As the title states I am completely new to the motorhome world. I just picked up a 82 Winnabago Brave 26"FT. It is pulled by a 454 and unknown trans lol.The biggest issue I have at this moment (with plenty more to come lol) is the roof peeling up toward the sky right where the nose connects to the metal on top.Is anyone familiar with fixing these particular roofs? What's the best bet for a poor mans budget. I'm mechanically inclined enough to do my own repairs as needed with a point in the right direction.Of course where the metal is peeled up it has leaked enough inside that the thin paneling as well as insulation foam piece is dropping from the ceiling now. Iam assuming to fix the sagging I'm going to have pull it all out and start by glueing insulation back up then the paneling to the insulation? I appreciate anyone's advice and help. I am eager to learn from folks that's been there and done that.

You ned a new roof. It is not going to be cheap even if you DIY. Cost of material likely will exceed the value of the MH.

It's going to depend on how bad the peeling is. Can what's there be re-attached or patched? It will have to be put back down and sealed up. I don't know how the roof is supported in your m/h but if it's wood, you may need to replace some rafters along with the 'studs' in the walls. It's a doable project. I replaced a rotted wall and floor in my old 5th wheel also with a lot of roof repairs. I kept it for about 10 years and sold it for 3 times what I paid for it. Since you're handy, just take your time and fix it right. I'd go by a RV shop and try and get some pointers on the roof repair.

Can you post pictures?If you are not doing this for resale, then it doesn't matter about the value. If it is worth it to YOU, if you have fun rebuilding it and camping in it, that is all that matters.Several people here have done major structural rebuilds. It's doable, and if you DIY you know it is done right!

Complete Newb Just Bought a 82 Winnebago Brave NEED HELP lol

15 Replies

MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 30, 2016
Rubber membrane pulling up?
Or fiberglass roof lifting up from nose cap

Some Winnie's have a problem with the roof lifting off
They are held down by the chalking , connecting to the side walls

Know issue well documented, depends on the model year etc..
Idk if yours is one of those
FlintlockCG
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Sounds like he needs a Winnie repair kit- a truck full of money-
darsben1
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Rickybobby2189 wrote:
Thanks guys... Yes Rickybobby lol
It may have split rims I don't know how to tell right off just looking.
When I buy parts for the chassis does anyone know what you order parts for? Would it be like just 1982 Chevy 3500 chassis or something else?

Get the VIN and plug it into a google search.
It is probably a 1981 repeat 1981 chassis with a 1982 coach. This happens a lot and is perfectly legal. Maybe a P30 chassis.
Look at the tire size and post it.
Rickybobby2189
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Thanks guys... Yes Rickybobby lol
It may have split rims I don't know how to tell right off just looking.
When I buy parts for the chassis does anyone know what you order parts for? Would it be like just 1982 Chevy 3500 chassis or something else?
Geocritter
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
There's a fellow over on the ir2.com vintage forum that recently bought an old Winnebago and replaced the entire roof. You may want to look it up.

Hmmm RickyBobby are you that guy from Talladega Nights who likes to go fast?

Steve
darsben1
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Do you intend to drive the MH?
If so the tires on the rig need to be looked at.
ANY TIRE that has sat around uncovered and unmoved for long periods is a blowout looking for a place to happen. You cannot just look at the tread it is the emollients and rubber compounds that deteriorate causing a loss of strength in the tire. The accepted norm is about every 7 years the tires need changing.
On a 1982 your tires may be 19 inch tires on split rims. There are very few places that will work on split rims any more because of the safety equipment needed. Before I invested any money I would do a review of all systems and see if you want to invest more money. This could be a money pit with no enjoyment factor.
First you should make sure all interior appliance work. Then motor, transmission etc. The 454 is a great engine..
hipower
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
I recall several extensive threads on here that cover owners doing pretty extensive roof repairs with lots of photos. If you search the site I believe you would find those threads very informative for your education.

Good luck with you efforts.
jplante4
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2016
Plenty of YouTube videos on RV repair. Hopefully the water damage inside isn't too bad.
Rickybobby2189
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Thanks to the guys advising me it is a doable job and trying to point me in a good direction.
I will be position pictures real soon. Thanks
Rickybobby2189
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
donn0128 wrote:
You ned a new roof. It is not going to be cheap even if you DIY. Cost of material likely will exceed the value of the MH.

I don't believe it needs all that by any means.
If one had the money to do that a man wouldn't buy one so old or knowing it had that roof issue lol so money is out of the question. I apologize if I've come off like I want to replace it, I was writing in reguards to hearing how others doing this same thing has cured their problem. Given the amount of mh's on the road I'm sure mine isn't the worst case of roof bow so I guess I'm just trying to find tips, tricks,advice, and maybe some stories with pictures on repairing it.