Otis the 1972 Franklin Regent

[tom]

We have just bought our first van. We are planning a 12 month trip around Australia to start in 12-18 months time. He is in pretty good condition for his age. Only surface rust on the chassis, some wood rot around the window frames and in timbers connecting the ends to the chassis.

I have started grinding away the rust with a wire brush fitting for a drill. Then painting with killrust and a couple coats of cold galv. I am putting the van in a big shed this weekend so I can start removing windows and hatch to repair leaks withou the worry of winter rain.

Planning to make some curved timber supports to span the section between the chassis and the bottom of the window frames. I was surprised when I removed the interior ply to find that the exterior aluminium is hard up against it. There is not much to these vans at all.

Any advice/comments are welcome. I know I have a big job ahead!



Does anyone know why the back window cover doesn't cover the whole window?








A little bit of rust, but very hard to get to some/most of it!

[Deleted]

Hi Tom,
The reason the back stoneguard doesn't cover the window is because Franklin made their own windows which were deeper than the standard ones were for the time.Hence if you couldn't get a stoneguard from Franklin themselves,you had to buy an " off the shelf" item,which of course was too short!
Don't worry,there are hundreds of Franklins getting around in the same predicament!
Cheers
hughdeani

[awbeattie381]

Nice little van, and I like the sound of your plans to do a lap. I am always thinking about doing it in my van but worry it will be restrictive (not being able to do the Gibb River Road being one example). Keep up posted of your updates!

[snoops]

Lovely little Franklin you have there.

Looks like the PO has taken to it with the silicone - standard stuff and a bit of a chore t remove. The leaks they were trying to fix more than likely originated up the eryntop,of the J rails - as part of your build I'd remove these and research them which should fix most of its issues.

Looking forward to seeing how you wrangle it into shape.

[Mustang]

Hi Tom,
Welcome to the forum.
Franklins like other vans take time, so allow plenty, do your research, & ask any questions.
Cheers