RV FEATURE
A true restoration has to be a labour of love. Otherwise, the temptation to swap old parts for new would be too much. At least, it would be for me. But detail pieces, such as the original clock inside the van, the light fixtures and cupboard catches were painstakingly given a second lease on life.
Sure, there were some items that didn’ t make it, and genuine replacement parts weren’ t available, but in those instances, new parts were chosen very carefully to ensure the match was as close as possible.
A portable toilet inside the ' combo ' bathroom.
Finally, what would you guess this van weighed? 2800kg? 3200kg? In fact, despite its size, it weighs about 1700kg! Some of the weight savings come from how this van was built. Believe it or not but it contains no traditional frame, except around apertures such as doors and windows. The walls are a structural sandwich panel comprised of external aluminium and internal ply, while the‘ filling’ is polystyrene foam.
As for his next project, Andrew has started work on a 1976 Statesman caravan, while also working on an old Don. Meanwhile, I have asked him to restore a DeLorean. Sure, they’ re apparently pigs to drive … but there’ s something about them that appeals to the little boy in me. You might even say they take me … back in time.
So what do you think? Could you see yourself travelling Australia with this restored beast on the back of your car? Write to info @ gorv. com. au to let us know what you think of Andrew Phillips’ latest labour of love.
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