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maduncledave · 08-04-2021, 10:48 AM

Hi everyone!
I'm Dave, and I bought an RV a little while back. It was part of a package deal, RV and travel trailer.

My background is mostly mechanical and electrical. Started out in a truck stop in the mid '70s changing split rim tires and servicing whatever needed servicing. First car was a '66 VW bug that I disassembled and reassembled a few times to see how it was put together. That started me on a lifelong hobby of restoring old VW buses and later on BMW motorcycles. I currently troubleshoot and repair thermoforming equipment. If you're enjoying a cup of coffee from your Keurig, look on the bottom of the pod and if it's recyclable, one of our machines made it.

The rigs sat over 5 years in a shady spot by a brook where it's nice and cool. And VERY wet. Got the trailer home already, nothing more than checking bearings, freeing up stuck brakes, sandblast and paint wheels, new tires. Evicted the mice and wasps, put a dehumidifier and an ozone generator inside and after more than 15 gallons of water pulled from the interior, it no longer smells like mold, just mice. The wood is now all dry and I can start in on replacing rotted wood, resealing stuff, chasing wiring issues and general fixits. The trailer is just something to flip to help fund the RV restoration.

The RV is a 1978 Lindy on a Dodge WD400 chassis. 360 engine, dually with the same wheels all around. Not going to bother trying to start or drive it, I suspect all the rubber bits like brake hoses, cooling hoses etc are original equipment. Front brakes were seized, the left rear E-brake cable is still taut (WD40 and Kroil to the rescue!). Most all the structural wood is in need of replacement, roof and all kinds of leaks abound. Since this looks like it will be a total strip, I can move the floor plan around a little. Ultimate goal is something I can take off-grid and live in if we have to.

Yes, this is a huge undertaking but I believe I'm up for it. I've read the last 15 months of threads that appear to be related to the Dodge chassis, and if there's other Lindy owners out there I'd love to hear what issues you found with yours, and what you did to fix them.

Thanks for reading!
dave

RKins · 08-04-2021, 12:25 PM

That's a handful but I'm up for checking in on your progress to watch the restoration.

TheVintageRV · 08-18-2021, 03:03 PM

Make sure to snap lots of pictures along the way. Good luck and have fun!

Bearstream1 · 08-18-2021, 03:15 PM

Idk how far back “a little while” is but the market is so crazy you may be able to sell it as is and make $$$$ hahahahhaha good luck and lots of props to you!!!