My Franklin Freeway 12'9

[nitesurfer]

Well here is my first venture into vintage van restoration….
1966 Franklin Freeway 12 foot 9
Chassis number 501-6
As you can see she is in great condition….. We got rid of the ubiquitous pile of crap and the rats nest from the cutlery drawer… Now I just gotta give the ants the heave-ho and it will be all mine.







We’re pretty stoked with it and look forward to the process of rebuilding her…
Overall I am happy with the condition.. it will need some repairs to rotted frames.. replacing of plywood and masonite..stripping of badly peeling paint oh and there is no roof hatch I had to make a plywood one covered in plastic as a temporary.. but still it was love at first site..



The stove is in excellent condition as is the sink…
The fridge looks good for its age…(well excellent if it is as old as the van)..but seems to protrude beyond the cupboards by about 8 – 10 cm… this seems a bit of an odd design because you have to lean over the fridge to wash up… were gas/240 fridges the norm for a 66 model or is it a later addition..?

Okay well now for a few questions….
No so obvious in any pic but there is a gas line and tap in the bottom cupboard under the wardrobe/closet…. What do you guys think??? Central heating??



-The blurry dark bit on bottom right is a gas tap...-

The gas goes to the fridge and stove but there is a junction and line to the other side so it is the gas…but what would they use it for…
The double(?) bed base has been rebuilt and raised at least.. As you can see from this picture the lower of the two wood slats is the original height…


-current bed base.. too close to window-


-undeframe of bed showing original height rail and matress base under the existing one-



-Bed base.. note the height.. seems to have been raised 15-20 cm-


I will be probably lowering the bed back to its original height so we get a few extra inches of width for the mattress.. and I don’t wanna roll out the window…
I have seen some other franklins-(including later models) of about same length as mine that have a divan arrangement that folds down into the double bed…
Can anyone tell me if this was the original arrangement? Or was it an option to have the double bed permanently set up (hard to tell as the original lines could be a full bed frame or a support frame for the divan…
And on the subject of the divan…. Can anbody who has one or has experienced one tell me if it is comfortable to sleep on or would a permanent bed be better.. I am all for taking the van back to showroom condition… but I am also keen on a good sleep and hate half hearted sofa-beds that are neither one nor the other…
The cupboards doors are covered in fablon –(contact..maybe I am showing my age haha) of a wood grain but there appears to be an under layer of very thin laminex in a grey wood grain….It could possibly be another contact but seems stronger.. but it is just as thin..
The other freeways I have seen all have painted doors… what was the go for the ‘66 paint or laminex/formica? And the doors and drawers I have are all chipboard by the look of it.. is this the correct wood?
So that should be enough to begin with…. Look forward to hearing your feedback and insights into doing this project… I hope to do as good a job as Dave and Sue did with Curtis…..
Cheers
Mike

[Deleted]

Hi Mike,
Frig protruding is normal and looks to me like the original one.Gas tap under robe is not,must have been for a portable gas heater.
Rear bed would have originally been a click clack rock and roll divan (not very comfortable for 2 to sleep on!)
Most people instal a permanent bed that gives you a reasonable nights sleep.
Cheers
hughdeani

[Deleted]

PS
Grey thin woodgrain on chipboard cupboards was standard.
hughdeani

[nitesurfer]

Apr 8, 2012 22:07:56 GMT 10 @hughdeani said:

PS
Grey thin woodgrain on chipboard cupboards was standard.
hughdeani

Hoping to find a similar product to coat new doors when i make them as some of the chipboard is prettty swelled in places.. but i do have a kitchens-worth of this sort of laminate i am hoping to recycle.. although it is a bit thicker than what was used on the doors originally...

I figured the divan was the original idea.. and good to know i can still spot a terrible sleep when i see one ;D so i guess we will be sticking with the lowering the bed idea and keeping a permanent bed set up....

[Franklin1]

G'day nitesurfer,

I can't think of too many other Freeways that have had their restoration story told in detail on this forum.

There's one thread I'm aware of that may help you to understand what "surprises" you might find:

Franklin Freeway

This was the van that allowed us to crack the code for the Franklin chassis numbers, so I've always had a "soft spot" for this particular Franklin. We haven't heard from its owner for quite some time now, so I'm not sure whatever happened to it.

cheers,
Al.

[nitesurfer]

Apr 10, 2012 21:46:24 GMT 10 Franklin1 said:

G'day nitesurfer,

I can't think of too many other Freeways that have had their restoration story told in detail on this forum.

