Atog's 68 Olympic

[atouchofglass]

Apr 27, 2010 22:40:50 GMT 10 bobt said:

Hi ya atog

nice bit of work there..

Ya need to get out and use it again soon.. any plans?

bobt

Hey Bob
In the past six months it has been to Bowen, the Gold Coast, and twice to Lake Tinaroo.
So for the moment the van will sit quitely at home..... after this week.

Will be starting a new job on Tuesday so there will be little time for using the Olympic for awhile.

Thanks for asking though...
Speaking of which....
What's happening with UAS?
You know you want to start a few more bits on it don't you?
Come on mate just a few short hours each week and she will be finished.
Otherwise...... your cheese and kisses will have you by the short and..... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Cheers
Atog

[atouchofglass]

Well the van has had a little trip as recent as yesterday

Not a pleasant holiday
But a needed upgrade







Ride height hasn't changed much.
But that's because the stub axle is now straight instead of on top of the axle.

Springs also retempered.
The blacksmith that retempered the springs says that jeep used the same springs in 1957-58

So now after 40 years the springs, axle, brake cable, gooseneck, and associated bits and pieces are back to new status.

Must add to anyone doing up a van
Don't follow my lead

Do up the running gear first.... not last
A series of events lead to me doing the running gear last
Mostly ignorance.

Still need to replace the rims sometime in the future.
Got to pay off the axle and hubs first
So in a couple of months
Next trip
;D ;D ;D

Glad I start another job next week otherwise it would be ages before any progress or holidaying would be had.

Cheers
Atog

[millard1399]

G'day atog,

Can you please clarify why the running gear should be done first??

And can you also tell me how the nuts on the spring U-bolts are fixed in position? Are they nyloc nuts, or are there spring washers used? My U-bolts have two standard nuts on each thread - one to hold, and a second to lock the first. What will stop yours from working loose? (just curious about the difference between yours and mine )

Good luck with the new job. Is it in Cairns? Maybe the Cairns Post will run a front page banner next week:

MAN FINDS JOB IN CAIRNS!
(Pigs also seen flying!!)

Hope all goes well for you! ;D ;D

cheers,
Al.

[atouchofglass]

Hi Everyone

Al you have asked a really important question.

The reason to me why you should do up your running gear first is simple.
Safety

I took my newly renovated caravan to Bowen and then on to the Gold Coast, as many on the forum would know.
A round trip of in excess of 2000 klms.
Through both heavy and light traffic situations, in all kinds of weather.

What none of us knew was the axle was bent
The brakes on the van didn't work and one of the rims has a slow leak that still can't be found.
At the worst case scenario everything under the van was over 40 years old.

So the upshot of that is, it was unsafe to tow.
Mostly because of the brakes.

In an emergency braking situation I was relying solely on the panelvan to pull up the car and van.... probably close on 2 ton.

In my own defense I did take it easy all the way and am a cautious driver when towing.
But that doesn't stop the rig any faster in an emergency.

I'm just thankful nothing happened.

On the springs and U bolts.
The U bolts are held with spring washers and one nut.
To my way of thinking the double nut system, spring washer system or the nyloc nuts should all be OK to secure the springs.

My reasoning in taking it to a trailer mob was simple....
They should know what to do.
They alerted me to the springs nearly being reversed and needing retempering.

They also had it done in one day.
For the extra money, I now feel the van will have no issue with safety (with new rims).

It's a case of peace of mind that I'm not a danger on the road.....
Or at least minimal danger ;D ;D ;D ;D

In my previous trade of 30 years plus I was an expert for the simple reason of working it every day and knowing what could be done.
I reason the same with the trailer blokes.
Should there ever be an accident at least my conscience is clear about this safety aspect of the van.


My dear old Dad had a saying "Too strong never parted"
I also say "Preparation is vital"

Having ignored both of these sayings I got away with towing the van for awhile.
But now feel a little embarrassed about it.
Hence saying "Do up the running gear first."

Again Al thanks for the question it is a reality check for all of us.

We love our old vans but also need to be as safe as possible while using public roads.


Cheers
Atog


Sorry for the lecture everybody
But safety cannot be downplayed.

[atouchofglass]

Apr 30, 2010 22:24:53 GMT 10 millard1399 said:

G'day atog,

Good luck with the new job. Is it in Cairns? Maybe the Cairns Post will run a front page banner next week:

MAN FINDS JOB IN CAIRNS!
(Pigs also seen flying!!)

Hope all goes well for you! ;D ;D

cheers,
Al.

OOPS
In my rush to reply to the safety question I forgot to add.
Thanks Al
Yes it is in Cairns. About 1/2 hour from home
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

The unemployment rate in Cairns is still above 12%
It can't be because of the lovely weather up here attracting bums.
Cause the weather isn't lovely currently.

With work may be I'll get some more trips in over the coming months.


