There's increasing interest in restoring old caravans. For many people who are into the classic car scene a period caravan makes the perfect companion when going to weekend shows or owners' club meetings.

So what does it take to restore a classic caravan? They do differ quite markedly over the years, in construction methods and features, so it's difficult to give a complete step-by-step guide to them all.

But what we can do is give an idea of the work involved so that you can decide whether it's something you want to tackle yourself or not.

Decide on your approach

It's handy if you already work on cars as most of the mechanicals will be similar - mainly the chassis, hubs, wheels and brakes. The same is true of the basic electricals - cabling, batteries and external lights.

But you will of course have many more internal electrics to cope with. If there's a 230V circuit, that will be something that the average car mechanic won't have come across.

You will also have to decide whether you're going to try and restore the 'van to exact original spec, or allow yourself to update equipment as you go. Staying original can cause headaches, particularly with appliances like heaters, fridges and cookers, as they may not be able to be made to work safely.

Underpinnings

Check the chassis for any corrosion and make good just as you would with any other vehicle. Check that the hitch, jockey wheel and associated mechanicals are ok including the breakaway cable - replace if there's any doubt.

On drum brakes there may be 'one shot' nuts and sealed bearings, in which case you'll need a torque wrench to get to the shoes.

If you're at all uncertain about any of this, get the brakes and other mechanicals looked at by a caravan specialist - better safe than sorry.

Superstructure

Unless you're looking at a caravan that's more than fifty years old the floor, walls and roof are likely to be composite, made up of layers of block insulation with treated plywood either side. The floors may delaminate but can be fixed using kits available from caravan dealerships. This is important as the floor is an essential structural component.

With walls and roofs the main problem is preventing leaks, which usually spring from the fixings where trim and gutters have been fixed. Careful removal and re-fixing is the key, with fresh mastic. Attention to detail is crucial throughout the whole process but if the worst happens you may still be able to get replacements from the manufacturer, if they are still in business.

Glass fibre and plastic external mouldings, like cowls, spats and fairings may also be available from specialists who remanufacture where and when they see enough demand.

Be safe

Finally, whether you're going for a precise restoration or allowing modern upgrades, it's vital to have the gas system checked by a qualified engineer.

Then, despite any misgivings about modern fittings, you must put a combined smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector in.

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