Olympic Debonaire 14 footer Pre 70's YASS NSW $2500-$3500

[gregh]

Listed as an 80's model but the windows and other features indicate a pre 70's model, probably 1968. It's been renovated; done probably around 80's.

eBay Link

[Deleted]

Hi Gregh,
That Olympic looks to be one of the last with wind out windows and plastic edged trim,so the seller is right.
Boblor will be able to fill in the gaps when he reads this.
Cheers
hughdeani

[boblor]

Hi gregh
Yes the van is probably an early 1980 model, but it is a little strange that it fibreglassed between the chassis rails (below the floor), may have been a special request.
A chassis no. will help me identify the year of manufacture.
Cheers boblor

[gregh]

OK.
I thought all later models had the dual hopper windows; I didn't pickup on the alloy framed windows. And the fibreglass base for the club lounge should have given me more hint. Everything else looked like it had been refurbished but obviously not - just later date fittings.

Well I've learnt something today. ;-)

Greg

[69ISH]

I just won it. Yay I am back into a Olympic again.
Anyone got a hatch or windows or know where I can get them.
Cheers Rodney

[kombikids]

Congratulations Rodney

If you know what you're doing, which no doubt you do, the one in Yass is a bargain.

The seller, George (a really nice guy), is a retired motor mechanic and has done everything underneath. He said it needs a new tow hitch which would be less than $100, but you can drive it away as is. I think it's been off the road for at least a decade and had had very little use. You are right that the only things missing are a roof hatch and bed. Otherwise the interior is all there, just needs a tidy up, few hinges and knobs and maybe new seat cushions. The gas is not connected and not certified. The external fibreglass did have a few patches where the paint was flaking off or where it had cracked and split but generally it was good. Underneath the fridge vent needs sanding back. And as you said, two new windows.

I know all this seems minor but for us it was a little too much. (I'm trying to take sutcac's advice and be patient). The main reason we passed on it was that for our family of five, 14' seemed a little too small. (However, I still reserve the right to contradict myself if we end up buying a 13' foot Sunliner). If you want any more info, I'm on 0437 465 336 or [e-mail].

All the best with the resto, you'll probably have it done before we find our restored one!

Cheers, Tim

[boblor]

Hi All
This van is December 1980 model, I hope this helps those who wish to know.
Cheers boblor

[boblor]

Hi All
I think Olympic may have had a seniors moment or the apprentice placed some chassis no's at this time. On checking the register I find that some van in the same period showed up as 1983 models, meaning that the 80 shown should have been in fact 83. However I will post some chassis no's later when I have my register at hand to show how they got it mixed up.
Cheers boblor

[kombikids]

That sounds right boblor

When I took a look at the van on the weekend, the seller did think it was built around 1982 or so.

Cheers Tim

[boblor]

Hi All
I now have my register handy. The chassis no. quoted was 80 12 345, and this is what my register shows,-82 2 340W, 83 4 343W, 83 12 349G,80 2 351W, 80 9 354W. So you can see why I say the van is an 1983 model.I hope this helps to establish the correct year of manufacture.
Cheers boblor

[69ISH]

Hi all,
I now have this van at home in one piece but will need some work before I can use it.
The Chassis No. The previous owner gave me is incorrect and I will post up the correct number and pm it to Bob later today when I get a chance to see exactly what it is.
It definitely is an 80 model and I will also post up a photo of an original sticker in the cupboard.
The previous owner stated that he had worked out that it was originally custom built for a lady who travelled around Australia in it and since then ha d mainly been used as a spare room under cover and that his daughter last used it as a studio.
The 3/4 bed is now gone along with the hatch and the annexe, there is also evidence that there was another fitting possibly a rack or another small roof over the hatch as there are 4 fixing points that are not original as far as I can tell, the floor is extremely dry and solid with no soft spots what so ever, there is no evidence of any water ingress, the original vinyl tiles are underneath the existing floor coverings but have gone hard and brittle with the new covering being glued to it. I am unsure if the fridge and stove work but they look to be in good condition, the bench top that slides across the top of the stove and it's slide are gone, The material on the club lounge is perishing but benchtops are in good condition, the cupboard top beside the bed has different laminate on it to the rest of the benches and I have done any investigation as to why,half of one of the shelves has been broken out of the cupboard (I thought may have had water ingress and that would explain the different laminate but there is no other evidence and the break is jagged and the shelf underneath is perfect) I have not yet put water in the tank but I don't think the hand pump tap will work, Chassis is rock solid, the hitch has just been replaced, the brakes work beautifully and the bearings have just been repacked.
The exterior will be the hardest part it has had at least one very poor paint job and numerous very poor repairs, the aluminum trim around the belly has had two 2" pieces cut out for the original awning, 1 piece is screwed in place and I have the other piece, 1 of the holes for a vent has been cut to large and has been filled with what looks like no more gaps.
I will start a project thread if anybody here is interested, otherwise I will start it in the classic vans forum.
Cheers Rodney

[69ISH]

I am still a novice I have only had 1 van before and any advice, thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Cheers Rodney
Lets start with the Chassis No. 80 12315





Here is the original certification sticker in the cupboard






Now this seems to contradict the sticker which reads the 14/08/84






The first picture below is showing the outline of whatever was covering the hatch and the second is showing where there was fixings as far as I can tell








These pictures show where the aluminium trim around the belly has been cut.








These pictures show the difference in the benchtop laminates and the broken shelf as well as the one underneath which has no damage. I now feel it may have been broken out on purpose to fit taller items.


Table and sink benchtop laminate



Cupboard top



Shelves







Showing the missing stove bench top and slide, Is this stove original???








The poor repair where the vent hole was cut to large







And a couple of cracked windows, The last photo is showing an aluminium section that has been siliconed above the rear window does anybody know what this was for? 

[Lee Bee]

Sept 25, 2015 11:54:52 GMT 10 gregh said:

Listed as an 80's model but the windows and other features indicate a pre 70's model, probably 1968. It's been renovated; done probably around 80's.

eBay Link

Good morning

I've just taken ownership of a van from a lovely lady in SA, a Debonair Olympic, which is in near mint condition from my point of view.  I am currently holidaying in Urunga on the northern NSW coast and took delivery of the van, now known as 'Gwenda' in Grafton.  It was driven all the way from South Australia to our pick up point.  We drive a 2013 Subaru Outback and for the 1-2 hr journey down the coast to Urunga, she towed well.  I have spent time with some sugar soap, window cleaner and polish on the interior and will do the exterior today.  Sadly, I have to leave her here and return to Bondi which is not the best place to store such a beauty.  

I've slept in her every night since I took ownership!  Had New Years in her last night.

I am getting some quotes to erect a car port at my sisters here, but if anyone lives in an around Coffs Harbour who is a fan of vintage and has undercover or internal storage, please let me know.  

I will try and post some photos later on today - they will amaze you.

I am in love!