Adelma Caravans The idea for this website will be to document both the process of what has been done in bringing the above 1976 Adelma caravan back to life as well as documenting the history of the Adelma Caravan brand that was started by the three Cappola brothers Jan, Sal and Guido from its inception approximately around 1967 through to the end of manufacturing in the early 1980's. Hopefully others will contribute to the site and I welcome people to submit your own images of your Adelma caravans in either restored, semi restored or original condition. I will be setting up seperate pages for all vans so they can be seen in all their own glory so please feel free to contact me at i_southam@hotmail.com with any stories, photos, or brochures you may have so they can be added in the near future once the new website is ready. If you are looking to either buy or sell an Adelma Caravan then feel free to list it for FREE on this website. 1976 Adelma 'Adelaide 500' This Classic Adelma caravan is a one family owned caravan and well used extensively around the country for many years. Bought new from the Cappola Bros in 1976 from 12 Denis Street, St Mary's, South Australia. Previous tow vehicles in order were, HQ 202 sedan, HQ 253 sedan, 1982 Ford Fairlane, VS Commodore wagon and currently a VZ Commodore wagon. Having been brought out of retirement, the only changes made to the original interior were a replacement yellow glass panel for the display shelf (which had been accidently broken during a trip away many years ago) and the sand blasting & powdercoating of the metal table stand as it was badly rusting. Cushions surrounding the table area are the next thing on the list to be done as 14 original buttons have broken off and need to be retrimmed. Any suggestions on tradesmen or businesses in Adelaide capable of retrimming caravan cushions would be welcomed! The exterior has seen some minor maintenance updates/modifications for safety reasons. Most recently the van has just been washed and green stripe polished, new front grab rail has been fitted as the original has rusted through and two new escutcheon plates have been replated and fitted to replace the original two that were fully rusted. Wheel bearings have been repacked, master brake cylinder and brake lines replaced and gas lines/regulator updated. Original Adelma signage on three sides of the van has been repainted by hand and and the badly rusted wheel rims sand blasted and powder coated. The steel framework is currently being cleaned and sanded ready to be repainted. Regards Ian Southam
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