There's one thread I'm aware of that may help you to understand what "surprises" you might find:

Franklin Freeway

This was the van that allowed us to crack the code for the Franklin chassis numbers, so I've always had a "soft spot" for this particular Franklin. We haven't heard from its owner for quite some time now, so I'm not sure whatever happened to it.

cheers,
Al.

Yeh this is one van i would like to see more of....
I am aware of another couple of franklins of my vintage on the forum... the one that is used in the chassis number post for the 66 freeway- chassis number 1661-6 belonging to forum member marray....- looks almost exactly as mine should or could.....including the little 3 inch deep cupboard just inside the door.... and i would love to see more pics of that van also...

As for surprises.. there are a few great posts where people have shown where to expect rot etc and how they replaced it and i gotta say these are brilliant posts and so helpful......
In fact it is the work of others on this forum that inspires a lot of confidence in guys like me..
As well as encouragements from other enthusiasts of course

[curtis]

Hi Mike,

Congrats on your acquisition! I am really pleased to see another 12'9" Freeway, apart from Curtis, I have not seen another as yet.

Ya gotta watch these 12'9" Freeways, they can get a little out of control if ya don't watch them. Curtis is really cheeky some times, but we just love to get out and about with him. Such a great feeling using the van you restored.

Last place we went (Ballarat Swap) we were asked by a couple with a massive white box/truck thingy if we would consider swapping. Just love the Freeway.

I am looking forward to reading your updates, and if I can be of any assistance with advice please let me know.

All the best
Dave

[nitesurfer]

Thanks Dave.... rest assured i will be picking your brains at some stage if you dont mind the odd pm....
I love your van it looks great and the annex on it is beaut too..
I notice that we ha e the same length but there is a fair it different in the layout....
I got the divan bed at rear ( or used to have) and you guys have the twin beds sort of layout. Also my dining suite looks a little wider...(does tht mean the doors are set back a little different??)
Also I have a rear mounted water tank whereas i notice yours has one forward of the axle....
Stil I have to say that you guys have to be congratulated for a fantastic job in restoration and if i can do half as well i will be happy.
I'm looking forward to the challenge just waiting to find the time to start lol

Apr 27, 2012 16:37:07 GMT 10 curtis said:

Hi Mike,


Ya gotta watch these 12'9" Freeways, they can get a little out of control if ya don't watch them. Curtis is really cheeky some times, but we just love to get out and about with him. Such a great feeling using the van you restored.

Hmm does this mean it likes to wander around on the road a little???
As it is it is a very bouncy van.. seems i need to fit some shock absorbers... lest i get seasick moving around inside..

[foxy]

Hi Mike

Welcome to the forum.

I haven't Participated in the forum for quite some time as I have had large expenses over the last twelve months and being on the pension doesn't allow for too many spare dollars so I haven't worked on my "Franklin"for quite some time and neither unfortunately have I been able to use it.

OK OK I know that I'm not "Robinson Crusoe" when it comes to shortage of dollars, I'm just letting you all know why I've been inactive.

On your photos I notice that your bed base didn't have any breather holes in it, I suggest you drill some holes to let your mattress breath.

ALL mattresses ( whether they are foam or innerspring) need to be able to breath from underneath (especially on a timber base), as we sleep we all sweat this sweat then gravitates to the bottom of the mattress where it has nowhere to go or any air flow to dissipate it , thereby setting up ideal conditions for mold and fungus to form.

When I first bought my van it had a timber ply base similar to yours and whilst replacing the corner frame I partially destroyed the ply, I replaced it with peg board,replaced the foam mattresses with innerspring ,which I got specially made as the beds are not the normal single bed size.

Welcome to the "Franklin" fraternity
and like the others on this forum I look forward to progress reports

"Live the Dream"


Regards

Foxy

[curtis]

[/quote]

Hmm does this mean it likes to wander around on the road a little???
As it is it is a very bouncy van.. seems i need to fit some shock absorbers... lest i get seasick moving around inside..

[/quote]

Hi Mike,

The 12'9 Freeways tow like a dream. We are towing Curtis with a V6 Holden wagon, and have just completed 1500km to the Nats and back with zero issues, not a sway, not a movement. We traveled at between 85 and 95 km/h.

When I say cheeky, I have an issues with Curtis getting on this forum and making comments that his Mum and I don't really approve of!!

A good way to get your restoration done in a timely manner is to book a van park 12 months from now!!

