Olympic caravans

Just some general information until Boblor is able to flesh out the Olympic information

The very early Olympics were made in aluminium
Very few examples of these still exist
Though from time to time some have come up for sale
This one is in the southwest suburb of Brisbane and was spotted by one of our sharp eyed members
Sadly the owner isn't prepared to sell







Later aluminium models were more rounded
One was offered for sale on Ebay in 2008-09
It's current location is unknown

The Olympic company started fibreglass operation in early 60's
The company ceased operation in 1987-88

The factory is still in Springwood Brisbane.
It can be seen from the freeway

The owner has left the factory as it was when operating
To my knowledge it is the only example of a caravan manufacturer in Australia that has ceased operation and the factory is still intact.
A testiment to the longevity of the owner and his most beloved caravans.
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Early in Olympic's fibreglass history they produced portaloos and boats.

Micro Styleleaders........ - 12 foot long
Debonair ................... - 14 foot long
Riviera and Contessa ... - 16 foot long
Stardust ................... - 19 foot long
Stardust.....................- 21 foot long

Early Olympics had large single windows as in this restored Riviera Olympic
^{Notice the two small windows at rear behind door}
Courtesy of Loveshack


Later had push out double windows
Even later the windows were windout
^{These are easily picked by the grey plastic cap on the outside of the aluminium window frame}
This example is of a 1968 Riviera in well used condition has push out windows


Later models had the small door in the entrance door drop down rather than swing out

As in this 1976 model Riviera


Later models also had molded vents in the door and on the off side for the refrigerator
^{The small access door in front of the entrance door was possibly added later
But may have been a requested option}




While the 16 foot models were most popular there were many sizes made
12ft, 14ft, 16ft, 19ft and 21ft in all fibreglass
Larger vans were produced with fibreglass ends up to 30ft

Many vans were made to order

At peak production Olympic were producing 35 vans a month

Regularly 16 foot vans are offered for sale on the web
Prices vary widely depending on the condition of the van and the owners perception of its value


The vast majority of fibreglass Olympics were covered in a cream coloured gelcoat
A very few rare early vans were gelcoated in a light blue or green

Should you find such a van it would be of great interest to Boblor and Atouchofglass
Please PM one of us or post a comment on any you find

As a sad footnote:

Since the closure of the Olympic factory in Springwood Qld.

Another company in Victoria has taken up the name and is now producing aluminium clad caravans under the Olympic banner.

Rumour has it that the original owner of the Olympic name still has the rights to it until the year 2015.
To our knowledge no legal challenge to the company in Victoria has been mounted.

A trully sad end to a great product.

Smaller models were also produced .... under the Styleleader banner

This example has an unusual door
The Olympic flame was used in this door as with the portaloos
This is the only known example of a Styleleader with such a door



Boblor has three Styleleaders on his register

Hi All
I will post some info here when I find some time to put it together in some sort of history form.
ATOG you have made a good start for the marque.
We are approarching the 240 mark on our register and it just keeps growing.
Cheers boblor

The small overhead cupboard doors in the 16 foot Olympics were sometimes replaced with shelving
Possibly because of there small size and difficulty in accessing easily

In later models (Mid 70's on) the fibreglass underneath was replaced with a plywood floor

There where two 16 foot Olympics with tandem wheels produced
At least one in 1986 and the other is the owner of Olympics van

This was possible because of not having a molded fibreglass underneath

Just a few more observations relating to buying an Olympic
None of these should put you off them just make you more informed when making a purchase
This also gives you more bargaining power with the vendor
Who may not even realise what has happened to his/her pride and joy

Back Windows
Because of the shape of the roofline most of the water from the roof will flow toward the back
This is fine if the rear window is sealed
If however the sealant has given up there may be wood rot in the framing holding the window in
This can be seen by black or brown stains around the window or if it moves excessively when pushed from the inside out
It is repairable but means much of the back section will need to be removed to get at the wooden frame




Entrance doors
Some of the earlier model Olympics have a badly fitting door at the top
This appears to be a problem with the door mould and was later corrected
If the seals on the door are good there is no problem if not it can lead to the floor at the entrance rotting

Floors
The floor at the entrance can be sealed using resin and fibreglass to over come small amounts of timber rot

ditzygypsy.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=90




OR

If it is too far gone it will need to be cut out and replaced

This is very common

The floor between the kitchen and wardrobe may feel spongey
This isn't a problem in many cases
There is no support for the floor here
Because the axle needs room the the floor is placed directly on the underskin of the van
This allows movement

This thread on VV is excellent to show what the underfloor looks like
vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=display&thread=1448&page=1




Alternately if the roof hatch has been left off at some point.
It could be wood rot

Awnings
There are two sizes of awnings on the Olympics
The smaller one allows rain to enter the van via the windows if they are left open
The larger ones are better if you have them or can get them







Either way it is better to have awnings rather than none IMHO
As you can keep your windows open in some rainy conditions and it also offers shade on beds and lounge

Stone guards on the front
Using the same two photos above
It is also better to have some type of stone guard across the front of the van
Stone chips make a mess of the gelcoat and painted surfaces

Hydraulic rams
It would appear that hydraulic rams for the stabilizer feet were very often used
They are a good option to have
Saves winding the legs down every time you stay somewhere
They are still available and are easy to fit



Vacuum brakes
The larger vans had vacuum brakes
You will see the brake vacuum booster on the A frame
These are now illegal and the new electric brakes are used instead

Hope this helps all those with or wanting to buy Olympics

Cheers
Atog

Thanks Techron
That's magic

Notice the "Indestructable and Worlds Largest fibreglass caravan" comments
;D ;D ;D ;D
Gotta laugh about those
Shows he believed in his product that's for sure

Of even more interest is the Registered offices on the letter.
The Caravan boat and trailer manufacturers as well as DJB Products.
What was that I wonder?
All very interesting and now I have a nice crisp copy of the brochures.
Veeeerrrrryyy much appreciated

Cheers
Atog

Hey Ron
It's amazing that you got away with both ears
Cause you would have had Boblor on the left ear
And Bobandjacqui on the right ear

Seeing those are their vans
^{But I'm sure you already knew that.}
;D ;D ;D ;D

Thanks for posting the photos

Cheers
Atog

I learnt a lot about Olympics ;D
I was rather surprised to see a row of folders on everything Olympic
Loretta and Jacqui were very good at pointing out all the nice things about Olympics.
I have a few other photo's if you would like to see them

We are taking off today for a couple of weeks, Stanthorpe then Mt Tamborine in the Getaway. Hopefully Sylvia will discover that the Arrow Royal has more room ;D

Cheers,
Ron

Hi all A huge thankyou to Atog for the restoration journal and to Boblor for the history, it's been a great inspiration to get motivated on DEB and do the job justice.

I have about 10 photo's of these two vans.
Outside, inside, etc.



If the two Bob's are happy with them being posted on here, I'll do that. ;D

Cheers,
Ron

I'll bet you guys have never seen one of these before?



You would think the owner would have let on about it!
I believe it has a full en-suite, spar bath, picture theatre, and Olympic referance library.. ;D ;D ;D

Cheers,
Ron

G'day Ron, Very clever did a double take till I looked at the tow cars no problem if you want to post some photos Ron . Tri axle Contessa who would have believed it then again Olympics were ahead of their time

Cheers Bob and Jacqui.