1947 Flxible Clipper RV

Restoration of a classic American icon!

 
 
 
 
 
 
jacktherev
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 22.02.2014  ·  #81
Beginning to look good. Keep at it as it will be worth it in the end.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 22.02.2014  ·  #82
Looks great Kerry, when is completion date and UK landing lined up for? Are you going to tour in the states before bringing him/her home?
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 22.02.2014  ·  #83
Its great to see more progress Kerry!
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 22.02.2014  ·  #84
Quote by Chevy g20

Looks great Kerry, when is completion date and UK landing lined up for? Are you going to tour in the states before bringing him/her home?


I would really love to tour the States but have no money to do so. Completion date is around April and then I'll probably have to find storage until I can save up for the shipping cost.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 22.02.2014  ·  #85
Kerry, you are certain to get many folks who would love to tour in your rv in the states for hire. Thus affording the shipping but i can understand that this is a labour of love and you may not want others under your roof. Probably will cost 1200+ to ship
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 23.02.2014  ·  #86
Quote by Chevy g20

Kerry, you are certain to get many folks who would love to tour in your rv in the states for hire. Thus affording the shipping but i can understand that this is a labour of love and you may not want others under your roof. Probably will cost 1200+ to ship


I've had one quote of £10,300!!!!

I'm not sure if I've put a link on here but my wife has forced me to start a blog about the Flxible restoration (A name and shame exercise I think).

http://47clipper.blogspot.co.uk/
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #87
Some great progress made this week on the 1947 Flxible Clipper project. The seating has just been placed into the bus to see if it fits OK. It will look like it belongs there when it's actually fitted correctly. Love the sofa's and drivers chair. Just what I wanted, something stylish and simple. Having the Flxible logo in the seating works well. The front of the sofa's are on a hinge and pull up to increase the width of the base cushion when it's being used as a bed.

The dash is exactly how I want it, again simple but stylish and the cream colour matches the seat backs perfectly. Exterior bodywork is coming along and the roof looks fantastic!!
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #88
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #89
It's starting to take shape now,

That drivers seat kinda reminds me of a pint of guinness :-)
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #90
Certainly looks beautiful and great to see the pics. Thanks for posting them.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #91
Looks great Kerry!
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #92
Thanks for the great comments, much appreciated.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 29.03.2014  ·  #93
Simply stunning. Thanks for the update, you made me buy an extra lotto ticket. :D :D :up:
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 30.03.2014  ·  #94
Well done, looking sooooo sweet!
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 03.04.2014  ·  #95
IT'S VERY BLUE!!!!!!! :D

If you can imagine the original design of white stripes and dark blue pin stipe over lighter blue then that will give you an idea of the final finish.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 03.04.2014  ·  #96
Looking good :up:
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 04.04.2014  ·  #97
Will certainly turn heads when it's finished. Looks super.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 04.04.2014  ·  #98
As I said on RVOC, a stunning piece of atomotive art.Well done for keeping the faith Kerry.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 04.04.2014  ·  #99
OMG
Fantastic colour choice, I imagined a silver finish, but only from Airstream and black and white movies. Kerry, you will have to bring this beauty to Ireland
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 05.04.2014  ·  #100
I fully intend to bring the bus over!!!

Can't get the signwriter I want to put the dark blue pinstripe line on the Flxible paintwork where the white and Nassau Blue colours meet (as with the original paint design). Apparently he's in prison (DUI) but thankfully sober when doing the detailed artwork he's renowned for in California.

I don't want anyone else touching the bus as I've seen some free handed line painting on other vehicles and frankly, it's rubbish. The only thing now it to leave the pinstripe off completely or go for a pinstripe tape.

I've decided to go for the tape option and this will let me go a little more flash than a solid colour line. The tape I'm having applied is called U/M Cobalt

http://www.vinylgraphics.net/1SolidColorChart.htm
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 05.04.2014  ·  #101
Fantastic colour choice for the bus Kerry. Is the paint flat or metallic?

That bus is going to be unbelievable when it's done and I can't wait to see it in the flesh!

Keep the faith.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 05.04.2014  ·  #102
I second that I will have to hook up to see it when you come. It looks amazing so far can't wait to see it finished.
Keep us posted. :up:
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2014  ·  #103
Quote by Blag

Fantastic colour choice for the bus Kerry. Is the paint flat or metallic?

That bus is going to be unbelievable when it's done and I can't wait to see it in the flesh!

Keep the faith.


As far as the paint goes it's flat to keep the period image (does look metalic though but I think it's just the great job that the paint guys are doing!!) not too bothered either way, I just gave them the colour to spray it in and said I would prefer a flat colour but really left that up to them.

