|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 29, 2009 8:31:07 GMT 10
After 4.5 years towing a 1970 Millard around Oz in mid 70's with vacuum brakes that no one managed to get working right I would chuck 'em and fit electric. My ex has some great after action photos of the rig after a rear tyre blew out on the F truck at 50 M.P.H. just east of Broome on 7/7/77. When this happened I reached for the vac brake handle which was located about 3" above the hand brake, sooo guess where habit took my hand? Luckily we were still able to live in the van. Unfortunately I will (probably) never see those photos again. Good luck with your van. Regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 27, 2009 16:06:49 GMT 10
I have just gone through the photos to give the info on each van and car. I have done it in order so its' easy to follow.
THE HIGHWAY PALACE, owned by Dick and Judy Hart.
1946 Fargo 3.5 ton prime mover with van built on a ww2 Air force drop deck tailer bought from war surplus. It previosly carried a huge generating plant to run camps, mobile wirkshops etc. The van was built by grace brothers of Birkenhead Adelaide,(not of department store fame) for Mr 'pop'Parr, a baker from Pinnaroo who must have made lots of dough (ha ha) as the van alone cost 2000 guineas to build plus the traler plus the new truck!!! If anyone has an original 5 speed box for the Fargo we would like to take it off your hands. Likewise any crockery from Parrs bakery Pinaroo. It has their logo on it.
David and Julie May's 29 Dodge Victory six feral ute towing their teardrop of unknown heritage. Julie likes to paint things so dont stand still too long!
Graham (Beetles) Bailey and Jenette Black's 196? Globe Trotter Behind Bob Haywoods 57 Chrysler Royal A.P.1
(the toy van was built by Grahams brother in law in late 50's we reckon.)
Dick and Judy Harts 35 DeSoto S.F. American body)towing a Safetee trailing unit built in Melb. by Luxalite (50's)
Left is David and Julie's newly restored van of unknown heritage.
Right of same photo is Neill and Joan Wormald's 1964, 16' Adventurer behind their 59? A.P. 2 Chrysler Royal.
This Adventurer was made for another Chrysler Restorers Club member who had it lowered and built with a low flat roof so it would fit in his carport, so I wouldn't use it for identification purposes.
Rear end of Dick and Judy Hart's 1933 trailer conversion.
Graham Bailey's American bodied 33 D.P. Dodge Brougham towing his home made teardrop which was restored in 2004.
David and Julie May's 35 D.U. Dodge towing their fresh bondywith Neill and Joan Wormald's 1964 Adventurer in rear.
I hope this helps. Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 27, 2009 15:10:24 GMT 10
Hi All, C.S.I. here. The wording reads Made by Hart and Creer South Rd. Richmond (thats S.A.) The supposed 59 that I looked at for a freind yesterday had the same wording in the same place and my memory cant recall the street number. This van we saw has ally windows, 13" pre H.R. Holden wheels,and that "south Australian roof" and is a bondy,. On that point can someone please give me the definition of a bondwood van? I considered any ply or masonite van to be a bondy till yesterday when a few questions came to mind such as: Does it have to have a wood frame with ply? Can it have Masonite cladding? Or.. Does it refer to the 'RESIBOARD' that my Globey and Neill's Adventurer are made of? That is;3/8 resiboard sides with no frrame as such apart from around the window and door openings? Cheers Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 22, 2009 21:32:00 GMT 10
the green car is a 35 dodge D.U. body by T.J.Richards of Adelaide. Owner David May was told by Lazza (who has been in the van building industry a looong time) that he recognised it immediately as a Murrumba Star. I have no clue if it is. What a great day and night. Thanks old farts. pity about the bear with the sore head on our arrival. Cheers Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 18, 2009 8:55:31 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 18, 2009 8:51:12 GMT 10
Hi Gordon, I think the pic 8 is the one with wooden wheels and 3 blokes sitting at rear of it. This van is an example of the following; In 1933 some crowd advertised 'how to convert your trailer to a camping unit.' It has 1929 Chrysler 19" wheels, 2 very skinny wire camp stretchers and not much else. It did have an annexe that never got restored before owners sons had a party and ran out of wood for fire . Some bright spark found some old sticks (the poles) and chucked them on the fire! We should encourage Dick to fix the annexe.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 2, 2009 14:49:38 GMT 10
I just booked @ $26.00 for Sat night. Pam said we need to book a.s.a.p. because of 2 events that are on and they are filling up fast. Regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Mar 2, 2009 14:41:35 GMT 10
Good to meet you at the show yesterday Dave,and I'll see you at "the Bridge". Regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 26, 2009 20:34:51 GMT 10
HE SHOW IS ON AND ITS GREAT! The feedback is fantastic. lots of "this brings back memories" or "we had one like that with 6 of us in it and me on the floor". Many people asked if we'd be back next year. My reply was I think it's a one off as they had unsold space. The looks on their faces and the comments such as "they would be mad not to have you back, it's the best display here, were very encouraging. And that from an exhibitor!!! Only time will tell but sure as hell We wood like to have some from outside the Chrysler Restorers Club of which every owner is a member including me of course and it's the best of many car clubs I've been in or close to. (in my humble opinion of course). If they want us next year WE WANT YOU. We would like you all in S.A. to consider being a part of it next year if you can, and if you have the time come and have a look at this one, preferably to all meet at 3 P.M. Sunday !st March. Don't forget it's Feb so March 1 is THIS Sunday. I will now spend the rest of the night trying to get the photo's up. Regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 19, 2009 14:58:49 GMT 10
I should be able to do that weekend. but have to be in Adelaide at 1pm sun cheers and I look forward to meeting you at the show next week. regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 19, 2009 14:52:16 GMT 10
Anyone who is interested in a meeting of South Australian vintage vanners should be at the vintage caravan site at this years caravan and camping show at 3P.M. Sunday March 1st.
