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Topic: "Retro" vans. Love them or hate them?

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bigbrood

09/2/2015 at 12:34pm
Location: south glos
Outfit: Bailey pageant series 7 & VW T5

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I personally love them. I purchased a 70's elddis cyclone last yr & we have finally got around doing her up. I've spent roughly £200 on fabric & paint. We had all the seat cushions reupholstered & new curtains made by a friend.
How many of you on here have a pre 80's van & do you tour with them?

Billy 3

09/2/2015 at 1:21pm
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Not quite 70s but I've got an '85 Monza that does the job I want it too which is somewhere to sleep in warm southern France weather, I don't really use it in the UK. Its cheap & cost effective, £300 odd from ebay 5yrs ago & with servicing/repairs & new tyres I doubt it stands me in more than £700 total cost in all that time.

For anybody capable of a bit of diy an old caravan is very viable & cost effective because provided bearings/brakes/hitch damper are all good & replaced as necessary & tyres are changed if old it can be reliably towed any distance.

doit

09/2/2015 at 1:38pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Bailey Orion 560-5

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I love seeing them on the road and on campsites. Not so keen on owning one but I respect those who spend their time and energy keeping the oldies in use. I have the same feelings for old cars. For those who can spend time on repairing and using them I salute you!

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Why am i doing this instead of camping??!!

bigbrood

09/2/2015 at 2:03pm
Location: south glos
Outfit: Bailey pageant series 7 & VW T5

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I've really enjoyed picking out colour schemes & seeing everything made. I can't wait to see it all in the van once the inside painting has been finished. I'm just in 2 minds now how to go about doing the exterior. I'm thinking either 1 band of colour in the middle or the top & bottom side panels.

Billy 3

09/2/2015 at 2:35pm
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Big difference between old cars & old caravans though. Old cars will always be a hobby, its usually not viable to keep a 30 old car as one's only vehicle & daily driver. If you do it requires a bit more work than running a modern car for daily use.

However, a 30yr old caravan can be less trouble than a modern one for normal touring use once you have does a bit of work on it & its reliable for use. There are no worries about theft & security & you are free to chop it about to suit yourself with no worries about the odd dent or scratch.

I refer here of course to a 'crappy old caravan' not a vintage restoration that might be hitched up to a similar period restored car.

bigbrood

09/2/2015 at 4:01pm
Location: south glos
Outfit: Bailey pageant series 7 & VW T5

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I do like the sought after ones like safari's, but I'd be far too tempted to put my own stamp on it. Which I know in return would decrease it's value. I'm just going to have a bit of fun with this one & if I make my money back on it next year then great

allan-d

09/2/2015 at 5:41pm
Location: elland west yorks
Outfit: crown regent

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iv'e got a 1979 crown regent still sound and dry good quality build wife likes the lay out what more do you need .

bigbrood

09/2/2015 at 5:47pm
Location: south glos
Outfit: Bailey pageant series 7 & VW T5

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Ooh any pics? I don't know how to upload mine. I've read something about photo bucket but I'm clueless

Jax365

09/2/2015 at 7:51pm
Location: south cheshire
Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi

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Quote: Originally posted by bigbrood on 09/2/2015Ooh any pics? I don't know how to upload mine. I've read something about photo bucket but I'm clueless

You can put three photos on your profile... underneath your name. Just click on the members only bit and upload photos to your gallery.

Mine is a little Kip caravan, circa 1982. :)

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oxter

09/2/2015 at 7:56pm
Location: NE Scotland
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix + CRV

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I have a 92 Carlight. 23 years old this year and in factory condition.
My avatar is a pic opposite. Click on the pic for more views.
I completely resealed it (awning rails and window rails) this year.

I wouldn't part with it. I have a newer van in France (indoor storage) and love it too in a different way. One is like a wife, and the other a mistress.

Must have a winter trip in the Carlight soon if the weather warms up a bit.

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playing at tinkies

HEJC72

10/2/2015 at 9:55am
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5

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Absolutely love the older, retro caravans.
I have a 1969 Fisher Holivan called Holi which has been painted to match my tow car, a 33 year old classic Mini called Wilma Daisy!
A picture of my outfit is in my gallery!

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Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum

SGThomas

10/2/2015 at 9:58am
Location: Leigh on sea
Outfit: None Entered

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Quote: Originally posted by HEJC72 on 10/2/2015
Absolutely love the older, retro caravans.
I have a 1969 Fisher Holivan called Holi which has been painted to match my tow car, a 33 year old classic Mini called Wilma Daisy!
A picture of my outfit is in my gallery!

Do they think you are the advanced party for the circus when you arrive at a site?

HEJC72

10/2/2015 at 1:49pm
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5

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No, the circus isn't as bright as my outfit!

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Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum

idle-louise

10/2/2015 at 2:03pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Boring poly tent - For now!

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Luv the look of the airstreams, I'm more of tenter so dont think I would ever go for a caravan but with an airstream I def could be persuaded to switch sides!

billy

10/2/2015 at 4:08pm
Location: North Essex
Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400

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An old & basic spec caravan is ideal for a tenter who does not want to pitch tents anymore. Worked for me, anyway.

idle-louise

12/2/2015 at 3:43pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Boring poly tent - For now!

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Ahh but then you have to test the lights are working, change the ones that arent, hook it all up, tow it, hook it all up again when you jack knife it

and then do it all over again when you leave, maybe slightly easier than tenting but only just!!Then again, least you can get a warmish shower from time to time.

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