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Post by cuz on Feb 2, 2010 22:24:12 GMT 10
Hi Vikki, give me a call if you need the chassis number stamped on. I have a set of number stamps. Regards Bill
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 2, 2010 22:28:16 GMT 10
Are you serious? Wow, I shall call!! Thanks HEAPS Bill, Vikki. ;D ;D
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Post by Franklin1 on Feb 2, 2010 22:35:44 GMT 10
Hi vikki, I don't want you to interpret my questions above as having a shot at your van in any way, ok? Far from it...it's questions like these that help us to get to the bottom of a caravan's history. Your van is a great little van, no matter what it's name or history is. ;D I also don't want to mislead you with the "Sandrover" name. I'm not suggesting your van is a Sandrover (although we can't rule that out just yet), but moreso I'm suggesting things aren't always what they seem. Sure the fourth letter looks like a "G", but it could also be a "D" in reverse. I think the key to the name is the third letter. Maybe someone with Photoshop skills could show what a recreation of the nameplate might have looked like. That third letter doesn't look like a typical capital "N", so it must be some type of stylised "n". All my questions about the cladding will help to understand what might have happened to your van over the years. Manufacturers who made quality vans would go to a fair degree of planning to make sure the "seams" on a caravan matched up on all sides. Now, either some repair work has been done to the cladding forward of the door, or somebody has clad this van without a great deal of care to ensure things matched up, on both the door side, and the other side. Are you able to tell if there is plywood underneath the aluminium cladding? Maybe this van was once a plywood van that was recovered? The profile of the cladding is from the mid-1960s, but vans of that era had generally progressed to the fridge stage, rather than retaining the icebox. If the van does turn out to be a Ranger, you'll be the first person that I'm aware of that has one. I haven't found any reference to Ranger caravans in any of the research that I've done so far. (And if it turns out to be a "RAnDER" I reckon you'll DEFINITELY be the only one who ever has one! ) cheers, Al.
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Post by minicamper on Feb 3, 2010 10:59:45 GMT 10
Hi Al and Vikki... Vikki, you missed the "hint", i too have a set of stamps. I got them to "restamp" the VIN onto the chassis so I didn't have to get a Vicroads one... (except I live a chunky drive from you across town) Al, as for the comment about photoshop skills... I'm already on it. I have, via a friend already located the font, or at least a very close match to it, so should be able to mock up a repro image of what it should look like. I also sniffed around and found several references to Ranger caravans. They are all moderns, so you never know. I guess it depends on if anyone "owned" or "owns" that as a brand/model name. I've tried a few other variations on the word and none seem to make any sense, just like the "rander" one doesn't. Not that a name has to make sense, but Ranger does just seem to lend itself to a van name don't you think? Standby for an update soon on the repro name... Cheers Chris
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Post by minicamper on Feb 3, 2010 11:12:22 GMT 10
Ok, So here you go shadowed and unshadowed. The style of the font matches all they key points of the design of what is left of the old sticker. Cheers Chris
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 3, 2010 13:29:50 GMT 10
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Post by cobber on Feb 3, 2010 15:21:05 GMT 10
G'day Littleblackbirdvicki, In this thread at reply #16 Bruceb mentions that "Baravans" were at one time given descriptive names such as "Safari", "Royal", "Ranger" etc. Problem is I can't find a Baravan photo that looks like your 'van.... but I'll keep looking. The same Bruceb tells us Baravan started in 1954.. obviously making plywood caravans at that time. If your 'van turns out to be a Baravan I'd say she's an early model inexpertly clad with aluminium at some time. Have a look inside the cupboards and see what's there, plywood or aluminium ... also look inside all the cupboard doors to see if you can find a number penciled in there. Cobber.
