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Jan 15, 2011 6:20:39 GMT 10
Post by saynt on Jan 15, 2011 6:20:39 GMT 10
Hi all - very excited to have tripped over this site, and hoping someone out there can help. I notice happyvintagelassie has posted recently, is also from Hobart and has secured an old van here, and I'm kind of hoping to do the same, though not sure where to start looking. So far I've checked out ebay, caravansales (online), the trading post, and Kings Caravans (in Moonah) to see if they had any old 'trade ins' that might fit the bill, but I'm afraid I'm a bit fussy. Having said that, let me also say I know ZIP about old caravans - so this seems an appropriate place to beg for assistance From what I've seen so far, I would dearly love a 50's vintage van - perhaps a Gypsy, or a Skyline (Scout/Junior?) - I've even seen a little early '60's Harris that I quite liked. BUT (and here's the clincher) I'm after one of the 10" versions. There's one advertised on ebay currently but the starting bid is $5,500 and that's not even the reserve - I'm wondering if that's a fair kind of price or not. I should say that I'm not too fussed about the interior (I've got a couple of handy fellows who can help in that department) but it would be great if the exterior was in generally good condition. Ideally, I want something structurally sound that needs cosmetic improvements - but I don't have unlimited dollars (have to keep putting that tatts ticket on!) LOL EBAY LINK REMOVED BY MODERATOR 15/01Anyone able to give me some leads? Thanks so much!
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Jan 15, 2011 7:00:11 GMT 10
Post by JBJ on Jan 15, 2011 7:00:11 GMT 10
Hi Saynt,
Several things.
Welcome to the Forum, & I hope you find the van you are looking for. Firstly, ebay links are not allowed on this forum. You can refer to the van OK, but with a general description & not include the link. so I've removed the link to ebay on your previous post.
Secondly the van purchased by happyvintagelassie is in remote north western NSW, right out in the sticks, not in Tassie like you think. She has a big trip to retrieve it when the floodwaters eventually go down out there. That could be months before she can pick it up, depending on actual location & road conditions.
So if you are looking at buying a van, one that is closer to you would be a saving in retrevial costs.
Because all vans differ we also have a policy of not commenting on sale prices or value on vans in general.
Its worth what you are prepared to pay if you want it. Naturally the better the condition the more its worth.
Generally I've found that if a van is as good as that one appears its better to pay the extra cost over a roughy. I've rebuilt 3 vintage vans, so I do have an idea of costs involved.
So keep looking, but please refrain from putting ebay links into your postings
JBJ Moderator
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Jan 15, 2011 7:21:15 GMT 10
Post by saynt on Jan 15, 2011 7:21:15 GMT 10
ooops. Sorry if I've contravened anything - was just hoping for guidance by people with more expertise/experience than me. I had noticed similar discussions elsewhere on the site, so didn't realise I was breaking any rules - again my apologies. I suppose it pays to read the fine print before getting carried away. With regards to pricing, I suppose I am asking if I am barking up the wrong tree - I am not motivated to buy it for collectability/investment purposes - I simply like them! As an aside, I did realise the other lady bought interstate - by 'here' I meant via people on this site. I was hoping (probably fruitlessly) to find something local to minimise the costs/logistical problems involved in interstate buys as you mention. Thanks anyway.
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Jan 15, 2011 8:13:21 GMT 10
Post by firefighter on Jan 15, 2011 8:13:21 GMT 10
G,Day saynt (Part of you quote) I had noticed similar discussions elsewhere on the site This e bay ban has only been in for the last few months you will still see old postings right through out the forum with e bay links This is in our guidleines E BAY Posting links to items for sale on E bay or discussing the prices for E bay items is NOT WELCOME in any sections of the forum. We have had to include this guideline because of problems on the forum which have arisen in the past arising from such posts. WE know you are just new on the forum so don,t feel bad about it That other new member from Tasmamia I believe bought her van from Lighting Ridge outback NSW This will be a interesting how she will get it back to Tasmania f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Jan 15, 2011 12:51:07 GMT 10
Post by saynt on Jan 15, 2011 12:51:07 GMT 10
thanks though not off to a very auspicious beginning, am I. Am I allowed to ask what the most popular or widely made makes/models of vans were back around that era (figuring less rare = less expensive - hopefully?). I don't want to unnecessarily be digging a hole for myself by setting my heart on something that turns out there were only something like 50 made and are priced accordingly ;D Ok, I'm exaggerating but you see my point hopefully. I've also seen a van that was identified as a 1958 Litecraft - which is something I'd never heard of (not surprisingly, being new to all this) but was wondering whether I should keep an eye out for a few different things that may have the same sort of 'look' to them? Can anyone help me with say a half dozen (max) things I should look in my search? Thanks again.
