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The Squire's Tavern => Squire's Tavern => Topic started by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 12:10:31 AM

Title: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 12:10:31 AM
Long windedness to follow... as is the norm with my postings it seems. ::)


I am insane at even CONSIDERING a project like this. However, at the risk of sounding, umm, weird... I'm going to build a Vardo. A gypsy wagon. Caravan. Whatever you care to call it.

I'm leaning towards the Reading style with a mollicroft/clerestory on top.

Like this:
(http://www.baldwingypsycaravan.com/Exterior_Construction_files/P5100073.jpg)

With the mollicroft/clearstory roof addition seen here:
(http://www.baldwingypsycaravan.com/Exterior_Construction_files/P3100080.jpg)
(though those colors just don't float my boat)


Alright... first off, no period police. I know the vardo is nowhere near "renaissance" or "medieval" acceptable. And I probably should be whipped and/or beheaded for even bringing such a modern subject up on the ren forum. lol. But ideas and tips are what I seek and I know someone here can probably give me some tips I would never have even thought of. In fact, some of you have probably seen a vardo at a faire or some such gathering and might be able to offer info that photos just don't provide.


Second, my little autobiography, I've lived the last 5+ years full time in a vehicle of some kind, much of the time with no electricity or things that are taken for granted. So the wagon/caravan/vardo I build will double as a piece of art AND a living area for me, and against all "periodness" it will have modern goodies including a composting toilet and electricity and microwave, just to name a few of the convienences I must have. Ideally I'll have these "hidden" so if anyone were to peek inside it might still look "gypsy-ish" and won't be too high tech or anything of the sort.
Yes I could simply start making payments on a small bumper-pull camper trailer made of fiberglass and what not, but really, where is the fun in that??? :-\

In all honesty the whole living in a vehicle thing started out as my involuntary fall into homelessness after losing a well paying job and having too little savings put back. Homelessness eventually got upgraded to living in a 1978 pickup truck, sleeping in the bed under a worn out blue tarp covered-wagon style, then moving up into a 24 foot also-1978 RV with so many mechanical problems and leaks in the roof it was a joke, then a slight downgrade in size but upgrade in age to an 18 foot 1986 van, my current residence. Affectionately called the gypsy wagon even before I found this forum. Ironic, I know.


But anyhoo... I ran the idea of building a vardo past my mom (who is normally my anchor to sanity) about a week ago after seeing one listed on eBay in a small teardrop style, and she agreed it would be a fun/practical-ish project. So much for my anchor to sanity.


So, the reason for this post, is I have made my very first payment on the basis of my vardo. An 8x12 foot utility trailer. Woo for me!! ;D So excited!! It's slightly wider than some would opt for when it comes to vardos, and maybe a smidge longer, but sue me. ;D

My baby:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/hummerluvver/8x12Utility1.jpg)

*sigh* Isn't it pretty?!?!
All black and shiny.
It's not officially mine yet... I can't take ownership until it's paid off. But hopefully that won't be too long. And then I can start building.


I'm going to start some serious eyeballing of the floorplans of smaller camper trailers or conversion vans to get an idea of where I can put things in the vardo. I've only been half-arse glancing and tossing ideas around, but now it's time for some serious decision making.
Only thing I know for sure is I want a full-size bed in the hitch-area. Under it will be storage.

And as non-gypsy as it will be, I must have a couple little spaces for my two cats, Micro and Joe. (*gasp!* unclean heathen animals, how dare they set foot in a romani abode!!) Ie: discreet area for litterbox (ideally with access from a door outside for cleaning) and a sleeping spot or two, as well as a food area for their bowls. They aren't much into playing, just sleeping and birdwatching.

Aside from that, no other clue whats going where, or whats going to be included.  Any ideas for an 8x12 living area?? If you run across any links to floorplans or just have some ideas off the top of your head you want to share which might work on space saving, Im all ears.


