Hello from 1959 Avion R23 Owner in the UK

[Lawts0908]

Greetings,

My wife and I have been restoring our R23 for about a year now. Apparently it ‘crossed the pond’ some time back and went to Belgium before coming to the UK. It was for sale locally and as my wife always loved these things and due to the fact that we are both recently retired, we took the plunge.
The Avion was in poor condition, but apart from a fair amount of ‘road rash‘ below floor level, the rest of the panels were remarkably straight. Inside, (and this is what made me buy it) the entire layout was completely original with all fixings and furniture pretty much complete.

Works done so far:

Floors locally repaired. (Chassis good but reinforced at doorway and under fridge.) Much of the ‘road rash’ was rectified whilst repairing the flooring.
New retro floor tiles laid.
Bathroom basin and shower units repaired and resprayed.
New (modern) toilet Installed. (Apologies, but the old system had to go)
ALL original lockers and cabinets sympathetically stripped, repaired and revarnished.
Original gas RCA Whirlpool fridge resprayed and renovated. (Works a treat including ice box, except for small problem with the pilot light system)
Original Dixie stove stripped and renovated. (Works great.)
‘Panel-Ray’ twin gas heater stripped and restored. (Superb)

New Formica laid over original and original trim edgings polished and replaced.

We’re just trying to find the right soft furnishings to finish off.

If anyone has knowledge of my fridge control unit, especially the pilot light, then please let me know.

So that’s my intro, I’m hoping to glean some great tips on here and in return, if I can be of any help, then please just ask!

[Razorback]

Welcome to the forum, and thank you for the great story of your Avion! You sure don't see those every day!

That is a fine looking trailer that I know you will be proud to use. What are your plans for it once you get it finished?

[Lawts0908]

Many thanks Razor,
We have he trailer fixed and sited in our field overlooking a really nice valley. It’s west facing, so gets the evening sun (as and when the sun shines her in the UK.) I intend building a deck along one side with a BBQ, awning and a wood-fired hot tub for days and nights of enjoyment. Of course we may decide to put her on the road, but that would be a major undertaking due to the EU laws and regulations regarding trailer brakes etc. (Mine still has the original axle with electric brakes....

[Razorback]

That sounds like some outstanding ways to relax and enjoy your Avion!

Keep us updated.

You have me curious about a wood-fired hot tub..... all I can envision involves a cauldron!

[Lawts0908]

Google them. Lots available, but I like the Swedish ones like Skargards!!

[DJ18]

what a beautiful old girl! congratulations!

[Lawts0908]

Thanks! I didn’t know I sent a pic of my wife.....
I’ve just had all the gas system safety checked And all is ok thank goodness.
The front door seals are rock hard and need replacing. Any suggestions anyone please?
Sorry some of my pics are on the side, they aren’t when I select them! I’m not sure how to rectify this.
All worktop surfaces have had a new layer of Formica glued on them and the original trims and nails polished and replaced.

[Salty]

Door seals are a crap shoot. Try to take measurements of your current seal. I'm not familiar with European seal manufacturers or sources, so I can't recommend a local source. However, attached is a catalog that may serve as instruction - something to begin with.
Also, this website in the US has a few that may suit your needs
https://vintagetrailersupply.com/[attac ... ttachment]

[Lawts0908]

That’s great! Many thanks. You’re right about the originals. All rock hard and shrunk to nothing...