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Post by DC3Td on Jul 6, 2015 18:05:13 GMT 10
Gday Al.Few `vans get restored/rebuilt to such a high standard as yours.Its been a real treat watching the progress & the ways you overcame certain tricky bits.I hope you get as much joy towing the Walsh as we`ve all had watching its "makeover". gordo
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Post by Roehm3108 on Jul 6, 2015 20:38:38 GMT 10
Congratulations Al on a job that at times you probably thought would never get finished. You have overcome health issues and problems in the rebuild itself, that would be a challenge to anybody. Now go and enjoy the praise you so richly deserve. More importantly, go out and enjoy the van, knowing it's going to last another 50 years without any problems.
I would just like to comment on your calico sticking tests you did. It's a bit of chalk and cheese comparison, as you are using totally different methods of adhering the calico. As some people already know, I am not a fan of attaching calico to a primer/sealer/undercoat, as to my mind, its (the PSU) job is to seal the subsurface so that the topcoat on which I attached the calico does the job of absorbing only into the calico. To work effectively, the calico needs to be totally soaked in that initial application. But the final coats on top of the calico also perform an important role of filling in what the underneath topcoat didn't quite get, and then finally acting as the sealer against the elements. The end result is a sandwich effect of topcoat sitting on the PSU, calico and then 3-4 topcoats This method has been used on caravans going back to the fifties, as you know, and the calico on the Rowvan I had, only started to peel when it was almost 60 years old and mostly because it was sitting in a closed garage for at least half that time, with the South Australian heat beating onto a hot tin roof less that a foot away.
Not saying you shouldn't have used the the Gripcrete. Just saying that the old method works extremely well and that the "rippability" test is not really a true measure, as the old method also uses the topcoat as part of the adhesion process. Would hate for people to think the old method is no good.
Again, congratulations on a job well done.
Ray
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Post by seeshell on Jul 6, 2015 21:17:25 GMT 10
My goodness Al, where to start? I feel as if I've come to the end of a favourite book - the well loved character succeeds against all odds. Very satisfying! But, it also makes you a bit anxious. After all, how long until the author puts out another tale to fill the gap? Your work is to an exceptional standard - and you very generously documented it all for the rest of us to follow. I'm impressed with your ingenuity and frankly your straight pig-headedness (is that a term?) - five years! Now that is a commitment. As others have said, now is the time to get out and enjoy it. I hope the next books is about our hero chasing the sunsets. Well deserved congratulations to you, Seeshell
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gregw
New Member
Posts: 43
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Post by gregw on Jul 6, 2015 21:30:45 GMT 10
A magnificent effort Al. Your attention to detail is a credit to you Greg
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Post by humpyboy on Jul 6, 2015 21:37:36 GMT 10
I dips me lid to you AL, she looks terrific, you've done a wonderful job, so when do you start the next project so that we have something to follow?
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Post by griffin on Jul 6, 2015 22:21:39 GMT 10
Hi Al
Congratulations on a superb job, such a lot done since I saw it first hand a while ago. I'm sure you are sick of it even if you were enjoying it, and everyone on the Forum must have learnt something along the way. I was that sick of mine I never touched it for 9 months after Broken Hill and I had nothing to do compared to your efforts. I'm sure you have one of those little automatic tea makers installed there somewhere next to the bed that will pop out and reward you for your efforts each morning when you are out enjoying it.
Now, what sort of a period tow car should we be looking for you to tow it with?? I can put you onto a couple of good Vauxhalls that would manage it no trouble at all!!
Cheers
George
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Post by akeepsake on Jul 7, 2015 8:25:11 GMT 10
Well Done Al! Just wondering what we are going to read now that your resto is done? It has been a great resto thread and you have inspired me to get the Jenno finished and start on the next one!! No doubt we will see more pics as you enjoy the fruits of your labour!!! Cheers Andrew
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Post by sportsman 1 on Jul 7, 2015 10:31:53 GMT 10
A big well done from me also mate. Truly a credit to you for not only sticking at the project but overcoming all the little things that crop up along the way.
Now that it is finished I suppose the local op shops are going to close down, if you dont have another project to do you wont be spending all your time (and money) buying stuff to recycle into caravan bits!
I am not going to give you a 10/10, it deserves at least a 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now just get out and use and enjoy it, it is the whole purpose of it being in existance.
Leigh.
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Post by Franklin1 on Jul 17, 2015 0:23:49 GMT 10
G'day All, and greetings from Katoomba, NSW, where I've been testing the van for the last four days. Katoomba is a place for spectacular scenery... ...and is also a place where the tourist dollar is relentlessly sucked out of your pocket... At this time of the year, it is also the place where puddles of water freeze overnight... ...or you might even cop a light dusting of snow... Apart from breaking the brake cable on the way up (after one of the screw fittings came undone and the cable got caught under the wheel), the van has performed exceptionally well in the rain, wind, and snow that we've been copping over the four days. Thank goodness I put the insulation in the van because that has made it considerably more comfortable inside when it's freezing outside. The other good thing is that I haven't noticed any leaks anywhere, which is also good news for me. All-in-all so far, I'm very, very happy with how the van is performing. cheers, Al.
