My 1974 Viscount Royal van

[Deleted]

, Hi chrisand liso,
From a past working life (aircraft techo) I know that alclad is a sheet of aluminium alloyed with some other metal, (can't remember what now) and covered with a .002" plating of pure aluminium. It's this pure aluminium that gives the alclad its corrosion protection and of course the piant coats on top of that.

If you scratch that .002" coating of pure aluminium off and don't do something about it fairly quickly you'll have a corrosion problem on your hands. If we ever had to remove something stuck on by glue or some paint for some reason we weren't allowed to use steel scrapers, they had to be an alloy grade softer than the alclad (or pure aluminium) or plastic.

I dare say you got onto the priming and painting stage fairly quickly if you used a carborundum type wet and dry to rub down with. Myself, Id prefer to srtip with liquid stripper (which doesn't affect that thin coating of pure aluminium) than to rub down. I think it's probably also quicker than rubbing down.

Cheers,
Ross.

[Deleted]

Yeah, I had it rubbed down, tapped up, primed and painted all within four days. Very interesting tech stuff about the aluminum though. Here's hoping I'll get away with it.
I'll know for the next van now, which by the way I've got my eye on a 16' Viscount about the same era as mine now. All I know about it is It's been totally stripped out inside as it was used as a promo van at fete's and education open days, It's sitting on Ford 14" rims and has had bigger sliding windows put in the sides. I like the idea of this one as it's been stripped out so I've got a blank canvas to work with. It's got sign writing (FOR HIRE etc) all over it.
Thanks for the info.
P.S. - I'll also know next time not to leave the paper tape I used to tape up with on very long. It was about a week out in the weather till I got around to taking it off and it was so stuck, I literally peeled it off inch by inch, took longer to get it off than it did to put it on!

[kiwijim]

Howdy Chris,

I have to agree with Ross,

Because of the trouble with corrosion, I would also say it's better to use a brushed or sprayed on liquid paint stripper, and prime the surface with an etching primer as quick as possible.

In the caravan trade we use a liquid stripper,
being for industrial use, I am sure it had a number not a name, but the number has slipped out of this old head.

this stripper was so effective that it could only be applied to a small area at a time, ( around a metre wide by the height of the van ) then washed off immediately the paint started to soften,

the result was a perfectly clean surface and ready for priming,
after priming we used an industrial acrylic top coat, which had up to three coats, app 6-7Lt per 16ft van. plus 1Lt general purpose thinners.

I would advise against using any scrapper or spatula to remove old paint at any time, because of the damage this can do to the aluminum,

if anyone went to a local Caravan yard or Paint shop, they would give you some idea what is on the market as a stripper ( not the type that sings ) ;D ;D

cheers kiwijim

[bobt]

Hi there rossjools

The garage... I wanna see the garage. Then perhaps the caravan without its tarp ;D

bobt

[Deleted]

, G'day bobt, Here is a pic of the kit garage I'm going to be buying. This is a link to the company's website and I would thoroughly recommend them. They were courteous over the phone and the salesman told me he would email a detailed quote and drawings of the garage with the specifications I wanted within 5 minutes and he was true to his word. Oh, and nothing was too much trouble.

They are even willing to modify the basic design to my needs. I will need a higher than standard middle door for the van. Many of the other shed manufacturers on the net aren't willing to supply links to larger pics of their products and don't give any basic prices on their sites. When Joel had worked it all out I was pleasantly surprised to find that the price was several hundred dollars cheaper than quoted on the site and that is delivered to my door, no more to pay. The only extra I need to pay for is council planning fees and the slab.

The attitude of many of the other manufacturers appears to me to be we don't put basic quotes on our sites so then you have to ring us up and we then have more of a chance to sell you what we want you to have because we're the experts. Having been in sales myself I know that most (but not all) companies' doctrine is that the salesman is in control of the sale. Bulldust he is, not when he's gettin' my money he's not; I'm in control and I can, have done and will continue to end phone conversations if I feel I'm being pressured in any way, not just to take something that isn't going to meet my needs just because it's convenient for the salesman to be pushing that particular item. Here's the link.
www.theshedwarehouse.com.au/garage/triple-garage-16.html
I'll try to also put up the drawings Joel emailed me but I don't know whether I'll be successful or not.

Cheers,
Ross.

[bobt]

Hey Ross

It looks good. I would be most pleased to have something of that size in my back yard. alais don't have that much room.

What ever happen to the days when the customer was always right? Is that a generation that no longer exists. I think we have all had that experience. The sales man that knows what you need better then you... But on the other hand there are those that are only tooooo willing to help...

It will be good when you can get the van under cover and start some serious work on it...

So when does the garage work start... maybeee you need to start a garage thred.. ;D

bob

[Deleted]

, G'day Bob,
The garage building project won't start for a number of weeks yet. It's a kit and like any other building, renovation or addition etc it will have to go through the local council which in this case can take weeks in itself, so it'll be a little while yet. I like your idea of a garage build thread though. Maybe when work gets under way if it's not considered outside the scope of these forums I'll do that.

