|
|
Post by griffin on Sept 22, 2011 11:29:46 GMT 10
I just thought the bigger van might be heavy enough to require a proper chassis rather than recycling a few old bike frames, oh, pardon the pun  George |
|
|
|
Post by humpty2 on Sept 22, 2011 14:43:54 GMT 10
The original pipe chassis were on nearly all Sunliners up to about 1965...and then they went over to 'C' section.The chassis that have the square section on the top are Bundaberg Sunliners (Gracemures).
I have seen early Sunliners with 'C' section and angle iron chassis.....but the source is unknown to me.
Re the independent suspension.........it was dropped due to cost...and as some will tell you, was at times.......troublesome....in about 1960/61
The chassis maker in Newcastle was also the place that made the couplings....'Burgmann'.
And yes the chassis they made was only used by Forster.
|
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on Sept 2, 2012 21:21:05 GMT 10
Evening all, Son No 1 was in Auckland recently and sent me a photo of a fibreglass van he saw:  Looks like my plan to turn my family into "vintage van spotters" is working, and I don't even have to pay them a spotters fee! ;D ;D ;D I'll need to refine the training manual though: this van is actually a 'classic' rather than a 'vintage', being a later version of the NZ Concord caravan, which was developed from the Aussie Sunliner (see Reply #33 above). Looks like this one is used as a coffee van and has had a serving window installed on the side at the rear. Still bears the Concord name though and looks to be kept in very good condition. And if you haven't already noticed - check out that A-frame!  Don Ricardo |
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on Dec 15, 2012 16:50:16 GMT 10
Hi all, One of the vans that participated in the recent event at Tathra (October 2012) was a 16 ft Sunliner. Looking at the photos from the Tathra run, it suddenly dawned on me that the rear of the Sunliner 16 ft model appears to have been quite different in terms of shape to the smaller versions. Oddly enough no photo of the rear of a 16 ft van has been posted on the forum up until now, at least not on this thread. The following photo showing the rear of the 16 ft van in the foreground was posted by Stephenandjulie:  The difference in the shape of the rear between the 16 ft and the 13 ft Sunliners can be seen by comparing the two Sunliners in the photo above, and is underlined in this photo from Griffin which also shows the two vans:  This means that the 16 ft model wasn't just a stretched 13 footer with a bit added in the middle. The difference between the two models is probably something Sunny aficionados are well aware of, but it wasn't something that had registered with me up until now. And if there is another explanation, like it reflects a change in shape over time for all models, then I would be interested to hear. Don Ricardo |
|
|
|
Post by atouchofglass on Dec 15, 2012 17:15:40 GMT 10
Well spotted DR Will look for that in photos from now on..... Cause that's the only place I'll see a 16foot Sunliner  Read Hens teeth, rocking horse.... Cheers Atog |
|
|
|
Post by DC3Td on Dec 15, 2012 19:03:05 GMT 10
Replies #4 & #51 depict in the leaflet the 16' with sloping rear. gordon
|
|
|
|
Post by JBJ on Dec 15, 2012 20:06:59 GMT 10
hi,
There was a 16 footer at Grafton NSW for sale recently, but in my opinion it needs a major rebuild to be in good useable condition.
It is registered, & complete.They were using it as is. They wanted more money than I was prepared to pay when I looked at it a few months back.
If anyone is desperately looking for a 16 footer, contact me & I'll try to track down the contact details for you.
I have no interest in this van, I would just point you towards the owners & it would be up to you totally.
As everyone knows they are scarce,so dont expect to find a good one cheap.
