Caravelle project (NZ cousin to Kennedys)

[Don Ricardo]

G'day Hilldweller,

That galley looks great. What a fantastic job you've done! Knew you could do it!

I really like the combination of colours you've used. Very bright and sunny. I don't reckon anyone could visit your van without having their spirits lifted! Even looking at the pics does that for me.

Don Ricardo

[hilldweller]

Thanks guys . I was going for a ‘Kiwi summer’ look with the colours and I’m very happy with how they've turned out . She’s now very very very nearly finished and has done pretty much the entire length of the South Island this summer. She is such a nice van to tow . Been to Picton…





… been to Bluff on behalf of Mabel…



… and places inbetween. This is the Catlins coast – highly recommended if you get the chance ;D



Between trips I managed to get most of the outstanding jobs crossed off the list and refitted the catches on three of the overhead cupboards which kept popping open in transit.
Ray mentioned a while back that this damages the hinges. He's right. It does . I had looked at adding a chain or cord to hold those cupboards open but there’s no framing on the inside edges other than the short section where the catch is so I’d put it in the too hard basket . Have now worked out an alternative that works while in transit at least.



The narrow cord doesn't stop the doors latching shut, and if they happen to come open they can't fall right down.



Also removed the plastic moulding around the windows, and the now-sticky glue that had worked so beautifully in cooler temps …



… and reinstated with some horrendously expensive heat-resistant stuff. It’s not a contact adhesive unfortunately – I think the manufacturers may also have interests in masking tape LOL.

[DC3Td]

Well now,what a beautiful & stunning finish Hd. You should be so proud of yourself in tackling the whole project. gordon

[Franklin1]

G'day hilldweller,

Great photos! I see in the fourth photo where the saying "land of the long white cloud" comes from.

The ball catch in your photo should have adjusting screws at the back of each ball, which you can tighten to make it harder for the striker to pull out of the catch. Another option to think about is installing "friction stays" on each door, which will allow the door to come down to horizontal, but no further. You'll also see some old vans with chandelier chain screwed from the door to the frame, to do the same sort of thing as the friction stay.

cheers,
Al.

[humpyboy]

Great pictures HD and the van looks absolutely fantastic, would like to make a trip over one day.

[Roehm3108]

Hi HD

I guess it's time to give you a huge rousing cheer and a hug for finishing your project. Stand in line with the likes of jamesandbel and some others for those special people who saw a project all the way through, from virtually scratch. Those sort of restos create a bond between owner and van that a simple resto of a coat of paint and new curtains just doesn't do. Well done ;D ;D ;D

Thanks for those lovely pics, the van really suits the surrounds of the Bay - almost matching curves

Franklin's suggestion should help with the catches, but having a chain (just a decorative nickel plated type you use for hanging pic frames) will give you two hands to use when taking something out of cupboards too. A little block like you have for the catch receiver behind the bulkhead will give you an anchor point, and if necessary, on the door too.

Again, congrats and well done!!

Ray

[hilldweller]

Thanks guys It wouldn't have happened without your input and it's a great feeling to have got this far:)

Though there are a few things left to do, and a lot of things I wish I'd been able to do better, on this most recent trip I felt that she'd finally crossed the line from 'project van' to 'real van'. It's amazing what you can do if you just take it one step at a time and can call on advice when needed. I certainly wouldn't have had the confidence to purchase Mabel if I hadn't had this experience.

The Caravelle's back in the big shed now and the two of them are getting acquainted as I don't think I'll have much time for either over the next little while.

[harko]

What a great adventure to read and feel along for the ride .
The carravelle is beautiful .well done.