Help-caravan novice

[Deleted]

Hi Folks,

We are interested in purchasing and old caravan to restore but don't want a job to big as hubby works full time and we have two small children. I've found one we are interested in but seens as we know nothing about caravans I'm hoping some of you make me able to help.

How hard is it to replace rotten plywood on an old Franklin?
How's does his stay durable in wet and warm weather?
Should we steer clear of that sort of restore?

I have added a photo below of the one we are looking at.
Can anyone also identify what it is? I know it's a Franklin and it's 19ft. The front and back are aluminium and the sides are plywood. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thankyou

[Deleted]

[bobt]

Hi sbeach

Welcome. Its a bit like asking how long a piece of string is. By the look of pic you posted there are many many hours of work in that. Your hubby will need to be really handy and committed. They were a really nice van in there day.

Have a look some of the Threads in "Hall of Fame: that will give you an idea what effort some people have gone too.

Now without getting more details from you it looks to me like your van is a mid 60's.

bobt

[Deleted]

Hi sbeach,
Wouldn't touch that with a barge pole unless you have truck loads of time and money!
Cheers
hughdeani

[Deleted]

Thanks so much for your input.

We could be getting it for next to nothing and the inside doesn't look to be in as bad if condition as the outside. I'll post another picture if that helps.

Hubby is pretty handy but he isn't as keen as I am.

Just want to know what sort of work specifics is involved, as I said we have no idea what we would need to do.

Why would you not touch it? Haha

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2016 19:37:40 GMT 10 @hughdeani said:

Hi sbeach,
Wouldn't touch that with a barge pole unless you have truck loads of time and money!
Cheers
hughdeani

I agree, it is free it is only good for parts like windows and some internal fittings. 

[atouchofglass]

Nov 18, 2016 14:18:09 GMT 10 @sbeach88 said:

but don't want a job to big as hubby works full time and we have two small children.

That right there is your answer.
You most likely don't have the time.

Restoring an old van is a money pit.

Unless you are committed/dedicated it will end in tears.

You are better to buy a restored van ready to go or a good secondhand van.

Restoring a van is part of the journey to be enjoyed.
It takes up a heap of time and money.


Cheers
Atog

[Deleted]

Sorry to be a naysayer but several here have it pegged , we have the time and the resources to do a rebuild / resurrection but after looking bought a as new unused 48 year old van that had been stored in a closed garage and NEVER used  Then I proceeded to fix little things like springs brakes underbody painting etc and $4000 later we have the van I thought I bought so buying the one pictured is not IMHO a good move . My advise is have a hard look at your finances and buy something that can be used straight away  if not into vintage vans a late model is often cheaper and easier to maintain   .

[Deleted]

Thanks all for you input! Really appreciated!

[snoops]

Agree with the above sentiments - it is a serious enthusiasts van and would need a chassis up rebuild. For the cost of parts alone, you could buy a mid to late 80's van that's in good condition ready to use.

Then there's the 600 plus hours of labour your unenthusiastic hubby would need to put into it. My 76 Franklin which was in far better condition has cost me thousands and nearly 500 hours so far and it isn't finished yet. It's only something you do if you really love them.

[myarrow1]

Kind of agree with Snoops on this one. A lot of work to be done, and money too. Once you jump in, there's no turning back

[tasmillard]

The advice here is solid, and even though it seems 'negative', it will save your and your husband much angst in future... basically what you have there is the polar opposite of what you need to look for. Unless you want a vintage caravan, or a particular style/brand of caravan then I suggest you look for a more modern 80s onwards van that doesnt smell damp inside, is relatively un-modified and ready to go if all you want to do is a quick fix/tidy up and travel.

[78466noM]

I have to agree even I would have ran from that one mine looked like a 4 day job compared to that one and I have been at it for 14 months now and still going. Not sure if I would attempt a bond wood lots of different skills needed.

[awbeattie381]

Our van was useable but needed a refresh, but 2.5 years later we still haven't taken it out yet...(we don't have kids but both work full time).

You want a van that can be used immediately, and then do small jobs to make it more comfortable like paint, seat covers, floor coverings etc.

The one you posted sends shivers down my spine! Its restorable but by someone with a lot of time and money.