|
|
Post by Husky on Mar 18, 2017 23:23:10 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by tasmillard on Mar 19, 2017 6:22:21 GMT 10
Depending on how quickly you work, 18 months would be more reasonable. Looks straight and clean, i suggest just tackle the draw bar and frame so its protected from now on while you do the top. this is like a blank canvas, so you do have full flexibility in design. Look forward to seeing more  |
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Mar 19, 2017 20:06:24 GMT 10
Sounds good Tas. i know its a blank canvas which is where i would be starting anyway but would still like to see what it was like when it was new as a curiosity thing if anyone has any. i searched through another thread with an unbelievable amount of history and photos on nearly every model Viscount there is but couldn't see mine.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mustang on Mar 20, 2017 7:02:29 GMT 10
Sounds good Tas. i know its a blank canvas which is where i would be starting anyway but would still like to see what it was like when it was new as a curiosity thing if anyone has any. i searched through another thread with an unbelievable amount of history and photos on nearly every model Viscount there is but couldn't see mine. Your similarities to ours are: *Sliding top cupboards *End cladding *Log Cabin side cladding *Side colour *Window Pattern. (Australite) * Wind up hatch (not 4 x seasons) * Rear towel rail fitting. Ours is a 1977 Supreme (registered as a 1975) I think yours may be later than 1974? What is your VIN or welded draw bar number? Cheers Brent |
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Mar 20, 2017 7:51:43 GMT 10
Some Bright spark welded the Jockey wheel mount over the last number and i haven't gotten to cutting it off yet, but what i can see is R4727x. From Tasmillard's post on Viscount History i figured out the R meant Royal the 4 meant a 74 model and the other four numbers is the Quantity of chassis they were up to for the year. Looking at the pics on his thread it seems about right just curious is all.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2017 8:47:39 GMT 10
Hi Husky,
Your van is 1974, I have a 15 ft the same year that has your aluminium,star lite windows,windup rectangular metal roof hatch,door,light fittings.
No doubt at all.
Cheers
hughdeani
|
|
|
|
Post by 78466noM on Mar 24, 2017 20:39:48 GMT 10
Just looking at pic's it is in fairly good condition for age. You may find out your hot water heater is now illegal mounted inside van if it is or can't be replaced with a new unit if that one dies better to find out early as will make it a bugger to change after you have finished with the gas and water pipes coming out were they do. I'm not exactly sure if they are just a small part of AS-5601 A flueless Gas Water Heater CANNOT be used inside an RV.My gas hot water tank blew up a couple of years ago I looked into getting a instant gas hot water it couldn't be put where the tank was in the laundry as they all were in the 70's and 80's it had to be outside and by the time I had new gas pipes new water pipe ran a 240volt external switch to plug it into as no pilot light now It was going to cost me twice as much as a new tank gas hot water so I still have a tank hot-water service taking up space in the laundry. So just check it out for yourself to be on the safe side. The little lpg water heaters are a cheap option set up outside when needed and plugged in to deliver hot water inside or dozens of much more expensive options it all depends on what you want. the two doors should make it easier to fit it out for your dogs your business and family to live in comfortably  |
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Mar 24, 2017 21:45:42 GMT 10
yeah already decided to scrap the hot water service plenty of other options to having or not having one.
looking forward to getting started on it though
|
|
|
|
Post by 78466noM on Mar 25, 2017 8:12:24 GMT 10
yes I'm going for the cheap option the little lpg water heater chained on a stand at front of a frame plug into taps one cold water in one hot water to van turn on taps connect gas hose should take less than 2 minutes to set up when finished with pack it away.we are also having a shower tent in annex so there will be a tap under van near passenger side rear . That is one way people have done other things you may even think of a way that better suits you.
|
|
|
|
Post by snoops on Mar 25, 2017 10:20:03 GMT 10
Looks like a great starting point for a custom build like you'll be doing. Re the hot water - I do what the previous poster said - I put mine on a pole at the front of the van when I set up - it takes a couple of minutes to set up and pack up. Looking forward to this build after seeing what you have done with the first. |
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Oct 11, 2017 15:12:25 GMT 10
Ok well now i have the pics on this build thread sorted as well let the build continue. I have decided to build this one simultaneously with the Doug Thorley (Customer Van) and yes they both have to be usable 1st of April next year which will be the start of race season. you will see count downs pop up here at different times. I finally got it moved into position where it will be rebuilt a week or so ago and with the rain today preventing me from working on the Doug Thorley i jumped back on the Viscount. Mainly just a clean, pulled out the water heater didnt really find anything i didnt already know about. Here is a question for you all though. Having had little to no experience with other types of suspension except for leaf and roller rocker, i was surprised to learn that this van does in fact have suspension and not just four wheels for moving it around a caravan site as i first thought. Its called Torque Suspension or something. It was designed to keep the vans lower to the ground. i was also advised to leave it alone rather than cut it all off and install duel roller rocker suspension. First of all is this person correct about the kind of suspension? Secondly, cut it off or leave it? Thirdly if i keep it, how to i check it's in working order and can i still upgrade one of the axles to an electric brake axle? it might be a job for after next race season, if i keep it then i will install the brake axle and service the lazy axle but with no experiance with this set up Please help? 
|
|
|
|
Post by Mustang on Oct 12, 2017 8:05:41 GMT 10
I guess the chassis stability may be more of a question if the torsion bar suspension is still working & not seized?