Ok, long windedness over.... FINALLY..
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Lady L on June 07, 2011, 01:01:41 AM
I like the idea!
I found some plans to convert a cargo van into a camper type vehicle at Glen L Marine. Might give you some ideas. And then some more links to plans. I really want one!

http://www.glen-l.com/campers/glenlrv.html

http://www.enslin.com/rae/gypsy/camps.htm

http://gypsyvans.com/

http://www.enslin.com/rae/gypsy/wagon.htm

http://www.atchintan.freeserve.co.uk/

http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house/gypsy-wagon-workshop/

http://www.ptwoodschool.com/gypsywagons2009.html

http://gypsywaggons.co.uk/

http://www.journeyfolki.org.uk/HistoryCulture/TheEnglishGypsyVardo/TheBasicTypes/tabid/882/language/en-US/Default.aspx

http://www.tiny-house-living.com/gypsy-caravan-plans.html

http://projectrollingfreedom.com/2010/09/04/don-vardo-plans/
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 07, 2011, 01:19:26 AM
Been wanting to do this for several years, myself, after seeing Rachel's vardos from the enslin links...  It looks easy enough, although labor intensive, but my problem is also getting the funding.  Good luck with your project!  I hope you'll blog your progress... I'd love to see it taking shape!!!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 02:16:51 AM
Have Tiny-House-Living, the Gypsywagons/UK(some of those are FANCY!!), and Tinyhouseblog in my bookmarks already. They should prove helpful. Will be looking over the others today. Think I know one other of them you listed... the one with rae in the url... which brings me to:

Rani.. is Rachel also the "goatwoman" with the woodcut horses standing outside her vardo at the faire grounds?? If so, her horse ideas are SO going into my book of stolen uh..borrowed ideas. Theres a guy not 10 miles down the road that makes the woodcut yard silhouettes and has some horse designs out on display; one rearing and the other pulling a sulky. He also has bears, dogs, cowboys, etc. I'm going to see if he can work a custom "Gypsy Vanner/Cob" horse pattern for me.

I'm due for new living quarters anyhow. Or at least a bit more room. The van is still mechanically sound and sturdy enough to serve as a tow vehicle, but some more living space would be extra nice. Figure I can either start payments on a boring cookie-cutter fiberglass unit, or I can make my own custom unit and have things where I want them.

Am wondering if I can modify some of the floorplans for Class B van units to work in an 8x12. Floorplans in those are hard to figure out smetimes. ::)

And yep, once the utility trailer is moved here I'll likely be starting a blog. Probably won't be very interesting to start, but it'll be a good way to keep track of expenses and hassles. lol
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 02:50:40 AM
To answer myself up there... yep, Rachel the goatwoman. *sigh with envy* I hate her. lol :D
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 07, 2011, 04:19:59 AM
I think I love her... and I've been dreaming about actually building my own vardo ever since I first saw hers, although I like her 2nd one better than her first. 


Oh, and I totally have enough of those exact types of fabrics to decorate my own vardo, in my fabric stash. 
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: The Rabbi on June 07, 2011, 07:56:13 AM
So what it aint period but done with spirit of the period and any nay sayers can blow it out thier arse. That being said a few hopefully helpful ideas. First if you are having cut outs created go ahead and have Wagon Wheels done to cover the rubber ones. Second run any electrical and water hook ups to the fron center of your trailer then create a hollow period correct looking hitch that you can use to hide the outside connections with as well as somewhat cover up the modern hitch. weight distribution will be the hardest part of this project everthing else can be hidden with smoke and mirrors. Need help disguising things just holler and I am sure some one on here will have an idea.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Captain Teague on June 07, 2011, 09:59:14 AM
Since when were gypsies politically correct anyway...... ;D
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Dinobabe on June 07, 2011, 10:19:42 AM
I've been wanting to do this for quite some time as well.  I have my plans all drawn up, know what materials I need, and even have a budget.  My version has a canvas top (mine is just for events, not permanent living, and there are historical vardos with canvas tops) and would "fold down" so during towing it is only ~4ft tall!  I would LOVE an 8X12 trailer but I think I will go with a 5X8. 