JBJ
|
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on Dec 15, 2012 21:52:36 GMT 10
Replies #4 & #51 depict in the leaflet the 16' with sloping rear. gordon Hi DC3Td, You are quite right. I was looking at those Replies when I posted the pics. Having figured out there's a difference between the shape of the 13 ft and the 16 ft vans, it's obvious from the publicity pics when I look at them now, but it wasn't so obvious before I saw Stephenandjulie and Griffin's photos! It's much clearer when you're looking at the actual rear, as opposed to a pic of the side of the van. What I think is so interesting about it is that it was an accepted technique in the 40's & 50's (and quite possibly still is) to make a longer van by using the same front and back but just adding a longer middle section in - quite literally. I have talked to the maker of Gason caravans, and he told me that is exactly how they did it. But evidently Sunliner took another route and didn't just grab a 13 ft mold, cut it in half and then add a section in the middle. Another little bit of V V trivia that we can use at our trivia nights. ;D ;D ;D Don Ricardo |
|
|
|
Post by DC3Td on Dec 15, 2012 22:18:42 GMT 10
Now there`s a money spinner DonRicardo - Vintage Caravans, The Q&A Board Game. gordon
|
|
|
|
Post by grumble on Feb 24, 2013 12:25:19 GMT 10
i worked for Bert Tickner at his VW,Rover, Land Rover franchise in Taree in 1966-1972 He had 3 Sunliners as hire vans that were often towed to onsite locations by the service managers green 57 beetle,the vans were also hired out as a tow away.One of my jobs as the youngest apprentice was to wash,polish and clean the vans before and after they were returned,obviously this wasn't a favourite job for an apprentice mechanic.
I think the factory had closed by the time that I started,Bert was a very astute businessman with a mechanical mind and designed some weird and wonderful machinery which was assembled in the workshop. The vans were sold off in the early 70's and Bert sold the business to retire and play golf.When I was working at the Datsun franchise in Tuncurry he used to bring his cars to be serviced,his son Robert went into politics after university and was minister for aboriginal affairs. I have lost contact with Robert over the years.The service manager at Mid North Coast Motors when I worked there is still living at Forster
|
|
|
|
Post by humpty2 on Feb 27, 2013 19:24:52 GMT 10
If you look closely you will also see that the front of the 16' has more overhang over the windows too.
There are some bits of the 13' in them as you would see if you stripped the paint back.
Interiors from 13' were used in 16' to a degree.
You will also note the large and different shape of the roof vent.
Oh, and all that I have seen have the half window in the kitchen (Galley)
|
|
|
|
Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 28, 2013 6:59:48 GMT 10
Now that you started this debate DR ;D ;D ;D
Could it also be that they used the same rear mould from the 13footer and used it on the 15 or 16 footer (when did it grow a foot?) and simply changed the rake to a more forward slope on the larger van?
That would of course depend on how many separate pieces a Sunliner is made from. Does anyone know?
Ray
|
|
|
|
Post by cruisindoug on Oct 29, 2013 19:07:18 GMT 10
Promotional blurb for the Sunliner Victory Special, posted on behalf of Larry McM. (Original source and date unknown.) Does anyone know the background to the 'Victory Special' model name?  G'day Don (and others) I might be able to add something to this, the leaflet shown in reply 4 describes both "victory" and "thriftmaster" models with differing prices ... Victory is listed at 695 pounds and is fitted with the "box frame" chassis. Thriftmaster is listed at 795 pounds and is fitted with the "space frame" chassis. The rest of the spec is the same according to the leaflet (except for the Victory being available with permanent pigment so it wouldn't need painting (although that statement may apply to both Victory and Thriftmaster??), so my guess is the extra dosh for the Thriftmaster got you the lighter space frame chassis and you then reaped the rewards over the life of the van by having a lighter model, but it must have saved you a lot to make up for the extra 100 pounds! Maybe the times were different, but to my mind "Thriftmaster" sounds "cheaper" than "Victory" Has anyone come accross an example of a Sunny with the permanent pigment that isn't white??? I know someone will correct me if I'm wrong! Cheers Doug |
|
|
|
Post by sage60a on Jan 13, 2014 9:23:43 GMT 10
Hello
Just wondering if you very knowledgable people could tell me what the original paintwork may have looked like on my van? Doing research on the Internet is confusing me a bit. My van does not have any seats or table so we will have to build or find some! Has anyone ever had to rebuild that section of their vans? I was also a little confused of the bed configuration? At the rear of the van there are lots of different shaped cushions that make a bed, do they configure into a seat or something??? All the pictures I can find just show a bed, but not sure why all the different shapes. Thank you so much for your time.