Cheers,
Ross.

[bobt]

Hi Rossjools

Under "Whatever" is the spot. I am sure everyone will be keen to follow the progress of your "erection"

And some of us will be jealous. So just ignor me us them. ;D

bobt

[Deleted]

:)Hi all,
Recently I was thinking about the interior fit of my reno'd Viscount. I found one in a second hand van yard near Raymond Terrace that was pretty well identical externally to mine. When I had a look inside I was surprisd to see that where I planned to put my fridge and a/c unit this one had had a toilet and shower installed, obviously some time since it was new.

This got me to thinking. Although I generally don't like roof mounted a/cs, to have an internal toilet and shower would be great. I then went and had a look at the Aircommand Ibis roof mounted a/c. This one is only 200 mm deep or 8". So it looks like the old girl will be getting a roof mount after all. While I have the interior and exterior skins off I'll reinforce the wall frames with aluminium angle pieces to give the roof a bit more strength as well as fit an H frame. How does this sound to you kiwijim? Practical or a pipe dream? I have some other innovative ideas as well which I'll share when they are a bit better developed in my mind and on paper at least.

I was also recently wandering around our local supercheap store and saw a bonnet scoop lying loose out of its box on top of some tool boxes. I went and bought one like it and this will be the lower air intake for my battery compartment. I also bought some little 12V computer fans to circulate the air in the battery compartment and will put exit vents in opening panels in the side of the van, the air will come up through the bonnet scoop, drawn in by the fans, circulate the compartment and then exit the louvre vents. This compartment will be sealed from the interior of the van, although still accessible from either inside or outside, the interior sealing will be extra good.

Cheers,
Ross.

[kiwijim]

Howdy Ross,

The fitting of a roof Air-con sounds good to me,

I can't recall if your van has a 14" center roof hatch ?
or has it the 4 seasons 4 sided opening hatch ?

If it has the 14" wind up hatch, it probably already has the strengthening built into the roof frame for an Air-con.

As you can imagine, if the van has the 4 seasons hatch there is a fair bit of work to be done in removing the hatch, then reducing the hole to the standard measurement for all Air-cons of 14"

What ever the present roof hatch may be, it's still a good idea to fit a "H" frame on top, I have seen vans that have had the internal frame fitted when new, but over the years the weight of the Air-con will push the roof down just enough to make a nice well, then when it rains......leaks all around the ceiling vents.

It's also a good idea you have about placing strengthening at the frame joints,
One thing to look out for is the tell-tale sign of movement in the joints, this will be evident by a black ring of stain around the rivet head,

If you do find this sign, the only answer is to drill out the 6G rivet and replace it with 8G rivets.

Have fun. kiwijim

[Deleted]

, G'day kiwijim,
My van has two wind up roof hatches, one forward and one aft of the axles. I don't remember how far forward and aft of the axle these hatches are, I guess I could take the tape out and measure it. I was thinking of putting the Ibis in where the front hatch is as it is closer to the vans centre of gravity than the rear one and the weight will be more over the wheels and draw bar than if I used the rear hatch. The Ibis weighs 45 kg. Or would it be better to put the a/c in the middle of the roof between the two roof hatches? Jim, the interrior dimensions of the hatch cover openings is 850mm X 550mm. Could I put an H-frame on top of the existing structure or would it be preferable to have the H-frame sitting on the roof framing and side framing?

Cheers,
Ross.

[kiwijim]

Howdy Ross,

The ideal position for the Air-con would be in a Central position,

over the axle, for a few of reasons,
1/ it would given even weight distribution in your van.

2/ there should be an even amount of air blown to both ends of the van at the same time

3/ by fitting the Air-con in the center you keep the existing Roof vents allowing for maximum fresh air when the Air-con is not required.

When you cut the hole in the roof just be aware that there are 240v wires through-out the roof cavity and they could be any-where.

Another thing you will have to watch is, being an Aluminum frame you will have to make sure that the power wire to the Air-con ( from the Circuit Breaker ) is fully insulated where it goes through any cross members in the roof, this may require the removal of the ceiling lining to be on the safe side.

Cheers kiwijim

[Deleted]

Hi Jim,
Sounds like a good plan to me. I have to replace the ceiling lining anyhow becasue of water damage in various places so it will be coming out anyway. Wherever 240V wiring goes through frame members it will be put in conduit. Thank you for the advice Jim.

Cheers,
Ross.

[wbski007]

Hi Ross, was looking at your Viscount and it looks like a good van, just needs a little TLC, well maybe more than a little, anyhow don't let it overwhelm you, just take it slow and like Al said lots of photos and remember if you really get stuck and need help don't call me, I'll call you.LOL. All kidding aside, I'm sure you'll do ok in getting her fixed up, also take some photos as you go along so we can see the progress,
Cheers, Wayne

[Deleted]

, G'day Wayne,
I'll be sure to do that. I'm just about to put in the Development Application for new double garage that will house the van and my little 4x4 with heaps of room to spare. I went and saw the council yesterday and they were happy with my hand drawn (on graph paper, to get the scale right) basic site plan of the property as it is now and as proposed.

