hi all. just found this site, looks good. we have recently found a 1971 franklin arrow 16 ft van to tow behind our old monaro. have the paint scheme and hub cap thing all sorted. interior is very tired,but what do you get for a couple of grand. can anyone tell us of a cabinet maker or old retired bloke that can help us refurbish our van? we went to the caravan show on the weekend and found that a eagle bay van by billabong caravans has the perfect lay out for us. the fit out would even fit in our 16 foot vintage. all the kids have left home and there is just the 2 of us. we figure we can fix this old girl up and have some fun.any info would be greatly appreciated we are on the south side of brisbane,(munruben) kel
Cruising Granny said
09:06 PM Oct 27, 2010
Hi and welcome to the nomads.
Your best bet would be to "google" the tradesman you're looking for.
You could check out the van yards and see who does their reno work.
Some of the members here may have done the work and could give your some clues.
Or...... attempt it yourself if you're a bit handy around the shed and tool box.
Scaling down the layout to fit your van with modern materials and plumbing would be a great achievement.
I'd bet the chassis, frame and body work are more durable than the modern version.
Most of the new ones have MDF panel under the laminate. The rest is veneer 3 ply.
The floor should be heavy marine or similar plywood.
These aluminium boxes with staples and pop rivets are built from the inside out to the final cladding.
Have fun with your project. I'm sure it will be worth the effort in the end and you'll enjoy many miles of travel with it. Safe and happy reno and travels.
Beth54 said
01:28 PM Oct 28, 2010
kelvin01au wrote:
hi all. just found this site, looks good. we have recently found a 1971 franklin arrow 16 ft van to tow behind our old monaro. have the paint scheme and hub cap thing all sorted. interior is very tired,but what do you get for a couple of grand. can anyone tell us of a cabinet maker or old retired bloke that can help us refurbish our van? we went to the caravan show on the weekend and found that a eagle bay van by billabong caravans has the perfect lay out for us. the fit out would even fit in our 16 foot vintage. all the kids have left home and there is just the 2 of us. we figure we can fix this old girl up and have some fun.any info would be greatly appreciated we are on the south side of brisbane,(munruben) kel
Hi Kel, welcome to grey nomads.
You're 'just down the road' from me, and I have a brother named Kel too. It's not a very common name is it.
My other brother did up an old pop top caravan earlier this year, and it turned out fabulous. He did it all himself, so alas, I can't refer you to anyone.
I just wanted to say good luck and happy travels!
Brookie said
02:09 PM Oct 28, 2010
kelvin01au wrote:
hi all. just found this site, looks good. we have recently found a 1971 franklin arrow 16 ft van to tow behind our old monaro. have the paint scheme and hub cap thing all sorted. interior is very tired,but what do you get for a couple of grand. can anyone tell us of a cabinet maker or old retired bloke that can help us refurbish our van? we went to the caravan show on the weekend and found that a eagle bay van by billabong caravans has the perfect lay out for us. the fit out would even fit in our 16 foot vintage. all the kids have left home and there is just the 2 of us. we figure we can fix this old girl up and have some fun.any info would be greatly appreciated we are on the south side of brisbane,(munruben) kel
It may be a good idea to run small ad in local community newspaper as there may be a bored retiree out there just looking for something to do.
If there are any fittings, cupboards etc that can be refurbished you can use them as templates for new
You're 'just down the road' from me, and I have a brother named Kel too. It's not a very common name is it.
My other brother did up an old pop top caravan earlier this year, and it turned out fabulous. He did it all himself, so alas, I can't refer you to anyone.
I just wanted to say good luck and happy travels!