P.S. The fold up ramps are perfect for a "deck"!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 07, 2011, 10:27:35 AM
I absolutely LOVE the "pop-up" versions on Rachel's site!!!  The hydraulic lifts make it perfect for set-up by one person, also... 
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Dinobabe on June 07, 2011, 10:32:36 AM
I love the hydraulics, too.  And a lot of other amenities.  But you can spend a ton of money of you are not careful! ;D  Boy could I get out of hand!!!!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: The Rabbi on June 07, 2011, 10:39:39 AM
Is that possable to get out of hand on garb and accessories? If only my checkbook was bigger lol.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 02:03:02 PM
Omg, I know how easy it is to go outside of a budget. I don't exactly have a set budget myself... I'm more or less using 50%-70% of my weekly income now on payments for the trailer and will eventually start putting that into construction supplies and tool rentals as well. As I get additional incomes from jewelry sales, ransoms or bank robbing, I'll just flop that down as added payments.

Weight distribution IS going to be the hard part. And has me a bit worried. But where theres a will there is a way, so hopefully it will eventually come together. Once I get all the paperwork on the trailer I can be 100% sure of the weight load for the hitch, wheels and axles and can start tweaking some floorplans and collective ideas. It's a 2011 so I don't expect to be doing any modifying or reinforcing there... unless I plan to go extra big, which I don't really. Just comfortable.
The heaviest thing in there is probably going to end up being the composting toilet. lol

Oh boy, if I could go with the pop-up design I would. Looking over some of their construction images and I am totally confused how it works. lol. I wouldn't know the first thing about layering the frames and wood.... wonder how much it would cost me to fly Rachel down here so she can do it for me. :P

Great idea about the connections at the front. I saw a photo where someone simply draped a fabric over the hitch at faires to hide the modern hitch and it worked well enough. But something more rigid and permanent would be nice. We're holed up long-term at a little campground/rv park in MO now and I've already cleared it with both owners to build the vardo in the pull-thru we are renting. The van certainly doesn't take up the entire area, so I have plenty of room for construction and electricity for tools. Woo! My only problem is I don't have an indoor workshop, so it's going to look like a little interesting with all the tarp tents up here. lol

And wagon wheels are a definite. I'm amazed at the height of some of the actual vardo's and wish I could somehow incorporate the S-stairs as they are, to me, just awesome. Around here farm-auctions are common and wooden wagon wheels are also common for yard and driveway entry decorations. I'm hoping to score a quad of those and paint them up to match so I can place them at the four corners. But if that falls through, I'll definitely be going with the cutouts. Might be easier storing those for moving anyhow.
I planned to place a sign of some sort over the utility trailer's modern wheels since they are more in the center... such as "Fortune Telling" or perhaps a wood cutout that looks like a storage chest or a sleeping animal of some sort.

And the drop down ramp gate on the utility trailer is a 2-piece drop gate, so like I can have either the left side dropped or the right side. I would have preferred to have a single-drop gate, but at the 8x12 size my gate selections were limited, and at the price for it's size and year I wasn't going to sweat the small stuff. I can still work with it. And the idea of a little porch/deck is an extra bonus! The two photos I posted in the first link are from the Baldwin Gypsy site (a way more elaborate interior than I can afford I am sure, but beautiful none the less) at http://www.baldwingypsycaravan.com and in the photos somewhere it shows his 4' porch held by chains and able to flop up for travel.

Photobucket doesn't want to work for me right now so I can't post another photo I have, but it's an "actual" vardo with two women inside and there are some features from it I'll be borrowing for my vardo. Like the curtains on the window are sleek satiney gold that looks like it would brighten up an area very well.  There is a crystal doorknob, Lowe's has a pretty nifty selection of glass and 'crystal' knobs which I might make use of. And the designs on the vardo itself, so elaborate and pretty.

