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1981 Eriba Triton

Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 10, 2021 20:02:48 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	So I'm sure many of you would have seen my IP Romini caravan at various RR events. I bloody loved that caravan for what it was worth, Compact, lightweight, very retro and rather silly. But we have now got a small human man to accommodate, and Baby Doug does not like sleeping in his pram bed thing in the Romini, as proved on a trip to the New Forest with HARDCORE Sneaky extra shot of Hardcore's absolutely bonza Benz. So the hunt was on for a 'van we could all fit in. My criteria was lightweight(ish) and not some soggy old timber framed chintz disaster. I did that the first time round with the Piper 'Idiot' (actually 1000T in a stupid font) and promptly fell through the floor. I was basically looking at Eriba Tritons and Trolls, or a Freedom Sunseeker, and it was just a case of every nice Freedom sold almost the second it was advertised. But I found this beaut on market place. Priced somewhere around what I wanted to pay, I arranged to view and hoped it still had a chassis. (Spoiler, most cheaper Eriba vans have rotten steelwork) Pics from the advert: Chassis is pretty good, little flaky in a few areas but nothing I'm worried about. The interior is by and large un-molested save a few extra lights, UK sockets and a weirdly 240V-only TV. But the gold. God it's awful. Someone has sneezed it on from a distance. First things to go were the whitewalls (wearing a groove in the tyres is not my ideal breakdown scenario) and the gold on the wheels. I then pulled the arch spats off, resealed the body seams underneath as a precaution and repainted the spats off-white to break up the gold. I ordered some retro wheel trims from the 'bay, to be pleasantly surprised at how funky they are. And also they are called 'Boony Candy Pop', Boony being the brand. Love it. Long term goal is to repaint the bottom half a more appeasing vintage colour. The gold just isn't nice in the flesh. I've brought it home now to investigate the electrics situation, as it's all a little interesting to say the least, the fog lamp pin in the 7 pin trailer socket was connected to the leisure battery so the foglamps on the car were back-powered but the 'van, that was a fun quick 'repair' in the petrol station on the way home when we noticed. More as I do it.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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grizz Probably posted too much REZIN ROCKIT......🚀 Posts: 28,504	1981 Eriba Triton grizz @grizz
	Jul 10, 2021 20:54:04 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Love that.
	1966 Chevy C10 V8 REDNECK EXPRESS. (Restoration now) GRIZZ-POD Build Thread grizzmakes.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-birth-of-grizzmakes.html IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. .

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braaap Posted a lot Posts: 2,741	1981 Eriba Triton braaap @braaap
	Jul 11, 2021 4:57:23 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Did You take a pic of that pickup truck in the background, too? I´m actually not into caravans at all, but only yesterday I saw a tv programme which taught me that eriba and hymermobil (known for their funky fully integrated motorhomes, not quite as cool as those saab four-wheel caravans, but still quite cool) were related right from the first day. A fact I didn´t know before, I always thought they were separate companies. Details here. I was curious about the idiot font and googled for a pic, but failed. But I found a pic with a familiar towing car, is that You? That Romini caravan is funny, how long were the beds?
	Last Edit: Jul 11, 2021 5:05:54 GMT by braaap

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 11, 2021 7:07:50 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jul 11, 2021 4:57:23 GMT braaap said: Did You take a pic of that pickup truck in the background, too? I´m actually not into caravans at all, but only yesterday I saw a tv programme which taught me that eriba and hymermobil (known for their funky fully integrated motorhomes, not quite as cool as those saab four-wheel caravans, but still quite cool) were related right from the first day. A fact I didn´t know before, I always thought they were separate companies. Details here. I was curious about the idiot font and googled for a pic, but failed. But I found a pic with a familiar towing car, is that You? That Romini caravan is funny, how long were the beds? I didn’t get a pic of the truck, I kinda wish I did as it was rather nice. Hymer and Eriba are indeed one and the same, the build plaque is marked Hymer. That is indeed my old van and car. Likely it’s from when I sold it looking at the pic. The Romini was a great use of space, had a dinette at the front that seated 4 which converted into a double bed across the van, with a cooker and grille on the right and a larder and sink on the left with a hanging wardrobe that drops behind the sink unit. Actually deceptive space wise although it was small.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 11, 2021 7:17:00 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Best I can find of the ‘idiot’ font. Romini interior:
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 14, 2021 21:35:19 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Making good headway with the interior. Well, electrics anyway. Very bad. Very cobbled. Much poor. Basically removed it all and started again. 12V lights wired up with 3 core extension lead flex. Sink pump- extension lead flex. Blown air heater- you guessed it, extension lead flex. European mains socket? Not extension lead flex- that was speaker wire. As was the main 12V feed that feeds the 12V lights. I don't quite know how but the single 20A fuse on the 12V had started to melt. There isn't even enough 12V things in the van to do that. Picked up an older style distribution panel locally for a tenner. Much more in keeping with the interior, and has isolator switches and fused outputs for all circuits. Next to the PPO's (Doubt the people I got it off did this) idea of a distribution centre. Also the mains was a little hap-hazard, hazard being the optimal word. All mains has been removed all bar the RCD/consumer at present. I don't really need this soon so I will revisit that. Other job was to actually secure the blown air fan as it was just hanging on the pipes. Proper Kwality install. Added a brace across to hang it off of. Less than perfect but it's not heavy, and supported now rather than just being free-floating.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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rattlecan Posted a lot Posts: 3,274	1981 Eriba Triton rattlecan @rattlecan
	Jul 15, 2021 15:37:46 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	That’s brilliant, always loved the Eriba’s (even the new silver ones look dead cool & retro) I sold my Romini in about April this year. Great vans, mine was the LS model, so 2ft longer than your old one. There’s a thread on here somewhere. But here’s a pic or 3


