Newbie - New (classic) Viscount Explorer

[Deleted]

Hi all. Just purchased a 1978 Viscount Explorer pop top. Still have to register it (has been out of rego for about a year). May possibly put it on historic plates.
Couple of questions. Firstly, do you store it with the pop top up or down? Secondly, how do I determine the length? It seems to be about a 14'. It only has a double bed down the back (2 berth).
Thanks. Rod.
Also, would like to buy a table for it as this is missing.

[ForumMod]

G'day heycharger, and welcome to the forum! ;D

These vans are usually stored with the poptop down. It doesn't hurt to drag the van out in the open a couple of times a year, and put the poptop up to let a bit of sun on it (and check for mould).

The length is typically measured along the side of the cabin just under the side windows. That'll give a "rough enough" measurement for a Viscount.

cheers,
Al.

[Rattles]

If you have the old rego papers you will not have to weigh the van, well I did not have to in 2000 in NSW, so I would check with your Transport authority first.

Rattles

[Deleted]

Thanks guys. What wheels would it have, Holden or Ford?
Also a considerable amount of towing behind a truck. What sort of drawbar smooths the truck suspension?

[ForumMod]

Do you know what the tyre diameter is? Now that gav is back on the scene, he should be able to tell you what type of wheel is on his 1978 Viscount poptop.

I don't quite get what you're asking when you say, "What sort of drawbar smooths the truck suspension?" Can you explain a bit more what you're thinking?

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Hi Al, The tyres are 6.95 x 14. What I meant was that some trucks have the towbar attached to the chassis by a couple of shock absorbers to take out the roughness of the truck ride. Shakes the devil out of the caravan, apparently.
Rod.

[ForumMod]

Shakes the devil out of the caravan, apparently.

I wonder if that's why the commercial vans have the ring coupling? Is it because the vibrations from the truck towbar are minimised in the ring coupling, or is it simply because the ring coupling is easy to disconnect?

[Deleted]

I can confirm that towing with a truck will be very hard on the van ... we needed to get towed back from Crows Nest a while back and the van looked like a bomb hit it! Bounced the fridge clean over the batten that locates it - it has never been dislodged before or since. Cupborads flew open, table collapsed it was a mess.

And I was sitting next to the driver the whole trip - he was taking it easy. It would have been on for young and old if I didn't go in the truck; there is no way I would ever of believed that he wasn't paddock bashing with the thing!

I know there are sprung towbars for trucks, I'd definately check it out if your going to tow with a truck.

Cheers

Doug.

[Deleted]

My next question is, is there a fuse box or master switch? I cannot locate anything at all. If not, there are brown switches and white switches. I presume ones are 240v and the others 12v. Would this be correct? thanks. Rod.

[ForumMod]

G'day Rod,

Firstly the switches... white/cream are for 240V, and black is for 12V.

Somebody with a Viscount should be able to tell us where the fuses/master switch are, if in fact they got them.

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Hello Rod,
If your poptop has a master switch, it should be positioned inside a top cupboard on the right hand side of the van - near the power inlet plug
Regards,
Chris

[Deleted]

Hi guys. Well, a LOT has happened since I was last here. I won't go into the details, but the van went back to the dealer.
HOWEVER, I have just purchased another '78 (serial number starts with an "8") fantastic Viscount Explorer poptop in near immaculate original condition. I'm over the moon.
I need a spare, so what rims are they please?
Also, just noted that regulations now require (at least in NSW) smoke detectors to be fitted. Bloody good idea.
Also, I cannot find any gas compliance plate on it, that I can find.
Are they always on the drawbar and who can certify?
Thanks. Rod.

[murray]

Hey Charger,
It will be good to see some photos (once you work out photobucket) as I have a similar van
Cheers
Murray

[Deleted]

As it was advertised.

[murray]

Certainly light and bright with that paneling.Seems to be in good condition for age.
Ours has the darker paneling with the lime green laminex- lovely

With the fold-up bunks at the front,and middle kitchen. The upholstery and table have been changed

Cheers
Murray

[Deleted]

Just found the gas installation plate stamped "16-10-1978". Great.
Can someone please confirm that these vans use Holden HT 14" rims. I note stud spacing is 65mm. Thanks.

[heycharger]

Wow. This is like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Even though the mods DELETED me (and I don't blame them) when I sold my Viscount Explorer 2 years ago, "HeyCharger" has returned.
Well, today I bought another one at auction.
Can't wait to get it home.

[bobt]

Oct 17, 2017 19:04:22 GMT 10 heycharger said:

Wow. This is like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Even though the mods DELETED me (and I don't blame them) when I sold my Viscount Explorer 2 years ago, "HeyCharger" has returned.
Well, today I bought another one at auction.
Can't wait to get it home.

I only 'rub out' those that have not logged on for over 12 months.

congrats on the new purchase.

[heycharger]

Don't blame you at all Bob. You have to do it to stop people cluttering up the system.
To be honest, up until a month ago I had NO intention of buying another one.......
Hopefully this week I can pick it up.
Will post photos then.