It's Madness I tell you! Renovating our 1973 D18 Brave!

[Ralis]

Hi All,

The wife and I believed it would be fun to own an RV in order to travel the US and visit haunted attractions during the Halloween season.

The wife thought a 1973 Winnebago D18 was cute. The wife gets what the wife wants!

I bought the RV. The PO wanted $3500; I paid $2900. It ran, had a tune-up, new brake lines and brake shoes, and a new floor. The PO had converted the wheels to 16" and it had 7 new tires. We took it for a spin around the storage lot and discovered it did not stop well. It also needed a new roof. I knew because of this website the repairs would be no problem because of the wonderful resources and members here.

I thought to myself, "What a great deal. A new roof, some brake work and a paint job, then we're off!"

Katie, my wife, decided to document the process.

Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/uc7D6Omq1iQ

[Undertheoaks]

Looks like your doing a great job so far. I was going to buy a d21 brave but decided on something a little smaller. Not sure where your located but I know of a d21 brave for $500 needs to be put back together but it's all there and no leaks I've been told. Maybe great for parts. Anyways keep up the good work.

[hawkeye1995]

My hats off to you two!!! That is a project. It is great that you have chosen to restore a vintage RV. At my age, I would not be able to even start such a task. I use to buy old tractors and restore them. Still have a couple of them.. It gives one a since of great satisfaction and accomplishment when the final product is complete. I admire the both of you, and enjoy the travels once you are finished.

[GlennLever]

[Ralis]

We are located in Southern California. near Palm Springs

[CLIFFTALL]

Congrats and good luck with your project. Thanks for sharing it with us. My first MH was a Winnebago Chieftain and I visited the factory in Forest City Iowa. They had ( and may still have ) a vintage one in the lobby.

I’m confident yours will look as good when you’re done [emoji106]

[Ralis]

WOW!

[perlgurl]

I understand that madness!

I bought a 1973 D18 a couple years ago for what I thought was a "sweet deal" and since then have sunk enough into it in blood, sweat, tears and cash to have bought something much more recent. BUT I like my Sandcrawler. We have had many adventures and I plan on having more. And it' been a good learning experience as well.

[Wroughtnharv]

Originally Posted by perlgurl

I understand that madness!

I bought a 1973 D18 a couple years ago for what I thought was a "sweet deal" and since then have sunk enough into it in blood, sweat, tears and cash to have bought something much more recent. BUT I like my Sandcrawler. We have had many adventures and I plan on having more. And it' been a good learning experience as well.

Great example of old mantra, buy happiness, and new, experience happiness.

We call them adventures. And we laugh. One of our favorite laughter generators is the one about the time the black tank valve leaked and I discovered it bone tired and in the dark.

[Ralis]

Originally Posted by perlgurl

I understand that madness!

I bought a 1973 D18 a couple years ago for what I thought was a "sweet deal" and since then have sunk enough into it in blood, sweat, tears and cash to have bought something much more recent. BUT I like my Sandcrawler. We have had many adventures and I plan on having more. And it' been a good learning experience as well.

I have been following your posts on the classic forum, they are great!

[perlgurl]

Originally Posted by Ralis

I have been following your posts on the classic forum, they are great!

Thanks! I learned a lot from lots of folks on that forum.

I've did a ton of work on the RV this year and still need to finish documenting it. I started a section on my personal blog and I plan to post everything on a "build log" on my public facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=48e16d233e

[F76Marion]

Ralis and Perlgurl,

My sister and hubby have a 73 GMC. (None are newer than 78.)

There is a standard saying in their crowd.

A reliable and ready to travel GMC will cost ~30K$....
All at once or as a kit. Sweat equity counts.

Frank - with a much new (78) Cayo.

[Ralis]

Here is part 2!

https://youtu.be/RghxnS6VY2Q

Thanks All!

[CLIFFTALL]

Great video. I’m enjoying seeing your hard work come together. Keep em coming. [emoji106]