suem
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Post by suem on Jan 29, 2014 10:47:16 GMT 10
We recently found and bought an Olympic 19' Styleleader, that has been in a hayshed for many years. Our son-in-law has just sent pictures (we haven't collected it yet) of 3 sides and the front and rear both indicate that the van is a TravelTrailer. According to the info that means it is a composite van dating from the early to mid 70's and may be 18' or 20' rather than the 19' that the Styleleader style is. The van was manufactured by Sunshine Caravans from QLD. From the photos - no windows are broken and the van looks in overall good condition - although we won't get to assess the inside until we get it here. It appears the van might be quite rare as I just can't find any info apart from a brochure on the Vintage forum. Anyone know anything about this style of van?? Attachments:
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Post by ForumMod on Jan 29, 2014 12:09:02 GMT 10
G'day suem,
Forum member boblor is the guru when it comes to anything relating to Olympic vans and their history. You will have to provide him with the chassis number of the van when you pick it up and have a look at it. He keeps a register of all the Olympic vans found to date.
Give him a chance to see this thread and he'll be in contact.
cheers,
Al.
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Post by boblor on Jan 29, 2014 19:12:35 GMT 10
Hi suem
As Al has stated above you cannot own an Olympic without me knowing the details, like chassis no.etc.
The van you have has had the front window modified by the look of it. Yes if is a 'StyleLeader' it is what we call a 19' unit.
If you would like to PM me you details I will place you on my register. By the way those vans are fairly rare, so we look forward to a good restoration.
Should you require any advise feel free to contact me, I am currently assisting with restoration of another 19' in the New England area of NSW.These vans are known to have common complaints and yours will probably be no different.
Cheers boblor 0428 850 666
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on Jan 30, 2014 1:57:07 GMT 10
Thank you boblor - much appreciate the help. We probably won't get it home for some time, but will go and get some photos and begin to gather our research info. Will post more photos and the chassis no. then. Our son-in-law will store it on his property for the time being. I have already begun working on the decor in my head! My husband Sam is very fussy, so it will be a good job.
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Post by boblor on Jan 30, 2014 8:32:34 GMT 10
Hi suem
I can arrange a set of stickers when you get to that stage.
Cheers boblor
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on Feb 5, 2014 13:34:03 GMT 10
boblor - we are in the process of getting another tow vehicle. Can you tell me the towing weight for this van by any chance please?
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Post by bobandjacqui on Feb 8, 2014 6:28:26 GMT 10
Hi seum
I am currently visiting bob and jacque working on vans. The original tare weight for your van is around 1100kgs, however with renovations and equipment the van will be more likely 1400=1500kgs. We have one unit that tares at 1800kgs, but it has been fitted out with a full domestic type kitchen/furniture. If I were choosing a vehicle I would look at least a 2000kg towing capacity and able to fit Hayman Reese 250kg weight distribution hitch, with this arrangement you would have a perfectly safe combination and a joy to tow.
I hope this helps with your decision, give me a call if wish to discuss.
Cheers boblor
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on Mar 17, 2014 0:56:21 GMT 10
Collected our van this week and have it safely stored until we can begin work. After cleaning out a mountain of dirt we found a pile of work and a pile of surprises! Just inside the doorway is the electrical certification certificate. Caravan no. 2108 was certified ?/9/72 - so there is the van number and its date! Exterior has some minimal glass work, lights to be replaced and covered and etc. The interior fibreglass is in excellent condition, all the seats and bed bases are excellent, as are the ceiling storage. Because a roof cover was missing, water has gotten in and the floor will need to be replaced. The interior design is as follows - 1. At the front of the van is a circular lounge. ALL the cushions are there, with only one needing replacing. 2. Next comes the kitchen, it is water damaged and will need to be replaced, but the fridge, stove and sink are all there. On the wall above the sink are little features, such as cup holders and a tea towel ring. 3. Beside the kitchen is a full height cupboard which will need replacing.
4. Beside this is a wall separating the bedroom, which has 2 single beds and a centre set of drawers (which will need replacing).
5. Coming down the entry wall, is the rest of the wall, but it has an interesting feature - TV stand.
6. Back in the kitchen is a dining area, with 2 single seats. The table has the original folding legs, but the table top is not original.
7. The wall at the back of the seats sits alongside the entry door.
The floor tiles are white with a grey pattern on them - they will need replacing as they are broken in many places.
