1963 Bluebird

[jabbo]

Aswell as trying to sort my camper (Clicky), and my sofa (Clicky2) I've also got the task of trying to restore my girlfriend's 1963 Bluebird caravan to look forward to. Basically, my girlfriend's always been into her vintage caravans and when this came up on eBay last week it seemed too good (and cheap) to miss.

So a cheeky bid and a trip down to Bognor this weekend resulted in this in her front garden;










It's not been used for 16 years (apart from as a shed) and needs a hell of a lot of work, but it is structurally sound apart form the small bit of rot shown.

Plans include a full overhaul and a return to stock condition, on a budget of £200. Way cheaper than a camper! ;D

[arthurbrown]

traveller.

[jabbo]

arthurbrown said:

traveller.

I knew you'd have something to say on the matter. ;D

[qwerty]

ARRRR int it cute! Will look good (as far as a caravan can) when its done.

[street]

How cool! I'd quite like to have a go at restoring something like that myself.

[autohausdolby]

Cool!

[grizz]

I like, if not for the idea, then for having a nice woodwork project.

[skoda_norman]

that looks great. i love old caravans like this.

[Deleted]

That is such a wicked van! More moss needed.

[surprisingskoda]

SLUMBERRIDE NOT DRAFT SKYLIGHT ETC

[xbo11ox]

Looks bloody awful! Travelodge for me please. Respect!

[reanimation]

Yeah respect Its an unusual old thing, but on this occasion, rather you than me, i have hit my quota of grimey old projects!

[the_munkeh]

on the caravan theme someone I know bought an old van recently and found these pictures stashed inside, scanned them in and voi la.

retro motoring caravan club style.

www.easthantscentre.org.uk/Pcitures/photographs/Old%20Caravans%20&%20Rallies/Early%20Caravans%20&%20Caravan%20Club%20Rallies.swf

hmm that doenst appear to be work, but the link is on this page

www.easthantscentre.org.uk/Pcitures/photographs/Old%20Caravans%20&%20Rallies/Introduction%20page.htm

(if you click on the control menu you can flick through them quicker)

[skoda_norman]

those photos are unreal

[BenzBoy]

Cool! Love the colours! What PCD is it?

[jabbo]

Seems the jury is out on this one. Some love it, some hate it. ;D

benzboy said:

Cool! Love the colours! What PCD is it?

4x108. Which is Ford fitment if memory serves correctly.

[Thrasher]

Any updates mate ?

Hmm, lotus cortina steelies and associated hubcaps ?

[Ether]

Looks great to me! What are your plans inside?

[jabbo]

SWMBO seems pretty intent on keeping the stock wheels, so I guess that's the way we'll be going. Especially since I just bought a new pair of 155/15s for them (what a pain in the ar$e they are to get hold of cheaply!).

With regard to the interior it's staying the same configuration. I'll rip out all the units and sand them and revarnish them to make them like new. All the interior walls need to come out too and the timbers need to be rebuilt as there's a load of rot and woodworm in there.

I've not started work as of yet (except getting parts), I've got to do an engine swap in one of our campers, fit a new bathroom and finish building my Ghia sofa first! Should hopefully start on it in a couple of weeks.

[BenzBoy]

As much as I dislike caravans and encountering them on the road, I'd love that! And doing it all up would be great!
Cortina steels is a bloody great idea!