Viscount Aerolite vans
Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 16:23
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T-Ribby
I am looking at 2 vans tomorrow with the intention of buying one of them. One is a 1984 Millard 14' poptop and the other a 1984 Viscount Plus poptop, 13'6. I was reading some back threads on the
forum about the '84 Viscounts with Aerolite chassis's being a bit dicey (with varying opinions) - is there a way I can tell visually if the Viscount I'm looking at has the Aerolite chassis? eg a stamp on the van or towbar.
cheers
T.R.
Reply By: Member -Dodger - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 16:55
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 16:55
Just look at the chassis rails they are reasonable thin C section and have oval apertures cut out every few feet to reduce weight.
Make sure you look for cracks as they are prone to this problem.
I had one for many years and it did a lot of k's however I had the chassis strengthened by Hardings caravan
services in
Melbourne which did the job and it was still going strong when I sold it after 16 years solid service.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:09
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:09
Hi Dodger. Thanks for the info I'll look for those oval cutouts. I'm not opposed to the van, just want to know beforehand if there are any potential probs. I was told the van weighs 850kg. does that sound like an Aerolite for a 13'6" ?
cheers
T.R.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:15
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:15
Although Hardings performed a great modification to the aerolite, I am reliably informed that they no longer do that mod. The aerolites are getting way too old and fatigued and don't take
well to welding without major chassis replacement.
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:18
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:18
Hi Dunaruna. Can you clarify something for me. Did all Viscount poptops of around the '84 era have the Aerolite chassis, or is "Aero lite" a specific and clear model name that is posted somewhere on the van. The one I'm about to look at is apparently a "Plus" model, whatever that means.
cheers
T.R.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member -Dodger - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:20
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:20
in short TR. = Yes the weight sounds right.
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:25
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:25
Thanks Dodger
T.R.
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Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:34
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:34
T.R, I'm not sure of the dates. All I can tell you is that ALL the aerolites that I have worked on did not have any decals or badges stating 'Aerolite'.
I suggest you ask the question over at Caravan & Motorhome forums, Tom Olthoff will know the answer.
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 18:16
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 18:16
ok ta. I'll have a good look at the A frame and underneath for the tell-tale signs
cheers
T.R.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Cruiser (NSW) - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 16:57
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 16:57
T R
Just a thought, but have a look at
Vintage Caravan Discussion Forum and ask there. Maybe someone will be able to help.
Cheers,
Cruiser
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:15
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:15
Interesting site - I won't have time to have a discussion but will bookmark it as it looks pretty useful.
cheers
T.R.
FollowupID:
565044
Reply By: Dunaruna - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:11
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:11
Do a visual inspection of the 'A' frame for bending (if it's bent, it will be obvious). The 'A' also has a tendency to flex. Some of the models had a pressurized strut inside the surge coupler. The struts are no longer available for replacement so if it's stuffed you would need to convert to electric or spring surge.
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:31
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 17:31
ok ta
cheers
T.R.
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Reply By: T-Ribby - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 20:25
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 20:25
Dunaruna or Dodger
.................................
talking to the Viscount owner tonite, he doesnt know what model it is but says there is a "90" stamped on the drawbar - would this be a series 90 and indicate whether it's an Aerolite or not?
Sorry to drag this out, this van is really tidy.
cheers
T.R.
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