Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[zorushf]

I've got a couple of caravans within my family that we need to do stuff to and I want to pick your collective brains if that's OK!

Firstly I've got a Carlight Casalette '72 which is in fairly good nick. My two bugbears are that the fridge needs replacing and we're told by Carlight that they are fairly tough to get hold of. Any ideas about how to source one? Very aware I've got no chance of tracking one down easily. Also, we have found out that the two singles do not join to make a double bed - can anyone think of any workarounds that aren't just my 'get a bit of wood and some cushions down the middle' type idea?

Secondly we've got a bigger project in the shape of a 1967 Safari 15-4. There's a couple of bits of interior woodwork we need to replace that damp has got into which isn't scaring us too much, but the outside needs to be fully prepared and repainted. Any tips on painting? Also, the rounded glass in the door has been broken along with a standard door lock (i.e. from a house) put in - I'm thinking we just need to fill the hole they've made and stick the old lock in with a new barrel. Am I being too optimistic?! We also need to either restick or renew the formica edging in the kitchen but I'm not sure how easily this can be sourced. Last thing is putting in 230v electrics...

After putting all that I've now decided we've got way more of a job on our hands!

[Onlyrwd]

Hi and welcome, Good to see another 60's Safari, wouldnt be Zoesafari would you

Would like to see some photos of the layout as not many Safaris are 4 berth now most seem to be 2.

As for repair parts, might be struggling unless you are lucky enough to find someone breaking one. Cant comment on the Carlight fridge as I dont know what they were like...
_________________
Mick


78 Cavalier GL
78 Manta Berlinetta

67/68 Thomson Glenelg WANTED

[Dalek63]

Fridge : If you look in the yellow pages you will most likely find a refrigerant company that will re-gas your fridge and get it working. That's what is usually wrong, the chemical refrigerant leaks and needs to be replaced with new and re-pressurised.

Bunks: That model of Carlight should have movable bunks, so that they did join to make a double. Are your original or have they been altered. If not, then i think the work involved and the loss of originality might make it better to keep it as is.

Painting: If the paint is sound, just rub down with wet and dry paper and repaint with undercoat and top gloss. Acrylic is nice and flexible paint. If the paintwork is really rough and peeling, best thing to do is strip it off and start from bare metal. Use an etching primer so the paint bonds to the Ali. If you don't use etching primer it will not bond and you will have it peeling off in sheets.
_________________
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/

[zorushf]

Mick, yep I'm Zoesafari75 on the Safari forum. How did you guess?

I'll whack pics on when I'm back home. At least they are now off the phone and on my PC - halfway there. The layout is that you have the two front bunks and then to the side you have one bed with a bunk above. We didn't have the bunk come with the van so it's really a three berth - I'm slightly concerned about reviving a fourth bunk in case the van won't hold the weight, she's now an old lady...

Dalek - thanks for your help, the fridge door is knackered and split, I think I've found one on eBay as a replacement. We also have a donor caravan but I think the fridge from that needs to go into the Castleton. I then think it's time to get them re-gased as I very much doubt they'll just work. If only.

"Bunks: That model of Carlight should have movable bunks, so that they did join to make a double. Are your original or have they been altered. If not, then i think the work involved and the loss of originality might make it better to keep it as is." - The Casalette in terms of bunks looks on the original brochure to have two single bunks, with the Casetta having the two bunks that move together in the way you describe. I need to find another Casalette owner to check as it seems odd to just have two singles.

Painting: If the paint is sound, just rub down with wet and dry paper and repaint with undercoat and top gloss. Acrylic is nice and flexible paint. If the paintwork is really rough and peeling, best thing to do is strip it off and start from bare metal. Use an etching primer so the paint bonds to the Ali. If you don't use etching primer it will not bond and you will have it peeling off in sheets. - The paint seems to have just worn off exposing bare metal, so I think then former is probably the route. When you say acrylic do you mean something like boat paint? I've found loads of conflicting advice, some saying boat paint, some saying Hammerite, others saying car paint and spraying! I was planning on using a roller and a brush in tandem. It's the paint job that is freaking me out the most to be honest!

[Dalek63]

Painting can be worrying, Acrylic has to be sprayed and I must say for me that's the only way to get a good finish, as per original. If you brush or roller paint that you need brushing enamel, ask any paint supplier and he will know what to supply. This gives very good coverage and a good gloss. Its made so that due to its formula the brush marks blend as it dries and leaves a smooth surface. I've not yet come across any other paint that can be brushed and still has a finish nearly as good as spraying.
_________________
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/

[gresham flyer]

Hello,
We have a Carlight Caselette.
The beds do not make into a double.
The only way to make it into a double bed is to construct side supports as per most caravans, alongside the bed bunks.Then most caravans use a combination of the table and perhaps another support to form the bed base.
Cushions would then need to fit along the middle between the existing seat cushions.
We have never bothered with all this parlava,I much prefer my own bunk which I hasten to add pulls out away from the side wall making it a bit wider.
As for paintwork......would you hand paint your 1960`s/1970`s Classic Car?
The Carlights are a popular caravan and a good investment for the future,restore it correctly and you would have no problem selling it in the forthcoming years for a profit.!!!
Gresham

[zorushf]

Thanks for confirming what I suspected. The paintwork on the Carlight is pretty good so it's polished up beautifully - it's the Safari that definitely needs the paint job. So the acrylic paint can be sprayed? I've got access to a compressor. I'm also more than a bit nervous about cocking up a spray paint job. Any tips on that score? Thanks.

[gresham flyer]

Go and watch an experienced paintsprayer.Or better still give him a hand to prepare a vehicle.
It is the only way to learn.
Have a lot of patience.
Also you need a good environment to spray a caravan,it is a big item.

30 years ago I used to go every evening and weekend and help prepare a classic vehicle I had restored get ready for a respray,I learnt so much from the paintman that at the end of the project they offered me a job.....but at the time I did not take it.
The vehicle still looks good after all those years,testament to a good job done.
Remember ...anyone can spray a vehicle to a fashion....its the preparation that takes about 95% of the time, do not rush it and get bored doing it,if you can feel any inperfections you will see it,that is what I was told by by mentor.
Gresham

[zorushf]

I've spent practically all of yesterday doing the first lot of sanding. Using the shutting eyes then trying to feel imperfections route. Apart from areas where the paint has flaked off it's not too bad - everything seems fairly solid and straight. Got to start filling the odd dink here and there. Hope I don't muck up my first caravan paint job

[gresham flyer]

That is alright,at least it is only an old Safari.
You can practice on that first.

Good job your not going to do the Carlight at the moment,as a superior van they deserve a professional finish.

Gresham

[zorushf]

I love the Safari! If I wreck it I'll be inconsolable - it'll be a good looking van! There aren't that many 60's four berths about either...