The cabinetry veneer is done in a light grey timber-style finish and has decorative feature edges with a gold trim. A couple of doors are missing and the veneer is damaged around the kitchen, so will need replacing.
The original light fittings are all still there, no cracks!
The cushions for the lounge and the dining area are also all there, although one will need replacing. The colour is a buttoned white on the top side, with a bright purple back and sides and a navy trim! Looks great!
We bought a Sunliner at the same time, so will work on it first to learn the techniques before we tackle the Olympic. Very exciting!
Lounge and purple cushion
Kitchen
Lounge to bedroom
TV base between bedroom and dining area
Dining area
Bedroom through to lounge
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Post by jacko14 on Mar 17, 2014 20:49:54 GMT 10
Hi Suem,
The tiles on your floor will almost certainly contain asbestos. Take extra care when removing them.
Looks like your van will come up pretty good.
Cheers, Bob.
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Post by ForumMod on Mar 17, 2014 20:52:03 GMT 10
G'day suem, Well, you'd have to be quite satisfied with the general condition of this van. It looks like it has been fairly well looked after.  Surely it won't be a huge job to get it all shipshape, and out on the road again. It'll be interesting to watch your progress as you go about tidying up the bits that need attention. cheers, Al. |
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on Apr 22, 2015 23:44:19 GMT 10
Well, we are about to officially bring the van home from its storage and begin work. We spent a couple of days measuring everything so we could go to the Sydney Caravan & Camping Show to buy the necessities and begin work on it.
First thing Sam has had to do is work out the correct wheels & tyres. There are 3 13" tyres and 1 14" tyre - so Sam has spent some time studying wheel info and has finally decided to stick to the 13" ones. Our local tyre place has been able to order 2 more rims to complete the set with a spare. They will fit the tyres and put some kind of gas in them. Can't tell you why they need the gas, will get back to you all with that info.
He's replaced the bearings and bought new electric brakes, so we will go back to the storage this weekend, install the new brakes and wheels and bring her home. When we get it back here, we will suspend it in a frame, take the tyres off and get the wheels powder-coated, then re-fitted - so that will be that job finished.
We have to get it ready for August, as it looks like we will be following a job and living in it for a while.
I will post some photos when we get it home.
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Post by atouchofglass on Apr 24, 2015 13:18:59 GMT 10
Looking forward to seeing the rebuild. We need lots of photos  Cheers Atog |
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Post by Mustang on Apr 27, 2015 18:29:05 GMT 10
A very complete looking van in good condition, make your way to the hall of fame & congratulations on buying a real van.
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on May 15, 2015 23:56:36 GMT 10
Thank you mustang - but getting it home and starting the work has revealed she is not in quite the condition we thought - not major - but still more than we thought.
I was telling Boblor, she was bought new in 72 and was used to follow the harvests from the Walgett area into QLD. She has sat in a hayshed for over 20 years after the owner died and his brother took over running the property. So while not in full weather, she did get rain inside, lost a hatch and the mice had been living rent-free.
Done so far:
bearings replaced
old solidified grease removed and new grease for the working bits
new tyres
new electric brakes installed
tiles removed - at least part of the floor needs replacing.
damaged cushions getting repaired
window hardware ordered
trying to track down fly screens through Camec
remaining hatch being duplicated for missing one.
So we are concentrating at the moment on getting her waterproof, then we'll concentrate on the floor and inside work.
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on May 15, 2015 23:58:47 GMT 10
 Leaving Walgett for a new life with us! |
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Post by atouchofglass on May 16, 2015 12:57:37 GMT 10
Once you get into renovating the interior you will see just how large the 19'er can be. It is a luxury having all that space. You may even want to fit a shower and toilet in there. Having used my 16' Olympic it is definitely large enough for comfortable traveling for two. So a 19' Olympic . . . . wow you will be very happy with that. Don't forget the roller skates - makes it easier getting from end to end of the van.  Cheers Atog |
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suem
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Posts: 46
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Post by suem on May 16, 2015 23:25:47 GMT 10
Ha ha! The walk from each end will do me good Atog!
We debated the shower and toilet but would have to remove our dinette and that is going to be my "office". Plus we love the layout as it is. So we will set up the little bathroom annexe tent when necessary.
But you are right - there is heaps of room. The lounge is circular around the head of the van and Sam has already worked out he will be able to stretch out and watch tele and still give me room! Plus plenty of room floor space for camping grandkids.
Sue
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Post by Mustang on May 19, 2015 19:55:21 GMT 10
Keep those reno photos coming.
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on May 20, 2015 0:28:37 GMT 10
Will do. We have been having "fun" because after some years of droughts, we are getting more consistent rain here and the van is outside. One of the roof hatches was missing, and the other one is being used as a template to make the new, so the interior is exposed. As well several windows leek.
So, it feels like every 5 minutes, the tarp goes on and the tarp comes off and to get into it to do some work, Sam has to loosen the ties to open the door, which then means he runs around and repositions the tarp. Then he runs around and checks all the 100 mile taped windows to make sure they are still holding!
The current focus is on getting it water-proof so we can eliminate all this wet-dry drama holding things up, because if we didn't have OCD before, we certainly will after this month!
Current jobs:
1. New hatch being made
2. Sam had begun removing silicone pasted around middle join and cleaning up the mess. There doesn't appear to be any issues with leeks, but he will redo the corners with butyl mastic as a precaution.
3. Because there are no hatches in place, he has cleaned and polished all the hardware, winders, etc for the roof. Soaked the plastic pieces in Napisan and they look like new! They are all pretty solid despite their age. Polished all the brass screws - they look amazing.
4. Cabinet maker will give us a quote on replacing the kitchen. We found it was all rotten and falling apart when we started to work on it, so the fellow can use the pieces as a template and just replace everything with new. We need this van on the road to follow a job in August, so we just don't have time for the bigger jobs, but can help him get it done. So now he has looked at the layout and worked out what materials etc we need, we can start pulling things apart inside. The veneered pine and chipboard will be replaced with a similar stained timber - just trying to find a T-mould to match what is there now.
Unfortunately no exciting photos to show as yet.
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Post by Mustang on May 20, 2015 7:30:21 GMT 10
I don't envy your August deadline, but I see by your signature you already have experience with an "oldie", heads down!!!!!  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2015 9:52:45 GMT 10
Wow an August deadline............  I hope it is at least late August 
Once the vans are back to being waterproof, there is no reason not to put them to use and fix other bits and pieces as you go... will be interesting to see the final finish.
Cheers and good luck |
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suem
In Training
Posts: 46
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Post by suem on May 21, 2015 10:03:41 GMT 10
Mustang - we aren't 'experienced' at all - the Sunliner was a partner in the shed with the Olympic - so we bought both. It is still in Walgett in storage. However, Sam has built everything on the farm from scratch - shearing sheds, hay sheds to one-man operating grain-feeders - so he is very handy.
And it is all a process of logic, researching what you need to know and getting the parts. Make it sound simple don't I!
We have had to order some window hardware for lost bits - but after cleaning, the winders are now working - so that is a money saving. Actually he has pulled the first window completely to bits - they are full of dirt. So we will replace the window glass with something tinted. Perspex would probably lessen the overall weight - has anyone else tried it - does it stand up well as windows on a van?
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Post by Mustang on May 21, 2015 16:39:51 GMT 10
Mustang - we aren't 'experienced' at all - the Sunliner was a partner in the shed with the Olympic - so we bought both. It is still in Walgett in storage. However, Sam has built everything on the farm from scratch - shearing sheds, hay sheds to one-man operating grain-feeders - so he is very handy. And it is all a process of logic, researching what you need to know and getting the parts. Make it sound simple don't I! We have had to order some window hardware for lost bits - but after cleaning, the winders are now working - so that is a money saving. Actually he has pulled the first window completely to bits - they are full of dirt. So we will replace the window glass with something tinted. Perspex would probably lessen the overall weight - has anyone else tried it - does it stand up well as windows on a van? Re your window material, we are using perspex now after experiencing the weight of glass in our first window reno. Its about 1/4 the weight, so a good saving, also your winders work very easy. Also these old vans move a lot, so you shouldn't experience cracking. Just make sure the material is UV stable, otherwise your windows will craze. Your van style is very unique.  |
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Post by doublechevron on May 22, 2015 10:54:58 GMT 10
This thread needs more piccies of the damage ... and how your fixing it. Is the olympic to "shell" type halves joined in the middle ? ie: is it a swimming pool if it gets water in it.. That would be a brilliant layout 'cos you could just pull up the decorative floor and fit a new one to the fiberglass shell.
seeya,
Shane L.
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I hope it is at least late August 