Have a poke around the box section to make sure its not eaten out.
|
|
|
|
Post by snoops on Oct 12, 2017 9:52:20 GMT 10
Yeah, if it is working, I'd leave it for at least the time being - you might have to play with jacks and jack stands to see if it moves and to see if the axle stays straight in the box section tube as this may tell you that some of the rubbers in there are stuffed.
Electric brake conversion should be no dramas and not expensive - you can buy kits that include everything from the backing plates forward - they make them to suit a wide range of different axle configurations.
Something like this - you'd just need to check to make sure the backing plate will bolt up to your axle but it wouldn't be hard to make fit I shouldn't think - I'll be doing this to my Viscount but it may be a month or so before that happens. |
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Oct 27, 2017 16:29:13 GMT 10
Well as i continue working on the Doug Thorley, the misses wanted to get stuck in and do anything she could on the Viscount. There was still some lining boards, insulation and wiring that needed ripping out so with the purchase of dust masks, her and the young bloke got stuck in. Wasn't long before i heard the young bloke screaming like a banshee. It seems the current tenant was yet to move out.
Yes it's alive and was flapping around inside the van around their heads. Being country born and bred the misses didnt flinch and put the poor bat on notice. 24 hours to be exact. Even removed a window so he could fly out when it got dark
We had intended to rip that window out anyway due to the fact i have not seen one that has ever sealed properly. The look on her face was priceless when i said now she would have to modify the window frame leaning against the van in that pic to fit the space.  truth be told she would give it a really good go too.
So now to come up with a floor plan so i can start ordering materials. i figured i can extend the floor 200mm one end and 175 the other like i did in the Scenic. Using thicker ply though i don't think i will need to frame it as there wont be much weight in those areas.
|
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Nov 6, 2017 6:29:27 GMT 10
I know i know, some may think I'm just showing off but it was raining outside and i got distracted working in the office so when the weather cleared up for five mins i decided to assess the skin of the viscount. The front panel under the front window that has been removed is two pieces. the big white one and a smaller silver one that disappears between the draw bar and the Aluminum frame. its attached to a piece of timber that is supposed to be bolted to the main chassis. What was actually there was flapping in the breeze, had torn the skin at both ends but thankfully the tears hadn't reached the big white piece of skin so a simple de crimp of the skin and a new piece folded up was in order.
Once the front skin was out of the way i noticed the lower frame of the van between the front door and the front of the van also flapping in the breeze. On closer inspection the lowest c channel bolted to the chassis was broken in about three pieces, up rights ripped out. Also the main sheet metal brace for the corner of the van was detached on the lower end and then all folded up into the nose.
Skin off to repair properly
With now 3 M8 bolts spring washers and nuts spread out and holding down that corner it is as solid as ever. Still some repairs to do at the bottom of the door but i will wait until the new floor goes in so it will come out flat and not stepped.
Not wanting to but being taught to be thorough, i turned my attention to the other side of the van, same area. Hoping against hope it was solid and didnt need to be touched.
ahh ye van gods why ye be so cruel 
This side was broken into four separate pieces the same as the first side but the first break is on the curve of the front. This is going to be fun to fix.
Are we having Fun yet?
|
|
|
|
Post by Mustang on Nov 7, 2017 7:47:20 GMT 10
I guess if a motor vehicle stood in the weather for 40+ years, it would be in similar condition?
|
|
|
|
Post by bogwot on Nov 9, 2017 13:24:35 GMT 10
Your rebuild is looking great. I bought an air riveter and was so pleased I did. It makes it so much easier riveting especially when you get to do the floor. I paid $100 on ebay
|
|
|
|
Post by 78466noM on Nov 10, 2017 8:08:26 GMT 10
Your plan looks good and most old vans and cars throw up challengers some are much harder than others. With your damaged curve a sheet metal worker should be able to bend up a new curve in aluminum box maybe even out of channel which will be easier for you.Just make a cardboard template of outside edge
Yes an air rivet gun will pay for itself very quickly
|
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Jan 4, 2018 19:59:44 GMT 10
Well the punches didnt stop being thrown right up to the end of 2017 with a notice to vacate being served and i had to be out by Xmas. i was planning on moving anyway and was already looking but it sure made things interesting going out to do work on the vans. Needless to say Xmas day came and went and i still haven't moved but i am doing everything i can. With the new year I've gone back to work on the Viscount till i move which will hopefully be asap. Im also looking at the possibility of renting shed space just to work on the van till i buy a property. Sing out if anyone's got an idea cause  86 Days and 5 hours till Race season
I am so screwed 
Anyway back to work. I sort of did as 78466noM suggested with a template. Being an engineer though i was thinking ahead and needed some sort of form to wrap the new front lower sheet around. i also wanted to max out the length of the floor like in the scenic so i had a play with some timber and it should give me all three.
