'77 Coachmen RV?

[knox69]

i am thinking about buying a old rv from 1977. roof leaks,fixer uper,new 440 motor, dodge coachmen 22foot

[RV Wizard]

Be aware that some of the chassis parts such as brake rotors and other components are no longer available for the old Dodge chassis. Also you will be spending at least as much time repairing as you will get to use the coach. If the roof has been leaking, it could have some serious issues that you may not be able to easily or cost wise repair. There are many units for sale right now and if you look you can get some unbelievable deals. Good luck and keep us posted.

[PapPappy]

You have two options.....spend a bunch of money and time working on a labor of love, or spending that same money, buying a newer RV that won't require that much labor, and spend your time camping and going places!!

If you go to RV.net, there is a thread about a guy who is doing what you want to do...and it's been over a year since the "project" began, and right now, he's basically got a flatbed truck, with an open van front. It will be at least another year, before he gets this done. He's got a TC, and a boat, so he's not rushing on it...spending more time right now, trying to get a building set up to store/work on it.

Malcolm has a huge following, of which I am a member.....but that is because we each have a desire to do what he is doing....but I am also realistic enough to know that it is a project that I probably wouldn't finish, and one that I would waste time on , when I could be out in my RV.

Buying a used RV is a good thing....you avoid the depreciation that comes from a new rig, but going back 30+ years, you are inviting too many problems. Remember, you are probably hoping to take your RV to very remote place, and go on some great adventures....having something that will be questionable at best, and almost impossible to find parts for, when you get "out there" makes a good argument for getting something in the 10-15 year range.

Just my opinion, and I hope that if you decide to go for it, you at least keep us posted, with lots of pictures.....

[knox69]

500.00 for the rv. old man is 85 years old,the rv seating in the yard under a barn. fix the roof, i have the paper work for the motor, new motor and trans. motor/trans was put in 2004. i run a maintenance services here,so fixings it know big deal.a/c does not work? going to the mountain the fall. kids would like to see some snow this years? smokey mountain snow?

[tboss619]

Knox one of the best times I have had in my 68 years is when I rebuilt a 24 ft coachman TT for my son,,I set it rite beside the house and looked for a good place to start the tear down and I just dove in,,,I took me abt 3 months to do the job but wht a fun time I had We went to H/D and bought the material ,,,2x4,,2x6,,2x8,s and a lot of luan 1/4 inch . I was suprised that the appliances need very little repair but we done all that ourselves with little cost,,,We only had the 400.00 we purchased it with and abt 200.00 in materials...It really looked greta and was a very vunctional unit when we finished...sooooo I say go for it it cant be in any worst condition that our rebuild we even re done the roof and complete ceiling rebuild,,,,,We ttore the bath room completely out and rebuild it also using the old appliances but you will be suprised to see what a little fusion paint will do to the plastic appliances,,,So go fot it my friend and pls keep us posted...ps a good table saw will really come in handy for the cabinet rebuild ..I wished I lived near you for I would help you if you asked,,,Its a great time....good luck Terry