Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Emma S]

So I am finally shamefully going to let you look at the interior of my Carlight. From the CathKidston comments I am waiting for a pasting, but believe me, it was certainly not the look I am going for nor the look that swayed me into buying her (although I am sure the tat was added to increase saleability)

I know I probably paid a bit OTT but I needed a 4 berth, and due to OH contributing, he would ONLY accept a Carlight.

I have purchased the original fridge and water heater to go back into her. I know the pub style carpet isnt original (under the seats there is a cream coloured carpet with flowers on - still a little on the gaudy side...

so I want to tone it down, but want to keep as many features as possible. I have blinds for every window, but someone please tell me. These ruffles. Above the curtains. Should they be there?




there seem to be a mix of glue and staples holding them on. Underneath there is still good condition laminate bits which go around top of curtains. may take the red down a level??

just to shock you ....



I thought you might like that!!![/img]

[mistericeman]

Personally ....

I would be more inclined with what works for "YOU"

IF you don't like it how it is then change it to how "YOU" like it ...It's your van after all .
I'd rather see a van used and loved (Even if it wasn't to my taste) than picture perfect and preserved in aspic .

Our Cheltenham probably isn't to some folks taste (We have some funky curtains/throws etc) BUT we love it and use it,so if some folks don't like it hey ho .
Don't worry about what others think ...just enjoy it for what it is and use it for what you bought it for .

[Emma S]

Thank you.
I love it for the fact that it is so well built, I apreciate its classic design and the workmanship involved in its original manufacture. I want to put back the bits which have obviously been ripped out and replaced with a modern unit (like the Matsui fridge - will do my OH a good turn, or may go into my campervan conversion)
I also want to maintain and retain the wood laminate - its in good shape.
To me, it needs to retain as much original stuff as possible, but just tone it down a little. I suspect a new carpet in a more subtle colourway might do that in itself.....
have just discovered that the crockery is something rather special too!!
we have bought an old but immaculate Isabella awning in the same dark red and cream, so thats another good thing. We cant wait to use her - the kids adore her - spend hours sitting in there chatting and playing..

[Dalek63]

I am now going to lay down in a quiet dark corner for a while
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

[andyrr1971]

I would second mistericeman in saying do what makes you happy as its your van. For myself I'd just change the carpet and loose a few accessories, I quite like the red seats and to be honest many carlights had horrid upholstery originally in grotty pinks and browns - I guess to suit the often older buyers of the period. The model you have Is a great layout which I loved when I saw the earlier one in the carlight collection the other year.

[Emma S]

I knew it would be a bit much for Dalek!!
I agree. Dont mind the red per se, but the pub carpet. At least no flock wallpaper!!
Probably keeping the Royal Albert crockery, as IS contemporary, but plastic flowers and dancing girls can go, along with Motto cushions and chopping board, betty Boop statue and frilly lampshades.
Italian white oak chic as opposed to Gypsy Rose Lee

[david_rachel]

I too think you should have it totally to your taste; that's what I've done with my Carlight and indeed my classic cars. To my mind the most important thing is you take pleasure from using your caravan, to that end it should simply match your taste.

That said, I totally understand your view point over trying to achieve an original look. My Carlight is by no means original but it certainly looks authentic.....and frilly lampshades are the order of the day!

The ruffles were not standard fitment by Carlight, but Carlight did tailor caravans to customer requirements so it is possible they were fitted in the factory. Have you matched your serial number to the production records which are on the Owner's Club website?

http://www.carlightownersclub.co.uk/serial_numbers.html

Also, Neil who runs now Carlight

http://www.carlight.co.uk/

also worked for the original company in Sleaford and he would certainly know far more than me.
_________________
David Rachel
1972 Triumph 2.5PI Est Royal Blue
1968 MG 1300 Sal Connaught Green
1978 Carlight Casetta
http://carlightrestoration.blogspot.co.uk
1995 Lada Riva 1.5 Est Red

[Emma S]

oooh, thanks David. Just looked it up. It was a 'show model' sold to Goodalls Caravans, and it was sold ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!! how freaky is that!!

[Uncle Alec]

You know what: I rather like it as it is. Maybe a bit girlie (or Gypsy Rose Lee), but I have certainly seen far far worse.
My first old caravan (given to me by one of our dustmen) was a 1940s Raven Mignon. My God! There wasn't an interior - that came with the de luxe model.
You could have some fun in that Carlight Emma - go for it.

[Emma S]

Just been informed that the crockery is something a bit special too - and checking the marks on the back, it's the authentic deal.

[Kelsham]

It's your caravan, use the fittings that please you. As said earlier a bit girly but if you like it leave it as it stands. Main thing is enjoy it.

Regards Kels.

[gillberry]

Our Cheltenham is our everyday caravan and so the things inside are for us to use , also the exterior is not perfect but we make sure it stays water tight . As has been said it's your van so you have in it what you want .
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1968 Volvo Amazon estate (Gracie)
1967 Cheltenham Nyala caravan

[david_rachel]