Post by Brian M on Oct 28, 2008 12:15:12 GMT
From: OliverShaw1 (Original Message) Sent: 12/05/2005 13:22
Awning Lights
For some years now and on more than one 'van I have had problems with the plastic deteriorating, probably due to a combination of age and exposure to sunlight, and eventually breaking down altogether. Currently I see that at least two members are looking for replacements (on the main message board).
It should be possible to commission the remanufacture of a small batch, copied from a pattern, and perhaps we are now strong enough to think in terms of commissioning the remanufacture of vulnerable parts that are unique to Safaris.
At least until my one similarly breaks down I have on my 1980 'van an awning lamp with a cover in good condition, which I would be prepared to lend as a pattern for this purpose if there is enough interest in this idea.
Wheel Spats
These, which were used on later models (1979 onwards), are vulnerable to occasional road damage, and may on occasion be missing when a 'van changes hands. We know that Brian at least was recently looking for a pair.
Again it it possible to have them made from a pattern, and if there is enough interest it might be worth commissioning remanufacture of a small batch. Alternatively they can be made on an individual basis, as and when needed; I suspect that these would be needed in much smaller numbers than awning lamp covers, so one-off production might be the better route here unless there is a clear need for batch production. Whichever route is preferred, several of us - including myself - have good ones that could be used for a pattern; I would be willing to lend for that purpose, and I am sure that so would many others.
When my parents damaged one in the mid-eighties Harringtons of Delamere organised having the replacement made, and I am sure could do so again if required; I know that they still have the contacts because they have much more recently done a comparable job for myself.
Gas Locker Lids
These seldom seem to go missing, although in January 2003 I did in fact once lose one, while towing in gale conditions. Because they are needed so seldom I am sure it is better not to go for remanufacture of a batch, but as and when it becomes necessary on an individual basis they can be reproduced in single numbers from a pattern, and there are enough good ones around in the Group for it to be relatively easy to find one that could be lent for this purpose. There are of course two different designs, the later and more streamlined one being the type where the locker houses the battery as well as the gas cylinders.
When I lost my one, I was able to use the one off the other 'van as a pattern, and again Harringtons of Delamere organised having it made, and they then fitted it. This was an insurance claim, so I don't know the cost.
Comet Chrome Taps
These came in somewhere between 1966 and 1974, I am not sure quite when within this period, and were then fitted as standard to all Safaris from that point onwards. They are now unobtainable, but a few months ago I discovered a source of supply of new taps that appear from the catalogue to be a very close equivalent. It seems worth repeating an extract from the message that I posted at the time:
What appears to be a very similar series of taps is listed in Mailspeed Marine's catalogue of yachting equipment. These are made by Plastimo, who are a long-established and respected manufacturer of yachting equipment, and are described as marine quality chrome on brass.
Surprisingly, for marine-quality fittings, the prices are very similar to those for caravan fittings: ranging from £11.99 for a single (cold water) tap to either £23.99 or £31.99 for a mixer tap (choice of two types available), and £41.99 for a mixer/shower tap.
So far as I can judge from the catalogue photograph they look very similar, although I am sure they will not be identical. There is not enough information to verify the size; one could reasonable expect it to be comparable with ours, but of course comparable is not the same thing as identical.
I have no further information, but for anyone who is looking for taps I think it is worth investigating. Page 162 of their catalogue, under the heading "Chromed Brass Taps". www.mailspeedmarine.com.
Oliver
Awning Lights
For some years now and on more than one 'van I have had problems with the plastic deteriorating, probably due to a combination of age and exposure to sunlight, and eventually breaking down altogether. Currently I see that at least two members are looking for replacements (on the main message board).
It should be possible to commission the remanufacture of a small batch, copied from a pattern, and perhaps we are now strong enough to think in terms of commissioning the remanufacture of vulnerable parts that are unique to Safaris.
At least until my one similarly breaks down I have on my 1980 'van an awning lamp with a cover in good condition, which I would be prepared to lend as a pattern for this purpose if there is enough interest in this idea.
Wheel Spats
These, which were used on later models (1979 onwards), are vulnerable to occasional road damage, and may on occasion be missing when a 'van changes hands. We know that Brian at least was recently looking for a pair.
Again it it possible to have them made from a pattern, and if there is enough interest it might be worth commissioning remanufacture of a small batch. Alternatively they can be made on an individual basis, as and when needed; I suspect that these would be needed in much smaller numbers than awning lamp covers, so one-off production might be the better route here unless there is a clear need for batch production. Whichever route is preferred, several of us - including myself - have good ones that could be used for a pattern; I would be willing to lend for that purpose, and I am sure that so would many others.
When my parents damaged one in the mid-eighties Harringtons of Delamere organised having the replacement made, and I am sure could do so again if required; I know that they still have the contacts because they have much more recently done a comparable job for myself.
Gas Locker Lids
These seldom seem to go missing, although in January 2003 I did in fact once lose one, while towing in gale conditions. Because they are needed so seldom I am sure it is better not to go for remanufacture of a batch, but as and when it becomes necessary on an individual basis they can be reproduced in single numbers from a pattern, and there are enough good ones around in the Group for it to be relatively easy to find one that could be lent for this purpose. There are of course two different designs, the later and more streamlined one being the type where the locker houses the battery as well as the gas cylinders.
When I lost my one, I was able to use the one off the other 'van as a pattern, and again Harringtons of Delamere organised having it made, and they then fitted it. This was an insurance claim, so I don't know the cost.
Comet Chrome Taps
These came in somewhere between 1966 and 1974, I am not sure quite when within this period, and were then fitted as standard to all Safaris from that point onwards. They are now unobtainable, but a few months ago I discovered a source of supply of new taps that appear from the catalogue to be a very close equivalent. It seems worth repeating an extract from the message that I posted at the time:
What appears to be a very similar series of taps is listed in Mailspeed Marine's catalogue of yachting equipment. These are made by Plastimo, who are a long-established and respected manufacturer of yachting equipment, and are described as marine quality chrome on brass.
Surprisingly, for marine-quality fittings, the prices are very similar to those for caravan fittings: ranging from £11.99 for a single (cold water) tap to either £23.99 or £31.99 for a mixer tap (choice of two types available), and £41.99 for a mixer/shower tap.
So far as I can judge from the catalogue photograph they look very similar, although I am sure they will not be identical. There is not enough information to verify the size; one could reasonable expect it to be comparable with ours, but of course comparable is not the same thing as identical.
I have no further information, but for anyone who is looking for taps I think it is worth investigating. Page 162 of their catalogue, under the heading "Chromed Brass Taps". www.mailspeedmarine.com.
Oliver