DETAILED RESTO
This Franklin , however , might just be our favourite Andrew Phillips restoration . The van is surprisingly light , given its size . Andrew will weigh it once it ’ s complete , but for now he estimates about 1500kg Tare . Some of the weight savings come from how this van was built . Believe it or not but it contains no traditional frame , except around apertures such as doors and windows . The walls are a structural sandwich panel comprised of external aluminium and internal ply , while the ‘ filling ’ is polystyrene foam .
When we first laid eyes on this old Franklin in his workshop , some months ago , it was clear that Andrew had his work cut out for him . While the cladding on the front and rear have been completely replaced by white aluminium that ’ s a match for original , Andrew was able to repair the side walls , filling and sanding holes and dents , and has given it an undercoat . When we stopped by , the final coats of paint were really all this van was waiting on .
The kitchen also needed to be rebuilt . The fridge had to be replaced , too .
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