1976 Franklin 16ft Poptop Reno

[ozdamo]

Hi All

I've decided recently to renovate my 16ft Franklin. It needs a bit of work and I'm hoping you guys (and gals) can help me get it in tip top condition.

We (My wife and I) are looking to make it into a cool little retro ride with a red and white colour scheme and checkerboard floor.

I'll make a few posts with my initial questions.

cheers
Damo

[ozdamo]

So, firstly, here's a photo of the van as it is now.



It seems pretty solid. Just a few areas to fix before getting stuck into it's renovation.

cheers
Damo

[ozdamo]

One of my first tasks is to get it re-registered. The chassis seems very solid except for this piece here. I'm handy with a welder and grinder so shouldn't be too difficult. My welder is quite light duty, so I might be in the market for a new welder soon.

[ozdamo]

My first question?

What type of structure will my franklin have. It seems like it is wood, but from reading around the last few days aluminium seems most likely.

Would appreciate any info you guys might have on it's construction.

cheers
Damian

[ozdamo]

The interior seems pretty good except for this bit of damaged lining in the back corner. I think having it parked nose down has led to water getting into the back as it puddle up on the roof behind the poptop.

Whats the best course of action?





cheers
Damo

[bobt]

gidday Damo

Looks like some fun times ahead for you.
There are some great threads on here that I am sure will help guide you.

Check this one out - 1977 Millard Pop Top

There are plenty of people happy to provide advice.

[Mustang]

Hi Damo
As Bob has advised troll the threads for advice.
There is rot & there is Rotton, yours looks from what we can see is reasonably superficial, but at least needs new ply.

Remove all the damage, then assess where the leak/s are before you move on, especially if you are working outside.
There are NO shortcuts in caravan renovation, do it properly & in that first down pour you will be glad you did.
Plenty of pics & ask away.
Cheers
Brent

[ozdamo]

Jun 5, 2016 14:06:15 GMT 10 bobt said:

gidday Damo

Looks like some fun times ahead for you.
There are some great threads on here that I am sure will help guide you.

Check this one out - 1977 Millard Pop Top

There are plenty of people happy to provide advice.

Thanks Bob, but you linked MY thread. I'd be very grateful if you could relink the other one you were thinking of. Tried searching but couldn't find the right one.

And yep, fun times ahead. I'm terrible for scope creep and letting projects get way out of hand. Hoping I can keep this one in check. Would like it to be ready soon so we can use it as we intended. Bob

[doublechevron]

The franklin is going to be foam sandwich isn't it ? Have a search around for franklins here. You may need to check the timber supporting the walls on the chassis hasn't rotted away from the leak (have a look at snoops thread, it should be built in a similar fashion).

ditzygypsy.proboards.com/thread/2558/new-old-75-franklin?page=5

seeya,
Shane L.

[pisces51]

G'day ozdamo,

On the drawbar of your van, most likely just next to the jockey wheel, there should be a chassis number welded there. It will be a letter, followed by some numbers. If the letter is an X, we are saying that is from 1976. If it's a Y, then it's 1977. 

Some of the threads on the forum relating to Franklin poptops can be found here:


Franklin poptop threads


Also, is there an RVMAA oval badge fitted to the van, usually about door-lock height, and could be either in front of the door (I can't see one in your photo) or behind the door. See this thread for more information: RVMAA badge

cheers,
Al.

[bobt]

Hmmm

sorry bout that.


Try this one!

its Al's project I was sending you off to look at..

[ozdamo]

Jun 6, 2016 23:20:07 GMT 10 bobt said:

Hmmm

sorry bout that.


Try this one!

its Al's project I was sending you off to look at..

Thanks Bob, that video was most helpful.