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Post by Matt & Lisa M on Dec 2, 2013 18:06:38 GMT 10
Hey All.
Just stumbled across this site looking for info on a camper we just bought. We are taking it on its maiden voyage this weekend after fixing a few thing on the old girl. Will bookmark the page and post pics after our weekend at Burrum Heads.
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Post by bambang on Dec 3, 2013 21:16:47 GMT 10
Wow...we are getting a bit of a group on here ! welcome to the forum Katie, Matt&Lisa M. Amazing how this apparently obscure little camper-trailer has such a following here now....before I stumbled across mine ( and this great forum ) I'd never even heard of ACT camper-trailers. Dunno about any facebook group as don't use it, but this forum is a great meeting place anyway - and has ended up a nice pool of information too. Can't wait to see all the new pics...c'mon guys !! Personally will have to wait until late January for my next trip - to Shoal Bay (Nelsons Bay)....will post some pics after that. Anyways - enjoy the upcoming holidays guys, hope to see some new pics from you people soon. Cheers - Steve.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2013 16:34:03 GMT 10
If anyone is interested in buying an ACT camper in the Brisbane region(Redlands) fairly cheep let me know(Looks about the same as Crackers one). Has oven and fridge,Annex(which I am told wasn't used),table, all matresses and couches etc.. and is in fairly good nick. Needs a bit of fibreglass work and maybe metal arm or two replaced (as I asked about earlier in this thread)and one zip replaced in canvas(which itself is in good cond).. Wouldn't be much work for someone that knows what they are doing and has a couple of days.. Trailer tows well and just want to recoup around what I paid. Will think about advertising it soon, just thought I would ask here first
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Post by layback40 on Dec 15, 2013 9:41:09 GMT 10
Hi all, Greetings from Northern Vic. Compliments of the season to all.
I purchased an ACT earlier this year in South Australia. The previous owner had it from when it was about 4 years old. It still has the dealer label on it ~ Andrews Motors in Adelaide. The previous owner had removed the 10" wheels, widened the wheel arches as far as possible & fitted 13" Holden wheels. This included adding lengths of rectangular section to lower the spring mounts. This has strengthened it. The axle has also been shortened & had a box brace put on it. He fabricated a set of roof racks to take a tinny. It has had a well installed in the floor for use as a shower. The canvas had a few rips on the bits over the beds. I have stitched these up & sealed/reinforced with hot melt glue. A very easy repair. I am trying to find a rubber spray paint product that can be applied to the canvas & soaks in to strengthen it. I know it should be replaced but I am on a budget. I have put the axle below the springs & fitted 15" wheels (30 9.5 15)that match my jeep. They fit with reasonable clearance on the sides. I had to fit new hubs & spacers to make it work. Over winter I fabricated a rear spare carrier that holds 2 spares & has a step on each corner to aid putting the roof up. Installed a pair of bright LED reversing lights. Lengthened the legs as the camper sits much higher now. The telescopic struts are of interest to me. The old 3 way fridge works well on all 3. Have fitted a strip of LEDs on the inside along the ends & over the sink. Have a square multi LED on the inside over the door. Have a strip of waterproof LEDs to fit on the outside along over the door side. Have just fitted a power lead from front to back in the jeep with Anderson plug. Got a 130w solar panel that I am thinking of fitting on the back end of the roof to power the fridge & charge a decent battery so the fridge & lights have power when needed. Have fitted a Treg style hitch. Am fitting a small electric water pump for the sink.
Hope to be up in the Victorian high country after Christmas. Some time I will take some pics & post them. Any comments would be appreciated.
