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Post by LinPet on May 29, 2011 8:55:41 GMT 10
Hi, We have a Millard Capri 1968 16 footer, bought it off the original owner who used it once a year to the same destination, so has traveled in total approx 3650klms since new (this includes us bringing home). In between holidays it was locked in a big shed and put up on blocks. The outside is almost perfect, the inside is all original and in very good condition. No water stains in ceiling, only under corners of each window - the walls are original timber look paneling. The fridge works well on electric, haven't tried gas yet as button is seized from never being used, but could use a touch up of paint. Even has the original seat cushions (innerspring) with original upholstery although the stitching is not so great now. The curtains fell to pieces, but weren't original anyway, the fly screens are off in photos as cleaning them. Came with original Standfast annexe in very good condition with original timber 2" poles.
What we want to know, to hide the water marks under the windows - would we be devaluing the van by painting the walls a cream colour? Have thought about putting in a picture rail and painting only from halfway up the windows down (like in old houses) - would this be better? Or do we just leave stains and curtains will hide most of it?
Also, there are NO extra bits or holes anywhere on van - would we devalue by fitting extra fluro lights above bed and sink and table under the overheads and putting in a stereo - all requiring holes to be put in the perfect condition overhead cupboards? - the cupboards look and smell like new timber inside.
And the fridge being original (with paperwork!), but small inside especially the freezer - replacing with a new one, or should we just get a portable engel?
And another question, the outside alloy where annexe was is like new and shiny - but the rest is a little dull - do you know any tricks as to what to clean it with to bring back the shine?
The van was very grubby inside when we got it (oldies probably with bad eyes), but have spent couple days cleaning and back like new.
Any idea of current market value?? We were initially looking for a 13 footer, but when this came along we just couldn't turn it down, but having cleaned it up and seeing how good it is under the grime, reluctant to modernize it like we wanted to, so don't know what to do??
Thanks. (could only attach 1 photo, but will try to attach more)
Linda and Peter
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Post by LinPet on May 29, 2011 9:03:04 GMT 10
another photo
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Post by LinPet on May 29, 2011 9:03:56 GMT 10
another
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Post by LinPet on May 29, 2011 9:04:28 GMT 10
another
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Post by LinPet on May 29, 2011 9:05:03 GMT 10
another
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Post by LinPet on May 29, 2011 9:05:37 GMT 10
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2011 10:18:44 GMT 10
Hi Linda and Peter,
What a great find!Personally I would keep her as original as possible,especially the woodwork.Just make the curtains a bit longer to cover the water marks,or find someone good with a paint brush that can blend in the marks to look like woodwork.I'm sure others will disagree but thats my opinion.
Good luck and happy caravanning!
hughdeani
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Post by Franklin1 on May 29, 2011 22:13:18 GMT 10
G'day Linda and Peter, and welcome to the forum! ;D You have done well for yourselves finding a van in such good condition. It's a tough question to answer when asked about "keeping it original or not". I think any devaluing will be decided by the quality of the work done, and the type of actual work done. If the van loses its historical significance through a lot of "modernising", then who will lust after it? If the repair work is "shoddy", who will want to be the next owner? Further down in this post is a 'Link 2' to ebay, which will show you what you might be able to get away with, and the market's reaction to the quality of any changes. It's current value? Umm...we get sent to the 'naughty corner' if we talk about prices and sale values of vans on the forum. Let me help you to make up your own mind, by giving you the following information... This "mint condition" 1966 Millard was listed twice on ebay with a price of $14,000 and didn't sell either time (but it may well have sold outside of ebay, because I haven't seen it again)...  Another 1960s Millard in very good condition was listed in the Trading Post recently with an asking price of $10,000. I dunno whether it's sold or not. If you have a look at these ebay links, you'll see what recent Millards from the 1960s have sold for... Link 1Link 2Would you mind helping us with a bit more information for our Millard history section, please? On the front drawbar, just beside the jockey wheel, there should be a chassis number welded there, starting with an 'M' followed by four (or could be five) numbers. Could you tell me what those numbers are? Also, what information do you have to say the van is from 1968? I'm not disputing that, I'm just interested in gathering any evidence to confirm the date so I can match it to the chassis number series. Thanks for any help. cheers, Al. |
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Post by cobber on May 30, 2011 9:14:42 GMT 10
G'day Linda and Peter, Congratulations on finding an old van in such good original condition, love the look of the floor tiles and the general condition of the cupboards and everything else. Me....... I'd try to keep it as original as possible, I certainly would not paint over the stained timber walls with paint, we have had, over the years, members who have gone to a lot of trouble trying to remove paint that has been put over stained timber. I realise you are only talking about a small area that you would be painting but it should be possible to restore those areas that have had water damage. The portable Engel sounds like the go for your refrigeration woes, a new fridge to replace the working original and fit in the same hole probably would not give you all that much extra space. Cleaning the exterior aluminium ? You won't be after a shine like the Airstream blokes go for and as you might imagine the subject has been discussed here before. Click HERE for some good advice. Your final paragraph indicates you had a leaning towards modernising the van... until you realised what great original condition the van is actually in once the surface grime was removed. There-in lies the value of originality..... it's in your eyes and in the eyes of those of us who appreciate originality. Any modifications you do to it will only devalue it in those eyes. If on the other hand you are talking about filthy money value, modifications might even slightly increase that valuation, then again it might not..... but that only becomes relevant if you intend selling the van, if that is the case leave it as it is and sell it. If you would like to post more that one photo at a time have a look at the “Forum guidelines and helpful hints” by clicking HERE, It ain't easy but if you work at it, it gets easy.............. eventually  . Cobber. |
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Post by sportsman 1 on May 31, 2011 8:25:14 GMT 10
Welcome Linda and Peter,
my best advice regards modifying the van is dont, but there is a way you can improve it.
