My New Project - 1977 Journey

[smashburn]

Well I found my dream motorhome .. sort of. I had a very small budget so knew I would be doing some 'fixin up' ... but ..

Here's my 1977 Journey (25'). I paid $1500, it has the Dodge 440 auto (727?) and ran well the 100 miles back home. I got it in Keystone CO and brought it back to Denver so had to pull the Eisenhower Tunnel/Pass .. it cruised up it at 50mph with little issue. It seemed in pretty good shape overall, but did have a roof leak and ceiling damage. I am a Tinner by trade (sheet metal) so knew I could fix the roof issues fairly easily. The black water tank is busted but can be replaced, and the appliances, even air conditioner, seem to work well.


Well, I started tearing out the ceiling and found the roof damage is, of course, much more extensive. The plywood roof is actually trashed.

I will have to peal the top back and replace the plywood top and then re-roof. Should I reuse the metal (covered in lots of goop from someone trying, and failing, to stop the leak) or use rubber or some other roofing material?
Here are some other pics ..





Thanks!

[1ciderdog]

I would not remove the metal roof unless absolutely necessary. You can seal the cracks & seams. I had a 1976 or 1977 Vogue and the roof had leaked and ruined the ceiling. I removed the wood and insulation and replaced with newer insulation and used door skins from the local hardware store for the ceiling panels. I soaked the door skins in water so they would be pliable enough to make the curves in the ceiling without breaking. This was about 20 years ago and there may be better ways to do it but it worked for me. The Dodge 440 was a strong engine but mighty hungry!

[JohnRR]

Good luck with your project and post more pictures as you get them.

[smashburn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog I would not remove the metal roof unless absolutely necessary. You can seal the cracks & seams. I had a 1976 or 1977 Vogue and the roof had leaked and ruined the ceiling. I removed the wood and insulation and replaced with newer insulation and used door skins from the local hardware store for the ceiling panels. I soaked the door skins in water so they would be pliable enough to make the curves in the ceiling without breaking. This was about 20 years ago and there may be better ways to do it but it worked for me. The Dodge 440 was a strong engine but mighty hungry!

Oh I'm afraid it is necessary .. the roof (not ceiling) ply has completely de-laminated and I could easily push a screwdriver/knife right through the wood and it is still very wet. I have the ceiling and insulation out (whoa much hotter in there now) and fans running to dry it out but don't image I can save the wood. Even some of the wood roof 'joists' are suspect. As a builder and tinner I can easily re-do the whole thing .. just tough finding a place to do it. I'll post pics as I go ... Thanks!

[Automobilist]

That's cool. I've got a Journey too! (2002)

[smashburn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automobilist That's cool. I've got a Journey too! (2002)

Actually I think they only share the name "Journey" as mine is not a Winnie. In fact there is little info on it at all as to who actually made it. The (Oregon) Title says Make=JAMBO .. but I find nothing on the web to link Journey to Jamboree .. I think that is an error. I found a similar unit listed as a Dodge Journey, but a list of Dodge Motorhomes I found does not list it. Will likely mean finding 'replacement' parts difficult. Oh well ..

[Senior Chief]

If you are a sheet metal worker, you can certainly re-metal the roof with standing seams. The tricky part will be the sidewall/roof join, but there are excellent aftermarket products (Eternabond) to help you seal any seams.

If you are functionally rebuilding the roof, you might plan on building it in a slight arch-stronger and more waterproof than the original flat design.

[smashburn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Chief If you are a sheet metal worker, you can certainly re-metal the roof with standing seams. The tricky part will be the sidewall/roof join, but there are excellent aftermarket products (Eternabond) to help you seal any seams. If you are functionally rebuilding the roof, you might plan on building it in a slight arch-stronger and more waterproof than the original flat design.

I thought of that as well and will try to pitch it a bit. Also, I can insulate it much better with newer materials available now. It 'should' be great when done .. and shouldn't -really- cost that much ... just time. Thanks!

[Senior Chief]

As long as you know the chassis make, you'll be able to find parts for the running gear with no problems. On the house side, the different appliances and electrical/plumbing parts were pretty standard among all or most motorhomes of the era, so not knowing the maker of your MH is not critical.

Unless you are keen on doing a period restoration, you will probably wish to upgrade a lot of your systems anyway. There have been significant steps forward in functionality since your rig was built, particularly in regards things like the electrical converter which powers your 12 volt system and charges your house batteries.

The point of this being, if you want functional, there are parts available for every system in your rig. You should only run into problems if you are insisting on originals- and even they are available if you haunt the salvage yards.

Best of luck with your rebuild- everybody here LOVES pictures!

[smashburn]

Digging through all the 'stuff' I got I found lots of original manuals/product docs. Here is the Owner Manual and Chassis Manuals.






I also have all the appliance manuals .. stove, oven, AC, water pump, frig, heater, water heater, etc .. pretty cool!

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashburn Digging through all the 'stuff' I got I found lots of original manuals/product docs. Here is the Owner Manual and Chassis Manuals. I also have all the appliance manuals .. stove, oven, AC, water pump, frig, heater, water heater, etc .. pretty cool!

You scored on the docs, that stuff is gold!
J

[bicklebok]

Great find and congrats! Thank you for the pics too! Keep us posted.

[Johnnyd111]

Awesome! I love it.. you have some tough work ahead, but in the end is worth it.. Im at a stand still because Obamas stimulus plan never sent me my check.

[Senior Chief]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnnyd111 Awesome! I love it.. you have some tough work ahead, but in the end is worth it.. Im at a stand still because Obamas stimulus plan never sent me my check.

I think I got your stimulus check...it said I owed $47,000.