*Edit* Got Photobucket to work so here is the image for the above paragraph.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/hummerluvver/GypsyWagon_Corbis1.jpg)
Taken in 1985 (modern, ahh!) at the Appleby Horse Fair in North Yorkshire, England, UK by photographer Annie Griffiths Belt.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 05:50:09 PM
Just ordered some sample pieces of various vinyl, wood and cork flooring as well as a few half-planks of vinyl faux wood paneling for the sides. I'm debating about going with vinyl "wood-looking" planks instead of real wood or the exterior walls to save on weight.... ideas? Some of that stuff looks really woody...
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: BLAKDUKE on June 07, 2011, 07:06:37 PM
Sam I Am:

I am not trying to butt into your business, but have you already bought the utility trailer and the wood to make this unit.
The reason I ask is because there is antique dealer across the river in Columbus, Ga that has an authentic Gypsy wagon right down to the wooden wheels.  I would not recommend towing this behind a car because the frame and wheels would not survive the trip.  However this wagon could go on a utility trailer and taken off to be set up.  The wagon itself would need some work but all the wood seems to be there.  Shingles for a roof would be a necessity.  There seems to be some faded Gypsy painting on it but that would have to redone as well.   I am currently working in Birmingham, Al. but I go home on Friday night.  If you like I could take some pictures of the wagon.  However the glitch to the whole thing is that he is firm on 5K for it.   

The BLAKDUKE
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 07, 2011, 09:55:46 PM
Blakduke,

If no trouble, I would love to see photos of it!! If nothing more, just to get some more ideas for designs and such... and to drool on it and with money grew on trees. ;D
I'm sure others here would love to see pics as well. Feel free to flop them down on this thread if you would like!! :D

As fascinating as it sounds, and if I had the $5k I would likely buy it sight unseen just to have it, lol, I think being able to say I built one myself is the biggest draw for me. Ive seen a couple listed on eBay, nothing fancy, just little "gypsy-ish" types, but I want to have complete control over what goes where, how much storage, leaving pet additions, etc.

I've also recently taking a fancy to Tigerwood and will probably be trying to incorporate that into the vardo soon. haha

I'm picky, I know. ;)

To answer your questions, I have already signed on a utility trailer and have started making payments.. my first one last night actually. However for the wood and furnishings and such, I have nothing purchased yet. I'm still debating about what to go with, weight issues, cost, etc.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: BLAKDUKE on June 08, 2011, 05:37:22 AM
If my feeble aged brain will allow me to remember I will git-r-deone this weekend.

The BLAKDUKE
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 08, 2011, 07:11:07 PM
You'll remember it for little ole me right? *bats eyelashes*
I'll be your bestest best friend! I'll buy you a drink if I ever meet up with you at a faire. lol
:D Was worth a try.

No worries if you forget... just know my alter persona is an archer and I'm pretty well trained with the aim on my rubber tipped arrows...  Be afraid, be very afraid. ;D



Alrighty, and update on my vardo happenings... I dug around in some of the storage boxes under the bed today and low and behold, I do in fact still have an old Breyer model horse.  Unfortunately, he will be put to death shortly... HOWEVER, he will live on as a decorative item on the vardo.
Instead of just painting on a horse image or two, I wanted it to be a bit raised and dimensional. So I've planned to cut the horse right in half.... you know, slice him so it looks like I have two full-body horses instead of the one.
Then I'll eventually use him on the front dutch-door and under the rear bedroom window. Paint him gold and attach him to the vardo.

In my mind it looks good... but he won't actually be used until much later. So keep your fingers crossed that he doesnt look like crap. lol
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: The Rabbi on June 08, 2011, 08:33:14 PM
Love the horse concept of course any creative ideas generally catch my eye. Sure it will look great.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Pascal on June 11, 2011, 10:24:25 AM
You can build a really nice vardo on an 8 x 12 frame -- I built a pop-up bowtop on a 4 x 8 frame and it works fine for weekend camping.

There's a vardo group on Yahoo (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vardoshavora/ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vardoshavora/)) you might want to pass by.  There's a number of plans and pictures in their Files library.

