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Post by 78466noM on Sept 15, 2017 8:02:56 GMT 10
I think if a safety product for something like electricity that is invisible and can kill in seconds makes it is best to use the product. Cost could be as high as $500.00+ but the worth of yours or your families lives is priceless.
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Post by Mustang on Sept 15, 2017 16:27:44 GMT 10
Funny enough, the same applied when I tried to get the old Chef oven installed, the gas fitter said didnt comply as it didnt have the flame out safety. Cheers, In Qld if your "nil flame out" appliance is over seven years old its OK, but if its under 5 years its not legal.....go figure?  |
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Post by atefooterz on Sept 15, 2017 21:54:06 GMT 10
Funny enough, the same applied when I tried to get the old Chef oven installed, the gas fitter said didnt comply as it didnt have the flame out safety. Cheers, In Qld if your "nil flame out" appliance is over seven years old its OK, but if its under 5 years its not legal.....go figure? There are some very stupid things like that, where i was based while they fitted sound proofing the place had a small electrical fire, i only noticed it as it was just damp in the wires allowing a slow blue fizzle along what was about 6" when i saw it. The sparky decided to declare it was all good as existing and therefore code. For about $300 they could have rewired in twin & earth as all the walls open and stand up room under the place, for total piece of mind. It was going to be rented oust so he was not interested, nearly 1 year later he & fam are living in the time bomb lol! If the budget can take it then anything to bring up to 2017 is worth it. If a situation arises you know your insurance will cover it, not have an out. |
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Post by LGT on Sept 16, 2017 17:52:12 GMT 10
Days 26 and 27 I am down to the finishing details now. I have mentioned prior that the front pop top lifter seems to have been a problem for a while. The bottom track roller was missing and the remaining axle was being forced out of the track under pressure from the springs. The result of this was not only the lifter not working as it should but on closer inspection I noticed that the top track was screwed into the roof against the skirt. This resulted in the skirt being jammed in the cross arms of the lifter thus stopping the roof from lowering to the seated position. I have thought all along that I would need to spend the $100 to replace the lifter . With the help of my son we carefully removed the lifter after jacking the top up with the car jack. We both decided that we could fabricate a new roller and axle instead of spending $100. There are replacement parts available but I could not see any that would have fitted this particular lifter. I cut away the broken axle and replaced it with one I made. I used a steel nut which I rounded into a roller and fitted it with a bit of old fashioned fettling. We then refitted the lifter into its' original position. It then cleared the skirt and the lifter works perfectly. The pop top now seats with an even gap all round from the van roof and the inside tie downs can now be connected correctly to lock the top into place when travelling. My very able son then set about fitting the omni directional TV antenna to the entry side of the van and wired in all the necessary cables, plugs and amplifiers needed to produce what seems to me to be an excellent quality picture on the Changhong 18.5 inch HD TV. I understand that Changhong are the highest producers of TV in the world producing for many of the well known brands. All I am waiting for is the fully adjustable mount purchased on E bay from a Melbourne supplier for a very low $16 to complete the job. Yesterday I repainted the top side edge of the pop top with a Dulux enamel called Sun Yellow which although not a perfect match for the yellow/ mustard colour of the lower van side looks very acceptable. I also fitted an strip of aluminium below the front window to give a better finished effect to the grey stone guard. The other jobs finished yesterday and today were the grouting of the splash back tiles, the replacement of the plastic plumbing tubing to and from the sink and the removing of the unsightly old sticker over the number plate, replacing it with a new Aussie flag decal. Tomorrow I will concentrate on the detailing of the internal paint job including the filling of several old wall holes with a paint touch up where necessary and finally the lining of the usable cupboards and drawers with non slip coverings.      |
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Post by Mustang on Sept 16, 2017 18:21:20 GMT 10
Sounds like a bit of good old "blacksmithing" going on, good to see it fixed your problem without extra expense.
I like the rear flag decal.
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Post by LGT on Sept 16, 2017 20:11:26 GMT 10
Thanks Mustag. It seems one needs to be a bit of everything to tackle a job like this. You are a carpenter, a painter, a plumber, an electrician, a welder, a mechanic and a cleaner. I have had the Vintage Rambler at home over the last two weekends. We live in a gated community but it is amazing how many people have stopped to take a look. Many, such as today, have stories of old vans, such as a 1973 22 footer or similar Viscount today from an older couple (about my age) who were very impressed and spoke about so many good times when they had kids around (like us) and spent so many happy times with their Viscount and their young family. My wife and I also had two young boys at the time when we had a van we left at Brunswick Heads and used most weekends. My, now 30 year old son, was about three when we would watch the whales play in Byron Bay early in the mornings.
