[maccasparks]

Howdy, this is a new project we've started.
Got the old caravan for really great price knowing it needed work after sitting at a beachside campground for 25yrs with a permanent annexe attached.
Step 1 :
Detach from awning and get towie to drop it at home - not worth the risk. The tyres did hold air and the wheels spun ok with a bit of brake rub noise from the rusty disc rotor. Tow truck driver was awesome - he had done this many times and knew to make sure all windows and vets were closed and even got the jockey wheel winding down to roll it out to a clearing where he pulled it onto truck.




Quick waterblast with a 3000psi petrol including chassis revealed who bad the rusting was. Only really one corner where the mains connected plumbing had been leaking for who knows how long. Looked at removing some of the floor to cut and weld but decided to remove chassis get repaired.

[John Lee]

That looks to be in quite good condition for 25 years of salt laden air exposure. Look forward to some updates on the rebuild.

[maccasparks]

Here it is off to the Engineer.


Back from sandblasting and painting



New Trojan 1500kg Duratorques, hubs, 10" electric brakes , and 1 7/8 coupling. Ready for new 12mm ply and vinyl .



This is the side that had the awning - very tidy.

[maccasparks]

Plans are :
- remove all interior lining to check structure, insulation and install cabling/ plumbing to suit new layout
- reconfigure layout with permanent queensize bed
- have a 130l 12v compressor fridge to go in
- use original sink/cooker combo and over-cupboards
- fit 90l fresh and grey water tanks with auto 12v pump
- new led lighting (have already converted outside bulkhead light)
- re-instate 240v inlet and RCD sub-board with 2 x power points
- install stand alone solar system 300-400w panels,200ish a/h storage. Yet to be designed.

Been tenting for 10 yrs and definitely prefer the freedom sites to the Motor Camps so the 240v is only there if I ever sell it.
This is the opposite of The Block and all those other crap building shows on TV - I will take as long as I need and do the job right! (I hope)

[maccasparks]

Back into it. New ply ready for sanding and vinyl

[maccasparks]

New vinyl done then carefully slide in back under the body and bolt down. Then strip off old lining inside on roof and right hand side - little bit of rust here and there but nothing bad so have treated that and ready to start wiring 230v and 12v systems.
230v will only be new inlet socket, mcb/rcd and two power points.
12v solar panel, controller, battery, led lighting, water pump, 12v outlets and usb charger outlets.
Also external brake , tail ,and indicator wiring and new electric brakes

[maccasparks]

Wiring finished on one side and fixing installed for bed and cabinets . All ready for insulation

[vansvilla]

Don't know what you are using for insulation.

But be aware that the 230v tps cabling doesn't like being exposed to polystyrene insulation.