Anita
|
|
|
|
Post by thejamvan on Feb 18, 2014 10:01:22 GMT 10
Thanks for the history & resto inspiration. It's hard not to fall head over heels in love with these old beauties. If a Sunny drawbar only has the X & no. (no month or year before it) would that mean it's possibly from the first year build 1958?
And how far gone is too far gone? I've been searching for months now for a little old Sunny near home, finally found one but she's in terrible condition. I'd really like to save her. Any Gold Coast Sunliner specialists with advice for a vintage van newcomer? I've read heaps on the forum but don't have the skills for resto. Got lots of pics if anyone is interested...
|
|
|
|
Post by claireandruth on Feb 18, 2014 20:50:59 GMT 10
Hi Susie, I am not in your or Anita's boat per se, as Scooby was in fairly good nick just raw fibreglass and bad choices by the previous dude on renovating her - I've just spent more on painting scooby than it cost to buy and am chewing my fingernails to the bone hoping she looks ok with proper bog and marine grade paint on her. She may be home next week!
She's been played with a fair bit by the previous owner - odd choice of MDF to reclad the interior, custom made kitchen bench and dining table and wiring that I think needs to be checked by a proper sparky because its held together with duct tape. However, I am in love with my addictive little girl. There was a funky caravan spot at Forster with two nice young men, one who has restored a sunny and the other who is a fibreglasser and wants to do one. I still have their business card if you wanted it, I can PM it to you. For Scooby, and maybe for Lola and your van, I think they are well worth saving. You're just not doing it as an investment!
Anita, as far as I could tell, they were generally white with a coloured flash. My single beds have been converted into a double (east west). I found some forum posts on the flash and have an imitation job I'm getting done for Scooby's flash. PM me an email address and I can send you the images I used….
This is so exciting, so many sun liners! whooooo!
|
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on Jun 20, 2014 23:40:01 GMT 10
On 11 May 2014, Lollyvan advertised his Sunliner in the For Sale/Wanted section of the forum:  In subsequent posts there was discussion about the age of Lollyvan's van, and about it's origins. It was noted that on the one hand the van had the features of a pre-1960 'type 1' Sunliner, including the sealed front windows, the spats and the lack of the moulded spears on the sides. On the other hand the van had the aluminium framed windows which were introduced on the 1960+ 'type 2' Sunliners. Pre-1960 Sunliners had fibreglass framed side windows. In other words, it appears that the van has some of the features of a pre-1960 Sunliner, and some of the features of a 1960+ Sunliner. It was suggested that Lollyvan's Sunliner may have been an early Gracemur (which usually had triple fronted windows), or perhaps was a van built during the transition from the 'type 1' Sunliner to the 'type 2' Sunliner. At this stage it is unclear what the exact origins of Lollyvan's van are, however Lollyvan was based in Kuranda in Far North Queensland, so that may possibly be some indication that the van was built in Bundaberg, Queensland by Gracemur (assuming Lollyvan sourced his van from around his own area, not from one of the southern states). Interestingly the livery on Lollyvan's Sunliner is similar to that shown on this Gracemur. We have not seen any Sunliner advertisements showing caravans with this style of livery. Sunliners appear to have been produced either in a single light colour, or a light colour with black painted 'stoneguards' at the front.
During the discussion referred to above, on 15 May 2014 JBJ provided the following information about the fibreglass framed windows fitted to pre-1960 'type 1' Sunliners:Hi Don Ricardo,
The window frames I rebuilt had the same radius each corner. They were a very lightweight fibreglass moulding, that held the glass from the back, & had a 1/4" aluminium square section holding the glass in place. It was screwed from the front thru the aluminium & fibreglass, & held by small nuts & slot head bolts, about 3/32" size from memory.
But they were painted, & looked nothing like aluminium windows.
The black bit is fibreglass, & the shiny bit the square aluminium.
