New RV'er with an old rig

[The_Dutchman]

Hello all,

Sooo, my wife and I have been enthusiastically using our 14' toy hauler for two years now cruising around the California deserts and ocean. We ran accross our new digs purely by chance. As a gift, we were presented with "The Beast" a 1984 Winnebago Chieftain, 27 feet of aging glory!
Mechanically it is a great shape, 43K original miles and everything seems to work, no leaks or major problems. Aestethically it is much less pleasing (as one would expect after 28 years) and I am gleefully looking forward to the restoration effort of the interior.
I came to this forum initially to read up about wallpapering, carpeting and the major pitfalls and joys of RV repair. I decided to join because the folks here seem very enthusiastic about their motorhomes and more than willing to share.
I'm not sure if I'll have much to share initially but as I learn I look forward to contributing and ofcourse post pics of the ongoing restoration effort.

Best,

The Dutchman

[Ramblin]

First thing you should share is pictures of that 28 year old beauty.

Chieftans were awesome icons of the time. I just love seeing them being restored. I know there are several here who have embarked on the journey you are about to take. Keep us posted, post lots of pictures, and ask lots of questions!

[MartySQ]

Welcome to the Forums!
I have learned a lot from this place!
I too am a 'new to RVing person with a seasoned rig!'
Enjoy the process! Sometimes... things can get frustrating, but don't give up!

[Go Dawgs]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy. You might be suprised how much information you will have to offer. I was new to RVing a couple of years ago and learned a few things by doing and having things go wrong or fixing. This site is great and enjoy your rehab. Been there and done it.

Arnold

[The_Dutchman]

Hi Ramblin,

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement, I actually have a pic of it with me. Now if I can only figure out a way to add it...

Okay, that settles it, I'm just going to have to accept the fact that his will have to wait until I sit down and figure that part out. In the mean time I'll add it as a profile picture.

[ghoststories]

Hello and welcome to iRV2.

[bsirby]

Hello Dutchman, welcome to IRV2. She looks pretty good on the outside. Enjoy fixing her up. Safe travels.

[Midniteoyl]

Welcome!!

[Ramblin]

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

Welcome!!

[The_Dutchman]

I just snorted my left over coffee out my nose, that's a funny way to make a point!

I guess this weekend I'll be whipping out the camera and takin me sum pichers. It is indeed my goal to post pictures of before, during and after.

I'll give a quicky update so far:

Bad news, it needs 6 new tires.
Good news, I get to have all new tires so we can roll along without worries!

The engine passed emissions but I have a small pressure leak in the fuel tank, hunting that down this weekend so I can get it to pass completely.

We're planning to do the following (in order)

- Re- seal the roof, although it's dry right now, I'm not taking any chances.
- Re-seal the windows, see above statement.
- Pressure test the LP system and carefully examine all the valves, lines and appliances. replace/ repair as nescessary. I figured that this is best done before tackling the interior so I don't have to worry about tearing things out.
- New tires
- Go through electrical system and generator, although everything works, i'd rather have no surprises.
- Take care of the dash, fix any chassis end engine related wear and tear items.
- Strip the carpet and upholstery.
- Strip the wallpaper (or what passes for it) or leave in place where it's appropriate so it can be covered with something new.
- remove cabinet doors and refinish
- refinish the cabinetry
- apply new wallpaper/ vinyl (haven't yet decided as to what's going up as of yet)
- Install new carpet
- replace, repair or cover seating upholstery
- Install new cabinet doors.
- Presto!

And then any of the other 100,000,00 items that can and will pop up.

Pictures will come as I progress, Promise!

All the Best,

Dutchman

[dburden]

There's a good mix of new and old rigs here so welcome aboard! We also have an old Chieftain and have found it's fun and rewarding putting work into it.

[Ramblin]

Hey, when you re-do the carpet, make sure to get bright winnie orange deep shag as per original specs.

[Nick-B]

Howdy Dutchman and

Instead of all that work and mess stripping off the old wall paper, why not just paint over it. Scrub it down with TSP and use a primer/sealer. Then pick a color! And if you still decide you want wall paper, you now have a clean, smooth surface to lay the paper on.

[jimbo16720]

It's just broke in. I have the 86 winnie Elandan 27 fter and I love it. Everything works in mine too. I really don't have to do anything to mine but have been changing things are the way I like them.