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Post by Franklin1 on Jul 17, 2015 9:02:14 GMT 10
A few more photos that were taken after I woke up this morning... Those of you who attended the "Xmas in July" event a number of years ago here at Katoomba caravan park, might remember the layout of the park. This photo was taken from the camp kitchen looking back towards the amenities block... I'm kinda glad I didn't have a canvas awning ready for this trip with the van... (...no, it didn't collapse. The fella let that end down to get the snow off. But, look at how much snow had built up!) This last photo might be on the short list for my Christmas cards this year... It's all f-f-fun in K-k-katoomba! cheers, Al.
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Post by shesgotthelook on Jul 17, 2015 17:04:19 GMT 10
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Post by DC3Td on Jul 17, 2015 19:54:54 GMT 10
Well Al,you certainly gave the Walsh a not so tame introduction to the outside world after it being kept snug & warm during its refurbishment. Holmes might`ve quipped - ELEMENTS my dear Franklin.
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Post by Franklin1 on Jul 18, 2015 17:39:10 GMT 10
G'day sgtl, My car runs on unleaded, and I haven't had any problems, but I have heard people talking about the need to use alpine diesel (or 'mountain diesel') for diesel engines in cold regions. I also have a little ceramic heater in the van, which only needs to run for half an hour to make the van nice and comfy. cheers, Al.
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Post by kylarama on Jul 19, 2015 21:37:26 GMT 10
Hi Al. I had to sign up on the VV forum just to say thank you for this thread.
I followed your Millard resto on the CC forum and absolutely loved every post. Not to mention the invaluable information.
As someone else said, it's like coming to the end of a good book. I'm absolutely rapt for you, but sad it's over. I've loved checking in every few weeks for a progress update.
Every detail with a well worded step by step process and a ton of pics. I love your willingness to restore a part most people would toss away. Collecting stuff from hard rubbish and op shops knowing you'll find a use for it. Usually by thinking outside the box. Coming up with ways to work with the tools on hand and mastering new tools, like a sewing machine!
A true craftsman.
Enjoy the spoils of your hard work and safe travels.
Kyle.
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Post by mausie on Aug 25, 2015 21:47:21 GMT 10
Hi Al
What a superb resto. You are an inspiration and a font of knowledge.
You have indeed preserved a bit of caravanning history WELL DONE!!!!
It's absolutely great to see the finished product and the quality workmanship you have put into it. Love the colours both inside and out.
I guess you now know it is "Snow proof" ha ha!
Enjoy your travelling and hopefully incident free ( including your health mate)
See you at the Nationals
Joe & Mausie
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Post by shesgotthelook on Feb 4, 2016 10:22:17 GMT 10
Hi Al, we haven't heard from you in a while. Is everything ok?
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Post by Roybeth on Feb 21, 2017 20:12:02 GMT 10
Wow, well this one is a riveting read, some great thinking happening there.
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Post by Mustang on Feb 22, 2017 20:17:46 GMT 10
I also have just read the 16 pages, amazin!!!!!!
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Post by cardygeorge on Mar 13, 2017 22:21:51 GMT 10
That makes three of us this year!
I've picked up some very handy little tidbits, and some great inspiration. Also a sense of having it easier than some as at least ours has a frame to work from!
Well done Al!
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Post by Mustang on Mar 14, 2017 8:41:15 GMT 10
Hi Al, we haven't heard from you in a while. Is everything ok? Al pops into the Classic Forum regularly.
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Post by Franklin1 on May 25, 2017 10:19:17 GMT 10
G'day All, I've done a minor upgrade on the van, and built a home-made detachable light board for the rear of the van. I've always been nervous about the single stop/tail light on the rear of the van giving sufficient warning to vehicles behind. The light board was made out of leftover bits of timber in the garage... [Edit: ...and would you believe the number plate showing on the van was stolen from the van one night, a few months after this photo was taken? My neighbour also lost the plate off his box trailer in his backyard, around the same time. Seems somebody needed some plates for their lawless activities.] The lights are a slim-line LED fitting, marketed as a "dog bone" light, and are available from Led Autolamps here...The vinyl lettering cost me $24 posted, and was purchased on-line from Letter Stickers here...The extra lights will hopefully give me a bit more protection against people who are distracted by their mobile phones, etc. cheers, Al.
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Post by scootman on May 25, 2017 12:18:28 GMT 10
Great Idea ! I often see tiny lights on trailers and Vans and think they really need to be bigger. Got a mate with an old Austin and he attaches a flashing red Pushbike light to his bumper when he travels on freeways etc. He said that now hes done that poeple have stopped flying up behind him and seem to give him a wider berth as the old Austin cant keep up with todays traffic
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Post by Mustang on May 25, 2017 20:09:32 GMT 10
Very neat & in keeping with your current lighting. I ordered lettering from the same supplier, after a year they are still good.
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Post by Don Ricardo on May 25, 2017 20:58:19 GMT 10
Great effort Franklin1. Looks very nicely made (just like the rest of your van).
Don Ricardo
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cster
New Member
Posts: 49
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Post by cster on Jun 11, 2017 19:24:57 GMT 10
16 Pages of incredible reading, and incredibly detailed photo's. Thank you for such a great read.
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