JBJThe difference between the fibreglass and aluminium framed windows can be clearly seen by comparing the window on JBJ's van with the windows on Lollyvan's Sunliner. Don Ricardo
|
|
|
|
Post by stephen&Julie on Feb 2, 2015 17:27:27 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by humpty2 on Feb 4, 2015 18:09:55 GMT 10
Thats the one called the Victory.......they have minimal cupboards.
|
|
|
|
Post by Franklin1 on Feb 9, 2015 18:08:26 GMT 10
This link takes you to a couple of photos (see photos 8 & 9) about the start of the Sunliner caravans. It confirms what humpty2 said way back at the start of this thread, that the first Sunliner came out of the factory in early February 1958. The article says they were building 2 vans per week at the start, but were going to ramp up the factory to build 2 per day. It's a shame the photos don't show the complete newspaper story that continues under the photo. cheers, Al.
Additional note: The following image has been created by combining the photos referred to in the link above:  (Source: Great Lakes Advocate, Forster www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/1673861/homecoming-for-vintage-caravans/#slide=8 ) The article accompanying the image, and the other photos are worth a look too. They include references to several forum members. Don Ricardo |
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on Apr 18, 2015 13:50:12 GMT 10
Hi all, While I was looking at some Sunliner photos I noticed that a few of the vans shown on this thread had galley 'half windows' on the off-side of the van, while most did not. The galley windows appear on all the 16 ft Sunliners, but there are some examples of galley windows on 13 ft Sunliners as well. One example is shown in the photo of the line up of 13 ft Sunliners produced in 1965 for the mining company Anaconda Australia Inc, posted by Jg66rob higher up on this thread:  These vans also have an extra air vent(?) to the rear of the galley window, and both the vent and the galley window might be explained by the fact that they were a special order to be used by Anaconda in pretty hot conditions. However, I also see that Chippydave01's 1963+ (type 3 body) Sunliner has the additional galley window, although not the additional vent. In this case the window is further to the rear of the van than was the case for the Anaconda Sunliners, as shown below:  Does anybody know which 13 ft vans had the galley window? Were they standard on some models (eg the Thriftmaster) or were they an added-cost option? Or were they an aftermarket item on the vans that have them (apart from the Anaconda vans)? Any ideas? Don Ricardo |
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on May 21, 2015 21:43:30 GMT 10
Advert for the Geelong Sunliners from the 1961 Winser caravan manual: (Source: Keith Winser, Australian Caravan and Touring Manual 1961, p 165)
|
|
|
|
Post by JBJ on May 22, 2015 7:32:46 GMT 10
Hi Richard,
I question the weight of 1 1/2 cwt in that advert. Thats only 76 kilos for the van, & think it would be just a tad heavier than that.
Sure I know its only a typo error, but someone might read it, & say they know that Sunliners are only 76 kg.
Shows you can't believe everything you read
JBJ
|
|
|
|
Post by Don Ricardo on May 22, 2015 10:50:25 GMT 10
G'day JBJ, That's a very fine point you make. Unless Auto Assemblers worked out how to build Sunliners mostly out of thin air! The towing weight of Sunliners was given elsewhere as 10 1/2 cwt (533 kgs), so presumably the '0' got missed out of the Geelong advert. Sack the proofreader I say! : D (That's not the only type we've found in a Winser manual though I have to say.) Don Ricardo |
|
|
|
Post by kombikids on Oct 7, 2015 19:07:14 GMT 10
G'day Guys
I'm new to the forum and since joining have naively been on the hunt for a 15' Sunliner to suit my growing family. I've had a look at all of the 'Sunliner' related posts that I can find and so far I've only seen reference to five different 15 footers. Also, a couple of forum members have mentioned that in 5-10 years of being into vintage vans, they've also only seen about five 15 footers. Does anyone know have many were made originally? Has anyone got a collection of photos of various 15' Sunliners they've come across? It appears as though even if I was lucky to find one, I would have to pay a premium, whether it was restored or not. As a guide, what would be a reasonable price to pay for a project? or completed project? (ie over and above what a 13' Sunliner might go for)
Cheers, Tim
|
|