Cheers
Atog

[atouchofglass]

Hey Everyone
Having just had a look at Al's Millard reno costs I thought it time to come clean on the cost of doing up the Olympic

Nothing even close to the cost of Al's
I have kept a fairly accurate costing on the van and have three plastic pockets full of receipts to prove it.

At this stage
Between $23K and $25K
With a few more things to go..... but not much

So as Al says "How long is a piece of string?"
Well in my case .... d@mn long
There is no labour included in that except from tradies.

I know from speaking to others about their renovations, some have spent around the $16K mark.

It is not unusual to spend well in excess of $10K

That is why some choose to ignore the receipts and just keep working at it.
No nasty shocks or a sinking feeling as you get deep into the project and realise that you still have a way to go.

Just as a footnote to those that think "I could never afford that sort of thing"
I did it over close on three years and had some cash put aside before starting.
You can do it...... just take your time.

Admittedly the beer and wine nights stopped a few years back and so did the restaurant meals and .......
You get the idea.
;D ;D ;D ;D

The alternative is to buy a newish van around the same cost and put up with the garbage workmanship.
Looks pretty ....... but....

Not for me I'll stick to vintage and classic vans.

Cheers
Atog

[bobt]

Hi Atog

you posted a lotta posts since the last time I commented. Glad to hear it is out and about being used.

Glad to hear you have found some employment. I would imagine it is rather depressing wanting to work and not being able to find it. But you always seem to come up trumps in that department. What have you turned you hand to this time?

Bit hard to know you have a problem with the brakes and suspension if you look at it and it all appears ok. Even harder if you can not tow it. Which in your case you didn't have a tow car for ages so no need to apologise.

The cost of a reno.... well it is no different to doing up a car or anything else. Cheaper to buy new... yes it might be but what you get at the end of the day is not necessarily better. You will get a lot more satisfaction out of doing it yourself (that is something money can not buy) and you will have something that no one else can buy off the shelf.. And people will nearly always want to talk to you about it.

If you don't want people to talk to you then go buy a Jayco or something like that...

so whats next on you list of mods changes add ons??

bobt

_{you could always slip down here and help finish "ugly" or fix me little car...}

[atouchofglass]

Hey Bobt
Well the employment is a bit different this time.
I am fixing spectacle frames
Yep glasses repairs.
Sit on my blot all day and am beginning to look like one of those overfed cats you see at pensioners homes.
You know the ones, the ol dear that feeds the cat and starves herself. ;D ;D ;D


Wages are very ordinary but at least it is steady income.
Fortunately it is not reliant on the local economy so it seems a safe job.
Just got to get some kind of exercise as well.

As for the van......
Welllllllllllllllllllllllll
Am going into savings mode.
That is after two new rims.
Still paying off the axle and hubs.

Sadly any changes from here will be purely unneccessary.
So not sure if much will be done over the next couple of years.
Have taken up a new interest to keep the mind active.
It costs very little and will have side benefits. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
More about that later.

As for the renovation costs.
I put that up to show how quickly costs can get away from you.
Also to show that it is possible on a low wage to still get the van you want ......
IF
you are willing to but the effort and time into it.

Wouldn't change for one of the new flash lookng but trashy vans even if you paid me.
Mind you - if I was offered the right money I'd sell and start a new project tomorrow. ;D ;D ;D ;D

This thread will be mostly quite for awhile cause of the lack of reno activity.
Might just read and annoy others for now ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Feel free to post anything else you want on this thread though

Cheers
Atog

[bobt]

I can see............... ;D ;D








hmmm. that would be right... you do the glasses thing after I have done all the measuring on "ugly" and got it wrong...

[atouchofglass]

Well not much happening of recent with the van

Only really been able to upgrade the rims

One of the old rims had a slow leak
Know it was the rim... cause it had two different tyres on it in twelve months



Only a few extra things to go ......

Cheers
Atog

[bobt]

hey atog

there is more happening at your place then there is at mine...

[atouchofglass]

Hey Guys
Well we now have more room for the van.
The other half removed a few shrubs after I got rid of the rocks.
The resulting gap should be good for parking the Olympic in.







Cheers
Atog

[bobt]

Good stuff.

I am sure you will be alot happier with the Olympic sitting down the side of the house.

[Deleted]

Hiya Atog,

Just finished reading this rebuild thread and I must say what a fine job you did.
You must be very proud of the finished job.
I hope it doesn't inspire me to go mad on the Viscount
But it has inspired me to get started on the jobs that really need doing.
All I can say is well done and good on ya for sticking with it!!
All the best FNQ2

Al's rebuild is next to read

[atouchofglass]

Awww shucks... thanks Fnq2

It was a lot of fun and I learnt a lot about ...... a lot.
Would do it again for the right van but not just any.

Am still looking for my Dad's 21 foot Olympic Stardust, should it still exist.

There seems to be a couple in the Greater Brisbane area but no word yet about Dad's.

Reading the whole 26 pages is a bit of an epic journey and now onto Al's thread....

