New Rv!

[kwest]

I'm a member on the website already, But I just bought a new vehicle. My old van which i have listed on here isnt going to happen because of an engine problem, that i personally dont want to attempt to fix. <br /><br />But I just bought a 1978 Toyota Chinook Newport. Its 18ft long and has a different and retro look that I really like. I bought it in portland and have already put over 1,200 miles(best part&nbsp; is it averaged&nbsp;over 20mpg)&nbsp;and&nbsp;3 nights in it. It has some minor interior work just to make it more comfortable and better looking. Today I am in the process of cleaning and looking at how I want to organize the inside.&nbsp;I own next to nothing which is the hardest part for most. <br /><br />So after so reupholstering and removing the carpet and laying down other flooring( havent decided yet) There is just some outside surface rust to fix and a new paint job, same scheme just a fresh coat. And this little baby should be sweet for a long time.

 

[She]

Oh a Chinook!!! I love Chinooks.

 

[She]

Glenn who has a <a href="http://www.tosimplify.net/p/rig.html">blog&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;redid his Chinooks floor with wood.&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><br /></span></span>

 

[rvwandering]

Very nice! And you know that it's good for a long trip after driving it 1,200 miles. Post more pictures as you fix it up!

 

[kwest]

Thanks, I think its a sweet ride. Loses stealth but adds a cool factor my van didnt have.<br /><br />Heres some pics of the inside currently

 

[kwest]

heres two

 

[kwest]

and two more.....my computer decided it didnt want to upload all of them

 

[Kisatchieman]

Congrats kwest! That little 4 cylinder 22RE engine is a gem. Should last forever. Love those Toyotas.

 

[stude53]

Nice find, Kwest!<br /><br />Bob

 

[Seraphim]

Those things are neat.&nbsp; Great for travelling.

 

[windymichelle]

i know this is an old thread but i was wondering how your chinook is holding up. im thinking about trading my van for one tomorrow. same year and model i believe. so i was wondering how you are getting along

 

[kwest]

The chinook kicked ass, i probably put 10k on mine with no issues. But i like my van more. Gas mileage it's about the same, they advertise 20+, but when living in it. The weight on that little engine brings it down to 16-18mpgs. And they have no power. And ass cool as it looked. I don't think the layout is ideal for Full timing unless you can sleep in the upper bunk. I'm 6'+ and i found the dinette to be a pain, because you have nowhere to store the table.
But for the positives, they are awesome. Mine ran great with no issues, except for a retread coming loose. It's an awesome conversation starter because everyone thinks they look cool. The interior set up isn't bad for the space you have. The giant windows are gray for views while camping.


I'd say check the fiberglass very well for aging and crumbling, the UV rays can break them down and the they are all old. Also look around the seams where the fiberglass connects with the truck body that's where mine started showing rust. And look and the fiberglass and frame around the rear bumper. They sit so low that they rub, so there may be damage there.

But I loved my chinook, it's the coolest vehicle I've ever owned. But i think i like NY new van better and i haven't even built the inside

 

[kwest]

Sorry for bad spelling, doing this on my phone and editing is a pain

 

[Cubey]

Awesome! If I had a Class C, I'd want a fiberglass one like that. They have less tendency to leak due to less seams. Thats why I got a Class B with a fiberglass roof and rear end.

 

[blkjak]

<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>welcome .... blkjak</strong></span>