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Post by bambang on Dec 15, 2013 23:02:08 GMT 10
Hi Layback, mine came with 13" Holden wheels when I bought it....I just assumed that was standard ! and mine also has a small well in the floor ( just in the front corner beside the door ) - it's where the little aftermarket 240volt fridge sits while in transit because it's a tad too tall to fit when the roof is down and bed slides over. I wouldn't like to risk a shower/wet area inside given that the rest of the floor is pretty porous chipboard or similar ! the led's are a great idea for camping ( they use bugger-all power )....I'm currently also building up a little hardfloor Cub-camper trailer for bush camping, and have set up led's and an Engel fridge to run off some deep-cycle batteries. Sounds like you're pretty well set up for free camping there with your outfit. Hope you enjoy the high country, can't wait to see all the pics of your rig in the mountains. Anyway we'll be overseas for the next month & won't get away in our Cruiser until late January, so hope everyone has a great Christmas & New Year. Cheers - Steve.
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Post by layback40 on Dec 17, 2013 11:38:29 GMT 10
Sounds like I will have to work out how to post pictures.
bambang, Mine has the original chest type adsorption fridge. it fits nicely in that corner. The well in mine is at the back in the middle & the previous owner used it for a shower in the winter when on fishing trips.
Have just been told that Septone Body Deadener is good for strengthening weathered canvas. Was told it remains a bit rubbery & doesnt crack. Got a can from Supercheap ~ not so cheap! Its black so I sprayed it on the inside, my canvas is dark green. The trick is to spray just enough to soak into the canvas but not enough to form the thick rubber finish. I have done a trial on a patch where the canvas was a bit brittle & it appears to work. Will know more after its been used a bit.
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Post by Brendan hunt on Dec 19, 2013 20:48:24 GMT 10
Just want to know if anyone had info on canvas replacement for my 1974 camper
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2014 12:13:24 GMT 10
Hi Jo here new member, looking for ideas to lift my ACT pop top as its tooo heavy for me alone, is there any wind up or pully system available cheers Jo
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2014 12:25:42 GMT 10
i going to work out a winch system to lift the roof iam dont want to cause myself and family any more damage and stress.. yes i agree bambang struts are in right place just thinking outside the square leave struts alone get boat winch and make a lifting system ;D how the struts are now the roof does come down ever so gently i post updates TELL ME when you do I have the same trouble cheers jo
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Post by layback40 on Jan 12, 2014 8:20:06 GMT 10
Hi Jo here new member, looking for ideas to lift my ACT pop top as its tooo heavy for me alone, is there any wind up or pully system available cheers Jo Jo, Sounds like all ACT owners are looking for a better way. I find that lifting the back first is not so bad as mine has steps & spare wheels that let me get up higher when lifting. When it comes to the front, its way harder. I am looking at a pair of gas struts for the front to help. Its hard to get strong long ones. Probably will need to brace the arms so they dont bend. Also planning on moving the bottom spring mounts so there is more tension in the springs.
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Post by layback40 on Jan 24, 2014 20:43:43 GMT 10
Well I decided to fit a pair of struts to the front. They are 830mm free length & 500 N strong. I wanted to get as long as I could as That allows for easier installation. The 500 n was just a guess. When I put the first one on, they are mounted with pieces of angle iron (scrap off the junk heap), I soon discovered that 500 N was probably a bit of an over kill. It was necessary to initially just hold the angle brackets in place with vice grips & try it up & down to make sure it wasnt retracting too far. The bottom rod ball ended up 220 mm from the hinge point. The top one was just so the strut was fully extended in the straight up position. It requires no lifting effort at all. The biggest problem is that the roof wants to move forward rather than up. I will make a couple of brackets that hold the back legs in the keepers at the back so the roof doesnt try & slide forward. Lowering it, first you just bend the hinge points a little & then pull the top down while not letting it come forward. To any one doing the same, 300 N struts would probably do the job. I may down the track fit a pair to the back poles. The job took most of the afternoon, mainly cutting out the mounts & painting them.
