Naturally , returning the layout to its original state was one of the first orders of business .
However , it ’ s not as though the original plans for this van were still available . In order to restore this 65 Coronet Princess to its factory state required countless hours of research . Among the tasks : sourcing old advertising material and brochures , and literally using a magnifying on those grainy black and white images .
And if that wasn ’ t difficult enough , he then had to source the many various components he ’ d require . The goal was to always replace damaged parts with original or replica parts . However , when that wasn ’ t possible , Andrew had no choice but to settle for something that was as close to the original look as possible .
I checked out the progress on the restoration when it was partially complete , and I couldn ’ t wipe the smile off my face – it was clear that Andrew had risen to the challenge . The caravan was looking … mint .
In some cases , Andrew was unable to source timber of the correct thickness . For example , a piece of hardwood under the front window had to be re-milled by Andrew down to original thickness . Returning the layout to its original twin single-bed arrangement also required remilling some timber .
This is the stove that came with the van when Andrew acquired it .
The Coronet Princess , pictured here in her half-restored state .
46 \