Now with it all clamped in place i could set about fixing the frame work like i did with the first side knowing the form would be the same and hey presto all good.
I found a roll of gal sheet metal in my scrap pile so I'm going to use a strip of that to fill in the torn strip at the bottom of the wall. Shouldn't be to much drama recreating the monkey grip crimp. Will post photos.
Just to add to the workload the misses and i drew up the floor plan on the old floor in the van. Right where she wants a floor to ceiling cupboard is a window which she would like moved, she wants to delete the three small side windows at the front and due to using LED strip for lighting we don't need the big circle holes of the vintage lights so looking at the possibility of re skinning the sides of the van. can anyone give me some contacts where i can get the aluminum skin as cheap as possible? Thanks in advance
|
|
|
|
Post by snoops on Jan 5, 2018 8:19:36 GMT 10
Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate... 🙁 Regading the cladding, there's a few options. Firstly is pay a lot for new stuff, guess you don't want to do that. Second is to find an old van that is being wrecked and salvage some off that (where do yuo live - I know where some old vans are). Thirdly, do what I did and leave the existing windows in - I just took the winders off, installed black acrylic in them and screwed them shut from the outside, then panelled over the inside - see pic below, the 2 bunk windows on the RHS are the back of the shower now. Still looks ok IMO. I was going to put tinted acrylic in the rest of the windows to sort of match it a bit but I'm selling this van now.  698762A5-59E8-4E7F-8A5F-2BC8FC5BDEE6 by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr |
|
|
|
Post by Mustang on Jan 7, 2018 18:47:28 GMT 10
Phew!!all I wanted was an original!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Jan 9, 2018 18:11:25 GMT 10
Lol Mustang nothing original about the vans i do. all purpose built and modified. this thing is going to be scary awesome when it's done. just hope it gets done a few races before our S.A Trip so i can get out any grimlins. I bought a dog trailer yesterday which only needs minor work like hinges and door locks replaced so i've save nuts loads of time as i was going to build one as well as get this van finished all before april. AS my dad always used to say " just because you can build something doesn't mean you should" I'm in Bendigo Snoops but will travel. there was one on Gumtree in Ballan. Storm Damaged but came at the best price FREE!! but i was to late in contacting them and it was gone  |
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Jan 9, 2018 18:38:27 GMT 10
So got a bit more work done in the last few days despite the stinking hot weather. As promised, photos of the new front sheet to replace the torn Aluminum one
What i would give for a sheet metal folding machine. doing it by hand sure has hairs on it. but wanted to show it's not impossible with the right determination and a bit of patience
Re attached to the original undamaged skin. Just a note for anyone who is going to attempt this. Leave folds at 45 degrees, then put them together and fold the rest of the way. Trying to line up two sheets within a 1 mm fold over 2040mm length makes you tear out hairs and give you some more grey ones.
Once all secure on the outside i then stripped the old framing out of the inside ready for new framing and the back wall of the dog crates and front window support.
View from the outside with all skin reattached. Now that it's all settled into place I'll need to go over the crimped join again to make it sit better on the curve but it is as solid as anything and adds some real strength to the bottom of the wall for stray rocks being thrown up. it will be painted gloss black eventually when i repaint the van.
|
|
|
|
Post by snoops on Jan 9, 2018 18:46:38 GMT 10
Bendigo is quite close to where these vans are - only about 50KM - I'll have a chat to the owner of them - it's not like he'll want anything for one that may be suitable, but more about how you could get one off the property - it's... um... quite tricky at the moment for a variety of reasons.
He may want you to remove the entire van, not just strip parts off it - the vans are chockers with stuff - from 40 years of hoarding, but the guy that filled them up has passed away and the owners now are tasked with the biggest cleanup you've ever seen. He's pretty cagey too about who he takes up there at the moment due to some very high value items still there that also can't be renoved quite yet, but if it means getting aomething off the property he'll probably be in it.
All vans are toast as far as retoring them goes, but they do have plenty of good bits on them for other projects. There's at least one Viscount with the right siding, probably more. There's 5 vans on the site I think but could be more, I only had a couple of hours there.
PM me your phone number and I'll give you a call once I've spoken to the owner about the logistics of it all - He can only do Sundays or Mondays too, so hope that works.
|
|
|
|
Post by Husky on Jan 9, 2018 18:51:29 GMT 10
That is the best news i have heard all day Snoops your a legend as i didnt want to get stuck into wiring and lining until after i had the outside completely finished and sealed. As for moving them that's no problem i have a large car trailer on standby and a mate with a tilt tray if needed.
As for some that are beyond repair you have seen my Scenic yeah? lol
Sending you a pm now
|
|
) and met the most awesome woman ever and her young bloke, the 14 footer just didnt cut it anymore. especially when we are looking at attending interstate races in the next couple of years. So this is it a bargain at just $800 pretty much all stripped out for me and ready to go.
and have it sign written logos and business stuff. Big job wonder when i'll have time to sleep 
