Hey from Carlisle

[RMS]

Hi Dan,

Well done - almost a bona fide member now

Hope it all goes ok - looking forward to pictures

I think AlexB and Mick (Jabbawocky) have both made their own wardrobes using zintec or similar, to the original spec, so perhaps one of those two can send you the dimensions for you to make one up or have one made?

Cheers,
Robin.

PS. Now got the Carawagon body and 109 at home, so just need to pick up the chassis and find a few months for mine to come together

[jerryd]

Thanks Patrick, deal agreed but always nervous until the exchange of vehicle and monies!! Seriously though, the wardrobe is missing (got left somewhere years ago apparently), any ideas on an affordable alternative?

Hi Dan,
I've made my wardrobe unit out of mdf, sealed all edges etc. before spraying with hammertone paint to match sink unit etc. I also made it larger than standard so that a waeco fridge would fit inside.
My dormobile was fitted with the fridge stand / fridge when new, but it was completely #^**#ered when I purchased vehicle, as I couldn't afford $900.00 to get a new one shipped out I thought I'd make one. I'm happy with the result and have had no issues with damp etc. the other good point is that it doesn't rattle

Here's a pic of the near completed item

[DanC]

Thanks for that, MDF, is that not quite heavy in comparison to the original wardrobe?

[jerryd]

I used 12mm mdf so I think the weight wouldn't be much different to the metal wardrobe, you just have to be careful during construction and remember to pre drill boards before assembly. Once glued and screwed together it becomes a strong structure.

[DanC]

Well, Thursday is the day I collect 'the wagon'... 1963 Dormobile, all original except for the missing wardrobe and what appears to be an S3 dormatic drivers seat (all original as in curtains, roof rack, ashtray, manuals...). This wagon has been in the same family since it came off the production line, so is effectively a 1 owner vehicle. It is a 2.25 petrol and has done circa 90,000 miles from new, has sat for a couple of years due to the passing of the last custodian, but is solid so shouldn't need any welding for MOT.

I will post pictures on collection next week, this is going into storage briefly whilst I finish rebuilding my 88" so that I can garage it when I am not using it. Next year it will be coming to Europe for 3-4 weeks as I am going to drive down to Italy and come back via the Series 2 Club International in Kent, I will post dates nearer the time in case anyone wants to meet up for stints of the journey. The intention is to keep her as a 2.25 and maintain the originality (hell its only money... ).

Dan

[DanC]

OK... I collected her today First view goes to this forum!

Good points - Solid, engine ticks over nicely, electrics work (original dynamo!!), canopy in good condition, bunks in excellent condition, brakes work fine, has the cooker and sink, most of the dormatic seats, interior light with paperwork! Original owners manuals, original Dormobile instructions (typed)! Some great history including a letter form the LR technical department in 1966, original Dormobile roofrack and ashtray! Table present and works, tidy interior panels and headlining, nice patina...

Bad..

Looks like the drivers seat is non-dormatic, can someone post a pic of a genuine one please? Wardrobe missing, exhaust blowing, tyres shot, tiny bit of rust on one door piller and a little bit at the base of the doors, seats getting a bit brittle with age, rear crankseal leak (although it has not run for 3 years so could be a little dry!!!, started first time and brakes are spot on), needs a good clean, slight crack in roof ventilation window and the seals are a bit shot at same...

All in all, I am well happy, still have no idea what age it is, paperwork coming tomorrow! Number plate not staying with vehicle, part of deal is that it gets transferred back, it has been in the same family from new and they want to keep it for sentimental reasons (which is fine)....

Biggest thanks goes to my mate David Kirk for towing it back from the Central Belt!

[RMS]

That looks really good Dan - perfect patina

You must be very pleased

[DanC]

I am mate, absolutely chuffed... She is a beauty, real timewarp vehicle... Interesting branding, no Dormobile stuff on the front wings, just the bit of trim you can see, there is a small metal plate just under the station wagon badge saying genuine Marting Walters Conversion, it is quite faded, but that is it...

[andyp]

Dan,
Congratulations, looks a really smart motor and i'm sure you'll be able to address the "Bad " points. One previous owner, excelent. I live about twenty miles from Carlisle but i'm working abroad till next April. I'll get in touch when I return and hopefully meet up for a chat.
Well done again.
Andy

[catnap]

[quote="DanC"]

Dormy roof up.jpg

I like the period roofrack ^
Red and white stripe canvas - a Sunderland supporter ?
any interior shots ?

Ian