Vintage 10' Newlands Rambler

[kimrcrawford]

Hi all,

I have been gifted another vintage van. This one was in my neighbour's farm buried under a Lantana bush.

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tanxixaucz3fvq7xrqpw0/Lantana-1.jpg?rlkey=1kxpl9rwe0wjiz3dsp1dsvrpw&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k8okp7x723yirjeno326i/Lantana-3.jpg?rlkey=e62v304vz735ni86jvv2aip3y&dl=0

I had to slash a path to get to it from my place and then slash the old driveway that hadn't been used for decades in order to get it out.

The feet/struts/whatchamigigs were all wound down and rusted solid. I got the 2 front ones off by unbolting the entire unit but the rear ones are welded to the frame and I had to grind them off. Whilst cutting them the sparks started a small fire directly underneath the van that I couldn't reach. I had to hook it up and drag it away with one rear strut still down. Turned out OK in the end.

I towed it home and cleaned out all the rubbish then vacuumed inside. Later on I Karchered the outside and the end result is reasonably ok.

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v3irrk645dk3n4uhekynt/IMG_20230723_141826_HDR.jpg?rlkey=9k0j0mbyu5i5hlqpn1z2i1xph&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/scnombuj4oz11u9i29uml/IMG_20230723_141132_HDR.jpg?rlkey=hzbkxol9k3jdgfnle35a7ifx3&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f4yd0psr5aqv7jkeb1cfy/IMG_20230723_141125_HDR.jpg?rlkey=e1v8txep75zxmmyzupyrob3kz&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zgzcsbpn7h042bsreqr9u/Karchered-4.jpg?rlkey=bacee4ejmu4khv4hu107rw0xt&dl=0

I found the last registration papers dated 22 January, 1998. The description was “Rambler/Cara”, not a lot of help however, one of the drawers had stamped inside it “Manufactured by Newlands Caravans Pty Ltd” – that was a BIG Help. It is a Newlands Rambler 10 foot.

I don’t know the age but apparently push-out windows were replaced by wind-outs in 1973 which means it was most likely built before 1973.

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/x8ut17g651zvi076px5r3/IMG_20230723_141534_HDR.jpg?rlkey=vavpyhmkyqu6b22kxrbabf3v4&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7a5luejgeo5be9ca3gmug/IMG_20230723_141236_HDR.jpg?rlkey=jjpmpi5a9p9x0gn0nn8uw1le4&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3luvjhksieoxdhqt3sgiq/IMG_20230723_141227_HDR.jpg?rlkey=qwpffojog32vzzldjictmwms7&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i8pgfv9mse1xi0oybr3fa/IMG_20230723_141552_HDR.jpg?rlkey=m9iu14qukwmr0hrv2kual6gdy&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ixoxk5oe4xcujiymd8v4a/IMG_20230723_141244_HDR.jpg?rlkey=jwe2vlng51zb37yz7a3kt3dvq&dl=0

www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wk6g8zmijctm07kitwmt7/IMG_20230723_141232_HDR.jpg?rlkey=h8xx232b1fbg2061l5wp6l9my&dl=0

There are some places where water has managed to get in but I looked inside after I had used an industrial Karcher on the entire outside and couldn’t find any wetness, I guess the water is soaking in slowly and assume that refreshing all the sealant on the outside will fix that.

I have a couple of question that I would really appreciate answers to if any of you can help.

I know little about vintage caravans but when I look at vans similar to mine for sale on the web, prices range from $1,000 for an unrestored wreck to $49,000 for one that has been fully restored. I love the look of this Rambler, it doesn’t have the ugly “eyebrow” that a lot of vans have and its profile is perfectly asymmetrical giving it a simple but pure look (maybe it’s just me). Given that this make and model seem to be rare I am left wondering if I should sell the van in its current state as a “fixer upper” or should I spend the time and money required to restore it myself and then sell it for more than I invested. In either event, what sort of money should I be asking?

Also, this van has NO brakes, just a free spinning axle. Do I need to fit brakes to it in Queensland in order for it to pass inspection? If so, what are the easiest to fit?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

[hughdeany]

Hi Kim,
Your van is a Newlands Sundowner,the cheap and cheerful Newlands van for newbies.From what I can see it is a 3 berth ( 4 berth had a top front bunk)
I’m having trouble looking at the interior walls to see if it’s aluminium frame,but if it is you will see rivets on the inside side walls ( not outside).Ali frame was optional across the whole Newlands range.
Age is about 1971 and Rambler was the dealer name,I can’t help with prices but little vans always seem to sell well.
Hope this helps
Cheers
hughdeany

[kimrcrawford]

Thanks heaps hughdeany, I really appreciate the help.

It is only 3 berth although the single bed is definitely for little people....

I will check for rivets.

Kim

[kimrcrawford]

Here's a dude who has a Rebuild for sale. He says half complete and costs are $3,300 so far.

www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/lonsdale/caravans/newlands-sundowner-1969-10foot-caravan-rebuild/1314432014.

Kim

[shesgotthelook]

Hello & welcome Kim,
we don't do valuations on here as in the end it's really just personal opinion.Best to research sold listings. I know it's a bit difficult as Gumtree ads disappear once sold.
I will venture to say though, that the Gumtree seller is being very optimistic! There is a LOT of work still to be done.
I personally have restored (with help) over 10 caravans & most of them I picked up fairly cheaply. I think if I averaged the restoration costs out it would be roughly $5-6000 per van.
Some were more difficult than others & some just needed minor patching up.
Another point, some vans are more desirable than others & it is a volatile market. During Covid there were some record prices for project vans & now all those who thought they could do a restoration are finding they no longer have the time or motivation.
I personally have been looking for a modern off road van, but know if I bide my time, there's going to be a lot of motivated sellers as thousands of vans were ordered through lockdown.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do with the little van.

Regards,
SGTL

[kimrcrawford]

Thanks again hughdeany. I have gifted the van to Handlebar Haven at Kilkivan. they will add it to the accommodation they provide for homeless Mums.

I gave  them the van I asked about in this thread vintagecaravans.proboards.com/thread/18688/help-locating-vin-vintage-millard

It looks way different now -

Kim