Edit, Have now had time to try it out & experiment a bit. I have removed the springs from the front poles & the struts are more than strong enough to support the front of the top. it is no longer necessary to lift it. It goes up & its necessary to just hold it a little to keep its accent slow. It is best for safety to after raising the back, tie the back poles to the keepers, this is easy enough. When lowering the front, take the lock pins out, pull one corner down a little while bending the pole at the hinge, while holding this, lean over & bend the other pole at its hinge. Then pull the top down & lock it in place. The seal around the top needs replacing. The top no longer sits down hard on the lower part as it is supported by the struts. I may modify the back poles so that they can take 2 springs each as I am no longer needing the front ones or I may just get another pair of gas struts for the back poles.
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Post by bambang on Feb 6, 2014 17:49:32 GMT 10
Well people....with a tinge of regret I have parted company with my ACT camper today. I'm now in the process of refurbing an early 80's Cub type ( pull-over ) hardfloor camper-trailer....lighter and quicker setup than the ACT,but more spartan in the "living" area unfortunately. I'll certainly miss the living space and appointments of the ACT, but now will be able to go more offroad with the Cub. The excited new ACT-owners took off today for an extended trip....sure they'll enjoy the old girl as much as I have over the past few years. Anyway...will still hang out on the forum - maybe there'll be a new thread soon where all the Cub camper guys come out of the woodwork too !! So enjoy your rigs guys - regards : Steve.
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Post by layback40 on Feb 25, 2014 11:30:35 GMT 10
Does any one know where to get the little clip things that are around the edge that you attach the canvas sides to. The plastic things that are pop riveted on & the eyelet in the canvas slips over & the metal flap hinges down to keep the eyelet on.
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Post by ForumMod on Feb 25, 2014 12:53:43 GMT 10
layback40, do you mean these things?If so, there are vertical and horizontal versions. Check out the list of products here.cheers, Al.
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Post by layback40 on Feb 25, 2014 21:56:54 GMT 10
Thanks a million for that. I didnt even know the proper name for them. Was like looking for a needle in a hay stack!
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Post by bambang on Feb 26, 2014 14:24:54 GMT 10
I also saw some at my local Mitre-10 the other day...but the all-metal version.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 12:30:47 GMT 10
Hi all i have just been givin one of these campers as part payment of a job i done, i got no need for it as i go camping with out the family(daughter is only 6months old), so i don't need this i have rubbed the old yellow paint back and going to give her a paint this weekend then i have 4 gas struts that are mentioned in another post to put on the arms to make it easier to lift after all is don't i will be putting her up forsale, does any1 know what they are worth and how common are these, this is the only website that has information on them.
any help would be appreciated i will put some photos up later on today.
oh and there is 3 tears in the canvas but i have a sheet of canvas just have to work out how to sow it on and make it water proof.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 12:32:19 GMT 10
My rego papers say mine is a 1970 model.. Does any1 know when these were made?
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Post by layback40 on Mar 19, 2014 11:14:31 GMT 10
Hi all i have just been givin one of these campers as part payment of a job i done, i got no need for it as i go camping with out the family(daughter is only 6months old), so i don't need this i have rubbed the old yellow paint back and going to give her a paint this weekend then i have 4 gas struts that are mentioned in another post to put on the arms to make it easier to lift after all is don't i will be putting her up forsale, does any1 know what they are worth and how common are these, this is the only website that has information on them. any help would be appreciated i will put some photos up later on today. oh and there is 3 tears in the canvas but i have a sheet of canvas just have to work out how to sow it on and make it water proof. For what they are they often sell for very cheap amounts ~ $1,000 to $1,500 If you get some strong thread like is used to stitch canvas & a "u" shaped bag needle, you can stitch the tears up. thats what I did. I have some canvas to patch it but after sealing the tears with glue it wasnt necessary. The iron on patches you can get are just canvas with hot melt glue on them. I was going to stitch patches on with hot melt applied to the canvas & then use an iron from both sides to sandwich the patch & canvas with some of that heat proof teflon coated paper to stop the hot melt coming through & sticking to the iron.
