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Post by JBJ on Feb 2, 2014 8:04:58 GMT 10
Hi Steph,
Unfortunately I have to agree with Cobber.
Most of the old vans that I know of that were gutted by people before they considered what they were doing, have ended up on the scrap heap.
I bought a gutted Sunliner a few years back, & I know how much work & cost goes into rebuilding a complete interior. I have also completely replaced 2 other interiors, & it isnt a simple task.
Its difficult once you form an attraction to a van to let it go, but luckily you can get out of this one financially OK.
Keep looking & you will find a complete van to put your energy into
JBJ
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Post by King Fisher on Feb 2, 2014 9:26:49 GMT 10
I agree with cobber. Unless you can do a vast majority of the work yourself (with the exception of electric and gas)it would probably cost far too much to do up. However the idea of having a retro exterior and a blank slate for the inertia could be quiet appealing, as you could make a very nice van inside without the guilt of destroying a perfectly good vintage interior. In the end the decision has to be yours but if you feel that you aren't up to doing a majority of the work then I would take the money and run, and then keep an eye open for another more complete van.
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Post by humpyboy on Feb 2, 2014 15:14:50 GMT 10
I'm with the others here, chances are your neighbour will find something better and strip the guts out of that one so why not sell him yours plus you will be in front money wise allowing you to look a little higher in the tree so to speak.
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Post by shinybuffy on Feb 6, 2014 1:20:11 GMT 10
Hi, Thanks Cobber, I have sold it to the neighbour who is very happy about this : )
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Post by shinybuffy on Feb 6, 2014 1:21:28 GMT 10
Oh and thanks to everyone else for their advice as well
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Post by clairavan on Mar 2, 2014 20:03:34 GMT 10
This information comes from this thread where Retro1 was asking for information regarding Baravan # 454:    At reply # 13 Bruceb tells us.. Hi, I think I can help resolve any questions on dates of manufacture for Baravan Caravans. A little history - Dad started the business in 1954 and I joined in 1974. I am fortunate to have the Factory Production book of records of all caravans built between Nov 1959 until 1975 which has details of chassis number, model, size date of manufacture etc.. I am still involved in the caravan industry in Perth WA and a regular caravan user although sadly not a Baravan. If I can help with details of dates etc I am happy to assist. Happy caravanning regards BruceB. Then at reply # 16 he gives us more information.. Hi Leigh Chassis number 454 described as an 'All Metal Van', size 10', Layout 2S (2 single beds) and originally sold to Skipper Bailey Motor Company on 14th January 1964. In 1964 Skipper Bailey Motor Company were operating in Victoria Park not far from the factory and were appointed as the Retailer for Baravan Caravans. Chassis 454 was the 2nd caravan to be sold to Skippers with the first a 13'2" model delivered 20th Dec 1963. The relationship with Skippers was a good one allowing production runs which improved buying power for materials and kept labour to a minimum. Caravans were originally described by model ie; 2SD ( 2 singles and a dinette) though eventually caravans were being described with size, model and a descriptive name such as 'Safari, Royal, Ranger etc". Around the start of 1970 Caravan Centre of WA was also retailing the Baravan and Skipper's continued to retail until mid 1970. Hope you find the info above of interest. Best Wishes Bruceb Cobber. |
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Post by clairavan on Mar 2, 2014 20:09:10 GMT 10
Hi, I'm a new member trying to navigate this site so I hope this message gets to the correct place. We have recently inherited a Baravan which is in good condition and are trying to find out more information as we embark on the renovation journey. The Chasis number is 380 we are guessing it is early 60's as it looks similar to the one in photograph by Retro 1. Is anyone able to provide any information. I will attempt to upload a photo. Regards Clairavan  |
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Post by Franklin1 on Mar 2, 2014 22:44:21 GMT 10
G'day clairavan, and welcome to the forum!  I think you'd be pretty close in your estimate of early 1960s for your van. The fella that had all the production records doesn't come on the forum anymore, which is a shame because he could most likely tell you the exact date it was built. Hopefully you can master the art of posting photos on the forum, and we'll get to see what you've inherited.  cheers, Al. |
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Post by 65valiant on May 8, 2014 23:19:22 GMT 10
Hi here's some information regarding Baravan from Fleetwood's corporate website
About Fleetwood
Fleetwood was established on 24 February 1964 as a caravan dealer. In 1987 Fleetwood became a public company by which time it was also involved in operating caravan parks, the manufacture of park homes, and retailing caravan parts and accessories. Also in that year Fleetwood created Delivering the Promise, which expresses the objective, the beliefs and the commitment of the people who work at Fleetwood.
Since listing in 1987, Fleetwood has acquired
• Sovereign Park Homes - 1987
• Caravan Parts of WA - 1987
• Baravans - 1987
• Fleetwood Parks - 1987
• Hertz Campervans - 1994
• Western Portables - 1996
• Homestar Construction - 1997
• Coromal Caravans - 1999
• Camec - 2000
• Flexiglass - 2000
• Serada - 2001
• Territory Transportables - 2001
• Durabuilt - 2002
• Carvan - 2003
• Windsor Caravans - 2003
• Rainbow Transportables - 2004
• BRB Modular – 2010
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Post by 65valiant on May 24, 2014 23:24:32 GMT 10
Hi here's our 1964 Baravan, Chassis No.576 We have only just purchased her & will do her up bit by bit.    |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Jun 8, 2014 20:06:59 GMT 10
Baravan belonging to Bara68 photographed at the 2014 Vintage Caravan Nationals at Broken Hill:  Based on Bara68's forum name, I'm thinking that it is a 1968 model. Perhaps Bara68 can confirm that?