Rachel's there, too.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Dinobabe on June 11, 2011, 12:07:48 PM
Quote from: Pascal on June 11, 2011, 10:24:25 AM
You can build a really nice vardo on an 8 x 12 frame -- I built a pop-up bowtop on a 4 x 8 frame and it works fine for weekend camping.

Pictures, pictures!!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 11, 2011, 06:48:47 PM
 :o Yeah! ^^ what she said!!!

How DARE you mention building one and not showing pics!!!


Ironically... I applied to join the yahoo group a few days ago but havent heard back yet. lol
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Pascal on June 13, 2011, 10:00:31 AM
Oops -- here's a pic of the finished product set up at Sherwood Forest Faire near Austin ...

(http://www.woodsongtarot.com/vardo/MY0148.jpg)

The vardo is 8 feet front to back and a touch over 6 feet wide at the wide part of the bow.  Basically, everything under the "yellow" part of the top is the "bedroom" (about 4 feet by 6 feet for raised bed, storage underneath); stuff under the "blue" part is the "parlor".

If you'd like to see more of the construction, go to http://www.woodsongtarot.com/vardo/vardo.html (http://www.woodsongtarot.com/vardo/vardo.html).  I roughly followed the plans for the "American Vardo" (www.amvardo.com (http://www.amvardo.com)), but made mine a pop-up.

My first try made it a "lift up" rather than a pop-up -- it didn't have any hinges and you just lifted the ends in place to set it up.  After I did that, I realized I could use strap hinges rather than piano hinges and so modified it for a real pop-up (the second page at my "vardo.html" above shows that process).
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Mairte on June 13, 2011, 01:30:56 PM
I've never even heard of this...but what a GREAT idea!!!  ;D ;D ;D Best of luck with this project!!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 13, 2011, 01:52:10 PM
Quote from: Sam I Am on June 11, 2011, 06:48:47 PM
:o Yeah! ^^ what she said!!!

How DARE you mention building one and not showing pics!!!


Ironically... I applied to join the yahoo group a few days ago but havent heard back yet. lol

Sam, are you sure you followed all the steps in requesting membership for this group?  I was approved by the next day, but the request process had a couple more steps than I'm used to, and I almost missed it. 
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on June 13, 2011, 02:10:05 PM
Definitely some bright colors going on with that one Pascal! I like seeing "non-traditional" type coloring Looks comfortable.  Love the little mailbox. lol
Thanks for sharing.. and yeah "oops" indeed.  :D

Rani, I'll double check today and see if idiot me missed something... that could be likely. ::)
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Kiss-me-Kate on June 13, 2011, 11:58:55 PM
Sam,
I can't wait to see your end results!!!!  These are so cool!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Delireus on June 29, 2011, 03:55:17 AM
Have any of you guys seen that show on TLC now, called My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding? I'm absolutely fascinated by it! I'm really not sure what time it comes on, though I know a new one is on this Friday at 9. While it mostly deals with modern Gypsy's weddings (duh) you can get a glimpse of their really old wagons sometimes, thought you never see inside one. But it's really very interesting to watch. Some of the outfits the young girls wear to weddings are rather...skimpy to say the least but it's interesting to get a look at their lives :)

Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Dinobabe on June 29, 2011, 09:18:26 AM
Ya, I'm addicted! ::)  I think 4 shows have aired so far and I think there are only 5 total.  I decided to DVR them, but you can watch the shows as well as the documentary movie that started it all on youtube.  They are looking to film an American version, as well!
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Scotty Hunter on July 08, 2011, 03:26:24 PM
Hi all, as requested by a few private messages, an update.  :D  I've fine tuned some ideas, added new ones, removed others, and started making contacts and purchases.

I'm still making payments on the trailer, but have started getting my grubby hands on other goodies for the vardo. As well as making plans for the interior and some of the must-have comforts of home, as it were.
I've decided that when all is said and done, since I will be living in this rig full-time as well, I will be having several "luxuries" in it which will, hopefully, fade away with smoke and mirrors when the rig gets the chance to roll into a Ren Faire.

