1st time RV project?

[Jagtech]

This looks like a real beauty. Would this be an advisable project for a first-time RV'er? I have a friend who really wants to take on something like this, but I think he should spend a like amount of cash on a more "normal" RV. Your thoughts?

1957 Flxible

[profdant139]

Jag, you have to ask him -- do you want to travel, or do you want to work on the RV? He will decide, but it is really one or the other, unless he has unlimited time.

[Jagtech]

robatthelake wrote:
The only negative thing about restoring an RV of this vintage is the question of real world practicality!

In My opinion it is similar to owning a restored Car or Truck ! Beautiful to show and shine ,but definitely not a Daily a Driver!

If Your Friend intends to actually Use the thing as an RV I would discourage Him .

This is kind of where I'm coming from. He certainly has the necessary skills, and she has helped him with home renos to a large extent. He thinks he would like a vintage Flxible or GMC rig, but I really think he should look at something newer, perhaps with slides, as they want to travel extensively. Money is of little concern.

[dons2346]

Last year at the FMCA convention in Gillette, there was a collection of Flexible buses on display. Some were pretty ratty but most were in great shape and all of them were in full use as a daily driver,

The bus in the link looks in pretty good shape

[robatthelake]

The only negative thing about restoring an RV of this vintage is the question of real world practicality!

In My opinion it is similar to owning a restored Car or Truck ! Beautiful to show and shine ,but definitely not a Daily a Driver!

If Your Friend intends to actually Use the thing as an RV I would discourage Him . If however it is a Hobby Project which will be taken out a few weekends a Year and stored in a garage tell Him to go for it!

[the_bear_II]

Depending on the current condition and how well it has been maintained in the past, it can be a rewarding experience. Or it can be a money pit.

Like classic cars you rarely get back what you put into it to restore back to showroom condition...it has to be a labor of love.

[RVcircus]

If he has the skills, money and time why not. When taking on a project like that he'll need an abundance of all 3. On top of that he'll need the proper tools and workspace to work on a large diesel coach.

[schlep1967]

If you friend has $130,000 to spend on a "project", odds are he also has the funds to complete the project. Support his decision and maybe you can help him out and learn something new while doing it.

[Road_Runners]

It is not necessarily the skills, but the will to do such a project. The skills can be learned. I know. I built a beautiful 45 foot sailboat that sailed great and looked fantastic, but it took ten years from start to finish. I learned how to work with fiberglass, wood, plumbing, electrical, electronics, diesel engines, steel cable splicing, etc. Over the years I had to purchase a lot of power tools. But, then I had the will. I developed my skills. Oh yes, it takes money too.

I started in 1983. It could be sailed in 1987, but I did not complete the inside finish woodworking till 1993. I cried when I sold it in 1998 due to health problems. But, I keep track of it. It is now owned by a guy that, at the moment, has it in St Thomas, Virgin Islands.

[Tvov]

I'm a little confused (as usual!)... The RV in the link looks beautiful, and already restored. I don't see what your friend would be "taking on", as all the work seems to be done.

If you are talking about buying an RV of that vintage that NEEDS to be restored, then there are a ton of variables, a lot of them being what skills your friend has.

[Halmfamily]

This would be a real come true for me to own one of these. If the quality of the work is top notch I'd imagine it would only increase the value of this classic RV. It would be a lot of work but man would it pay off and be a show stopper. Only he can answer this question.

If he does this deal I do know of a location of another one that could be used for parts. I looked at it years ago but needed a total overhaul.

[colliehauler]

I don't know your friends skills.

[tahiti16]

couple of things that will make a big difference in the answer, does he have a place to work on it? If in an area with 4 seasons preferably enclosed and heated. Has he ever tackled projects that make up the different areas, cabinet making, upholstery, plumbing etc? The one in your link should be drive system solid but even the present owner states it needs a refresh of the interior and with the curved walls and ceiling everything will be custom made which equates to time and dollars. Thirdly does he have the patience this could easily take a year or more depending on time available and $$ available.

[DutchmenSport]

It's his money, let him spend it any way he wants. If the RV he is considering is in the same shape or better shape than the one in your link, he's getting a real gem. There won't be much to fix or change. If the one he is considering is a pile of nuts and bolts, it's still his money and if he wants to tackle such a project, why interfere! There are worse hobbies he could be spending his money on.