1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Everything about Chinooks that isn't option specific. Please check if your post is more appropriate in another category before posting here.
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daryl
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Joined: December 20th, 2015, 10:41 pm
Location: Mendocino, CA

1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by daryl »

Hi ya'll. Thanks for the Add.

Currently live in the Mendocino area which is 3 hours away from San Francisco where I got this interesting project to say the least.

Got my hands on a solid driving Chinook. I believe that the fiber shell is mounted on a 70 Chevy G30 van chassis. The fiberglass shell is a 18+ style.

Most of the interior has been stripped and is getting new wood paneling (kitchen area had wood rot).
Has a new 350 GM goodwrench 4bbl and trans. Most of the wiring was shot because of rats and I ended up redoing it. Giant 16.5" tires.

The area I need help in, is getting a hold of a manual (digital would be best) and or any paperwork that came with these. Looked all over the net, and found nothing.

I'll post Images as of tomorrow and any help will be appreciated. Thank ya.
My true companion is a Chinook, who happens to be named Rusty.
Manitou
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Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by Manitou »

What sort of things are you looking for? Wiring schematic? Sales brochures? The engine in those used to be a 318 if I recall.. So that won't apply anymore.
We have some of the older rigs on here so, we should be able to help you out. Just give the guys a few.
Welcome.
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kdarling
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Location: Northern NJ

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by kdarling »

318 would be a Dodge, which was indeed popular. However, many of the very first 1971 Chinooks were Chevy, with a 350.

Sounds like the chassis might've been made in 1970 in this case, a common situation with RVs.

Here are some '71 Chevy Chinook 18 Pluses:
1971 Chinook 18 plus
1971 Chinook 18 plus
1971 chinook
1971 chinook
image.jpeg (47.29 KiB) Viewed 4995 times
Also see a slightly crusty example of a '72 Chevy for sale at:
http://www.dustyoldcars.com/1972-Chevro ... 38/5564608
1971 chinook rear
1971 chinook rear
That link has many pictures, inside and out,
1994 Concourse dinette, Ford 7.5L (460 V8)
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daryl
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Joined: December 20th, 2015, 10:41 pm
Location: Mendocino, CA

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by daryl »

Yes, mine happens to be red and cream colored on the outside. (originally white and brown).

Any and all documentation that came with it originally would be awesome to have. :D
My true companion is a Chinook, who happens to be named Rusty.
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Blue~Go
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Location: 1999 Concourse

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by Blue~Go »

Welcome, Daryl!

I hope you shower us with pics of your 18+. They are cool rigs!

If we find any paperwork, we can post it in the reference section and then have it for posterity (including you).
1999 Concourse
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daryl
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Joined: December 20th, 2015, 10:41 pm
Location: Mendocino, CA

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by daryl »

Definitely ugly in a good way and loads of TLC needed but she'll be getting it slowly down the traveling road. Here's some images. Will be loading more once the rain pauses.
Attachments
L Side
L Side
Front / L Side
Front / L Side
Front
Front
My true companion is a Chinook, who happens to be named Rusty.
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daryl
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Joined: December 20th, 2015, 10:41 pm
Location: Mendocino, CA

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by daryl »

Here's some more.
Attachments
Back
Back
L Side / Back
L Side / Back
Interior
Interior
My true companion is a Chinook, who happens to be named Rusty.
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Blue~Go
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Location: 1999 Concourse

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by Blue~Go »

I think it's retro cool! I posted a couple of documents with that floor plan ("18+ #1) in one of the reference threads, but I'll put it here again just so it's in your thread. I'd never seen one "for real" though. Pretty unusual layouts they had - intriguing. Always fun to see something a bit different than the most common ones.
18 plus brochure .png
18 plus brochure.png
1999 Concourse
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daryl
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Joined: December 20th, 2015, 10:41 pm
Location: Mendocino, CA

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by daryl »

Definitely different. The single tire axle makes it quite the adventure on curves and hills. Haha. Stripped out the non working fridge, stove, and sink. Going to be getting a electric only smaller fridge. Stove as well only electric, and cover up the open sink hole with wood paneling, since the bathroom has a sink already. Have solar panels installed and generator to run the new setup, vs the old propane set.

Thanks for the documents, looking forward to getting them printed and in a binder.
The sofa seat, opens up into a twin size bed, really cool.

What is the the MPGs that you guys get with your Chinooks?
My true companion is a Chinook, who happens to be named Rusty.
maybeachinook
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Joined: December 1st, 2015, 11:02 pm

Re: 1970 Chevrolet Chinook 18+

Post by maybeachinook »

Interesting thread here. @ the OP thanks for the pics.
kdarling; that certainly is a crusty looking rig you linked to! Nice to see details
of undercarriage etc. though given my unfamiliarity with these.
All helpful in my search. Now back to your regular programming.... ;)

Neil.
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