Willerby Vogue Restoration

[Russell willerby]

Hi all
Now " Russell " is safely installed in a suitable workshop ( courtesy of Murray Mccheyne ) the restoration is underway.
Interior fittings are largely removed and exterior paint removal has commenced.
Inspection of the " Chassis " (GRP floor pan ) has revealed stress cracking around the 4 corner stabilisers but the "A Frame" structure is good.
Rear roof is sagging a little with corresponding depression of the internal FG skin. Seeking some advice on both issues.
Please see link below to Photobucket album slideshow.
Willerby Vogue 1957 - Russell Slideshow by stuartae | Photobucket

[Captleemo]

Looks like a serious project but I bet it will look real nice when your done. I have seen pictures of some of those on Pinterest and they are a real nice looking travel trailer.

[Russell willerby]

Lee
Thank you for your reply. Should keep me busy for a few months.
How are things down in Texas?
Cheers
Stuart

[EllPea in CA]

That trailer has an adorable shape. I love the enormous windows!

[Captleemo]

Its been a hot summer but this week its been downright balmy, only in the low 90's. I look at pictures of Willerby's and they remind me of that animated movie " Cars "

[Russell willerby]

Hi all
Have managed to get a few hours of restoration in on Russell this last couple of weeks.
I have posted all my restoration record photos ( so I can figure out where everything goes when I reassemble ) on Photobucket.
So if you are interested please have a look at the link below

Willerby Vogue 1957 - Russell by Stuart Edwards | Photobucket

Hope you like.
Cheers
Stuart

[EllPea in CA]

Great progress! It's going to be great. Will you put the interior back like it was, or re-design it?

[Captleemo]

Your making some real progress there. Cant wait to see the finished project!

[Eddie Longest]

Stuart
Great Job. Must be something to do with Northumberland, I also live in Northumberland (Va.) I have a trailer (Scamp 13) in my shop in about the same condition.
Keep up the great work.
Eddie

[Russell willerby]

Originally Posted by Ellpea in CA

Great progress! It's going to be great. Will you put the interior back like it was, or re-design it?

Hi all
Thank you for the comments and interest from you all, much appreciated.
Our thoughts were to keep it original.
Russell is Serial No 3092 / B, the "B" denotes a particular layout as per the diagram in Peter Jolly's blog on his restoration. Link at the bottom.
Many thanks to Peter for his support, encouragement and information over the last month.
So Just intend to replace the faded discoloured veneers with a light Oak, as per Willerby's original sales blurb, as the old stuff is very dark.
The veneers on the internal face of the doors is undamaged so will keep as a historical reminder of its heritage.

Problem is the "B " layout has a tall wardrobe/ toilet which covers one of the vertical sliding windows ( which I think are one of the unusual features ) so would like to go with the " Peter Jolly Type "A" layout.
Decisions decisions !!!???
May have to have a word with the "Historic Caravan Club" people.
Bye from Tynemouth, Northumberland, UK.


Tiny trailer meets 50s spaceship | This Tiny House

[Sue and Henry]

That is beautiful. Fantastic job!

[Russell willerby]

Originally Posted by Sue and Henry

That is beautiful. Fantastic job!

Very kind of you both to say, hope you are not suffering too much with the drought out here.
Cheers
Stuart, Myra and Russell of course.

[Russell willerby]

Hi all
Managed to spend a few more hours on our 1956/57 Willerby Vogue.
So here is a link to the photos with the latest progress added.
Willerby Vogue 1957 - Russell by Stuart Edwards | Photobucket
Drivers side rear flooring back in and fixed, access to the stabiliser bolts included.
Passenger side rear original chipboard floor removed to allow repair to holes and cracks. New hardwood mounting to be installed on the stabiliser.
Sections of the Inner shell need to be removed to give access to the damage on the outer shell.
Willerby Vogue 1957 - Russell by Stuart Edwards | Photobucket

Cheers
Stuart & Myra

[Captleemo]

Looks like a labor of love. What kind of car was that hooked up to it.

[Dudley]

Now all you have to do is pull a mold off of that trailer and start making them again! I think its the nicest body of any small trailers out there and would love to have one! Love the windows!

[Russell willerby]

Originally Posted by Captleemo

Looks like a labor of love. What kind of car was that hooked up to it.

If you mean the white sedan pictured with the caravan it is a 1938 Chrysler Kew.
The car belongs to the man from whom I purchased the Willerby Vogue caravan.
It was for sale at the same time (end of August 2015) do not know if it is still for sale.
Link to the advertisement below.
Chrysler Kew from Cawdor Castle For Sale (1938) on Car And Classic UK [C637254]
Cheers
Stuart.

[Russell willerby]

Originally Posted by Dudley

Now all you have to do is pull a mold off of that trailer and start making them again! I think its the nicest body of any small trailers out there and would love to have one! Love the windows!

Thanks for the reply Dudley, she is a rather lovely shape, better in the flesh.
It is not so small in UK terms, weight is 1900lbs / 17cwt / 800 Kg. body dimensions 15ft long x 7ft wide X 7ft 6" high.
Weight on the hitch is also high at approx 200Kg so a heavy duty tow vehicle is needed.
Ours is a 1955 series 1 Land Rover.



If you know of 6 or more like minded people??? it may be financially viable to have a set of molds taken.

Greetings from Tynemouth, UK.
Stuart.

[Dudley]

I would love one but the shipping cost to western Canada would be crazy.

[Denece]

Gorgeous!


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Russell willerby]

Originally Posted by Denece

Gorgeous!


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

Thank you for saying so Denece.
Should look a lots better in say 6 months or so.
Hope you are not suffering too much in the drought.
Stuart, Myra & Russell