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Post by Franklin1 on Feb 3, 2010 16:02:59 GMT 10
Vikki, I still think my option could be the truth... Which do you think sounds more feasible?: "Gizza gander at yer Rander"or... cheers, Al ;D
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Post by Geoff & Jude on Feb 3, 2010 16:10:41 GMT 10
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Post by cobber on Feb 3, 2010 17:04:21 GMT 10
AH! come off the grass darc... that ain't a vintage caravan Cobber
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Post by Don Ricardo on Feb 3, 2010 22:19:56 GMT 10
Hi Littleblackbird, Well you've got me quite intrigued with your van now! I went back to the original photos uploaded on Ebay to provide a bit more info on your van. Hope that's OK? The additional external photos above suggest to me that the cladding has been added by someone at a later stage as people have been suggesting. The back window is placed substantially lower than the side windows which is a bit unusual and may suggest that it has been modified at some point. I have posted the two interior shots above because they show a little bit of the frame, and the fact that the cladding appears to have been attached directly to the frame not over existing bondwood. The other interesting thing is that the front window consists of two vertical panes, and I don't think they started being used until the late 60's... (Correct me anyone if I am wrong about that.) But...the style of furniture (the cupboards, etc) in the van doesn't seem to fit with a late 60's date, nor does the icebox as somebody has pointed out. So what does that all mean? Dunno, I'm confused. Perhaps the extra photos will help someone put the pieces of the jigsaw together? One thing I would say is that if the cladding has been added later, the 'Ranger' sticker will most probably not be original. Maybe it was the sticker for a caravan dealer (a bit like the "Styleline Executive" stickers Doug Thorley used to put on all the caravans he sold)?? Don Ricardo
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 1:43:50 GMT 10
G'day Littleblackbird, That aluminium 'van will be much lighter than the bondwood you have / had. Did you ever get a water tank for it.... do you still have the 'van and is it for sale now ? Cobber. Sorry Cobber, I forgot to answer the water tank question. Yes, Reddo came to the rescue and posted me down a lovely galvanised water tank with brass tap etc.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 1:50:25 GMT 10
Hi vikki, I don't want you to interpret my questions above as having a shot at your van in any way, ok? Far from it...it's questions like these that help us to get to the bottom of a caravan's history. Your van is a great little van, no matter what it's name or history is. ;D I also don't want to mislead you with the "Sandrover" name. I'm not suggesting your van is a Sandrover (although we can't rule that out just yet), but moreso I'm suggesting things aren't always what they seem. Sure the fourth letter looks like a "G", but it could also be a "D" in reverse. I think the key to the name is the third letter. Maybe someone with Photoshop skills could show what a recreation of the nameplate might have looked like. That third letter doesn't look like a typical capital "N", so it must be some type of stylised "n". All my questions about the cladding will help to understand what might have happened to your van over the years. Manufacturers who made quality vans would go to a fair degree of planning to make sure the "seams" on a caravan matched up on all sides. Now, either some repair work has been done to the cladding forward of the door, or somebody has clad this van without a great deal of care to ensure things matched up, on both the door side, and the other side. Are you able to tell if there is plywood underneath the aluminium cladding? Maybe this van was once a plywood van that was recovered? The profile of the cladding is from the mid-1960s, but vans of that era had generally progressed to the fridge stage, rather than retaining the icebox. If the van does turn out to be a Ranger, you'll be the first person that I'm aware of that has one. I haven't found any reference to Ranger caravans in any of the research that I've done so far. (And if it turns out to be a "RAnDER" I reckon you'll DEFINITELY be the only one who ever has one! ) cheers, Al. Hi again Al, It is confusing. The ice box, the cladding not matching up, the cladding on the rear roof , the part that curves down and becomes the top of the back looks like it is on the wrong way? The indentations in the cladding are opposite to the rest, the hinges used inside the van all match, but some things are not right??? Well, it looks like its baffling some others also so hopefully between us all we'll figure it out.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 1:54:24 GMT 10
Hi Al and Vikki... Vikki, you missed the "hint", i too have a set of stamps. I got them to "restamp" the VIN onto the chassis so I didn't have to get a Vicroads one... (except I live a chunky drive from you across town) Al, as for the comment about photoshop skills... I'm already on it. I have, via a friend already located the font, or at least a very close match to it, so should be able to mock up a repro image of what it should look like. I also sniffed around and found several references to Ranger caravans. They are all moderns, so you never know. I guess it depends on if anyone "owned" or "owns" that as a brand/model name. I've tried a few other variations on the word and none seem to make any sense, just like the "rander" one doesn't. Not that a name has to make sense, but Ranger does just seem to lend itself to a van name don't you think? Standby for an update soon on the repro name... Cheers Chris Hi Chris, I did miss the hint didn't I, LOL.. Its ok, Bill lives very close by to me.... I could only find modern Ranger vans also. Thanks for the Photoshop effort.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 1:56:44 GMT 10
Ok, So here you go shadowed and unshadowed. The style of the font matches all they key points of the design of what is left of the old sticker. Cheers Chris Hi Chris, It certainly does match! Thanks so very much. Any idea if the little marking to the right of the last letter may also be a clue? Cheers, Vikki. ;D
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 1:59:44 GMT 10
