1979 Chinook Constellation

[Chinnin-about]

I was not aware Chinook built a cabover back in the late seventies, so I thought I would post this for posterity.



This unit is for sale on Craigslist in Apache Junction Arizona for 950 dollars as of March 22nd, with a blown motor and needs tires.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/ ... 70030.html

[chin_k]

This is the Chinook Constellation. It appeared in various thread once awhile. Lately, I remember seeing it mentioned in the chinook for family of six thread.

[Blue~Go]

Kevin: It could now be yours!

[kdarling]

The Constellation also came in a Dodge based version.

Rear side door, rear kitchen and bath, pretty neat unit.

Like the Concourse/18+, it was available with dual couches, or sofa and dinette, or sofa and two lounge chairs.

Here's a rear view of one:

79 Ford Constellation

[Chinnin-about]

If you run the numbers to restore this, it goes something like this. Motor, 3k, tranny, 2k, tires 1.5k, paint 3k, interior remodel, 3k, and miscellaneous 1k, plus labor 4k. You'd have a pretty nice classic coach for about 20 grand maybe 15 if you've got a shop and are real handy.

Although restored older Chinooks don't fly off the shelves, as this one has been for sale for over 4 years with no takers. It's actually 12.5k US dollars with the exchange rate.

http://www.hubcityrv.ca/default.asp?pag ... lInventory

[Blue~Go]

With boats I always calmly triple my estimates (time and money); but with RV's I probably only need to double them

It is a cool rig!

[Scott]

If you run the numbers to restore this, it goes something like this. Motor, 3k, tranny, 2k, tires 1.5k, paint 3k, interior remodel, 3k, and miscellaneous 1k, plus labor 4k. You'd have a pretty nice classic coach for about 20 grand maybe 15 if you've got a shop and are real handy.

I appreciate your optimism! From that one picture, I'd say that rig doesn't look too bad, all things considered. The tires are even inflated! Here's what my numbers would be.

Motor: I'd have to know more about the failure. It might not be that bad, and fixable. But if replacement was required, I would absolutely want EFI and an electronic OD transmission. So for that rig I would only consider an EFI 460, because I know it would fit without fits. And even that would be a bit complicated electronically, and for fuel delivery. If you find a clean motor and do all the work yourself then 5k could be doable, but kind of a stretch.

Transmission: I'd ditch the C6(?) and get a rebuilt E4OD for around 2k with a core, but it would be better to get a beefed up unit for 4-5k from that guy in L.A. I think the driveshaft would need to be shortened. And the transmission would obviously need to be electronically compatible with the 460's ECU.

Tires: You can get by for less than 1500, but that's a safe number in case there are bent wheels or you want fancy extended stems or whatever.

Brakes will need to be done (the whole system should be flushed/inspected). I'm sure the fuel tank is corroded to some degree. If it has been baking in the AZ sun for any amount of time, I'd be surprised if the weather stripping is not shot, maybe a windshield gasket, too. Body rot, body damage, fiberglass damage, etc. all get very expensive very quickly. Suspension will likely need attention, like bushings and shocks or worse. Axle and wheel bearings will probably need attention. Every fluid flushed. Batteries for sure. Again, without knowing the condition before it was parked, hard to say. But I'm thinking of a best case scenario for a 1979 that was dumped due to a blown motor. There could be many things wrong, but it could be pretty dandy, too. I wish there were interior pictures. They can be extremely telling. Maintenance history? LOL.

Paint: It might be regional, but around here 3k will barely get you past a wetsand. For an OK job, I'd count on at least 6k. Rather than paint, I'd prefer to restore the gel coat if I could just get away with a good buffing (and maybe paint the cab, but that actually looks OK from the pic).

Interior remodel: Again, without seeing photos, I'd assume new blinds, new floor, paint the walls, LED lights, fix water damage, new vents, re-bed everything especially the windows, new A/C unit. The maybe list: plumbing, holding tanks, wiring, propane system, upholstery, water heater, fridge, water pump, anything entertainment related, correct anything funky from previous owners, etc. Even if everything is working, it probably won't be for very long, or it'll be too dated to tolerate. 3k will get soaked up rapidly. A new gas fridge can be $1500.

Miscellaneous: My Chinook's miscellaneous line is at about 5k at this point, and I started with a fairly clean rig, and I turn a blind eye to many expenses due to denial. And tools never get on the books, because tools.

Labor: If DIY, then zero (depending on how one values their time). If you hire it out, then cross your fingers.

I'd guess to get a pretty nice classic, without seeing the state of this one, it would be more like 35k, and that's if you do it all yourself, and I'd want some padding on top of that. Might sound high, but I've been down this road enough times to know how hard it is to predict. Also, projects of this scale can spiral out of control pretty easily (for me).
I hope someone comes along and tackles it and gets it back on the road. Cool rig, and historic.

[Blue~Go]

And tools never get on the books, because tools.

Perfect reason: Because tools

[Chinnin-about]

I'd guess to get a pretty nice classic, without seeing the state of this one, it would be more like 35k, and that's if you do it all yourself, and I'd want some padding on top of that.

And I suppose that's why you don't see too many restored classic motorhomes, when one can go out and get a really nice low mileage Chinook for around 30K (as just witnessed on this site).

We can still dream though. If I see a restored Constellation in my travels I'll chase him down and ask him.

[pdemarest]

Scott said: "My Chinook's miscellaneous line is at about 5k at this point, and I started with a fairly clean rig, and I turn a blind eye to many expenses due to denial."

Love it! I use denial in all my budget planning for both the RV and the boat. "Honey, there are just a few things we really need to do for the RV and the boat". My "small" improvements line is now well over $16K but they were all things I really needed. Really. Now that I'm considering selling my boat I'm sure there will be more things the Chinook "needs" if that happens.

New floor in. Next up - insulated curtains.

Paul