I've been pricing rooftop air conditioning units, such as those for traditional RV's, and have found some micro-thin sized units which run the lower end of the price spectrum and, ideally, can be hidden under or painted to resemble a mollicroft. Unfortunately, this will be a bit down the line as far as purchasing, since the lower end of the spectrum means about $500.00 new. I'm looking for used ones, or units from junkyards in good working order, but so far nothing that will work for my plans as they are much too large. So that is in the books, but will come much later. I might go with box-fans for a while, then again, I won't be living in this until fall/winter so by next summer I may have the funds for a rooftop unit. We'll see how that all falls into place.


I will be wiring the rig with 110v for normal uses such as for my laptop, microwave, etc. I'm planning on working the adapters to allow shore power connection at RV Parks and campgrounds, have not yet decided on a generator or not, but the underbed area would be large enough should I decide to get a quiet one. Easy enough to seal off to prevent generator fumes from leaking into the living area. Quiet enough to run even in close proximity to others, and powerful enough to run an AC or Heater, and a Microwave. :D Those are also on the slightly pricy end, so we'll see.


The bedroom part will be at the hitch and will have rope-lighting, but I'll be covering this area with a curtin and/or sliding doors so it'll be my private high-tech area closed off from period-eyes. lol. My evil taboo non-gypsy horribly dirty feline traveling partner, Micro, will also remain in this area while at Ren Faires, so I plan on having a lounge shelf and feeding area for her in there as well. Kitty bathroom, well, we'll have to do some more planning on that one to figure out where it can go... but I'll be adding a baggage door on the outside of the rig so I can access the underbed area from there, I might be able to put the litterbox in the lower part of a bed table so it blends in and can be changed out daily from outside the rig.


Water storage tanks for fresh, black and greywater are easy enough to conceal under the bed or in a wooden chest/bench, so I do plan on having storage water. When at RV Parks or campgrounds, Ill be tied in to the well/city water supply, and will only really need use of a pump which are easy enough to purchase and install.


While I am no stranger to finding a bush and taking some toilet paper and a small shovel along, I do in fact LOVE the idea of indoor plumbing... or at least a bucket and some privacy. lol. So I'm sketching out ideas for a tiny little fold down potty that can take care of business and lead right into my black water storage. I'm trying to borrow an idea from the TV show Firefly, with a flip-down toilet and a slide-out sink, but so far it's coming up bigger than I have room for. Might just end up having a little wardwrobe with a bucket and some trash bags in there. *sigh* Hope not though... we'll see on that as well.


Another thing I must have is 3 windows. One on each side, and one over the bed at the hitch. These will be screened (as I will be the only Gypsy living with a cat, lol) and will be able to be propped open, tilt-out style.. but they will be stained glass. Now, I've priced new stained glass and let me say:  :o
That about sums it up on the price.
So I found stained glass decals which are hand painted and about a tenth of the price. Obviously if I can find real stained glass in a junkyard or yard sale, I am going for it, but finding 3 windows that will work together is probably not going to happen. So cheapish matching windows and stained glass decals might be the way to go. lol


Flooring. I received some samples from a few Canadian suppliers. One of which has cork flooring. Lightweight, heavy duty, resistant to insects and molds, thick, comfortable and very reasonable in price. I've decided on one called "Autumn Ripple" which is a warm mix of medium browns and golds. Their minimum order is almost three-times as much as I will need, but still, price wise it is well worth it... with freight charges included. And the flooring is light, so instead of getting thick hardwood flooring atop the trailer struts, I can lay plywood and the cork flooring. Cheaper and lighter in the longrun... but just as sturdy and safe to walk on.


Hinges. On Youtube, a user named "peteranddonna" have a couple quick videos of a vardo they have built. I'll be stealing two of their ideas; one for decorative strap hinges, and possibly one for a speakeasy grill on the door depending on which style of door I end up going with (still being debated).