You're hooked, the classic caravan bug has bitten reeeeel bad.

I can see your van coming up a treat,
With a head full of knowledge and hands full of skill ...... nuthin gunna stop you bro.
;D ;D ;D ;D

Cheers
Atog

[Deleted]

Hiya Atog
Yeah it did take quite awhile to read the thread... off and on over a couple of days and it was very interesting and funny in parts

I think I could ask... hey where abouts in Cairns could I get a "part for my van" and you'd have the answer
Yeah I think your right I am catching that bug, I just need to make a start, all I've done so far is to replace the power socket on the side of the van.
$35... wow I hope that's not a sign of what's to come!! was a bit expensive I think.

My dad lives in Cairns so I might drag Bettsy up there for a week and source the parts and materials I need up there as I'd have a larger choice and probably cheaper.
I hope

[atouchofglass]

Hey Fnq2
Cairns does have much of what I needed but also sourced a bit through caravansplus.
Worth a look if you are chasing bits and pieces.
Also any ships chandlers should be useful.

If you do come to Cairns and have time for a chin wag PM me and I'll give you my phone number

Cheers
Atog

[Deleted]

Hi Atog, Thanks for the offer, I'll be in touch.
It would be good to have a look at your van as well if possible, you've done some fine work there.

I 'm nearly finished the cyclone clean up and Bettsy is the next project and I'm really looking forward to finally making a start.

Upon closer inspection I do have a few more repairs to do than I first thought!
All the best Fnq2

[atouchofglass]

Hey Gents
Just realised I hadn't posted my new caravan name.
It only took four years of thinking to come up with it.

More of a statement of purpose than a name. ;D ;D

So introducing



Have used her a couple of times last month
Went to Ingham for a few days.

Did a quick run out to Chilligoe the same month but didn't take the van.
Just a day trip.

Cheers
Atog

[bobt]

love it..

[millard1399]

Struth Atog! How on earth did you get the 'Boss' to agree to be known as "Far Away"??

Sure is a nice change from the usual "Bill & Pat" that you see on other vans.


Oh...oops...I just realised you said it was the name of your van.

*cough, cough* Errr...nice name there Atog! ;D ;D

[kiwijim]

Like the Name, Atog,

When does the name become a reality ? ;D ;D

kiwijim

[atouchofglass]

Sept 17, 2011 20:26:11 GMT 10 millard1399 said:

Struth Atog! How on earth did you get the 'Boss' to agree to be known as "Far Away"??

Didn't tell her until after the fact.

When I first started the van my "Cheese and Kisses" decided she didn't really want anything to do with caravaning.
So it was all my doing.
IE my cash, my time, my interior design.
By the time I got toward the end of the project somehow she came around and suddenly she was putting in cushions, cups, containers.etc etc..... ;D ;D ;D
So she really didn't have a say in the name ;D ;D

Sept 18, 2011 4:28:39 GMT 10 kiwijim said:

Like the Name, Atog,

When does the name become a reality ? ;D ;D

kiwijim

Oh dear....
Well bit of a story here as well.
As anyone that has read my adventures on this site will tell you ....
I have had a few jobs over the past four years.
Doesn't make for stability and then saying I want to wander around the country over an extended period of time ^{up to two years} .......

Didn't really go down too well.
So at this point we are at a bit of a stalemate.
She doesn't want to travel via caravan at the moment.
Wants to spend the remaining few years of our daughter being at home.... well ..... at home.
Also she has a travelling bug that has worked out in a compromise.
I compromised and she is travelling ;D ;D ;D
Well we are travelling ....
Overseas next year.

Seems the "Missus" wants to see the West coast of the USA.
So late next year we are off for three weeks.... just got to save the money now.
Hopefully the Aus $ will remain high against the Greenback

Sorry for the long winded reply but there it is.

Cheers
Atog

[atouchofglass]

Hey Gents and Ladies
Posted this up a few weeks ago on V V but forgot to do it here....
OOPS
So here it is. ;D ;D

After a few years the ol van needs a bit of maintainence.... don't we all.


So on the weekend I decided to recaulk the light and power inlet.
Of course I've been sloooooowly making these awnings ..... may as well fit them as well.



Just finished caulking the awnings and a very small shower showed me just how good they are working.





Now the rain drips away from the windows.
No more leaks from those windows.... I hope.

Cheers
Atog

[atouchofglass]

Always something needing to be done.... just getting to do it is the problem. ;D

The awnings were first attached using a white sikaflex.
As they have a lip inside, it makes it easy to attach well.
That and waterproofing was the reason for the lip originally.
It is held against the van with masking tape until the sika dries.

You can see the lip on the finished product on the far left.


Then I caulked the outer edges with mastic.
It's flexible and won't dry out, so the sikaflex isn't exposed to UV.

Link to the technical section showing how I made then.
vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=technicalstuffboard&action=display&thread=4145&page=2

Cheers
Atog