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CanAm
Junior Member
Posts: 80
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Post by CanAm on Jun 9, 2014 13:57:58 GMT 10
I tore down my old fence Easter weekend and erected a new 2.1m Colourbond job with double gates in the back corner of the block so hopefully my Baravan will be retrieved from the 'hills' soon so I can get hooked into it. Still have a tree stump to remove though......my little chainsaw just isn't big enough so may be setting fire to it soon - the stump that is Interestingly, there seems a common theme with Baravan that doors are at the rear, yet mine is at the front. The shape looks right though so I'm still working on the assumption its a Baravan until a better suggestion comes along. When I get it home I might have to try and track down Bruceb and see if he can shed any light on it. Funnily enough I now work a stone's throw from where the Baravan factory was. Like the look of Bara68's van - I don't really want to modernise at all but that rear tail light section could pass as period - I have to replace my lights anyway....hmmmmmmm Will have to find a period annexe for it too. |
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Post by 65valiant on Jun 10, 2014 21:02:36 GMT 10
Hi CanAm, I too also work just a stones throw from where our old caravans were made and near Camec as well - how handy! Have you uploaded pictures yet?
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aza
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by aza on Oct 15, 2014 9:57:25 GMT 10
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Post by lee0808 on Mar 22, 2015 20:19:30 GMT 10
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Post by lee0808 on Mar 22, 2015 20:55:55 GMT 10
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Post by lee0808 on Mar 22, 2015 21:08:43 GMT 10
Hi members, just found the site,great stuff. I have owned a 15' baravan for 9 years ad dragged it around aussie twice. Have met lots of people who said they had one and comments such as - strongest van made,last forever,etc. What I don't know is if it has a model name or style and the rego papers have no date. I read there is a member with all the production info. regards  |
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Post by lee0808 on Mar 22, 2015 21:11:38 GMT 10
Hi I've got same barsvan as yours I've posted pics.mines 73 princess 4SD.sleeps 6, 2 sets of bunks one end all collapsing for 6 sester diner.and double bed near rear door that seats 4 for dining.hope this helps:)
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Post by lee0808 on Mar 22, 2015 21:28:06 GMT 10
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Post by steve75 on Feb 12, 2016 13:19:44 GMT 10
Did anyone manage to find Bruce B for information on the sales logbook he has? Thanks
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Post by brucebarrett on Jul 19, 2017 18:42:53 GMT 10
Info on Baravan Caravans.
My name is Bruce Barrett (Bruce B) I have finally joined up with the forum now that I have retired.
I am happy to pass on any information I can about Baravan's having recently written the history of 'Baravan' which I will ammend and grow it as more information comes to light (or if I need to change some of my existing info). Anyone wanting a copy do so be contacting me by my email address below. Dad passed away in 2004 and unfortunately I had little information to start with. Yes, I still have the production books for 1960 - 1976 which enables me to work out some details with the chassis number.
Anything I can do to assist with details I am happy to do so either via the forum or to my email: brucebarrett@bigpond.com
No, I don't own a Baravan though do regularly caravan.
regards
Bruce
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Post by Don Ricardo on Aug 7, 2017 11:20:32 GMT 10
Hi Bruce, A very warm welcome to the forum. It's great to hear from you, and to hear about the history of Baravan you have written. We are always pleased to hear from family members of the people who were involved in the caravan industry in the 'vintage era', because they are often able to tell us so much about the history of caravanning, as well as the company or make of caravan with which their forebears were involved. So that's why it's great to have you post on the forum, and to hear about the history of Baravan you've written (and which I have had the privilege to see and read, thank you). As you can see from this thread, we haven't been able to put together much about the history of Baravan, or the various models that were produced. There are more questions than answers, as you've no doubt seen, but I am sure that you will be able to fill in most of the gaps! In the following post, I will display some photos of some other Baravans that hopefully you will find interesting. The great thing about Baravans is that people have found it relatively easy to find the serial numbers (unlike some other makes!) which is a great aid to dating the van. Don Ricardo |
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Post by Don Ricardo on Aug 7, 2017 14:49:25 GMT 10
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Post by Don Ricardo on Aug 7, 2017 15:44:27 GMT 10
Advert for Baravan caravans from the 1958 Winser: (Source: K Winser, Australian Caravan and Touring Manual, 10th edition, 1958, page 17)
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Post by davomc on Aug 14, 2017 22:32:50 GMT 10
Hi All. My Girl bought a Baravan Safari 1969. The chassis number is 1671 if that means anything. We removed the floor as it was rotten and are now starting to repair rusted sections of the chassis. We will sandblast and treat the chassis once it is repaired but the springs are definitely past their best. It may not be worth the effort but between us we have lots of tools, time and the skills needed. (I'm a builder and she has lots of patience) I was wondering whether the cladding profile is available anywhere as the bottom sheets are corroded badly where the bottom of the frame has rusted. ( see photo of cladding profile) Any info appreciated. Dave ![]()  |
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