Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
Hello. I'm considering purchasing a 1978 Chinook that appears well maintained. I still need to inspect and test drive it so haven't seen it in person yet. If anyone has advice or knowledge of this generation unit I'd much appreciate any info. One thing is there's a leak at the roof A/C - so that may be the deal breaker if its caused water damage to the interior. I'll find out soon, and hopefully not the hard way.
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chinook440
- Posts: 51
- Joined: August 1st, 2014, 6:20 am
Re: Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
Hello and welcome truenorth
, i,m not sure on your knowledge of vehicles etc. and......
All this you may already know but since your asking for advice ....
First off you should be realistic and expect to have to do some repairs and ongoing maintenace etc. on such an old RV .... or any RV for that matter. I,ve seen alot of people buy old vehicles and expect to run them into ground and then complain when the smallest part breaks.
Vehicles this old really should only be owned by people who like to tinker and are able to do most repairs themselves or know someone who can for them already. Sorry if that sounds harsh , i just hate to see someone get in over their head .
the first thing you should do is thoroughly inspect the under carriage / frame rails and front wheel wells and floor boards for any heavy rust , rot or other damage. (Pay particular attention around the steering box , and inspect this area for cracks as well) Also check around the battery box both under the hood and the one in the rear closet , they usually need to be repaired or replaced if not done so already
Some amount of rust is inevitable on such an old vehicle , just make sure it,s all still structurally sound.
Also check that all the coach floor is completely solid as well , the coach floor is fiberglassed directly into the side walls so it,s all one piece structure and not easy to repair if it,s rotted at all.
Also check for fluid leaks , shoddy rats nest wiring repairs etc....then take it for a long test drive and see how it runs, drives and stops and if you still like it then start checking out all the coach systems to see if they work or need repair etc.
if you have any other specific questions feel free to ask. I,ve owned almost the same year and model your looking at for about 5 years now and know it rather intimately
, i,m not sure on your knowledge of vehicles etc. and......
All this you may already know but since your asking for advice ....
First off you should be realistic and expect to have to do some repairs and ongoing maintenace etc. on such an old RV .... or any RV for that matter. I,ve seen alot of people buy old vehicles and expect to run them into ground and then complain when the smallest part breaks.
Vehicles this old really should only be owned by people who like to tinker and are able to do most repairs themselves or know someone who can for them already. Sorry if that sounds harsh , i just hate to see someone get in over their head .
the first thing you should do is thoroughly inspect the under carriage / frame rails and front wheel wells and floor boards for any heavy rust , rot or other damage. (Pay particular attention around the steering box , and inspect this area for cracks as well) Also check around the battery box both under the hood and the one in the rear closet , they usually need to be repaired or replaced if not done so already
Some amount of rust is inevitable on such an old vehicle , just make sure it,s all still structurally sound.
Also check that all the coach floor is completely solid as well , the coach floor is fiberglassed directly into the side walls so it,s all one piece structure and not easy to repair if it,s rotted at all.
Also check for fluid leaks , shoddy rats nest wiring repairs etc....then take it for a long test drive and see how it runs, drives and stops and if you still like it then start checking out all the coach systems to see if they work or need repair etc.
if you have any other specific questions feel free to ask. I,ve owned almost the same year and model your looking at for about 5 years now and know it rather intimately
Re: Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
Thank you for the good advice all around. I'll check all those things for sure! Appreciate it.
I'm not mechanical. I guess I know enough to be dangerous. Or at least enough to keep mechanics on the more honest side. Lol
I like to tinker maintenance wise so my goal is to find a well maintained unit and have major systems monies set aside for an eventual rebuild or replacement of whatever conks out on the side of the road. Avoiding (at least trying) any structural or water damage or a big interior overhaul. I like my RVs reliable, clean and uncomplicated! Haha
I know there is a gem out there if i keep searching and am patient. This one is a full 10 hr drive round trip to check out. Threatening to drive up tomorrow
Thx again!
I'm not mechanical. I guess I know enough to be dangerous. Or at least enough to keep mechanics on the more honest side. Lol
I like to tinker maintenance wise so my goal is to find a well maintained unit and have major systems monies set aside for an eventual rebuild or replacement of whatever conks out on the side of the road. Avoiding (at least trying) any structural or water damage or a big interior overhaul. I like my RVs reliable, clean and uncomplicated! Haha
I know there is a gem out there if i keep searching and am patient. This one is a full 10 hr drive round trip to check out. Threatening to drive up tomorrow
Thx again!
Re: Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
Did you end up with the '78 Chinook or pass? It would be nice to see interior pics if you have them.
2000 Ford E-350 415CI/6.8L V-10 Triton Superduty 4X4 Chinook Concourse XL Club Lounge
Re: Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
Well, did the 350 mile road trip up north to test drive the rig but they sold it after I spoke with them Xmas eve. I should have called before I left this morning but was groggy and excited and just figured it didn't sell on Christmas. But commerce stops for no one, even on Christmas. Bah humbug.
I loved it from what I saw but my son saw rust on the undercarriage and a crushed and leaking oil pan. I didn't get to drive it since it was sold. Was looking forward to feeling how it drives. Oh well. My bad for not calling this morning.
So back to the drawing board. I really wanted this to be the one.
Signed,
The lady crying in her beer in Lodi
Happy New Year y'all!
I loved it from what I saw but my son saw rust on the undercarriage and a crushed and leaking oil pan. I didn't get to drive it since it was sold. Was looking forward to feeling how it drives. Oh well. My bad for not calling this morning.
So back to the drawing board. I really wanted this to be the one.
Signed,
The lady crying in her beer in Lodi
Happy New Year y'all!
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chinook440
- Posts: 51
- Joined: August 1st, 2014, 6:20 am
Re: Eyeing a 78 Chinook on Dodge Chassis w/ 360 V8
mmm beer
keep looking and you,ll find a good one.
Don,t let a little rust on the underside scare you .Just make sure it,s solid and Find one that,s been in recent use / running condition and you should be just fine as it sounds like you have realistic expectations as far as maintenance and repairs go.
As long as all the the suspension parts are tight and the tires and alignment are good these old dodge based chinooks drive suprisingly well. Much better than you might expect.
Good luck and happy new year
keep looking and you,ll find a good one.
Don,t let a little rust on the underside scare you .Just make sure it,s solid and Find one that,s been in recent use / running condition and you should be just fine as it sounds like you have realistic expectations as far as maintenance and repairs go.
As long as all the the suspension parts are tight and the tires and alignment are good these old dodge based chinooks drive suprisingly well. Much better than you might expect.
Good luck and happy new year