Old '72 York Caravan reno

[twocutekelpies]

I got an email last night from Workshop with a few Caravan reno threads so thought I'd add a thread of my own now that I've made a bit of progress on it. I've been working on this little 10ft York caravan for just over a year, mostly just me but hubby helps with the mechanical side (he also rebuilt the chassis as he's a boily) and if I need a second pair of hands like when I put the ceiling up.

I don't have a trade, I am self taught and follow a lot of other renos on FB and Instagram. The only tradie I will get in will be the electrician to hook up a few power points and add a safety switch, I won't be fitting gas so no need for a fitter. 

You'll see many items in the below photos from Bunnings, I almost live there.

           

                          

This is where I'm up to now and will post more photos as I get the next stages done. Hope you like it

[Jason]

Fantastic work @twocutekelpies, many thanks for sharing your first project on the site. 

I'm sure our growing cohort of caravan renovators and the rest of the Workshop community will really enjoy seeing your progress. Let me tag @Peggers as I know he will be particularly keen to see your handiwork. 

Jason

[twocutekelpies]

Thanks Jason

I'm loving the challenges she's throwing at me. Admittedly this is my second caravan reno, the first was a 23ft Viscount which was also a full gut and rebuild but nowhere near to this extent.

Cheers

Shelley

[Jason]

Awesome Shelley (@twocutekelpies). Would love to see photos of your Viscount project if you've got any. 

I assume you've seen Rob's How to renovate a caravan series (although you might be too advanced for it!) and some of his projects on the site? I love his Kerouac-themed van.

Jason

[twocutekelpies]

I have seen his threads, very nice work

I completed this one 3 years ago and it took me about 16mths as I wasn't working at the time and had a lot to learn. I sold it shortly after and bought a smaller Viscount, that one is still a work in progress.

Before and after painting Complete reseal done after painting  Pre-reno, looks great but a lot of water damage around windows, bottom corners, around hatches etc   I removed all of the interior lining, something I wouldn't recommend for a sandwich panel caravan knowing what I know now. Old vinyl floor also taken up in strips

   I built an island bed with gas struts and porta potti drawer (for storing only)    I made all 35 cupboard doors and drawer fronts

There was originally 2 single beds at the front so I built them back in with an option to change to an eastwest double if required. The middle cupboard has a hinged top so can still be accessed when the bed is across. I did all the upholstery too.

[redracer01]

This is so beautiful. I want to do one so badly but have no space in my backyard.

[Kermit]

Wow, that photo of the rust and all the things living in the old van is amazing @twocutekelpies!  

Looking forward to seeing how it comes together. 

[twocutekelpies]

Thanks @redracer01 and @Kermit 

           Treasure found in amongst the thick layer of mouse and roach poo in the overhead cupboards   While we had the chassis off, these guys took up temporary residence on a shelf.   The mess in the ceiling from the mice, there was also evidence a snake had been living in there.

[Shelby]

Wow this is so amazing @twocutekelpies well done and I can't wait to see how it ends up!!

[twocutekelpies]

I still have a few things to build, ie kitchen bench area, bedside cupboard, table etc but who can resist a good sale? I went to Spotlight yesterday and picked out my cushion and curtain materials, fabric choices are not my strong suit but the staff were very helpful so I was in and out of there pretty quickly. And the best part was, they were both on clearance so I paid $5/m for great quality fabric!