Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[bayleaf-123]

Hi everybody. I have to admit I am a very occasional member, although I do have an interest in all things wheeled. My main interest lies with old caravans .I have at the moment a 1948 WESSEX Fold a van requiring extensive restoration.For those of you who would have an interest, I purchased the van from e.bay with restoration included, from a caravan company called xxxx. Becoming involved with this company was probably the worst decision I have made in my life. When I was, after prompting,replied to , It was often a tissue of lies. I was sent photographs occasionally of work done, but eventually I was so disgusted with the work I demanded the caravan be delivered to my home. Once in my posession I could see clearly the shoddy workmanship.Amazingly though, if you look up xxxx restoration, you will see the ongoing restoration of the caravan which has been for some time in my garage in Welling Kent ! Are any laws broken here ?

[no specifics, thanks, RJ, Admin.]

[Keef]

[ukdave2002]

[Dalek63]

I've had a look at the photo's on the company site and they certainly have done a LOT of work on the caravan. But the photo's aren't detailed enough to make a judgement on the workmanship, I think.
The only thing I would say is, to put in the carpet at the stage they did, then continue to build the caravan does seem to be worrying.
The way to go is to get an independent person, maybe another restorer to have a look at it . Give you a report on the condition, workmanship etc. But as was said you get what you pay for, so if the job was not expensive then you cant expect 100% attention to every detail. The law states any work done must render the item “ fit for purpose” . Unfortunately in this case that would mean, fit to use as a caravan, not restored as new.
Did you have a contract in writing, if so it depends on what you signed up for, if you have a case or not. If you only had a verbal contract then unless you have a witness to confirm what it was, then unless its not fit for purpose you may not be able to do anything.
Your best bets are to go to a solicitor, most will give you a free hour at the first meeting. Then you will get some idea of where you stand or go to Trading Standards, if they think there is a possible case they will investigate it on your behalf.
_________________
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/

[Rick]

No specific company names, thanks.

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
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[david_rachel]

Many years ago I had a similar issue with a car. I got solicitors involved and paid for an RAC report which slammed the restoration. I also did something about the false advertising claims of the company in question.

Here's the bottom line. If you view winning as being a financial matter, you won't win! The more you fight the more it will cost you, any win will be purely in terms of principle, and that will cost you thousands - I speak from experience. My advice, take it or leave it, is to walk away, forget the episode and start afresh with your caravan. I'm sure that's not what you want to hear but it's what I would do now.
_________________
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

[Uncle Alec]

Hi Bayleaf. Welcome.
I had a Wessex Craftsman (1954) for years; loved it, many good holidays in it.

[gresham flyer]

What seems to have happened here is that you have purchased the work and put money in their pockets through buying the caravan that the company knew was a non starter in the first place.

Its a bit like me buying in a classic car that I know full well will not achieve a return for me after all my hard work and the purchase of materials.

So what do I do... sell the work to someone who will pay me to carry out the required repairs...win win situation.

As with anything you have carried out by a third party,have a good look at what these so called expert restoration companies carry out, are they working in efficient well organised premises,do people speak highly of them.?
In classic car and vintage caravan club circles the good guys always stand out at events with their quality exhibits,good nature and willing attitude to carry out a good job at a very fair price, the shady ones are always full of mouth and trousers and never quite finish things off or best of all never turn up with anything of any worth.

You can see some quality restorations carried out on cars,motorcycles,caravans,bicycles etc on this forum site....you are best speaking to some of these people..at least they know what they are doing.



Gresham Flyer

[bayleaf-123]

Hi, everybody. Firstly, I have to apologise for not replying sooner. I had a mini stroke last May and my memory is shot. Many thanks for the replies and the interest in the subject.There are a great many ideas and opinions published, all of them correct. The suggestion that I edit my posts is valid which is why I did take professional advice on this matter before using the name of the seller/restorer, I was assured that there is nothing here that breaks the law.For myself, as I had received a legacy which prompted me to look for a caravan for restoration for my usage only, then having found one which swiftly became a nightmare, I took it upon myself to save what I could for posterity. In other words, I took the loss, even though it meant more expense to release the goods. Under the law, the public sale with offers of restoration included in the price constitutes a contract. I had a good case, but was advised that the lawyers on both sides stood to make money from the two parties, whereas at the end of the case I would still have to do the restoration myself. I have already done three and was hoping to avoid this one ! It turned out expensive but from the state it was left in when it was eventually delivered, it may possibly have been scrapped. I shall start this spring, and hope to have many weeks in it, annually, displaying it at various rallies. My reason for the original post was to advise others to be aware of this company, but should any body be interested I can supply all details, privately, by post. Meanwhile, if any body knows of one of these and could offer information or advice , It would be gratefully received. At the early stages of this disappointing project, the caravan owner started sending detailed 'photo's of the strip down, and found info of the now defunct company. He even found an original advert. Regrettably I only received the 'van and nothing else. I have been busy since the stroke and as yet have not examined the 'van carefully. I cannot see the original cooker which was in the sale 'photo's. I did meet a nonogenarian who insisted I come to his house and pick up what he had left after he dismantled the crashed remains of his 'van to make a car trailer. All the paper was stuck into a rotting lump, but I am the proud possessor of a bracket and 1 1/2" tow cup plus brake rods and matching tow ball. Apparently, some dealers offered a service where they removed existing tow parts and fitted 2" ball and coupling, which I have at the moment on the front of the 'van. This was used to tow the 'van from Exeter on a 50mm ball. The law does not recognise the similarity between 2" and 50mm ! I have waffled enough, thank you all once again, I shall keep you informed. bayleaf