Too young Geoff, this ones much older, its got an icebox and the hinges used inside are much older Vikki.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 2:13:05 GMT 10
Well, this afternoon I crawled around and under and took some close up pics of things that may help. The rear round lights look original, I got a pic with the name. The rear square lights look like they've been added. I mentioned in another reply that the rear cladding , the bit that is partly roof and partly top rear looks like its been put on inside out? The mirror inside the wardrobe looks like it has the silver painted on in the old sort of stuff that they havent used for years. The hinges and handles inside all match and the hinges are definately 60's or before. I have some close pics of them too, maybe someone will recognise the year of those? I LOVE her anyway, even if she is a bit messed up, she matches me, LOL. I will look inside the cupboards and the drawers etc tomorrow and see if there are any numbers. I really , really just HAVE to know what year she is and hopefully her brand and what has happened to her. I will also email the people I bought it from and see if they can remember where they bought her etc. They have sold a fair few vans though so may not remember..... I just have to try the photobucket thing again to get the pics up. Night all, or should I say morning? Vikki. littleblackbird (:>)=
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 2:14:42 GMT 10
HI Ray, there is a little something after the last R . I noticed that too. I will look tomorrow and see if the writing is centred or not.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 2:16:23 GMT 10
Vikki, I still think my option could be the truth... Which do you think sounds more feasible?: "Gizza gander at yer Rander"or... cheers, Al ;D Hey Al, LOL, ROFL. ;D ;D Vikki.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 2:22:29 GMT 10
G'day Littleblackbirdvicki, In this thread at reply #16 Bruceb mentions that "Baravans" were at one time given descriptive names such as "Safari", "Royal", "Ranger" etc. Problem is I can't find a Baravan photo that looks like your 'van.... but I'll keep looking. The same Bruceb tells us Baravan started in 1954.. obviously making plywood caravans at that time. If your 'van turns out to be a Baravan I'd say she's an early model inexpertly clad with aluminium at some time. Have a look inside the cupboards and see what's there, plywood or aluminium ... also look inside all the cupboard doors to see if you can find a number penciled in there. Cobber. Hi Cobber, I had a look at the link. I can't find a number on the Chassis, some of looks non original. Is there a particular spot that numbers are usually placed/stamped? I had a hunt today and could not see one, found some rust though.. LOL. I copied this part of the post as it states metal van... 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. Vikki.....
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 4, 2010 10:41:09 GMT 10
Hi Vicki Great to see the interior shots. You certainly have got a project there haven't you. Looks a bit like things have been added/taken out over the years. Maybe marks on the lino will give you some idea of the original layout. What's with the overhead cupboard doors on either side of the lights? Looks like there isn'teven a cupboard ther, or if there is, it's only as deep as the frame. Are you going to do the fixing-up or will you have someone do it for you? It may be almost impossible to idendify it, and chances are that it may even be homebuilt. That's what I would go for and just enjoy it and fix it to what you want for yourself ;D ;D Ray
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 11:36:48 GMT 10
Hi Ray, no lino . Plywood floor and some yukky old carpet pieces that I have already taken out The cupboards either side of the light are about 8 inches deep, there is also a matching one above the sink. The woodgrainy finish of the cupboard doors match the top of the stove section lid... I will be trying to fix it up. LOL. I feel confident that I can handle most of it. I may regret saying that? I will seek help with re attaching the brakes( if they are still ok) and getting new tyres on etc... The exterior only needs some rivets and screws and some little pieces that are in the van put back on... MORE DETAILED PICS COMING LATER TODAY Vikki.
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Post by littleblackbird on Feb 4, 2010 11:47:13 GMT 10
I have to add that part of the pleasure of owning old things and fixing them up ( for me anyway), is doing it myself. I like to give things a go.. There is nothing better than sitting back at the end of all the fixing up and feeling that wonderful, proud, satisfaction , that I did it... I'm one of those girls that if something breaks I will always try and fix it before letting someone else touch it. I also love hard rubbish collections and the thrill of getting a treasure and fixing it up and making it beautiful again. I am a little limited now with being unwell, things just take muchhhhhhhh longer to do now. LOL... Vikki.
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 4, 2010 15:31:14 GMT 10
I think everyone on the site agrees that the main pleasure of vintage vanning is derived from doing it yourself. In the main, caravan restoration lends itself to that. So good on you for your efforts, you will enjoy it. Hopefully your being unwell doesn't hinder you too much - may even be good therapy, as long as you don't overdo things.
When I brought the Propert home from Melbourne (supposedly restored) and found the cracks and bog in it by the time I got it up here, I was ready to burn it, but after much effort, I now wouldn't trade it for the world and really love my little van.
Am working on my Trailahome at the moment and will be downloading pics as I go. That will give me purpose and motivation for continuing. Hope you do likewise, and call for help when needed. You have plenty of very experienced restorers in and near your city, who I know are only too happy to help or give advice.
So get into it!!! ;D ;D ;D
Ray
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gman
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by gman on Feb 4, 2010 15:44:47 GMT 10
Vikki, we're only 5 or 10 mins from you, happy to help out with tyres, brakes etc.
Cheers
Graeme
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