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Post by bambang on Mar 20, 2014 22:48:55 GMT 10
As with anything that's a little off-beat or rare or old.....prices vary wildly. You could just put it out there for whatever price you think, and you may get a bite or might not ( then maybe rethink the price again if necessary ). Just a matter of who's out there in the market, what they're prepared to pay, condition of your unit, and even the time of year...school holidays etc. I too have seen the occasional ACT Cruiser advertised really cheap as layback40 said ( depends on the seller's circumstances and timeframe to sell )....but I also don't think they should be undervalued. Just look at what other (albeit more modern) similar units fetch, like Jayco Dove etc...often $3K - $5K or more. Just to give you an idea - I recently sold my ACT Cruiser ( pretty good nick but not perfect, a few patches on the canvas, a few modifications, and factory annexe ) for $3,000.....guess I came across the right buyer at the right time ! But...these things are reasonably rare/collectable, lightweight & easy to tow, advantages of leakproof fibreglass body/roof - and I reckon worth that sort of money. So don't be shy to advertise for $2K upwards - just my 2c worth - good luck with the sale.
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Post by layback40 on Mar 21, 2014 22:22:15 GMT 10
There is one on ebay at the moment for $3k. One was on there recently for just over $1k. Thats about what I paid for mine but it has undergone quite a bit of work since. When I have finished doing what I have planned I wouldnt even consider less than $3k.
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Post by Barb Colquhoun on Apr 17, 2014 20:30:21 GMT 10
Last year, 2013 we bought an ACT camper, 1975 model so I guess it is a Cruiser. We are thrilled with it and have taken it up to Alice Springs and out to Glenn Helen. It has only the 10" tyres and so that we can take it off the bitumen we would like to fit it with 13" but expect to have to drop the spring hangers a couple of inches to do this. It still has the original blue canvas and striped annex with some damaged zips and window joins but still usable. Does anyone know where to find a repairer or manufacturer of new canvas in Vic or SA?
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Post by layback40 on Apr 17, 2014 22:56:05 GMT 10
Last year, 2013 we bought an ACT camper, 1975 model so I guess it is a Cruiser. We are thrilled with it and have taken it up to Alice Springs and out to Glenn Helen. It has only the 10" tyres and so that we can take it off the bitumen we would like to fit it with 13" but expect to have to drop the spring hangers a couple of inches to do this. It still has the original blue canvas and striped annex with some damaged zips and window joins but still usable. Does anyone know where to find a repairer or manufacturer of new canvas in Vic or SA? Barb, I have repaired my own canvas with success. Its not that hard to re-stitch the joints or repair rips. I mention in a previous post a product that will make old weathered canvas strong enough to continue using. Depending on where you are, there should be canvas upholsterers in most locations. Complete new canvas is not cheap. Probably the part that will need replacing is the pieces over the beds as they face the sun. In deciding on wheel size, best match them to your car that is towing it. That way you can use the cars spare. The previous owner of mine did a 13" conversion. It involved installing 2 rectangular steel beams under the camper & they carry the springs. The wheel arches were also enlarged & the axle shortened. I have now Put the axle under the springs & have fitted 4WD wheels ( 30-9.5-15 / 235-75-15). It works well, it was necessary to fit the appropriate hubs & spacers to make the rims fit. I am now working on a set of shockers for it. Have just fitted braces along the A frame & made a Jerry can holder (4 x 22.5 ltr plastic Jerry cans) that sits on the A frame. It was necessary to move the gas bottle mount forward to make it all fit. Let me know if you need more information.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2014 22:56:53 GMT 10
Hi All, I recently bought an ACT (consort?) Love it, great little camper.....would really like to up grade the lifting mechanism though. Any one done this or have any helpful ideas. Thanks
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Post by layback40 on Apr 30, 2014 22:35:31 GMT 10
Hi All, I recently bought an ACT (consort?) Love it, great little camper.....would really like to up grade the lifting mechanism though. Any one done this or have any helpful ideas. Thanks If you go back through the posts you will find several of us have upgraded the way they lift. If you have any questions not answered by what we have posted, please ask.
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