Community Forums

Traygar · 09-05-2021, 07:37 AM

Yep, as I mentioned in my new members’ section introduction post I’m not new to RV’s (at least not travel trailers), but I’m new to vintage and I’m new to Class A’s. Not much experience with diesels either, for that matter.

My wife and I now find ourselves the proud new owners of a vintage 1988 Elite Coach 36’ diesel pusher. It’s got great bones and runs perfectly but needs a lot of work. We’re currently assessing everything but I know it needs new rear tires, new batteries, complete new air ride system, repair or possibly replace the generator and jacks, plumbing, upgrade to LED’s, etc., etc. The exterior is solid but needs some cosmetic work, and the interior is solid as well with no signs of water damage at all. It doesn’t have any musty smells inside either. We’re gonna go with a classy tiki bar theme, and we’ve already named her “Tiki Bus”.

So anyway, I’ve already introduced myself in the appropriate place, but it looks like this Vintage section is where I’ll be spending the most of my time so I just wanted to say “Hi!”. I’ve already been checking out some of your rigs and what you’ve done to them, and I’ve got to say I’m impressed. I think I’ll learn a lot from all of you. Anyway - thanks for being here! I’ve attached some pictures of what I’m starting with.

MrMark52 · 09-05-2021, 07:57 AM

Good for y’all, and Congrats!

Sounds like your handy at doing things, which in my opinion is #1 to your enjoying your time!

mbridinger · 09-05-2021, 08:23 AM

Very nice purchase!

cadillac_al · 09-05-2021, 06:20 PM

I love it and it looks beautiful inside. I love the styling of most 80's motorhomes

bpu699 · 09-05-2021, 07:05 PM

Looks cool…

spinroch · 09-05-2021, 07:19 PM

Congrats and welcome to Vintage RV land.

Tidy Tabby · 09-06-2021, 08:08 AM

Very cool! Welcome!

NITEHAWK · 09-06-2021, 08:17 AM

Wow, interior layout is so much like our 1989 Foretravel Grand Villa!
And we love ours.
But I did remove the booth and put a countertop from the low entry wall to the closet wall. I believe it is called a "harvest table".

Traygar · 09-06-2021, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NITEHAWK

Wow, interior layout is so much like our 1989 Foretravel Grand Villa!
And we love ours.
But I did remove the booth and put a countertop from the low entry wall to the closet wall. I believe it is called a "harvest table".

Interesting! Does it use counter height chairs for seating or is it purely for counter space? I'd love to see a picture of that.

NITEHAWK · 09-06-2021, 12:06 PM

OK, here are the only two pictures I have got.
I made the counter height the same as the original table height so our chairs that came with the coach still work as designed. I did mount boards on the three walls so the new "table would drop right in and only needed adhesive to hold it in place. I taped off the table top and walls where they met and laid a very nice professional looking bead of silicone caulk
What this arrangement does is give us more surface, able to look outside while eating or on the computer.
Also, I built a shelf underneath the "table" and tilted it slightly down on the coach wall so stuff wouldn't fall out when traveling. Also it is short enough that we don't bang our knees on it.
Up on the "table" I made a rack that used those little turned spindles available at any lumber store. The rack is the length of the window and holds our spices, napkins, and anything else we want to put in it and not have to put away when we break camp.
OH oh, the picture of the table is older than my added spice rack. Sorry. Just imagine it as being there.
The DW loves it.

Traygar · 09-10-2021, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NITEHAWK

OK, here are the only two pictures I have got.
I made the counter height the same as the original table height so our chairs that came with the coach still work as designed. I did mount boards on the three walls so the new "table would drop right in and only needed adhesive to hold it in place. I taped off the table top and walls where they met and laid a very nice professional looking bead of silicone caulk
What this arrangement does is give us more surface, able to look outside while eating or on the computer.
Also, I built a shelf underneath the "table" and tilted it slightly down on the coach wall so stuff wouldn't fall out when traveling. Also it is short enough that we don't bang our knees on it.
Up on the "table" I made a rack that used those little turned spindles available at any lumber store. The rack is the length of the window and holds our spices, napkins, and anything else we want to put in it and not have to put away when we break camp.
OH oh, the picture of the table is older than my added spice rack. Sorry. Just imagine it as being there.
The DW loves it.

I like that. I'm not sure how it would fit with our short term plans but I may very well end up copying it at some point. I'll bet it makes the kitchen area feel huge by comparison to the dinette sticking out there.