I just have to photocopy a couple of copies of that and add them to all the other paperwork that has to be submitted. Hopefully that will be by Friday afternoon so about the end of February next year it should all be finished and the van inside out of the weather where I can work on it at my leisure.

Cheers,
Ross.

[Deleted]

, I just thought I'd make this post to say I've bought another Viscount. It's the same as the first one except for the external colour scheme, the interior is the same as the other one as is the interior layout. This one is air conditioned (reverse cycle) and has no water leaks and cost me a very resonable price from a seller on ebay at the NSW Central Coast. He even delivered it to my door. I think I might use the old one for parts, the door in particular.

Cheers,
Ross.

[millard1399]

G'day Ross,

And of course you know the "Golden Rule" of this forum is to provide photos! ;D

Otherwise you have to spend 10 minutes in the sin bin for every day no photos are showing. Now let's see, it's been 3 days already since you posted, so 3 times 10 minutes is, ummm, no wait...I can do this...

Yep...30 MINUTES!! And counting!!

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

, Well Al, if the weather tomorrow is better than it has been this evening I'll get out and take those photos. It's in much better condition than the other one and has an a/c and electric brakes so now I'll have to buy a brake controller. I'm planning to do a short local shakedown run with the van in the coming weeks. Then some work to fit house batteries and battery charger and I'll have to add wiring from the tow vehicle to charge the batteries while towing. Eventually I'll give it a good overhaul including replacing all the old wiring and add a few extra exterior clearance lights.

Cheers,
Ross.

[Deleted]

, Oops, still no photos, but I did spend an hour working on the van today. Does that count as my time in the sin bin? The weather hasn't been all that good today. I'd rather show the van in its best light.

Cheers,
Ross.

[drylander]

As its only a Viscount I reckon you're safe as the sin bin only applies to real caravans ;D ;D
Pete

[Deleted]

, Did a bit of work on the van this arvo. One of the under bench lockers had the original cover on it, you know the one, 3mm 3 ply with laminate matching the interior decor. Well, while I was poking around inside the van about a week ago I sat down on the bench and went through the cover. It had already been split part the way across so I decided to fix it this arvo. Went to my closest hardware store and bought a suitable piece of 6 mm plywood (5 ply I think) and a hinge for about $30 and when I got it all home, broke out the saw horses and circular saw for the first time in ages and did a little woodwork. Now I don't have worry about falling through the cover any more. Next will be a bit of electrical work, house batteries and charger and solar regulator ready for the solar panels and some 12v outlets.

I already have the battery boxes and a great charger and there is a 30A solar panel regulator on ebay at the moment that I think would do the trick for a reasonable price. After that the next outlay will be the N70ZZ house batteries and a smaller auxiliary battery. Somewhere down the track will come an inverter so I can run 240V stuff off the house batteries and the aux. battery will be to run light 12V stuff.

Chjeers,
Ross.

[Deleted]

:), at last some pics. These might be too big, so if they are I'll try to re-size them. Failing that I'll have to ask Al if he could do it for me. How many hours is that in the sin-bin now Al?




















The pics of the bed show it as it originally was and as I've modified it. I've done this to allow the under bed locker lid to lift completely up. The fridge will be getting the bullet and a top cupboard as the other van has will be built above the new fridge. An electronics panel will be installed below the fridge and batteries may be behind this or in the centre under bench locker with venting to the atmosphere.

Cheers,
Ross.

[Deleted]

,By the way, can anyone tell me if there's such a thing as a frost free caravan fridge? I'd be looking for something around say 90-100 litres, 12v and 240v, not worried about the gas bit.

Cheers,
Ross.

[kiwijim]

Howdy Ross,

That Viscount looks in pretty good condition for it's year,

I could be wrong but, I think I saw it for sale on E Bay a while back. ??

Yes, you can buy a Frost-Free Fridge,
Just don't turn it on after it's installed. ;D ;D ;D

( Kiwi Humor )

kiwijim ;D

[Deleted]

, G'day Jim, Yes I bought it off ebay from a gentleman down the Central Coast, he even delivered it to my door. It's in better condition than the other one which is actually a '74 model, this one's a 73. I know I thought a lot about buying an Ibis roof top a/c but it would cost me about $2000 by the time I purchased it, had an 'H' frame made up and got it installed. The way I figure it I can buy a small r/c a/c for about $400 these days and althoguh it might not last as long as a specialised caravan one wouldthe specialised one last 5 times as long? I don't think so. And yes, your kiwi humour is ever so drull, ha, ha. I figure I could run the fridge off a 300W inverter so there would probably be no need even for the 12V side of things. So where would I buy such an animal? Or would a standard domestic fridge be okay for my purposes? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Ross.