1971 Franklin Regent 6447-1

[Deleted]

Today we began fixing up our Franklin Van.

We are converting the two single beds into a queen, using a removable frame. We have a few window leaks which have caused some damage. Tomorrow we are re sealing the windows. Then hopefully just replacing some of the woodwork and painting. We are doing it up for us to use for weekends. We have never done this before so we are a little bit nervous.

I started this thread to share our journey and get some hints and tips. Here are some photos from today.

[ForumMod]

G'day charliebuttons, and welcome to the forum!

The outside of your van looks to be in pretty reasonable shape, judging by your photos. Not too much wear and tear on the aluminium cladding, so that's a good thing.

Can you have a look on the drawbar next to the jockey wheel somewhere, and tell me what the chassis number is that's welded there, please?

Nervous?? Nah, don't be. Worst thing you'll do is trash the van, and you'd be the first person on the forum who's done that. Take it steady, and you'll be amazed at what you end up creating.

If you haven't already read the thread, have a look at what tedalley did to his Franklin Regent: 1974 Franklin Regent - V2541


cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

The Chassis number is 6447-1. It is in great condition. We are really happy with her. 

We didn't do much today other than some painting of the new wood that is going in, resealing windows and a clean.

I have a question though that I hope someone maybe able to help me. We have a rip/crack in the ceiling. What is the best way to repair it before we re paint it?

Also Al, that link is not working for the post on the other franklin. I will try searching for it. 

[ForumMod]

G'day charliebuttons,

Also Al, that link is not working for the post on the other franklin.

Sorry about that. I forgot to paste a piece of crucial information into the link. All fixed now.

Your chassis number shows the van to be a 1971 model. I'll transfer this thread over to the Hall Of Fame section, and change the title to include the chassis number.

By the way, if you didn't already realise it, somebody has changed the cupboard doors in your van to a more modern look. Must have pinched some cupboards out of a more recent van, or built them from scratch.

cheers,
Al.

[ForumMod]

That crack in the ceiling looks like some pretty serious water damage. Are the edges of the crack still sound, or is the plywood crumbly? You might have to think about glueing a wide thin board onto the crack to hide it. Even a strip of 3mm-thick plywood would do the job, and shouldn't stand out too much if you are going to paint the ceiling again.

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Hi Al,

Thanks for your reply.

I think the edges are fine. I have locked the van up for the day, but I will have a look tomorrow. Glueing a sheet on it sounds like and easy fix I could do.

Yeah when realised they are new doors, they had also put a new bed side table in between the beds as well.

It seems to be the only thing they had changed, oh and they curtains and fabric on the seats

[kathleen]

hi I have one of these caravans that needs a sunlight in the roof does anyone know where I can get one