I guess history really does repeat itself as you get older. You spend all that time working hard and one day you return to your roots fully satisfied and happy to return to simpler times.
All I need is those blasted curtains!
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Post by LGT on Sept 17, 2017 17:16:53 GMT 10
Day 28 After considering the implications of not using the original table mechanism in favour of a bought table which could be used inside and outside, I decided to change my mind and use the original set up. The problem was that the original table top was warped and missing edge strip. In addition the original laminate colour was not available as far as I could see. So I decided to make a new table. I bought a piece of 16mm MDF 900mm x 600mm, the same overall size as the original table. I screwed and glued the metal stand base to the MDF and fitted terrazzo vinyl floor tiles that match the material I used to re fit the entrance step. After trimming off the excess overhang with a Stanley knife I fitted a lipped hardwood edge strip with mitred corners. The table leg is off centre which I discovered when I went to fit the table back into the original hole in the floor due to the fact that a steel beam runs down the centre of the chassis. Back to the workshop, remove all the table top fittings and re position them off centre as per the original top. Who can blame me for not checking that small detail. After a few minutes the new table was in position, screwed into the floor and the inner spring mechanism which protrudes under the floor was bolted into place. Good result, it now only needs a touch of stain and clear lacquer on the edge strip. The inside paint touch up will have to wait until tomorrow.....Almost there, the curtain making began today so it won't be long now before I can say that the restoration of Vintage Rambler is complete.   |
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Post by Mustang on Sept 18, 2017 6:58:12 GMT 10
Oh No    You have done a lot of work to get to your first buggerup. |
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Post by LGT on Sept 18, 2017 10:31:36 GMT 10
Good morning Mustang, probably the only one I've mentioned more likely.
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Post by LGT on Sept 18, 2017 20:32:38 GMT 10
Day 29
Today was a day of touching up my earlier paint job inside the van plus giving another coat of Sun Yellow to the sides of the pop top.
As Vintage Rambler is at home at the moment I have had a stream of fellow residents stopping and admiring the old girl as well as recalling their earlier times with caravans such as these with their young families. It is so nice to see that people still regard the earlier days as worth remembering. Unfortunately memories of these times may not be so pleasant given the state of the world at the moment. But we all do far better by remembering the good times and forgetting the bad.
All I am waiting for now is the TV mount and the curtains and I will declare the whole project complete.
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Post by atefooterz on Sept 18, 2017 22:08:50 GMT 10
Good morning Mustang, probably the only one I've mentioned more likely.    |
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Post by LGT on Sept 19, 2017 19:35:32 GMT 10
Day 30 Well today the curtains were completed and after a quick trip to Brisbane after golf I arrived home in time to put the curtains on their tracks. My Sydney daughter and SIL arrived in time to help with the curtain hanging. We opened a bottle of champagne and christened Vintage Rambler with a glass or two. Unfortunately we have to go interstate in the morning and will no doubt start suffering withdrawal symptoms after a day or so. I will get back to the site in a week or two. Cheers everybody. Lynton Till Alias LGT  |
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Post by LGT on Oct 3, 2017 9:37:36 GMT 10
Good morning,
If there was a better test for water proofing of a caravan than two days of solid rain I don't know what it would be.
Vintage Rambler has been on our driveway, uncovered with the pop top up over the weekend and there is no sign of any leak.
Very satisfying.
We have had a new Clipsal power inlet plug and an RCD fitted as per the thread advice of last week and we have also re packed the wheel bearings which appear as new.
The TV is mounted and working well. Cupboards and drawers have all been lined with non slip material and all cooking, eating and drinking utensils have been securely stowed. I am picking up a matching spare wheel this morning as the last job prior to our first trip next Friday up to Bribie Island. Let's hope we have covered all the bases.
I will post some photos next week.
Cheers,
LGT.