You mention wanting to put in some extra lights and a stereo. I assume you are speaking of new, modern fluros.
Perhaps you could find some correct period old lights to put in it instead. There is bound to be someone here who could supply some lights of the right period which, when fitted, would not look out of place.
Regards the stereo, have a look in "oldfarts Wayfarer restoration" for a solution which would look original but provide you with what you want. This is one way of doing it, also a stereo could be hidden in a cupboard out of sight.
I strongly suggest you make a list of things you might like to do and then live with the van as it is for a while and see how it goes. You might find the things you want to do are not really needed and if they are it gives you time to source some period bits you need.
Good luck with it,
Leigh.
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Post by LinPet on May 31, 2011 8:55:36 GMT 10
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the info and suggestions, taking them on board. (If only they made a period roll out awning!! That circus tent is so heavy!)
For the question of Chassis Number - it is M5642. Have attached the refrigeration warranty paper showing date of installation as 14/9/1967. Also the van has never been de-registered and the rego sticker says 1967. ATM 920kg.
We had actually decided much the same thing - we are going to have several trips in it as is and see how we cope. Currently still cleaning and polishing. Think we will loose lay lino over the tiles to protect them. We had to take the fridge out to clean the gas (didn't want to try lighting with all that dust and fluff in there!) and now it works perfectly! Also checked though, the new Waeco is identical size, so could always put it in and keep the original fridge in shed......
Anyway, back to work cleaning her..
Thanks Linda.
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Post by LinPet on May 31, 2011 9:10:39 GMT 10
Oh, forgot to ask. Is there a dedicated vintage caravan club in Qld or does everyone just post everything on this site? Would like to go on runs. We are into old cars too (Just Zephyrs), but don't have one at the moment. Waiting for a good Mk II wagon find in a shed  , but don't think that luck will strike twice. Thanks. Linda |
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Post by cruisindoug on May 31, 2011 9:36:25 GMT 10
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Post by banno on May 31, 2011 10:27:20 GMT 10
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Post by firefighter on May 31, 2011 10:39:25 GMT 10
  G,Day Linda Welcome to the forum forgot to ask. Is there a dedicated vintage caravan club in Qld or does everyone just post everything on this site? Would like to go on runs. We are not a club.........just a forum ......no rules ...just guidelines and we are the no1 vintage caravan forum in australia......so you have joined the right forum cheers f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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chubi
Full Member
Posts: 158
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Post by chubi on Jun 2, 2011 11:25:45 GMT 10
Hi there, that is a gorgeous van you have there, a true time machine. I have just purchased a '67-68 Chesney Regal in need of resto, and I intend to restore her back to full 1968 spec, because my cars are from the era and I just love the late 60s. I would personally go to the extra expense of the engel/portable stereo/portable battery lamps for normal use, so as NO holes would be cut anywhere, but thats just my opinion. People think me and my brother are insane cause we fit period everything lol, but we just love to be experience as much of the era as we possibly can.
Rick
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Post by LinPet on Jun 19, 2011 13:51:21 GMT 10
Hello everybody - thank you to all who offered help and advice. Unfortunately, we have a very real problem, in that the longer I spent inside the van while cleaning and just sitting and admiring and planning, and measuring etc., a medical problem I have got worse and I actually collapsed into the wardrobe and hubby had to get me out. Smells can trigger my problem, and I know things like clove oil, perfume and some fresh timber smells set me off - and the timber in this van still smells so fresh and lovely and new - but this is to my disadvantage - tried putting 10 trays of bi-carb all round, but while it took the edge off, the smell is still there and comes back with bicarb gone. I know we would have gotten around the issue of modernizing, but can't get around my medical problem (I am not even allowed to drive any more in case I collapse while driving).
I know we will have a hell of a job to find another van in such good condition - this one is HEAPS better than our old 11' alloy framed Viscount '75, but it's just too small, so will have to find another alloy framed one - or maybe fibreglass? never been in one to know if smell gets me??
Anyway, the long and short of it is we now have to sell our great find. See vans for sale for listing. Didn't know how much to list it for, so any interest - talk to us, price is neg.
Linda
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Post by LinPet on Jul 4, 2011 17:20:44 GMT 10
Just letting you know this van is now sold. Thanks again for all your help.
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. 
, but don't think that luck will strike twice.
