Our project renovation

It was some months ago that the good folk at Dometic suggested that a bundle of its assorted RV fittings and appliances would make a good prize to give away to a lucky Caravan World reader.

We welcomed the offer, but wanted to do it in a more interesting way than simply handing over a fridge, air-conditioner, cooktop and sink, all in their boxes, and after we met Suzana Markovski and Lillian Josevska at RetroVan (CW, Nov 2004) the creative neurons started to spark and a plan gradually took shape. Why not do a project makeover on an old model caravan, with some new exterior fittings and a beautiful fresh interior - upholstery, cabinets, window coverings and smart modern appliances - the whole remodelling deal, in fact.

And why not invite other suppliers to join in the project, to provide various other components and finishing touches?

No-one can deny that the caravans of today look beautiful and are way ahead of older models, in terms of technology, comfort and convenience. And a new caravan is always going to hold the greater amount of appeal to most buyers.

But many caravanners feel great affection for their good old vans, especially ones that have given long and faithful service for many happy holidays and hold a major part of family history within their walls.

Also, even after many kilometres of road and many nights of use, a well constructed old van may still have plenty of life left in it.

That's not to say that a touch of the renovator's hand might not be of benefit, however, and modern appliances are streets ahead of their last decade's predecessors, so that's where Dometic's generous offer and the skills of RetroVan came together.

The market for retro-fitted appliances and modifications is growing all the time, too, as the large stands occupied by repairers and component suppliers at the caravan shows proves, so we are confident that this is a worthwhile and enjoyable project that will interest many readers.

Our project caravan is already being worked on as this issue goes to press, and the plan is to have it ready for display to readers and the public at the Sydney Supershow at Rosehill starting on April 2. It will also be on show at the Melbourne Caravan Show, starting April 27, and the Brisbane Show, starting June 8.

As each part of the renovation takes place, we'll report on it over the forthcoming months in Caravan World.

Spotted in a small car mechanic/dealer's yard in Mornington, Vic, it looked like the ideal specimen for a makeover - not too dated - and in good enough condition to make it worth while.

It has a rear double bed, centre kitchen and front dinette which also converts into a bed, and internal inspection showed evidence of only one tiny leak (CW hint: buy a caravan during a torrential downpour to see if any water comes in). It sports the usual 1980s décor that looks so dated to our eyes now, but will look fantastic after being revamped.

The caravan was duly obtained and towed on one of Melbourne's wettest summer mornings in history to RetroVan's premises in Somerton, with all fingers crossed that the A-frame and coupling would make the trip.

The first stage was for RetroVan's Bill Josevski (the girls' father, who has worked in the industry for the past 35 years) and Grant Farrar, an expert in caravan and motorhome repairs, to give the caravan a thorough inspection.

The list of exterior work to be done included some modifications to the chassis by G&S Chassis, new stabilising jacks, a bumper bar, the installation of electric brakes and a new Sidewinder jack from Seatra (the existing one resembled a dog's hind leg).

LD tail lights, new cladding from Hume and a new pop-top roof are also on the list, with lovely new Dometic windows to open up the interior.

"It was our interest in soft furnishings and colour schemes that gave us the idea to do renovations," Suzana explained. "We looked at all the old vans being passed on to other family members or new owners and we thought, 'let's offer this service to the public'."

For our revamp RetroVan will also provide a new floor covering and soft furnishings including pillow upholstery, Roman blinds and pelmets, tailored bedspread and scatter cushions in carefully chosen coordinated colours. New cupboards and kitchen fittings, lights, wiring and a battery system, from Northern Solar Power, will also be installed.

Electrical appliance supplier Northern City Electrical (of DNA fame) is providing a CD player and other items, and Perfect Wood Mouldings the plywood.

It's a very exciting thing to be involved with - a first for CW - and we are delighted to be partners with Dometic and RetroVan. We are looking forward to bringing the story to readers, and showing the finished product to as many people as possible, over the next few months.

We thank the following suppliers who have generously contributed to this project: