoother when the Domestic Engineer at this house is happy

Just ask Mr retro64, he spent half of yesterday stuck in a van, not renovating mind you, but rather looking at paint chips and curtain fabrics, cushions and flooring.....oh well at least we made progress ;D

All the best with yours,
retro64

[jenniewren]

Hi Jo....Welcome to this forum....Your van is the cutest I have seen in shape/layout for a very long time! I have been lurking around this site for ages....still can't figure out a lot of it....I have fun trying however...BUT...it is the best vintage site you will find on the Net!!!! Need help? Just ask....these guys have decades of knowledge between them and I DROVE them crazy when I did my reno on Scarlett/Colin....inane/silly basic questions (?) they LUV it!!! J

[bone]

Hi Dave, Don, retro64 and jenniewren,
Thanks for your comments and support guys!!!!!

;D :-
Dave,
the above muddle is me clicking on a face and that is what is appearing?? I have an Apple Mac so don't know if I have to do anything to change so I get the faces??? They're cute and I want you all to know that I'm smiling!!! Any suggestions?

Don,
Thanks for the tips as well. I reckon I'll be able to work things out now and if I can't I'll be too embarrassed to tell anyone (face with rolling eyes x 3!)!!!!!!!
If you could rename this thread to what you suggested, that would be great!!! I rather my van NOT be named after floor mats!!! (another face...angry)

I thought chasing old threads would be handy so I could see how others are renovating their vans coz I know NOTHING at this stage and hubby's probably not much better!!! No, he's not blonde like me, he's just not a renovator either!!! (sad face!) So I really want to get it right... and it will be a great chance to argue with him!!!! Especially about the color!! (face with big smile x 5)

Jenniewren,
I'm honoured that you like the look of my van..it makes me feel good that there is hope for it! (normal smiley face!)
And by the way, hubbies sister's nickname is Jenny Wren!!!

Retro64,
What should we do with that vent??? Do you think an outdoor light would be true to the Sandrover coz it would be handy to have one!!!!
As for Happy wife, hubby strives for a happy life, so I think I'm set!!(face with big smile x 10!!!!!!)

Thanks for your advice and great comments everyone, you all sound like a cheery, eccentric, mad lot which means I definitely have something in common with you all!!!!
Ciao for now
Jo Bone.

[bone]

Hey Dave,

I've just reread what I just wrote in the thread and all that muddle (letters, symbols, numbers) that appeared as I was typing, magically turned into faces after the post!!!
WOW
See, I'm already learning stuff and it isn't even about caravans!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Jo

[retro64]

Hi Jo,

Just had another look at your pics, of the inside.
Is the vent thingy in an overhead cupboard?If so it defeats the purpose of a porthole because the cupboard obscures the view. Portholes look lovely with etched or leadlight glass in them and are a sweet feature, at least we think so.

However assuming theres overhead cupboards in the way, and theyre original to the van, that leaves the matter of the u.r.o. (unidentified round object).
I cant see anything on the Down History Lane thread in the Sandrover section to help.

You sound like you're leaning toward a restoration as close to original, or sympathetic to the Sandrovers original design as possible, so maybe member who's had experience with the Sandrovers could shed some light. or suggestions for the vent.

As for shedding light, we are all for personal choice when it comes to restoration.We admire the original looking and the fully custom equally. They've all had the love and attention needed to be a usable van again, soooo..... if u want an outside light, it makes your life easier and your Vintage Van experience more pleasurable, then choose what suits you and your family.
At the end of the day it's your van, have fun with it. ;D ;D ;D

Cheers retro64

[bone]

Hi there Retro64,

I can't remember if there are any cupboards where that vent is as we haven't picked up the van yet!
I've looked at other photos of the interior and I don't think there is.
So going by that I also can't see the purpose of the vent anyway because there is a whopping big vent in the roof???
Needless to say, I LOVE your idea of etched glass or a pretty little lead light in it's place, but having said that, the outdoor light will be really handy too! I'm just gonna have to wait till we get her...2 weeks to go ;D ;D ;D and have a look then. I'll let you know what I decide, and by then I might have learnt photo bucket to sent some more pics as we renovate!!!
If anyone has anymore info on Sandrovers, I'd love to hear!!!
By the way I have some numbers that were found on the chassis.
R78T02352U
Then there was one partly obscured: 115... or 11S.... with a round light thingy over the rest???
And then a serial number: 1504957
Do you know what they mean... or have any ideas where I go to find out Or anyone?
Anyhow, loving your help, greatly appreciated!!!
Jo Bone.

[bone]

Thanks for the name change Don ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Those car mats will be gone soon!!!!

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Jo,

Pleasure!

Like Retro64, I'm intrigued by the "whatever it is" to the right of the door, and I will look forward to seeing some pics of it once you pick up the van.

My train of thought has been as follows:

• It's an unusual place for a vent, unless (a) it is above the kitchenette, which it isn't, or (b) it vents a cupboard which needs venting, eg a food cupboard, but food wouldn't be stored that far up or away from the kitchenette, and venting for that sort of cupboard is always internal.
  
• I presume there maybe a wardrobe cupboard in that position, but why would that need an external vent?
  
• It's a very unusual place for a window due to its height, so that seems unlikely.
  
• It's the location where many 60's (and later) caravans have an external light and the surface looks kind of shiny like glass, even though you've said it's covered in flywire.
  
• Most/many external lights have a domed oyster style glass cover, but maybe it's an external light with the "works" contained internally and just a flat glass (with flywire ) visible externally...
  

Oh, I don't know! Are you, sure you can't pick it up earlier, I really need to know! ;D ;D ;D

Something else which I've just twigged to is that it looks as if the door on the van is a slider, rather than hinged. Is that correct?? If so that's very uncommon, so kinda cool!

I was trying to work out why a light (if that's what it is) would be placed behind the door so that it is shaded by the door when it was open. But then I realised that it may be a slider, in which case the light (if that's what it is) would be in the right place...

OK, I'll stop speculating now, and wait until you've picked up the van and all can be revealed!

Don Ricardo

[retro64]

hi Jo Bone,

Gotta say I'm with Don Ricardo on this one, could you please pick it up, like now ;D so we can get a good close up look at the U.R.O.
Ooooo it willl be lots of fun deciding what it was and what you will use it for.
Bet you cant wait to get it home ;D

cheers retro64

[bone]

Hey there Don and Retro64….

I’ve solved the mystery!!! It’s a light!!! It has a mesh wiring in the glass which made me think it was a vent!! The switch is inside the door on a lovely curved shelf casing. So there you go!!



I’m still curious as to the sliding door but I think it’s not. As you can see there is a lot of work to do so I will pose the million dollar question….”WHERE DO WE BEGIN?” Internal or external, doors or windows, stripping, or chassis overhaul??

I’ve just subscribed to Vintage Magazine so hopefully I’ll get some ideas from that!
Cheers Guys!

[retro64]

Hi jo bone,

Well thats just great mystery solved you did really want a light so loooks like your happy all round

As for where to start with the resto , we leave that bit of advice for the seasoned veterans of vv restoration.

Congratulations on getting your new van and all the best of luck with it,

Cheers retro64

[elpea]

Hi I must have been asleep since the 19th June Just caught up with this thead today I think the porthole may be after market but not 100% sure. there is a picture on another caravan web site, called Our Touring Past. there is a picture of a Sandrover very similar in size to yours, and also one a bit smaller.

ourtouringpast.com/caravan-manufacturers/manufacturers-photos

The Photos are on page 2. The only information I have at the moment is that they were manufactured in Mordialloc.

Hope this is of some help!

Elpea!