Community Forums

baraff · 01-21-2013, 02:20 PM

We were at a restaurant recently and when we drove around the back to exit we noticed this decrepit motorhome parked in a storage lot next door. It is completely gutted and well beyond any attempt at salvation, but curious to know if anyone knows what it is?

Dwight · 01-21-2013, 02:39 PM

Look up ULTRA VAN CORVAIR
Dwight

rgvtexan · 01-21-2013, 03:22 PM

UltraVan: Corvair Motorhome

crazeevw · 01-21-2013, 10:57 PM

Even though you might think it's beyond repair, betting that someone with the UltraVan would love to know the location, just to see if they could buy it for parts. The interior of these were fairly spartan to begin with, so betting if it's solid (all-aluminum body) it might still be salvagable. It has the Chevrolet Corvair engine in it, so betting that parts are available for it.

Mr_D · 01-21-2013, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Even though you might think it's beyond repair, betting that someone with the UltraVan would love to know the location, just to see if they could buy it for parts. The interior of these were fairly spartan to begin with, so betting if it's solid (all-aluminum body) it might still be salvageable. It has the Chevrolet Corvair engine in it, so betting that parts are available for it.

Yep, the body should still be OK unless there's a hole in the other side, but lots of panels could be used. Someone will definitely want it.

baraff · 01-22-2013, 06:38 PM

I don't think it's abandoned, it's in a storage lot for a business in Downers Grove, Illinois. If I get a chance to get over there I'll investigate further.
Interestingly, there is a '65 or '66 Corvair parked next to it on the other side. You can't see it in the photo, but it looks like someone may have had some plans for it.
Those are some cool old motorhomes! I would love a good project like that when I retire.

Manuel B · 01-22-2013, 06:58 PM

Happy little critters, I've always liked them, some neat features inside, and easy to swap up engines.

Dwight · 01-23-2013, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manuel B

Happy little critters, I've always liked them, some neat features inside, and easy to swap up engines.

The owner of this Ultra Van joined the Family Motor Coach Association in 1965.

trampsrv · 01-23-2013, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manuel B

Happy little critters, I've always liked them, some neat features inside, and easy to swap up engines.

whats with the 2 different side mirrors?

Dwight · 01-24-2013, 06:40 PM

UltraVan: Corvair Motorhome

Innovative Thinking -- 2 rear view mirror sizes standard on the UltraVan in the early 60s. The driver is able to see a similar size view of each side of the vehicle....

I demonstrated this to the Mirror Lite Co. over 20 years ago and it became an option on School Buses.