GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #64 | Page 53

RV FEATURE
Andrew will attempt to salvage as many of the original parts as possible , including the drawbar hardware – the van has hydraulic brakes , a couple of weight distribution hitch clamps and a jockey wheel that has seen better days .
The layout is typical . There ’ s a front dinette , an offside kitchen , nearside wardrobe , and a couple of single beds in the rear . Surprisingly , the fridge appears to be in reasonable condition , besides a couple spots of surface rust . Whether it works or not remains to be seen .
There ’ s an old stove beneath the benchtop that will be salvaged , if possible . By and large , the cupboards and doors appear to be in reasonable nick , but the linoleum floor will definitely need to go . In any case , it doesn ’ t appear to be the original lino – Andrew reckons it ’ s from the 1970s .
I didn ’ t inspect the rear beds . Frankly , it was covered with old junk and I wasn ’ t wearing gloves !
So does Andrew have his work cut out for him ? To be honest , I don ’ t think so . The Don Cadet needs some love and attention , yes , and Andrew still needs to get it on the hoist to have a have a proper look , though the chassis appears sound .
Andrew ’ s 1965 Coronet Princess had to be gutted , with some sections completely rebuilt . Will this Don be a walk in the park by comparison ? Stay tuned – once this resto gets underway , we ’ ll check in for a detailed updated .
/ 53