1966 13/2 Rebuild

[Mick]

Decided to get on with it now so started sorting the walls inside and had a surprise... I found the hidden arch of Safari!! ;D This is the one as you may know already.



The toilet wall had been moved to make more space and a false chipboard wall was used to fill the gap. The arch had been reduced and part filled to give a smaller arch.

I have stripped the wallboards back to the frame which is good, just a couple of areas needed minor repairs. After the wall buliding they Artexed alll the walls.... all the kitchen and bathroom walls are being replaced along with all the beading. The living area walls are artexed too but coarse emery paper will get the rough off before I repaint them along with the ceiling.

The ugly and badly fitted 12v and 240v lights have been removed in favour of the original or if not a more suitable version. The gas lamp is capped and removed in the front so I will be looking for one to refit.

Photos of todays destruction







Wall removed and door where it should be, clues are on the floor and ceiling showing the original position.

















Planning replacing the walls with either hardboard as original and painting them or a suitable modern wallboard and fit the wooden beading over the joins.

[Brian M]

Great set of pics Mick, I am sure members find the shots of the exposed frames very useful when planning their own restorations.

From your pics I can't work out exactly what a previous owner had done. From your pic of the floor, am i right in thinking they had moved the toilet wall about six inches away from the sink/cooker unit? Had they then made a new door to access the reduced "toilet" space?

Why on earth would anyone want to do it?

Keep the pics coming as you put it all back together.

[Mick]

Picture 4 shows the door at 90 degrees to the kitchen with the extra bit of wall removed. Picture 5 shows the floor and you can see where it is and where it should be from the factory at an angle.

They moved it to enlarge the toilet compartment I assume. I have removed all the modified bits and will be putting it back where it was in 1966, at an angle. This also enlarges the arch to its original size rather than being part hidden.

[shove2001]

Regarding replacing the lining I have found 3mm ply to be a excellent replacement for hardboard on my 1963 or 1964 12/4. The hardboard whilst not damp is just not substantial enough to last topside of 40 years and simply turns to dust. The ply also adds a little rigidity if any of the frames are becoming a little "soft"!

[Mick]

Not managed to get anything done since May, Im working away until next may so it will be a year left untouched. Good thing is its undercover, dry and secure so its ageing well. I hope to make progress next year as its nearly 4 years since I got it!

Positive/Constructive work so far has been removal of the brush painted peeling paint off the majority of the body and all the bare alluminium body strips. New rear lights sourced and fitted all rewired front to back. New tyres fitted and all brakes and bearings serviced while the wheels were off.

Destructive work looks worse than it is, walls stripped, doors off, kitchen appliances removed for servicing and repairs if needed.

Big jobs to do now are body preparation and repaint in White with a Grey (maybe) side panel. The A frame is rotten so will be replaced I found a similar age scrap caravan for the Chassis as my hitch is badly worn and parts are siezed. The stabiliser leg screws have had the hexagons for the winding handle worn off so they are due to be replaced too.

Its a big job but its worth it to me, maybe not financially but Im doing all the work myself slow time and enjoy it. Im looking forward to being in a position to make progress and get some paint on it.