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Jan 15, 2011 14:05:58 GMT 10
Post by DC3Td on Jan 15, 2011 14:05:58 GMT 10
G`day Saynt & welcome to the forum. As Firefighter said - disregard any caravan listings still found throughout this site which still have that "other" source mentioned.There are plenty of popular/widely made makes/models of `vans still out there. There`s also some rarer ones around. Dollars to spend is entirely up to your budget.Like any one buying anything you can spend too much or get it at the right price.Getting it at the right price can be harder sometimes. Check our DHL (Down History Lane) section for a swag of makes/models.Lots of pretty pics to indicate style/s.Check Members Photos to see their `vans. What skills do you posess? I ask this as `vans are made from aluminium,metal,timber,fibreglass & sometimes a combination. If you`re reasonably good with any of these materials it could help you in what type of `van you`re looking to buy & if it requires to be renovated/repaired.There have been a few members who have actually bought a `van & completely rebuilt it from scratch. In fact if you look at Greedys build (Members Photos) he built a Teardrop from starting with an old trailer bedframe! Never built a `van before but done good with it. As for size of a `van - depends on your needs - family? how many persons? kids? what is your tow vehicle & its towing capacity? cheers gordon
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Jan 15, 2011 15:57:46 GMT 10
Post by saynt on Jan 15, 2011 15:57:46 GMT 10
Thanks very much - will check out the 'down history lane' as you've pointed out. In terms of skills - I'm not too shabby with the cosmetic stuff - handy with a hammer, and a paintbrush, flatpacks and putting things together, but don't want a whole rebuild *yikes* hence looking for something in reasonably decent condition. I do a bit of amateur furniture restoration, and I love/collect vintage gear so that's a big help in terms of the internals. I also have a couple of older chaps on hand (good friends who love a project) who are rather more qualified than I if things get rough *L* In terms of bodies - there's just me, my partner, and two little doggies (another reason why a portable b'n'b would be a bonus as we rarely get to get away - can't leave the pooches in a kennel as they are too old, and we're too paranoid). I'm wary of saying this given the nod to the tow vehicle discussion parameters, but we both own XR6 utes so pulling shouldn't be a problem. ;D Having said that, I do carry a bit of a torch for a local cream FJ Holden ute that I'm praying comes up for sale one day - and I could really see a little cream 'bondy' like the one I mentioned earlier just completing the picture
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Jan 23, 2011 22:53:32 GMT 10
Post by tomjones on Jan 23, 2011 22:53:32 GMT 10
Hi Saynt, Your reference to the FJ Ute prompted me to write: my "Plywood van needs home (&work)" thread in this forum could be just the ticket for you - cheap, has FJ wheels, hub caps and tail light and (did I mention) is cheap. Above all its most inexpensive! And somewhat unloved. Seriously, though, its pretty shabby but I think quite restorable - rather in a similar condition to another example that can be found currently, elsewhere on the internet, going at the moment for $64! It's a lovely time of year to visit SA, perhaps with a car trailer. Cheers, Tom
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Jan 24, 2011 9:02:16 GMT 10
Post by Roehm3108 on Jan 24, 2011 9:02:16 GMT 10
Hi saynt! Welcome to the forum . Don't worry about any faux pas you think you may have made - you're in good company, cos we all do it at one point or another ;D In your search for a vintage caravan, don't just limit yourself to Tassie. They do pop up there occasionally and it may happen that one may be what you're looking for. The real home of old vans seems to be Victoria and SA. Why? Cos those people were always busting their boiler to get out of those states for their holidays. From a freighting cost point of view, the only difference between a Taswegian or a mainlander buying interstate is the cost of the ferry trip, which in the whole scheme of thing is not that much more, if you can get what you want. Over the years, I have made three trips from Qld to Victoria to pick up vans, as well as a trip to SA for a van which I didn't even buy. I treated the trips as a holiday in themselves, and they were fun. I actually sold a Propert some years ago to a chap in Devonport, who had a friend tow it down to Melbourne from Brisbane! As previous writers have mentioned, what to spend is a very personal matter. V/vans have the greatest value to their owners, and at this stage, don't really have an investment value. You will spend more than you originally think, either buying a restored one, or doing the job yourself. But the satisfaction of owning one is priceless!!!!! I have been through the modern van ownership thing and can say that owning and using a vintage caravan is different, as you get to meet so many more people in your travels, whether on your own or within the forum gatherings. And vintage vanners ARE different, in the nicest of ways. By the way, have you searched through the For sale section and gone back a way, just in case there might be a van ther which hasn't been sold yet? Meanwhile, enjoy the thrill of the chase. Just because you want a vintage van, doesn't mean you have to have it today. As they are rarer, there are fewer around, but once you find what you like, the thrill is like nothing else, and the wait is exciting too. Enjoy! Ray
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