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Post by snoops on Oct 3, 2017 18:42:09 GMT 10
No leaks! Sweet!  |
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Post by Mustang on Oct 5, 2017 8:16:47 GMT 10
Good morning, If there was a better test for water proofing of a caravan than two days of solid rain I don't know what it would be. Vintage Rambler has been on our driveway, uncovered with the pop top up over the weekend and there is no sign of any leak. Very satisfying. We have had a new Clipsal power inlet plug and an RCD fitted as per the thread advice of last week and we have also re packed the wheel bearings which appear as new. The TV is mounted and working well. Cupboards and drawers have all been lined with non slip material and all cooking, eating and drinking utensils have been securely stowed. I am picking up a matching spare wheel this morning as the last job prior to our first trip next Friday up to Bribie Island. Let's hope we have covered all the bases. I will post some photos next week. Cheers, LGT. Hi LGT, Might be a good time to run the Rambler over the weighbridge, just for peace of mind. |
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Post by LGT on Oct 9, 2017 18:44:07 GMT 10
Monday October 9, 2017 Well we finally took “Vintage Rambler” on its first outing to Bribie Island. All went well and we had a very comfortable and relaxing couple of days. The caravan towed very well at highway speeds and all the electrics and renovations performed as expected. Our OzTrail matching Gazebo was a hit with a couple of people and was a breeze to put up and take down. I had two people who were very interested in the Viscount and retro vans in general both of whom I have pointed to the Classic Caravan site. One gentleman who walked over from the boat ramp opposite the Bongaree Caravan park, drove a concourse class 1979 Holden HT Premier wagon and would like to have a period caravan to tow behind her. We could well see a couple of new members I expect. I also had one good offer to sell but replied with a definite no. Enjoy the photos. Cheers, LGT.   |
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Post by atefooterz on Oct 10, 2017 0:30:48 GMT 10
That gazebo looks more "summer practical", compared to the swing out lower height ones. Glad all went well.
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Post by snoops on Oct 10, 2017 12:45:41 GMT 10
I've got a 1976 Franklin that would tow behind an HT no worries...  |
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Post by LGT on Oct 10, 2017 15:44:12 GMT 10
Hi Snoops,
Would you likeme to put you in touch with a potental buyer. I only just a minute ago received an email again asking me to keep my eyes open. He is a really nice guy from the Brisbane area.Of course I only spoke to him for 10 minutes or so.
If the answer is yes I will send you his email
Lynton Till.
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Post by shano on Oct 10, 2017 21:04:44 GMT 10
Congratulations LGT, what a fantastic job you have done. I am completely new to this caper and so happy to have stumbled across it. I have just purchased a Viscount and I don't know too much about it and it will be my 1st project. I am easily excited as I also purchased a 11' York caravan in Adelaide and pick that up at the end of the month. So I will definitely be a frequent visitor to this site and look forward to a very steep learning curve over the next couple of months. Happy & safe travelling.
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Post by LGT on Oct 11, 2017 11:03:05 GMT 10
Hi Shano,
Great to hear from you. I am also fairly new to the site. I have been a boating and classic car man myself. This is my second caravan and I completely enjoyed the restoration project. My only advice is that you plan your work and do one job at a time. Take advice from people like Mustang, atefooters, snoops and the like. These guys have done it all and are so free to pass on their knowledge. I have taken advice from them on a number of points, electric safety being a major one.
I will also be very pleased to help in any way I can.
Good luck and cheers,
LGT.
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Post by Husky on Oct 11, 2017 13:39:44 GMT 10
Excellent top notch work there.
Recently returned to the forum but have been getting all the email updates everytime a post is updated and have been looking forward to reading your thread.
awesome work.... so when does the next one start?
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Post by LGT on Oct 11, 2017 16:07:23 GMT 10
Hi Husky,
Thanks for your nice comments. I am not sure if I could do it again to be honest.....I have already been down the aisle twice.
LGT
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Post by snoops on Oct 12, 2017 5:41:28 GMT 10
Hi Snoops, Would you likeme to put you in touch with a potental buyer. I only just a minute ago received an email again asking me to keep my eyes open. He is a really nice guy from the Brisbane area.Of course I only spoke to him for 10 minutes or so. If the answer is yes I will send you his email Lynton Till. PM sent. |
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Post by snoops on Oct 12, 2017 5:43:26 GMT 10
Congratulations LGT, what a fantastic job you have done. I am completely new to this caper and so happy to have stumbled across it. I have just purchased a Viscount and I don't know too much about it and it will be my 1st project. I am easily excited as I also purchased a 11' York caravan in Adelaide and pick that up at the end of the month. So I will definitely be a frequent visitor to this site and look forward to a very steep learning curve over the next couple of months. Happy & safe travelling. Hi Shano, welcome to the forum! That van in your avatar pic looks like a cracker! Hope you'll be starting your own thread here really soon to show us what you have and what you plan with it. . Plenty of great help here. |
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