Chinook RV

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.

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.

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:
Also see a slightly crusty example of a '72 Chevy for sale at:
http://www.dustyoldcars.com/1972-Chevro ... 38/5564608 That link has many pictures, inside and out,

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.

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).

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.

Here's some more.

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.

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?

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.