Any thoughts on how much it'd cost to restore this rig?

Way more that its worth. Just to get it in running condition could cost you 5K. Interior could run to 10K depending on a lot of variables. Exterior prep and paint maybe another 10K.

Doing all the work myself $15,000 but probably more

All RV's cost more than they're worth.
It would be a good project if you had the tools, ability and a place to store it during the restoration. It would be an expensive project.

If you can and do the work yourself, cost way less to restore it than buy one new. Especially a 4x4 ... altho, it's important the shell is in good shape ... other than that, it's sweat equity and parts ... and it's exactly how you want it...

Think $100K+ for a new 4x4 Tiger, for example, then decide.

As the owner of a Classic or Antique coach, I will start by saying I concur with the opinion that it will cost more than it is worth.

Just for starters, you are looking at 2000$ just for tires to hold it off the ground. It may still have the wetbath intact with the black tank, and it looks like you get a water heater, and a furnace but I can't tell what the other thing is.

Ok, so all you need is an interior. A lot of people refurbish GMCs (what I have) and the typical material cost for a 23' is about 8~9K, a 26' is more. They usually have more interior to salvage than this does and they typically do a lot of the work on their own.

In our community, we see coaches like this often. "I just bought it and am going to do a new interior." Years later we see it available as shell or driveline parts for a "haul it away' price.

That all being said, if you can't do the work, you should count on 15~20K$us for the interior. Unless you have a lot of spare change, you can do better.

Matt

Arm,leg, and first born.

As the owner of a vintage rig, it's not about putting in more than it is worth. As said above that true with most any rig.

The question is: can you buy another rig that offers what you want including any repairs for less than what you will put into this one.

Tires and batteries are going to be needed on any rig - that's maintenance and sooner or later you will pay for it regardless of what you buy.

Standard maintenance costs is the same thing - sooner or later you will have to do these things regardless of the rig.

So, the question becomes is the cost and effort to get it in operational condition worth it for you? Can you do the work? Or do you have to pay someone else to do it. Can you rebuild the inside to make it a layout you can be happy in? Will the joy of the work, expense, and resulting rig be something that you love? Or will you always look at new rigs and wish you had one?

Look at the costs of a 4wd rig, slightly used and new. Can you put this together for less than that? Is the 4wd important for you?

I have put in about $20-22k, including purchase price, into my clipper. To replace it with something a "few years old" in a similar size, I would have to spend a good $40-50k on purchase alone. And, I would not like a newer rig the way I like the clipper. I would NOT be happy in another rig. So spending the money and effort on the clipper is worth it for me. I don't plan on selling it because it is exactly what I want - so who cares if I spent more than its selling price to fix it up.

It's what you will get out of it not what you put into it that matters.

I am of the opinion that this should be a seriously thought out project. I read that the motor runs..that's something. Next see if it moves...does the tranny work. Then engage the hubs and see if it rolls in four wheel drive. You need to engage that from inside..low/high range, etc. Now..if that all works..and f you have some basic skills in woodworking, plumbing and electrical? I'd say grab that baby. The four wheel drive installed is a huge 'find'. The guts? You start by ripping it ALL out. And then go 'round to RV sales shops and look at designs for van rv's, just to give you an idea of what they look like inside.

You always want to build it for two people. And you would take the time to design what would work. There are some outstanding products out there...from insulation to toilets and stoves and ways to power it. Solar, generator.

Again..if the engine, tranny and 4x4 bits work...you should consider doing this. Unless of course you are an RV park person. This is an adventure rig. Mountains, desert, beaches. That is what the rig will do.

Google search 4x4 RV's....click on the images on the top bar.


Gary Haupt

My question is; What is your purpose for taking on a project like this?

Old vehicles always have old demons. But those demons are just Boo fright if your purpose is solid. So is the intent a true period restoration so you have a vehicle that is rare, or is it to have a vehicle you don't see all the time, or is it to make a camper to crash in, or is it simple to have something to do? Each has a price and that price could be the make or break decision However, old minor demons are known to have hefty price tags to exorcise.

It is always more work and takes longer than you think it will.
Ask anyone who has rebuilt even part of an older RV.
Regardless of the money involved, here are some questions you could ask yourself:
Would you rather spend the time rebuilding the RV, or would you like to travel in one? Or spend time with family, friends?
Do you have the tools, skill, free time and access to a dry place to work on it? Or do you want to pay someone to do it?