The hinges are not cheap, however I am going to be using polyvinyl dummy hinges instead of the cast iron. They will look great from a distance, and will not be seen as a fake unless a historian comes up and eyeballs my rig up close. lol

Here is a shot of the door from "peteranddonna" on Youtube showing one hinge and the speakeasy.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/hummerluvver/StrapHinge_Speakeasy.jpg)

For my hinges, I am going for the Warwick design in polyvinyl seen below:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/hummerluvver/WarwickHinge.jpg)

The speakeasy is, I guess, the medieval version of a peep hole. lol. I just loved the look of it on peteranddonna's door, and figure if I go for a door of similar style, I am going to get the Saint Augustine style seen here: http://www.wildwesthardware.com/staugustinegrills.htm

Then again, I might just go with a dutch style door with top window and some curtains over it.


Umm, thats about it for updates I think.  I've been looking at some other things, like ideas for a way to hide modern looking faucets, but it's hard to explain in text and I have no photo or sketch, so stand by for that later on. ;)
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Keno on September 09, 2013, 08:40:04 PM
I know this is alittle old but love the idea.  Im saving up right now to fund building mine.  I'm making mine alot bigger to travel around with to faires.  I'm also going to try to hide most of the modern features into the design of the wagon.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on September 10, 2013, 02:33:22 AM
Keno... this really IS an old topic, but still one very close to my own heart!  There is a couple who have built at least two of these, with some very modern, yet completely hidden, conveniences that absolutely make the concept of the modern Gypsy vardo pop-up completely feasible!  On the first page of this topic there is this link (http://www.enslin.com/rae/gypsy/camps.htm) to their pages, and the journey through the building process is laid out almost step-by-step in photos!  It's truly inspiring! 


Modified to add:

Oh, yes... I particularly love the link to Rachel's 2nd vardo!  Partly because of the innovations of the gas lift arms for the top, but mostly for the decor, I believe, since that is very much my own "style"...  lol
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: BLAKDUKE on September 11, 2013, 12:35:36 PM
Well I guess I should apologize for not following thru sooner on the Gypsy Wagon pictures that I promised over a year ago(page 2 of this thread).  I just got around taking the pictures today.  I will download them sometime today and try to get them uploaded.  Please bear with me.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: BLAKDUKE on September 16, 2013, 09:43:48 AM
Well finally as promised I have the photos ready for view.........

Ahhhh  how is it done.   I see no  attachment link that brings up anything to attach photos. 

below here it says attachments but when I click on it, it just blinks at me and does nothing
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on September 16, 2013, 10:17:25 AM
I believe you have to post the pictures to an outside site (like Shutterfly or Photobucket) and then inset the links to that URL in your forum post.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on September 17, 2013, 12:28:46 AM
Yes... it's exactly as Gauwyn said.  They first have to go onto another website, and then they can be linked here.  You have to use a web address as the link.  I have discovered how to link photos from facebook, even...  :D 
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: BLAKDUKE on September 17, 2013, 10:06:39 AM
http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/blakduke/library/Gypsy%20Wagon?sort=3&page=1 (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/blakduke/library/Gypsy%20Wagon?sort=3&page=1)




I suppose that photobucket is easier if you use it alot. I found it quite cumbersome.


This the Gypsy Wagon that I spoke of a loooooonnng  time ago.  As I stated earlier in this thread it is expensive and it is unlikely that he will come down on it.  But it is unique and if someone had the skills to re-do it,  it would be fantastic.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rowan MacD on September 17, 2013, 10:44:31 AM
  Blakduke-If you want the photo to show here instead of the link:
  In PB below the picture, you can copy the IMG file and copy it here.
  The photo will appear on preview, so that you know you did it correctly.   I agree-PB is cumbersome.
   You have to save your pictures there, then copy the script over here to show a pic 'real time'.   That's how I have my profile pic.
Title: Re: Vardo-a-go-go; The Gypsy Wagon Project
Post by: Rani Zemirah on September 17, 2013, 09:46:12 PM
Oh, how sad that it's wheels have been removed, and it is being used to store old junk.  :(  Some sanding, some paint and some axle grease and it would be ready for the road again!