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Post by earlygmh on Mar 25, 2019 22:27:01 GMT 10
Hi VC Community Seeking your collective assistance please. Last year I was lucky enough to buy a very original 1963 Baravan from the grandson of the original owner. It had been stored under cover for fifty odd years out in the wheatbelt of Western Australia as shown in the attached photo. Evidently the original owner used it once or twice then came to the conclusion that his vehicle didn't have enough power to tow it safely. At that time he put it under the open-sided shed shown in the attached photo, where it was used only as occasional accommodation by an old shearer. It never moved from around 1964 until I purchased it in 2018 (thanks in no small part to the fact that one of its two wheels was removed for use elsewhere on the farm). www.flickr.com/photos/147634778@N07/?I am attempting to restore it to original condition. One of the challenges that I face is replacing the broken plastic handle for the original Electrolux (gas only) refrigerator. If any members have an otherwise irreparable Electrolux like this one, but with an intact handle, I would gladly pay for such a part to initiate repairs on mine. Thanking you in anticipation. Regards Matt 0408 400 035
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Post by Wodnas on Mar 26, 2019 15:34:27 GMT 10
Hi Matt, The Baravan looks in great condition. Can't help you with the handle unfortunately but would love to see some more photos. I have the same van being slowly restored but it was gutted when I purchased it. If you can post some photos of the inside it would be appreciated. What is the number on the drawbar (mines 459) Thanks Bob
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Post by earlygmh on Mar 26, 2019 18:30:14 GMT 10
Hi Bob This Baravan is 446. Strange as it may seem I also have a second Baravan. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it's number is 445. I seem to have acquired sequentially numbered caravans purely by accident. 445 was sold on 29th November 1963 and 446 was sold on 11th December 1963. They are both 13’2”. Bruce Barrett is the son of the original founder of Baravan Caravans. If you email Bruce Barrett brucebarrett@bigpond.com with your serial number, he may be able to tell you the date of sale and original purchaser of your van like he did for me. Bruce was very helpful, and even emailed me a pdf of a book he is writing on Baravans. Another item I am chasing is the original jockey wheel. The diameter of the shaft is less than all modern replacements that I have been able to find. I don't want to remove and replace the original clamp, so my search continues. If you still have your original jockey wheel, I recommend that you look after it! I'll take a few pics of the interior and post them for you. Its still in original condition (other than curtains I had made up) It still has original paint on the interior. All it needed was a VERY thorough clean. All the best with your collection Regards Matt
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Post by Wodnas on Mar 26, 2019 19:52:45 GMT 10
Thanks Matt, look forward to the photos. I have been in contact with Bruce and he has sent me similar information. I do have the original jockey wheel. If you need dimensions or photos let me know. Cheers Bob
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Post by 65valiant on Mar 28, 2019 22:11:33 GMT 10
Hi Matt Great to see another Baravan being saved. I have a 64 with chassis No 576, renovation is nearly complete...Nice to see those original Campbell beehive tail lights,I have those as well. Also have another one 1970 model No. 1849 in very poor state which I will be looking to sell soon. Good luck with the reno...And feel free to contact me should you want to know anything. PS mine originally came from the Goomalling area!
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