Hi from The Malverns

[Deleted]

Hi Safari Enthusiasts
We have owned a 1979 12/2 since about 1987. I bought her from someone who had her standing on their drive for a couple of years. I was chuffed to bits as my father-in-law owned one when I was a teenager and I thought the Safari had real character. Our first outing was to our favourite site near Coverack on the Lizard. After 3 days of Mediterranean weather we had a rainstorm and woke up to find all the curtains wet. The sealant had cracked and the damage was done. Fortunately I was able to move to an empty barn and returned for the next three weekends after the holiday to strip and reseal. Apart from the perforating roof, which is dotted with blobs of sealant, she’s still holding.
I’ve overhauled the braking system and lighting, etc, but each year I wonder will this be the last trip. Suspension and overrun damper are a worry so she will be up for grabs as soon as I can find an Elddis Xplore or the new Bailey Orion at the right price.
I will miss her and her admirers but not for a while yet.
Attached Photo (I hope) The bondage look is prior to installing the winter cover that rubbed some paint off when first used.
Rich & Jill, The Malverns
PS Brian – I think I was an MSN group member.

Attachments:

[Brian M]

Hi Rich and Jill and welcome to the group.

First my usual plea for your serial number if it isn't yet on the database.

Secondly - how can you even think of swapping a Safari in need of a little bit of work for a modern caravan where the interest on the purchase price wil be more than the restoration costs?!

Give your Safari the love it deserves.

I can't identify you from my old lists of MSN members but have several Richs on the list!

[Deleted]

Hi Brian
1 - I will note the serial number when I take her out for a test tow. You shall have it.

2.1 - My lady would like a shower and a loo.

2.2 - I don't know how to assess the integrity of the suspension springs, shock's, rubber bushes, etc. I worry about having a failure on the road causing a bad accident. I have considered taking her to the mechanic I use for my car but I imagine that new parts would be difficult to get anyway. Although the lights and brakes are now in good order I doubt she would pass an MOT for caravans.
We will be very sad to part with her but thanks to the Classic Safari Group we know she would find a good home. Anyway, it won’t be for a while. She will have to keep towing until we find a suitable second hand Elddis Xplore or similar. We hate triple front windows and are pleased to see the return of single picture windows. Most shower constructions seem very poor but the one in the Elddis looks pretty good. Sorry, I don’t expect you want to hear any more about modern characterless cans on wheels.

3 - If you want to identify my previous membership of the group I could send you the alternative e-mail address that I used if you e-mail a request to me.

Good to hear from you and thanks for keeping the group going.
All the best
RiCH