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Post by grandad on Aug 3, 2020 9:56:04 GMT 10
 This was posted on another thread on a totally different subject so I thought it best to start anew. The bracket showing appears to be a support for a window awning. If that is correct, does anyone have any further info on how one might have looked or how it works. E.g. I assume the awning would be rolled up by hand, perhaps attached to a length of dowel, and secured with straps and buckles? Not a lot of Velcro around in those days. If anyone has any pics of a working example, that would be fantastic. Jim |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Aug 3, 2020 12:22:15 GMT 10
Hi Grandad, That's an interesting question you've raised about the awning. There are some photos here from the 1954 Winser Caravan Manual of some Trail-A-Home caravan awnings rolled out.  I think that the wire bracket showing in Roehm's photo was the arm that somehow kept the awning extended. I think I can see something similar in the Winser photos. So I presume that the little blinds would have been on some sort of spring roller to keep them rolled up when travelling, a bit like a mini holland blind? Don Ricardo |
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Post by grandad on Aug 4, 2020 9:05:51 GMT 10
Thanks Don, That's exactly the type of pic I was hoping someone had to share.
I believe you're correct in saying it held the awning fully extended when open, and the geometry looks like the blind would then roll up and over the top of the window.
Where we differ is whether the blind itself would have a spring roller in it. That sounded a bit too modern to me. I'm assuming it would be some kind of leather strap & buckle that would hold it fully rolled up.
At any rate, the point is probably moot.
I've seen pics of window awnings on various vintage caravans and have always thought they are both very practical and look good. I have a pic of a good one in a folder on my PC labelled "Future Ideas".
So, when I saw the bracket a bunch of ideas started trickling through what is remaining of my brain starting with, I could make that. So I asked the question.
Now, in the meantime, I've started thinking they're probably not in keeping with the spirit of a '69 Franklin Mini. They're just a bit TOO vintage for my era.
As I have stated previously, my mini is not being faithfully restored back to original but there are limits on what I will or will not do.
I still would like window awnings over the front and back windows for practical reasons but the design will have to differ.
Thank you for your input.
Jim
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Post by grandad on Aug 4, 2020 9:18:41 GMT 10
.jpg) This seems more appropriate for my era. Jim |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Aug 4, 2020 11:04:51 GMT 10
Hi Grandad,
That Sunliner belongs to Brenten, a forum member, whose day job is as an automotive upholsterer - is 'trimmer' the right word for that? He does some magnificent bespoke work. I am almost 100% certain that he would have made the awning himself, so it might be worth talking to him about what might work for your van.
Brenten is based in Melbourne. Let me know if you want to talk to him and I'll PM you his contact details.
Don Ricardo
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Post by Roehm3108 on Aug 4, 2020 13:50:54 GMT 10
Hi grandad Here's a slightly better pic of the Trail-a-home awning  As you said, it may well be too old-fashioned for your van. If memory serves me correctly, koala had awnings made for his Wayfarer that use a sail track and stays. It's worth having at look at those as that van is of similar era to yours. If koala doesn't write here, maybe you could PM him. Oops, I just went to koala's thread on the Wayfarer and notice you've already written to him about this. |
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Post by hughdeany on Aug 4, 2020 15:15:14 GMT 10
Hi Grandad,
I remember seeing Franklins in the 70s that had canvas window awnings made to fit the outline of the window,and were fitted with stayput fasteners,one on each corner of the opening frame,which of course means the window was open and shaded,as against closed and dark.
They removed easily and rolled up.
I also have them on my 1955 bondwood,as a square piece of canvas that press studs to the opening window frame and can stay on whilst driving to protect the windows from damage.I have also made them for my new van where they slip over an open window and held with stayputS at the top and elastic across the bottom corners.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
hughdeany
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Post by grandad on Aug 5, 2020 13:53:24 GMT 10
Hi grandad Here's a slightly better pic of the Trail-a-home awning Thanks mate, that should do the trick I'm actually having second thoughts about that. I found this.....  That's an ad from a current supplier in Oz on a modern van. Maybe lose the stripes. Well, your memory is better than mine. I had forgotten about that thread. I'm still liking the arrangement you posted. There's nothing to remove or store away. Everything just folds up out of the way. Thank you |
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Post by grandad on Aug 5, 2020 13:58:27 GMT 10
That Sunliner belongs to Brenten, a forum member, whose day job is as an automotive upholsterer - is 'trimmer' the right word for that? He does some magnificent bespoke work. I am almost 100% certain that he would have made the awning himself, so it might be worth talking to him about what might work for your van. Thank you Don. Odds are, any photo of a vintage van in my collection came from here. I saved that one because it truly is.....dare I say the holy grail of awnings? Way beyond my ability. I'd kept it for inspiration purposes. In case I went weak in the head and wanted to attempt something like that. And yes, I believe trimmer is the correct terminology. Jim |
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Post by grandad on Aug 5, 2020 14:04:36 GMT 10
And thankyou Hughdeany. I have seen what you refer to. I recall considering that at one point as it provided a technique for protecting the front window from stone damage. But as a shade awning, it leaves a bit to be desired.
Hughdeany, may I go off topic with a question I just know you'll be able to answer off the top of your head.
I ordered new Franklin stickers for the front and back of my van.
I also ordered the name badge we see on Regents and the like just saying "Mini"
Yes, I know the original Minis never had one but I just thought it might be cool.
Question is, where were they usually mounted on vans that had them?
I have a vague memory next to the door. On the left?
I've also seen them centred on the from panel of some Franklins.
Where were these usually mounted please?
Jim
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Post by hughdeany on Aug 5, 2020 14:43:17 GMT 10
Hi Jim,
The main sticker was centred front and rear above the windows,sometimes the rear one was under the window in the centre,depending on the curvature of the roof immediately above.
The little sticker were usually to the left of the door above the window and closer to the top of the door,at about eye level when you were standing in the doorway.
Hope this helps
Cheers
hughdeany
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