The white detailing is on now and it's starting to look just how I imagined it would all those months ago when I first bought it. :D

Next will be the dark blue pinstripe to match the original paint scheme then all the new chrome fitted. :up:
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2014  ·  #104
I just love her rear end! Classy or what... :up:
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2014  ·  #105
Quote by Shivster

I just love her rear end! Classy or what... :up:


It must have been very modern in its day, seen it's 57 years old it still looks the bizz. :up:
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2014  ·  #106
Quote by CHAUSSON

Quote by Shivster

I just love her rear end! Classy or what... :up:


It must have been very modern in its day, seen it's 57 years old it still looks the bizz. :up:


67!!! :D
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2014  ·  #107
Quote by bing66

Quote by CHAUSSON

Quote by Shivster

I just love her rear end! Classy or what... :up:


It must have been very modern in its day, seen it's 57 years old it still looks the bizz. :up:


67!!! :D


Worse again, You would know it was the middle of the night when I was doing my calculation. :D

I think you will get some look when you go into a Motor Factor looking for a air filter for a 1947 Clipper. ( you might not be going in for one as it probably is an oil bath type)
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2014  ·  #108
WOW! looking great, funny how it looks more "space age" with it being 67 years old than modern buses.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2014  ·  #109
That machine will turn some. Heads on an Aire in France or a campsite.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 11.04.2014  ·  #110
Quote by Ally

WOW! looking great, funny how it looks more "space age" with it being 67 years old than modern buses.


Funny you should say that Ally. I contacted the manufacturer of Routemaster buses early last year to see if the '40's Flxible design influenced UK bus design (and supplied photo's). I was trying to get a link and show that my bus had some historical importance to the UK in order to keep the import duty low.

About a month ago I was in London and saw the latest Routemaster buses on the street. Of course it's a complete coincidence but that's not the way my story goes :D :D
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 11.04.2014  ·  #111
Interesting, as there is apparently a missing Clipper in Northern Ireland and the Routemaster was designed and built in Northern Ireland, by Wright bus Ballymena. Maybe someone at Wrightbus knows where it is.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 11.04.2014  ·  #112
Just thinking the same, I may ask some of delivery men to ask around when they are in dropping off stuff.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 11.04.2014  ·  #113
Quote by Chevy g20

Interesting, as there is apparently a missing Clipper in Northern Ireland and the Routemaster was designed and built in Northern Ireland, by Wright bus Ballymena. Maybe someone at Wrightbus knows where it is.


That bl**dy Northern Ireland Flxible!!!!!!!!!!! I'll have to find that before it drives me mad. I don't care who's got it as long as it's being preserved. It's a really rare Visicoach model as well, probably only half a dozen left of that particular model. Visicoaches are the most common of the Clipper style but the one in Northern Ireland has the air intakes at the front (just below and to the side of the windscreen). They were introduced in 1951 to assist with airflow through the cabin but all they did was to draw in exhaust fumes from outside. Before the end of 1953 production stopped and most of those in service were re-fitted so to have a bus with everything intact is very rare indeed...........

See, you've got me going again about that bl**dy bus................. :D
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.12.2014  ·  #114
As one or two of you know on here, I found this Flxible Visicoach in Northern Ireland and with the very kind help from Ally and Kevin, the owner has been located :up: I have a space set for the bus to be restored at a transport museum but the only sticking point is getting the owner to respond to my text messages. If anyone knows the Newtownabbey area of Northern Ireland then please get in touch, I'm trying to locate the owners address in order to write a formal letter to him from the museum.

Thanks in advance, Kerry.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.12.2014  ·  #115
Kerry,

I hadn't forgot, i just need to drive to that location again to get the address. Can you PM me the coordinates again and we might be able to work out the address from there. We do have the family name so a street might suffice.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 10.12.2014  ·  #116
OK Ally, will do.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 19.12.2014  ·  #117
Glad you found the NI Clipper, I did ask a few farmers I know, but I thought it was Newtownards not Newtownabbey.
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 19.12.2014  ·  #118
Quote by bing66

Quote by Ally

WOW! looking great, funny how it looks more "space age" with it being 67 years old than modern buses.


Funny you should say that Ally. I contacted the manufacturer of Routemaster buses early last year to see if the '40's Flxible design influenced UK bus design (and supplied photo's). I was trying to get a link and show that my bus had some historical importance to the UK in order to keep the import duty low.

About a month ago I was in London and saw the latest Routemaster buses on the street. Of course it's a complete coincidence but that's not the way my story goes :D :D


Are these the route masters from Wrights Ballymena?
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 19.12.2014  ·  #119
Quote by PaulH

Glad you found the NI Clipper, I did ask a few farmers I know, but I thought it was Newtownards not Newtownabbey.


It is in Newtownards. Those Englishmen, eh? :)
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Re: 1947 Flxible Clipper RV

 ·  Posted: 19.12.2014  ·  #120
Quote by Helgahobby

Quote by bing66

Quote by Ally

WOW! looking great, funny how it looks more "space age" with it being 67 years old than modern buses.


Funny you should say that Ally. I contacted the manufacturer of Routemaster buses early last year to see if the '40's Flxible design influenced UK bus design (and supplied photo's). I was trying to get a link and show that my bus had some historical importance to the UK in order to keep the import duty low.

About a month ago I was in London and saw the latest Routemaster buses on the street. Of course it's a complete coincidence but that's not the way my story goes :D :D


Are these the route masters from Wrights Ballymena?


They are :)
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