andyp
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by andyp on Nov 26, 2008 0:53:34 GMT
Hi. I just acquired a Safari in need of much TLC and a great deal of restoration (missing rear window and very damp inside). Not sure which model it is - but it's big! I rescued it from being scrapped - when I saw the lines of this caravan I couldn't bear to see it being crushed and arranged to tow it. I towed it into my garden tonight and plan to check it over tomorrow, when I will hopefully find out which model it is. I already own a 1976 Swift Minuette in very good condition and would like to restore the Safari over the winter months. Chances are I'll need lots of advice and maybe some help sourcing spares (like the missing back window).I've never restored a caravan before and would have never considered doing so until seeing the Safari. Cheers, Andy.
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Post by Brian M on Nov 26, 2008 8:20:29 GMT
A big welcome to you Andy. I am still in the process of moving the messages from our old location so, for technical info I suggest you continue to look here: groups.msn.com/ClassicSafariCaravanEnthusiasts/messages.msnwTo identify your Safari, you could either post some pics here, or have a look at our photo albums on webshots and let me know the reference number of the photo that is closest to your safari and I can give you the details. Also if yours still has a serial number (on a plate by the door) the first two digits will provide the year of manufacture. I have broken three safaris and have a lot of spares, so if we can identify yours I can let you know what I have for your Safari Good luck with your restoration.
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andyp
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by andyp on Nov 27, 2008 12:53:26 GMT
Hi Brian,
I've had a chance to give the Safari a good look over (apart from the chassis).
It needs a lot!
There is damp at the front at both sides, roof panels hanging off inside due to water damage, missing rear window, damp on the lower half of the door, evidence of water ingress inside the wardrobe and damp in the rear bedroom at both sides. There is also mould on the wall inside the glass cabinet (which still has the original Safari glasses in it). There's more little patches of damp elsewhere as well as some nice holes in roof at the back wher the person who broke the window had some fun with an axe.
The roof panel above the kitchen appears to be a little bit 'bouncy' - I can see the wind moving it!
That said, all the interior fittings appear in good nick and the floor feels solid. It may not be as bad as it looks - I hope, as I have little budget for this job and will have to try and do what I can myself (and have no experience at all).
The manufacturers plate tells me the following:
Model: 17/S Serial No.: 74219 (Does this indicate it was built in 1974?)
I have another question, which is; Will my Fiat Ulysee 2.0 litre turbo diesel tow this van OK?
I've taken loads of pictures which I will post in due course. I washed all the green mould and moss off the outside today and can't see any cause for the damp other than what I assume is poor sealing around joints. I'll attempt to seal anything I can in the hope that this will literally 'stop the rot'.
It's a lovely old caravan and I would like to restore it, if it is feasible.
There is also the question of the gas fittings - I assume there are people who can check the gas system and all the appliances for me.
Thanks for your help.
Best wishes
Andy
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Post by Brian M on Dec 2, 2008 8:07:53 GMT
Andy
Wow - the 17S was the largest, highest specification of all Safaris, so you have the Super de luxe!
The serial number indeed shows that yours is a 1974 model.
The 17S weighs just over 1 ton unladen, and with a few bits and pieces - gas bottle, battery, your personal belongings and food could easily weigh 1.25 tons. A tow car for this weight of caravan must be at least 1.5 tons, so I doubt if your Fiat would be a safe tow car. All the 17 foot Safaris in the group are pulled by larger 4x4's.
Now the really bad news, and I hope this doesn't deflate your obvious enthusiasm.
It is a relatively easy job to unscrew the trim strips, put some flexible caravan sealant under them and screw them down again. Do not use a cheap bathroom type sealant as these go hard and let the water through again. While this will stop more water getting in, it really sounds as if the wooden structure of yours has got severe damp already in it, and the only way is to replace the wooden frame, probably a lot of the interior boarding, especially the ceiling, and the insulation.
I had to do this to the front corners of my 14/2 and have posted the pictures in the photo albums on Webshots.
The solid floor is common to all Safaris, damp doesn't seem to get down that far!
I have a single glazed front window that measures 70inches x 24 inches but this may be too wide for yours.
It sounds as if yours has stood unused for a long time and so all the gas appliances will need checking and possibly the pipework will need replacing. Before using the safari, you should also get the whole system checked either by a Corgi registered gas fitter or a caravan specialist. They need to do a full pressure test to locate any leaks.
You have a lot of work in front of you, but everything is possible, and this group is here to help as we also don't like to see any Safari being scrapped.
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