Melbourne restorer wanted

[Enthusiastic Novice]

::)Would so much appreciate information on any one who can help me with exterior restoration on my vintage van... Exterior ply has some splits and needs work but do not know where to start as cannot fix myself. Is there any businesses based in Melbourne that do this kind of thing?

[Deleted]

Hi "Enthusiastic Novice"

I dont think there is any company that specifically deals in old ply van restorations down your way..... or anywhere else for that matter except maybe Trodler in Woolongong who has done a few repair / resto jobs for people .

However you might try an antique furniture restoration place for guidence, or try and search out a company that restores old timber hulled boats. They might be helpfull.

Sorry i cant offfer anything more than that. Restoring an old van can be very rewarding.... but if you havent got the knowledge and skills to do so , you will need to be prepared to pay someone who has and that can prove to be expensive .

If you do find someone , make sure you discuss just how much you want them to do. some places that do resto work are very expensive and you may be well advised to set the parameters of work to be done before they start.

Just remember there is no right or wrong when it comes to sprucing these old vans up.Some strive for perfection . Others are happy to just give the old van a coat of paint and be happy with the end result.

Whatever you decide to do just make sure you have fun while you are doing it and enjoy using your van when it is finished....
Its just like colouring in .....except you dont get any prizes for neatness.


Reddo..NSW

[jrod]

Hi Enthusiastic Novice!

In addition to the wise words of Reddo, i had some work done on my van at D&I Caravan Maintenance in Thomastown. The owner there Dale is a top guy. They generally work on (maintain & repair) late model Aliminuim vans, but you never know and he may just be able to help or know of someone that could.

Good luck, J-Rod

[Franklin1]

G'day Enthusiastic Novice!

Another option that may be worth exploring is to make contact with your nearest "Men's Shed". This is a growing initiative Australia-wide where "old fellas" get together in a "community shed" to while away the hours, chew the fat, work on projects, etc. If you go to this link and put in your suburb and State, it will tell you where the nearest men's sheds are... (for example, the 10 nearest sheds will be listed if you enter Melbourne and Victoria in the search fields)...

www.mensheds.com.au/index.php?id=locator

Why would you do this? Well, you're looking for people who might have mucked around with these old vans many years ago. Or someone who is a retired carpenter, or a joiner, or who is just handy with timber stuff. Your local Community Centre is also a good source for tracking down a Shed, as they are usually linked with each other. If you Google Men's Shed, you'll see many search results, showing just how successful this initiative has been for many communities.

cheers,
Al.