andy
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Post by andy on Aug 14, 2007 5:59:27 GMT 10
Love the 1948 holiday home that Mark has restored.
I, am interested in building my own vintage caravan and am excited to hear that Mark has a set of plans, any chance of getting a copy? I,m over in Blitey (UK) so maybe a PDF?
Andy ;D
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Post by ukbrian on Aug 14, 2007 16:40:06 GMT 10
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andy
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Post by andy on Aug 14, 2007 20:53:44 GMT 10
I,m after plans to build from scratch a classic van and incorporating madern materials, all the great looks with modern weight, so not too worried if I have to make a chassis. I,m thinking hardwood frame and ally skin, but need to know if there is an alternative to hardwood to keep the weight down. Love the look of the 'Holiday home', great shape.
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Post by retro1 on Aug 14, 2007 22:26:27 GMT 10
Hi Andy, The use of hardwood is fine but it is too heavy. Timbers like birch, oregon, meranti and pine are light and just as strong. The ply to now-a-days is better glued and the glues are stronger than the wood as well. Alluminum covering are light but also harder to work with than timber. I have rebulit a 1950's van that may give you some ideas. Here is the link vintagecaravans.proboards30.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=display&thread=1094736982Ask any questions and I'm sure someone on this site will be able to help you. Cheers retro1    |
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andy
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Post by andy on Aug 15, 2007 5:26:05 GMT 10
looks like an amazing piece of work Retro1, fancy coming to the UK to give me a hand?
If its okay I,d love to use you as a consulant for my project, I need all the help I get as I,m just an art teacher not a cabinet maker like you. ;D
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Post by cornishlass on Aug 15, 2007 21:17:59 GMT 10
Hi Andy Welcome to the site from another Brit. So you’ve caught the bug hey, good on you ;D  ;D There is just so much information on here that will give advice, inspiration and technical support that it will prove to be an invaluable source for you I’m sure. You are also sure to make some friends along the way as well. You say: well that should not hold you back, in fact I can only see it as a bonus you will probably have the vision to see things how you would like them, AND be able to sketch them, something which I (and I’m sure others) cannot do but wish I could. Out of interest, do schools still have woodwork classes? If so, perhaps you can also enlist the help of the teacher, just a thought. I am presently restoring/rebuilding a 1930’s vintage van and believe me I am no carpenter either, just a run-of-the-mill ‘middle-aged’ female. I bought the van on an impulse, not knowing how or if I had the skills to manage to bring it back up to scratch. The whole experience has been a sharp learning curve, and I must say that I am extremely pleased with what I have been able to do so far. From making oak window frames and re-leading them, to hardboard cupboard doors, to wiring up lights and creating electrical circuits. Plus all the other tasks, making plywood beds and cushions, glazing, painting….. the list just goes on I would say that the only think that could hold you back, if anything at all, is self-belief. Once you are over that hurdle it becomes for many such an excitable and enjoyable hobby that it will be hard to hold you back. Good luck ;D Cornish Lass |
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Post by retro1 on Aug 15, 2007 21:34:19 GMT 10
Well said cornishlass ;D We are all here for the one reason and thats to get the old vans on the road and also raise awareness of vintage vanning by anyway we can. Ask lots of questions, get books, facts and make your way from there. Cheers retro1 |
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Post by firefighter on Aug 15, 2007 22:41:00 GMT 10
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Post by cornishlass on Aug 15, 2007 23:09:28 GMT 10
Hey F/F Would love to but under the surgeon's knife again on 2 September (as long as it isn't cancelled again!!!) so will be laid up for a few months  Earlier this year I had thought of coming over to Coledale this autumn - ours not yours, but plans had to be cancelled. Perhaps next year. Cornish Lass |
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Post by scootman on Aug 15, 2007 23:55:53 GMT 10
dude, if I can do it anyone can.
Scoot
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Post by cornishlass on Aug 17, 2007 19:58:54 GMT 10
Hey Andy Have been looking through my books and although I haven't got the 'idiots guide' to building a caravan (something which I could do with  ), I have got several books which have stacks of useful information. These include construction and layout plans with sizes etc. The books are mostly from the fifties so are probably quite appropriate for the sort of van you want. Send me a pm with some details on and perhaps I can help you out. Cornish Lass |
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;D There is just so much information on here that will give advice, inspiration and technical support that it will prove to be an invaluable source for you I’m sure. You are also sure to make some friends along the way as well. 
Earlier this year I had thought of coming over to Coledale this autumn - ours not yours, but plans had to be cancelled. Perhaps next year. 