Time to Roam Magazine Issue 9 - June/July 2014 | Page 24

| feature reno rescue Our Reno Rescue Before John and Chris Hunter, Walker Flat SA ‘Mrs Bean’ a 1950s Rowvan How did you come to buy it? The shape of it and the fact it’s old. I like restoring old things, they have a style about them. This is a custom made version, six inches longer than standard. What was your aim with the restoration? We intended to bring the van back to its original condition. We removed the cladding and found rotting ply and timber frames underneath. This left us with a dilemma. Do we proceed or just dump it? With compassion we proceeded with the restoration which included, new back and front frames, ply cladding, ceiling and canvas roof, kitchen, timber windows, flyscreens, doors and a new hatch as well. We were able to duplicate the Rowvan logo and the original two-tone style paint pattern from traces we found on the original ply. The only major deviations we made from 24 timetoroam.com.au the original caravan specs was including wheel arches and 12 volt lighting. The restoration started in August 2013 with the intention of having it completed for the Vintage Caravan Nationals at Broken Hill. After many long days and nights we just made it. At the subsequent Vintage and Classic Caravan gathering at Tanunda we had a surprise visit from Helen Rowe, whose parents designed and manufactured Rowvans between 1948 and 1960. She was impressed with our achievement, and said Mrs Bean looked like she’d just one that had come out of the factory 60 years ago. The exact year of our van is unknown, however the three paneled framed hinged timber windows font and back indicate that it’s a very early model. Share your reno rescue: [email protected]