Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

captinbash · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 79

Newbie to this group, my name is david I am based in Arbroath, Scotland.
I am going down to Manchester tonight to collect a 68 Fiberline Viking.
A restoration project that I hope to complete fairly quickly (famous last words). I hope to be able to glean some usefull information from you all and maybe be able to pass some on as well.

jennybugs · Joined: 13 May 2009 Posts: 47 Location: London UK

Hello!

Looking forward to hopefully seeing a resto thread appear about your caravan Very Happy

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1972 1300A VW Beetle
1971 Bailey Maru caravan
1971 Fiat 500L

Metalkoi · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 26 Location: Suffolk

Another Viking,they seem to be coming out of the woodwork now,can't wait to see some pics

Andy

European Voyager · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 24

Ive got a viking as well , good to see the ranks swelling ! Im not too far from you .

vikingfibreline68 · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 14

Hi, do you have any pics, here is one of mine, it is a 1968 11b, 12 ft 2 birth layout, there are more pics on page 5 of this forum.

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All the best caravans have glass windows

captinbash · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 79

Well I have got the van back from Manchester and it towed very well, as expected though it is in worse condition than advertised with severe damp/rot to the rear window area and similar though not quite as bad to the bottom of the front windows.
The previous owner was an enthusiastic diy (bodger) person so wiring and gas need complete refit.
A few pictures here.
http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/captinbash/BQd8GQmkKGrHgoH-DUEjlLlw8DFBJ5FombK.jpg

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/captinbash/BQd8FDgB2kKGrHgoH-EEjlLlyV66BJ5Feqj.jpg

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/captinbash/08d0_1.jpg

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/captinbash/BQd8KHBGkKGrHgoH-DIEjlLlul7eBJ5GGBU.jpg

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/captinbash/0d0f_1.jpg

I have started to strip out the affected areas but am taking it slowly so as not to do more damage than good. Does anyone recognise the model or know of any sources of parts?

vikingfibreline68 · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 14

Hi, I think your van is later than 68 i'd say it was a 70's van, as for spares it's a matter of keeping your eyes open or improvising, thats what i'm doing.
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All the best caravans have glass windows

captinbash · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 79

I have found a small plate on the chassis and it has the following engraved on it: 2B 72 15cwt I take it that is 2 Berth and 1972 the weight being unladen.
So you are most probably right about it being a 70's van. I need to keep a lookout for a front window and a main rooflight, inless I can just replace the glass? anyone done this before please? All good fun.

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

There is one on ebay in Falkirk going cheap but be quick as it is due to go off soon. It is a 2 berth.
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The Clan Chieftain

RotaryBri · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 465 Location: Warwick

Don't forget the saying 'It will be lovely when its finished'

What is the car seen through the caravan window in the last picture?

Will that be your towcar?
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Keep Torqueing,

RotaryBri

1976 NSU Ro80

captinbash · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 79

I wish it was, it belons to the chap I bought the viking from, a Riley but dont know the model or year. He used the caravan to go to Riley Club events apparently.
I will keep that saying in mind 'It WILL be lovely when its finished' To be repeated at least 50 times a day.

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

The car is a Riley Pathfinder of 1956. He has also sold that. I also have one. I have also sold that (if the bloke ever sends me the promised letter telling me where to deliver it!).
I have had many drunken nights in your new Viking, and one serious injury incident (fortunately not me who was injured).
Good luck with the restoration.
By the way, I am poised ready to email Viking brochure, but need an email address.

captinbash · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 79

What was the serious injury incident? my email address is: dwells01@hotmail.co.uk I would appreciate a copy of the viking brochure if poss. Very Happy

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

It was an alcohol-related stability problem. The Club Drunk became unstable on exiting the caravan; the situation was worsened by an ill-advised attempt to grab him resulting in a pirouette to the ground but with one arm still at a height of about 6ft in the grip of the Club Strongman. Unfortunately the poor chap suffered a bad break and never worked as a lorry driver again.
I am at present locked in mortal combat with my car transporter trailer; once I have returned it to legalityness I will search my extensive archive of period caravan literature and get scanning.