Post 1982 Builds

[johnplum]

I found a 1985 registered Safari 13/4 which puzzles me: it looks like a classic shape Safari before it the Carlight transferred ownership to Abbey, yet I was led to believe, from the Eastman Album/s, that the shape changed in 1982.

The caravan can be viewed here:
www.caravanselecta.co.uk/touring-caravans/safari/safari-13/4-cs218256.aspx


[glow=red,2,300]?[/glow]After 1982, whether the shape changed or not, was the build quality, as regards interiors and framework, continued and, if so, for how long?

[rdjpb]

Hi John - welcome to the group

I think theres an easy answer to this - its not a 1985
The classic shape finished in 1982 and the 13/4 model doesn't appear in any Safari sales literature after 1980. Nice size for a four berth and if not sold well worth a look.
As noted in various places the date of a Safari's manufacture can be found on a small silver plate low down usually on the left side of the door. The first two digits indicate the year of manufacture.
i.e. 80XXX is a 1980 van. The serial numbers were put on at the time of build not like cars when I suppose you can register them new many years after they are built.

If you find out that the serial number on this van is 85XXX - I think theres a lot of people on this forum who would like a bit more detail to this vans history!!!!!

All the best in finding your Safari .

[johnplum]

Thanks rdjpb: I take it by the picture , you agree it's a classic four berth?

I got this further info:
---------------------------
1. The I.D. plate states Safari Caravans, Bowbridge, Stroud, Glos. Serial number 89228.
2. Unladen weight 820 kg, laden weight 1032 kg.
3. The widows are tinted double glazed acrylic.

[rdjpb]

Looks that way with a side bathroom and an end bunk making up the 4 berth. I've never seen one of these in recent times so they are unusual.

Cosy but light to tow!

I think its safe to assume its a 1979 or 1980 model.

Don't forget to check under the bunks at the front for damp!

Cheers

Paul

[margo]

Definitely a 13/4 – quite a rare beast I would imagine. Very sceptical about the “89” in the serial number but in any case it is certainly a later model circa 1979 onwards.

I can't comment on the build quality but I would imagine it is typical Safari with the added bonus of a galvanised chassis. At that age damage and damp if any will be the main concern.

If it is complete and relatively dry probably worth a punt.

Regards Mark…

[johnplum]

Thanks for that Paul.

(Cosy but light to tow!? ... OK I'll have one!)

Bah, Unfortunately it has damp penetration at the front window, which has ruined the interior ply. And he's asking £950!

[johnplum]

Yes, margo, the 89 is weird. I'll disregard that for now.

I wonder when acrylic windows came in exactly? Do you prefer them to glass?

[michael1]

Just a note Carlight never owned Safari Colsalt bought it from Mr Pearman and when we closed in 1982 the name went to Abbey and then to Swift caravans

[Brian M]

May 16, 2011 17:56:52 GMT johnplum said:

Yes, margo, the 89 is weird. I'll disregard that for now.

I wonder when acrylic windows came in exactly? Do you prefer them to glass?

Except where windows are known to have been changed, the earliest Safaris with double glazed acrylic are in 1975-6 where the front window was offered as an option. During 1977 there are mixtures of any windows, and by 1978 acrylic was standard all round.

For this Safari 13/4 - a picture of the rear will date it exactly - from the side view it is 1979-1982. My guess is 1979 as my records show several 13-4's in that year and almost none after that date.

[rdjpb]

Bah, Unfortunately it has damp penetration at the front window, which has ruined the interior ply. And he's asking £950![/quote][/i]

John

Difficult this one. I think if you look for a 110% dry Safari you might be looking a long time! - unless you are lucky enough to find one from an enthusiast who has recently had it restored.
You don't need to worry about the ply its the underlying frame thats a worry. Unfortunately there is no way of really knowing what this is like unless your finger goes through the ply and then you know your in trouble!. Many Safaris are advertised as dry but the ply is usually dark and soft indicating underlying trouble.
So look for the driest van you can - check all the corners - particularly the back offside where the shower/toilet is often located, and as you have discovered around the front windows.

If you do need to sort out a frame don't be tempted to do it from the inside. I know a lot of people do but this isn't the way they were built and frame repairs really should be done by taking the exterior aluminium panels off to do properly and really assess it. There is no point doing a half job and its likely the damp will be worse than you thought and there may also be dry rot.
Brians excellent frame rebuild is an example to be followed. Clearly this takes time, preferably in a space indoors... and I forgot...money!. I don't know where you are but a fellow enthusiast may be local to give you a hand particularly if you ask via this site. Lots of people probably want to see what taking a Safari apart is like before doing it to there own!

If you are seriously looking at this van remeber that damp is a serious negotiating tool on price...somebody is going to have to sort it out. But go and look at lots of vans ..it might not be as bad as you imagine.. I have seen some real horrors!
As to market value thats also difficult. I have followed market prices over a few years now. No one buys a Safari for an investment but prices do seem to be on the increase. As with everything there are certain factors which determine price.
Age, Condition,number of berths. Unfortunately for you a 4 berth van is probably the most desirable as is one that is towable by a fairly standard family car. This I think is reflected in the fact hat the 15/4 is most probably the most desirable. If you look through this forum you will see numerous requests for 4 berths for sale.

The 12/2 is probably the easiest to find and a decent size awning may give you the 4 berths you need - its a sensible option. There are a lot of 12/2s out there so you may even get a choice.

Don't let me put you off... once you have a Safari you won't want anything else ... and repairing it from time to time will be half the fun (I know your wife won't think so!).

Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.. the support is here from this site and don't forget the old adage.. "the quality remains long after the price is forgotten"

Regards Paul

p.s I have no knowledge or financial interest in this advertised van.

[johnplum]

Thanks for taking the trouble to advise me so well Paul.

If a van comes without an awning, I guess they are virtually impossible to obtain alone. Is it possible to make a decent one, with attachment to roof? Perhaps I would be the first to do so? If you don't know the answer, if someone could photograph details of the awning, so I know how the cloth is made up to attach, that could be well useful.

[johnplum]

Thanks for taking the trouble to advise me so well Paul.

If a van comes without an awning, I guess they are virtually impossible to obtain alone. Is it possible to make a decent one, with attachment to roof? Perhaps I would be the first to do so? If you don't know the answer, if someone could photograph details of the awning, so I know how the cloth is made up to attach, that could be well useful.

[rdjpb]

John

If you can make an awning I am sure you will have no problems repairing a Safari frame!

Seriously though.. awnings are not specific to any particular caravan make or model. Theres plenty of advice on this site about awnings and the correct size according to the model. Look under "Technical and restore" - the awning section there will give you the details. There are different types of awning about (full,porch) and usually a decent selection on e bay. Go and talk to your local caravan dealer they will only be too happy to help but will probably only sell you a new one and believe me they are expensive new. So find a decent one on ebay. Most caravanning folks are fairly decent and so will give you an accurate description. The other hint is find one nearer home as they are heavy and they won't post it to you!

Paul

[johnplum]

Hi Paul, Oh so, awnings aren't safari specific? How do they attach to the top, is it a similar rail across all caravans?

I shall now check out the technical p I didn't see the awning posts there, but I now see my search only dug up the past 7 days!
Thanks again Paul for kindly taking the trouble to help - initial advice really does help.

Have a lovely time this summer.

John.