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A going Concern

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:09 am
by Drew
Hi Everyone

Recently joined.

The fore mentioned going Concern is a Oct 1971 IIA Mini Carawagon
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It is a long way Sth from its original home in Queensland - now enjoying the robust SWs of Bass Strait
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Not sure if it is already here - it was purchased from a gentleman named Harry who had put in most of the hard yakka in for a running gear & bulkhead resto - I just had to put it back together - Many thanks to Harry for wonderfully labeled plastic bags that contained all the parts - A man of his word.
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No repairs in general, just install of parts on my part - engine bay had motor - everything else need to be installed.
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Did have to spend a little bit of time on elec side - but worth it to get it back to factor ish
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Came with original tool kit - some tools suspect, including camera mount - hand crank, owners manual & brochure
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Took 2mths from putting on a truck from QLD to Victoria to get it roadworthy and registered.
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Has a good motor and will do the Land Rover version of folding space - 60mph - quite loud - but worth it to surprise 110 < drivers
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Re: A going Concern

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 1:41 pm
by DrivingDutchman
Welcome...

What a fine looking motor. I'm sure you are going to have wonderful camping trips in that one...
:gold:

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 2:30 pm
by RMS
Hi and welcome,

That's a very nice vehicle. :cheers:

It's good to see one with the original furniture and sink as well.

Hope you get some good use out of it and I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of it on outback camps.

Cheers,
Robin.

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 4:33 pm
by gossamer
Very nice.

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 12:26 am
by samc88
That is really cool! Never seen an 88" Carawagon before. I want to make my 88" more "camping friendly" and may end up doing something similar(although keeping both rear bench seats and with a fold down table on the back door) but not sure yet.

What is there instead of the internal bulkhead?

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 7:59 am
by Drew
The internal bulkhead is still there - it has been modified to approx half its original height.

The pic shows modification of the bulk head behind drivers seat.

I am still always pleasantly surprised with the quality of the cabinetry & metal work that was performed by Searle - on this 88 anyway.

Yet I am but a babe in woods when it comes Carawagons so I could be starting from a low base.

A question for all - Was the quality of the builds by Searle standard or could you tell if yours was put together just before & after a Bank holiday.
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Re: A going Concern

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 12:56 pm
by wagoner
Hi what a cracker, simply superb,the finish inside just makes you want to spend time in them ,I,m sure you,ll.love it if not sell me it, have fun trev

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 10:14 pm
by samc88
Thanks for the info regarding the bulkhead. I fancy making something similar to my 88" although having a bed both sides instead of the cabinet so i can still seat 7 people.

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:17 pm
by woollen797
Now there is a thought having the bed at both sides

Re: A going Concern

Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 9:08 pm
by samc88
I believe the Searle Safari had the twin bed layout, although that had a bulkhead bar.

How rigid is the carawagon set up without a bulkhead bar? Also what holds the seat backs up?