1978 2 berth windrush spares repair??

[1978windrush]

my husband wants me to scrap it and turn it into a trailer and I'm so sad about it, I wanted to try and restore it but I can't do it with out help but my husband does not. Want to put time into fixing it up its such a beautiful van I have become attached to her it has most of it original fittings there is a leak from the bay window and it needs resealing and window seals need replacing floor is sound and chassis has surface rust it has the awning too. What am I to do?? Shall I sell bits and peices. Or all in one go? I would like to see someone restore her rather Than scrap her please can anyone help!!!!

[1978windrush]

Right if any one wants any parts please let me know it has oven fridge heater kitchen seats awning table lights fuse board etc and some original glass windows I have pics.

[Margo]

Hi there,

Can you let me know whereabouts you are and what model/size of van you have? If your date is correct then it'll be a Mk1. I am interested but ideally I'd be happier if it can saved. Photos would be useful but if you can't post on here let me know and I'll pass on my email address.

Regards Mark...

[1978windrush]

I am in swansea I can send you some tomorrow by email. and I have it on gumtree swansea under vintage caravan loads of pics on there.

[Margo]

Hi there, I’ve just looked at the photos on Gumtree and your van is older than 1978. This of course isn’t a bad thing because the older the van the more desirable it becomes. It is difficult to place it exactly because of the mixture of glass and plastic windows but in either case it is no later than 1976. I suspect it entered this world with glass windows thus it could be as early as 1973/74.

It looks like an 11/2 so very lightweight which will interest the retro car scene. Caravans of this era are enjoying a renaissance so values will surely climb – just look at the money lesser quality caravans are making on that popular auction site let alone desirable brands. I think the early model Windrush will eventually become very sort after because of its shape plus it is much better quality and higher spec than a lot of the regular brands.

Is it worth saving – hell yes, the damage doesn’t look too bad and to be honest I doubt there are many caravans of that age that don’t have it. The area concerned is a common repair but understandably daunting to the unsuspecting; it isn’t if you know anything about old caravans and if you are a bit handy with a saw and screwdriver

Good luck…

[1978windrush]

:)Thanks for the reply it is very encouraging and has given me a bit of a boost to repair it, it does seem very daunting though and my husband is not to happy, I think hes just a bit shy of hard work. I can really imagine it when all the works done I could do most of it myself I think.

Time will tell I suppose but I dont want it to be scrapped thats for sure and as you say theres not much really wrong with it, nothing major that cant be fixed.

Thanks again

Julie

[Margo]

This might encourage your husband – I have an acquaintance on a different classic caravan forum who salvaged what looked like quite a rough and unloved caravan. He rebuilt the front which was way worse than yours together with other areas. He sold it last week for just shy of three grand.
No, you can never recover the time if you put it in to monetary terms but the level of satisfaction surely outweighs the negatives. He might also want to consider the amount of “house points” he will earn if he did restore it for you

Good luck Mark...

[1978windrush]

Hi, just to let you know I started work on the van today I cleared out all what I didn't need at present like the seating frames etc. and a friend has offered to help which is great ;D lots of work to do. I have the serial number is there any way i can check the date or get any information on it?

[Margo]

That's good news. I'm afraid there is very little information available for the Windrush. The serial number would id your van and of course date it, but unfortunately no known records seem to exist so it is of little use. I was able to date mine from the chassis number by someone in the know on a different forum. The chassis number can be found on the A frame under the right hand front body behind the corner steady. Rumour has that hand written references and stickers appear in all sorts of places so if you see anything while dismantling your van make sure you note them. I have created a draft timeline for the MK1 Windrush compiled from dozens of photographs and vans that I have seen. I'm also trying to source owners manuals for each year which will verify what I have done so far and eventually I'll host it all on my website.

Good luck

[cvantlc]

Hi 1978windrush,. Glad you saw sense to repair your van, Just remember that when you have started to dismantle the affected area, It will look like a nightmare, this is not true, as someone tried to put you off with this idea elsewhere......Just take your time to do the job bit by bit, no rush, and do the job properly, There are many people in the club to help you. I'd show you what water damage really is if i could post pics, but i don't know how to yet. But all has been repaired, and was enjoyable to do so. You will look back in time to come, and will be please you saved your beloved little van. Also you will say to yourself........" I Did that"!