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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 15, 2021 21:22:37 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I did see your Romini LS thread. the LS did look more proportionally 'correct'. Nothing much to add at the moment other than I fitted the 12V TV and new bracket. I think I need to tackle some of the crispy chassis framework next ideally now the 12V is very nearly finished.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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vulgalour Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 7,284 Club RR Member Number: 146	1981 Eriba Triton vulgalour @vulgalour Club Retro Rides Member 146
	Jul 16, 2021 13:05:59 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	That gold doesn't look too terri... oh no, the spat. Maybe that's how it was applied? A nice burnt orange would be just the ticket to replace that gold, match the seat covers. Watching with interest. Always good to see old 'vans resurrected smartly.
	> Prints on RedBubble > See My Cars

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 16, 2021 14:49:02 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	The van body itself isn’t actually too bad as the finish of the alloy panelling hides the brushwork, so it looks ok. (Only ok) but the other bits like the fridge vents look terrible. I was thinking orange initially but I tow it with my dark blue metallic Jeep so I think there may be a clash. I need a photo of it all to do some photoshops really.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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grizz Probably posted too much REZIN ROCKIT......🚀 Posts: 28,504	1981 Eriba Triton grizz @grizz
	Jul 16, 2021 16:48:12 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jul 16, 2021 14:49:02 GMT Rich said: The van body itself isn’t actually too bad as the finish of the alloy panelling hides the brushwork, so it looks ok. (Only ok) but the other bits like the fridge vents look terrible. I was thinking orange initially but I tow it with my dark blue metallic Jeep so I think there may be a clash. I need a photo of it all to do some photoshops really. Of course its approved. Regarding the Jeep colour, vs how long it or the van may stay…… Surely, independent, and van may stay longer…?? So van gets own identity.
	1966 Chevy C10 V8 REDNECK EXPRESS. (Restoration now) GRIZZ-POD Build Thread grizzmakes.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-birth-of-grizzmakes.html IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. .

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 16, 2021 17:01:30 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jeep is likely to stick around while. As is the van. Will decide at a later date with the colour when the other work is all complete. Need it to be useable for next weekend.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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vulgalour Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 7,284 Club RR Member Number: 146	1981 Eriba Triton vulgalour @vulgalour Club Retro Rides Member 146
	Jul 16, 2021 19:22:33 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	You could just two tone the Jeep to match, how hard can it be to mask off, it's all straight lines.
	> Prints on RedBubble > See My Cars

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 16, 2021 21:14:29 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jul 16, 2021 19:22:33 GMT vulgalour said: You could just two tone the Jeep to match, how hard can it be to mask off, it's all straight lines. Weeeell, wood grain is brown. And I do want to Briarwood the Cherokee.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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vulgalour Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 7,284 Club RR Member Number: 146	1981 Eriba Triton vulgalour @vulgalour Club Retro Rides Member 146
	Jul 17, 2021 0:09:06 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	You could Briarwood the Eriba instead of painting it, then it'd match your new amazing Jeep Briarwood.
	> Prints on RedBubble > See My Cars

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braaap Posted a lot Posts: 2,741	1981 Eriba Triton braaap @braaap
	Jul 17, 2021 6:31:22 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I don´t know the term Briarwood (wikipedia only list places around the world), but if it turns out as something like this (only with a camping trailer), I would say YES!!! Jul 2, 2021 8:31:40 GMT bmcnut said: Finally got this one finnished, just need to sort the towbar.


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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 17, 2021 6:53:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jul 17, 2021 0:09:06 GMT vulgalour said: You could Briarwood the Eriba instead of painting it, then it'd match your new amazing Jeep Briarwood. Too lumpy to apply vinyl to I fear but it has been discussed.
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 17, 2021 6:55:47 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jul 17, 2021 6:31:22 GMT braaap said: I don´t know the term Briarwood (wikipedia only list places around the world), but if it turns out as something like this (only with a camping trailer), I would say YES!!! Jul 2, 2021 8:31:40 GMT bmcnut said: Finally got this one finnished, just need to sort the towbar. Google Jeep XJ Briarwood. It’s basically an earlyish US trim level with Wagoneer wood panelling. I’ll have to see how well the vinyl goes on the bumpy finish. Maybe worth a try
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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braaap Posted a lot Posts: 2,741	1981 Eriba Triton braaap @braaap
	Jul 17, 2021 6:58:32 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Thanks for the lesson. I´m sure there was wheeler dealer episode about a jeep with fake wood handpainted with a brush. Maybe worth a try.
	Last Edit: Jul 17, 2021 6:59:53 GMT by braaap

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,335 Club RR Member Number: 160	1981 Eriba Triton Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Jul 17, 2021 7:03:28 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jul 17, 2021 6:58:32 GMT braaap said: Thanks for the lesson. I´m sure there was wheeler dealer episode about a jeep with fake wood handpainted with a brush. Maybe worth a try. Absolutely not. The wagoneer/briarwood trims still available and even then I would rather use any wood grain vinyl as I can remove it. I’m not scumbling anything. Not after removing that from my kitchen cabinets courtesy of the previous owners 😂
	Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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