We're in Wayville pavilion on the south western corner.
We have14 old vans including the Highway Palace,( a 1947 Fargo fifth wheeler built here in adelaide)
Most of us will be there at this time so we can meet and later will remove our vans after the show ends at 6P.M.
Feel free to drop in at any time during the show to chat. regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 14, 2009 14:41:02 GMT 10
Sorry Dave I'll be away too, maybe next time, but I will spread the word at the Adelaide V/V display at Wayville. As with any gathering it is impossible to please everyone with dates and times so you might as well go with the date and place you choose and go for it.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 7, 2009 13:09:23 GMT 10
The Adelaide Caravan and Camping show this year is featuring vintage caravans. We have the Highway Palace and 14 or15 smaller vans. The association is trying to organise a parade through Adelaide C.B.D. to publicise the event. The dates of the show are Wed. 25th Feb. till Sun. 1st March. We hope to dislay an old annexe filled with period camping gear. I have a ply van that my brother in law made at school in the 50's. I would like to display it behind a pedal car or a big toy car if someone is prepared to loan one for the event. We still have some site planning to do before we invite more local van owners to join us if there is room. So if you are interested, pm me. Cheers Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 7, 2009 12:49:17 GMT 10
Hi all, I had a 48 and a 53 Furness and having to restore the 53 I learned a lot of their construction and believe me it doesn't bode well for cutting bigger windows in etc. as they have "prestwood" outside over very flimsy frame which has 15mm x12 mm diagonal "studs" with tarpaper glued to inside for light weight. The axles were ex army surplus jeep/ landrover trailer units with a huge bearing that I doubt would ever wear out. We only used the 48 once on a windy weekend where all the modern roll out awnings were being trashed in the wind. The old Furness stood like a rock. These peanuts need to think about what their aims are as an historical society. By the way both my Furnesses went to Tassy to be on display at a caravan dealers yard. Or so he said.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 5, 2009 14:30:05 GMT 10
Hi all, How about a get together at this years caravan and camping show at Wayville Showgrounds.
We, ( Chrysler Restorers Club members), have 15 or more old vans and tow vehicles on display. There will probably be a parade through King William st to the show if the show organisers get their way. They want to have TV cameras etc. there to publicise the show.
Saturday and Sunday probably suits most re work although that means the show will have lots more people there to interupt our 'meeting'.
Regards Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Feb 5, 2009 14:02:59 GMT 10
I'd like one as well . It's a pity we're too late to add the 15 vans and tow cars that will be on display at the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show at end of Feb. but some one is bound to send photos.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Jan 28, 2009 15:27:54 GMT 10
This sounds like the ideal time and place to get all our South Aussie Vintage Vanners to meander UP the Murray to meet with you Easterners. pymbie is on the right track about water in the river. We might just be the first to tow our vans up the Murry riverbed! In the neantime pymbie come and see/ join us at the caravan and camping show in Feb. PM me if your interested.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Jan 9, 2009 19:59:09 GMT 10
For all you vintage vanners the coming Adelaide caravan and camping show should be worth a look. About 15 old vans will be on show including 3or4 teardrops and "THE HIGHWAY PALACE" if all goes to plan. Dick (the owner of the palace) is petrified of driving this big mother in town but has agreed to bring it in from the bush. The other old vans will be behind their period tow cars as well and perhaps we'll have a display of old camping gear too. See you there from 24th FEB till 1st MARCH
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Dec 12, 2008 16:56:22 GMT 10
Hi, I have been involved in cleaning and polishing 12 windows . here is our method which is (cheap and nasty). I had little paint on mine and tried the wire buff wheel. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!! I then polished the scatches this created with a 6" buff cleaning mop and alum cleaning wax then polished them with a soft polishing mop on the bench grinder. I then hand polished them but still show the damage from the wire wheel. My mate Neill sande his with wet and dry (wet) and got most of the paint and glue etc off and used my buffing methods to a better result. Some scraping was neccessary on a few places where harder stuff was on them. Be careful with this as scatches are hard to remove. A professional plating shop could polish them for you but at what cost I dont know. What type of van is it? we may have a source for new rubbers.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Nov 30, 2008 20:24:15 GMT 10
Woops......Sorry, Larry only had the RUBBERS made not the actual windows. He also had Globe Trotter (Cararest) rubbers made.
Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Nov 30, 2008 20:20:28 GMT 10
Thanks for the info on the Pathmaster Al. It was far too much work for me to do and the Adventurer needed that window more than I need more projects. At the rate I work I'll never finish half of mine. After 5 years worth of Saturdays on THE HIGHWAY PALACE I know a little about restoring old vans. My mate's Adventurer is interesting in that was built lower to fit in the original owners shed, so at 6ft 1 I have to stand in the hatch area or sit down. It was lowered in the chassis and the roof is flatter. The original owner is also in our car club. Cheers Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Nov 29, 2008 13:49:42 GMT 10
Has anyone heard of a PATHMASTER?
We were given a rough one which we swapped for a window and new rubbers for a friends ADVENTURER. (same windows as a Globe Trotter)
It is about 10 foot long with ally cladding, the sides having a leather grain embossed into the ally. I've never seen any ally like it but it looked great.
It has Cararest windows the same as a Roadmaster.
Is there a link to Roadmaster? (a path being a small "road")
I would post some pics but I've given up trying to find a link to do it on. Any help on either would be appreciated. Thanks ,Beetles
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Nov 29, 2008 13:09:23 GMT 10
the windows on this van seem to be the same as Roadmaster. Anyone with a van using this type of window now has a chance to buy new ones from Roadmaster Caravans in Lonsdale S.A. Larry who owns Roadmaster, also had some made to fit the windows on my Globe Trotter. G.T.windows were used on at least 3 different vans that I have seen so check yours out and contact Larry at Roadmaster Caravans on 08 8384 6011. He is a very obliging bloke with a genuine interest in vintage vans, especially old Roadies.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Aug 15, 2008 16:34:33 GMT 10
My rellies call my green teardrop the MINIBAGO, an ex girlfreind called it Kermit, and a lot of people on the road call it that thing with the leg hanging out the back, as I used to have a fake leg under the kitchen door.Unfortunately so many people thought it was real (fair dinkum) that I was asked by the local cops to remove it. Not that it is illegal but it wastes a lot of valuable policing time they told me . "so could you please do us a favour and take it off" Last time I went to Qld I put it back on and some old bloke nearly caused an accident trying to tell me there was a body hanging out of my van!!! So I use it only when the van is on show now> My Globe Trotter seems to be stuck with the 'G.T.' Maybe that will change if ever I get to use it.
|
|
|
Post by beetlesbailey on Aug 14, 2008 16:06:33 GMT 10
Back in 77 whilst I was vanning around Australia in a 66 F100 and a 22 ft 1971 Millard, I worked for "iron bar" Tuckey at his Carnarvon 'tourist centre' which was the way he got around the new council law that banned caravan parks within ? miles of the post office. Any way the council must have told him to improve the park as another travelling carpenter in the park I was in told me of work repairing old vans at the 'tourist centre'. I wish I had some photos of the vans there as they were all bondwood relics that looked too old to bother with then. There would have been 20-30 ofthem but we repaired only about 10. The work consisted of erecting a 'safari' roof over each van to keep the water out, then we lined them inside (over the original) with laminated ply and in one case birdseye walnut! This reminds me of how disgusting some restorations can be. We also had to put wheels on them all so "in the event of a fire they could be towed out." What a laugh. If youv'e ever seen a van fire you will know that by the time you hitched up your van, the one beside yours would be a smouldering ruin. This trip down memory lane reminds me of the empty feeling we got when we passed the remains of a wrecked van on the side of the highway. An event we came very close to in the Kimberley when the eff truck blew a back tire causing a jacknife at 50 miles an hour which left the Millard jammed against the steel ute canopy on about 45degree angle (that is, the centre of the van hubcap was about 5ft 6in off the ground. I dont want to go there again let me tell you! Cheers Beetles .
|
|