Good luck
Dave

[nitesurfer]

Thanks for the bed advice foxy.... I like the pegboard idea.. it will match the pegboard on the side of the fridge.. Actually we will be making new bed frame or at least lowering it back to the original height because we lose too much valuable space with the extra height of the base...
I kind of want to go back to the click clack divan..... I know they might be uncomfortable but i like the idea of the couch.... BUT i also hate sofa beds cause they are so uncomfortable... so i am agonising over authenticity versus comfort...... ( if anyone in brisbane has a click clack divan in their van and wants to let me have a bit of a lie down on it let me know lol ;D )


[/quote]
Hi Mike,

The 12'9 Freeways tow like a dream. We are towing Curtis with a V6 Holden wagon, and have just completed 1500km to the Nats and back with zero issues, not a sway, not a movement. We traveled at between 85 and 95 km/h.

When I say cheeky, I have an issues with Curtis getting on this forum and making comments that his Mum and I don't really approve of!!

A good way to get your restoration done in a timely manner is to book a van park 12 months from now!!

Good luck

Read more: vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=post&thread=9964&page=1#ixzz1tJUxFNCl
[/quote]

Glad to hear it tows well Dave... I was beginning to worry she might handle like a wet fish all over the road...hahha
And i think the 12 month in advance booking is a great idea.....looks like you guys really had fun over christmas new year....
lots of good pics of yr van and the annexe in action...no wonder you are proud parents
At the moment restoration is on hold while i wait to finish kitchen....in the meantime i am studying restorations and working out an approach..
I figure to make a couple of laminated curves to support roof and then remove aluminum cladding a bit at a time and replace wooden frame in sections....feel free to comment if this is wrong way to go about it all,...
I am trying to work out timber for framing..
seems like meranti was the original timber but also seems like it is no longer readily available.. so what to use as a substitute??
Also what size section inch and a half???which i gues would be close to 40 mm....
Look forward to your comments and advice
Cheers
Mike

[foxy]

Hi Nightsurfer

In regards to Maranti timber I too found it very hard to find.
, I took a sample of the Maranti with me when I visited a
recycling timber yard a few KLM's out from Canberra,he knew of Maranti but didn't have any,(very rare according to him) he dressed up some timber( I think it was beach but not sure what it was!!)To the same measurement as the sample so that replacement timbers matched existing frame timbers.

When cutting out rotted timbers always cut at least an extra 60cm
beyond where the rot /fungus finishes as there are fungus spores in in the timber that you can not see, by doing this you make sure you have got rid any fungus/rot,so you don't have to go through this exercise again in a matter of a few years time.

Hope this is some help.


"Live the Dream"

Regards

Foxy

[nitesurfer]

Thanks foxy....
I remember maranti was pretty common back in the 80s .....

And yes it seems like sustainability etc has curtailed its sale...
I was thinking western red cedar but i am told it is corrosive to iron nails and screws....
And then someone has mentioned tassie oak.....which sounds expensive but looking at the frames really might work out ok as there is not so much timber in the frame
And good advice on fungus spores....
I read somewhere that meranti is very prone to rot as it has a lot of spores in it just waiting to get wet... If it stays dry it is great but seems like it rots quickly when wet...which considerng its rainforest origin is probably what it is designed to do...
Well i guess i need to do a lot more research.. but we're not in such a hurry.. like you say it is better to do a good job once than have to redo several times a bad one.....
I will let you all know what i end up with.....
In the meantime all ideas still welcome

[foxy]

Hi Nitesurfer

If you are interested in learning more about wood/timber rot and/or fungus just Google "timber rot".

Some sites are quite informative and others are more along the scientific line , it depends on how much you wish to know and understand about timber rot.

Most if not all sites refer to the removal of wood rot in buildings but the method of removal is the same no matter what the structure is be it a caravan,building or bridge etc

[curtis]

Hi Mike,

Yep Meranti is kinda hard to get as it is a rain forest timer and politically incorrect to be using it. As Foxy suggests you might get it from a recycle yard, but even then it won't be easy.

In Curtis I used cut down 19*42 pins from the hardware store. The original timber size was 19*30 so just ripped the timber on my Triton. I painted every piece I replaced with exterior primer before it went in as well to make sure.

As for the curves, I used some exterior grade ply (15mm) again from the local hardware. Laminated 2 pieces together with liquid nails and screws and then used my jigsaw to cut the curved shapes. (Granted I only had rot below the window line and so didn't have to replace the roof curves.)

I also had to replace the window sills at each end - these are good old Australian Tassie Oak - also available at the hardware, but a lot more expensive.

As par as process, I just did one end of the van at a time and in that one corner at a time. This way I never pulled too much of the van apart at one time so realigning everything was not an issue.

Hope this helps.
Dave