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Total Rebuild of a 1979 Dodge Class C

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
I would say some of you have seen the start of this build that my brother bgriffey had posted, Well I have now bought the RV from him and plan to post the pixs of the build I have found a lot of rot in this RV I have torn out everything on the inside and have the rear opened up and the skin off the lower driver side, I will be buying a camera for my wife for christmas and im sure she will take the pixs if I can learn HOW to post them on here, Please remember its winter here in Kentucky so it will be slow but we will keep the pixs coming, Like I said this will be a total build from floor to walls and roof and custom inside build so I would appreciate all the help I can get this will be my first build and I will be learning as I go so any info will help. THANKS......Tony Griffey.

A new RV can be very expensive and if you already own an outdated RV then you should just consider a complete RV remodel which can be a significant amount of money cheaper than the cost of a brand new model. If you are retired and use your RV to travel then why not save the money for your travels rather than on spending a large chunk of money on a brand new travelling vacation home. When you decide to have an RV remodel done you can have your old model completely gutted and rebuilt to look just like a newer RV and when the work is done you will not even recognize your old mobile home. Going about having a new RV to travel in this way can save you thousands of dollars and you will not have to worry about the payments on a brand new RV home. Many retired people are travelling this way nowadays so they can travel the country and be comfortable while doing it, and there are many others that own these vehicles that they will take on summer family camping trips. The RVโ€™s that are made today are unbelievable and have all of the luxuries of home at a fraction of the size, these make it great fir families and retired folks to travel comfortably, and having an RV remodel done you can make your old RV look just like a brand new one.

Statistics show that the amount of registered RV homes on the road is growing steadily every year, and much of this is due to the baby boomer generation retiring and wanting to travel the country in comfort and style. Having an RV remodel can make your RV brand new. Some things you may want to consider is having all new beds and appliances put in. Since RV appliances are smaller than your normal home kitchen appliances they are much cheaper, and a complete RV remodel will probably cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on how many changes are being done. The latter price could even be a little more if you are having your RV completely gutted and redesigned. It will still save you a lot of money over purchasing a new RV home. Another thing to consider during your RV remodel is if you plan on just remodeling the inside or if you want to have the exterior redone as well, and if this is the case the project will cost more money but will still be cheaper than buying a new RV. Most of these vacationing and traveling vehicles have a type of siding on them, and the more modern ones are sometimes made of more durable fibreglasses and plastics, these materials are very nice since you do not ever have to worry about rusting.

If you plan on getting a loan out for this remodeling job then you will first want to get various estimates, much like a home remodeling project. Once you get all the estimates you want you can then apply for the amount of money through your financial institution or credit union. The amount of money you need should not be hard for you to get approved for, especially if you have good credit. If you are a retired individual you most likely can take the money out of your pension or 401 funds, and this would be your best bet due to interest rates. Usually the place where you originally bought the RV can do the remodel for you as well, and if they cannot they can usually refer you to someone who can do the job for you. With the popularity of these vehicles constantly growing there are also many new dealerships and shops that specialize in these vacation vehicles. Having a comfortable vehicle to travel year round in or to just vacation in yearly is a great asset and can also be a great stress reliever. It is also a very popular vehicle for families to use on family camping trips, and the nice thing is that if the kids want to rough it while camping they can just sent their tents up right outside the RV.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's
3,483 REPLIES 3,483

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
KenGVR4 wrote:
Header installs are easy if none of the exhaust manifold bolts are frozen (or break off) in the head. If those manifolds have never been off I'm sure getting those bolts out will be a ton of fun...

But mating the collectors up to the rest of the exhaust will probably take some custom work so having the exhaust place do the work is probably a better idea.
yeah I can't wait to drive the old 440 to the shop with open headers to install the exhaust.....LOL

O'l yea.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
Yes I said get a shop to do it, But what I was really thinking is to get someone to do it like a shade tree mechanic to do most of the work and me kinda help out with it, Its really a job refinishing these RV's without any help other that the wife and kid and they have been a lot of help, Anyone that has done this kind of thing knows what I'm saying a man or woman need at least one person to help cause its really hard by yourself.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

KenGVR4
Explorer
Explorer
Header installs are easy if none of the exhaust manifold bolts are frozen (or break off) in the head. If those manifolds have never been off I'm sure getting those bolts out will be a ton of fun...

But mating the collectors up to the rest of the exhaust will probably take some custom work so having the exhaust place do the work is probably a better idea.

14yuTrk
Explorer
Explorer
I've installed headers on a class A with no problems and it doesn't require special tools. If you get a shop to do it, first get an estimate, that might change you're plan. My opinion, money spent for labor will buy gas, that can be used to enjoy the RV with the family.
It is better to remain silent... and be thought a fool... than open one's mouth... and remove all doubt

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
I think I will pay a shop to put the headers on, This is a hard job without the right tools to work with so I think i will leave this one up to the pros.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
The big 440 is clean and ready to be taken apart for paint and headers and a few more goodies.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
And then added the 2x2's to the inside with L brackets to the roof studs' The L brackets will add support to the trusses and the 2x2's gives something to screw the flashing down to.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
I put the metal flashing on the right side.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

tenbear
Explorer
Explorer
Looks Awesome!!!
Class C, 2004/5 Four Winds Dutchman Express 28A, Chevy chassis
2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan
Camped in 45 states, 7 Provinces and 1 Territory

KelliL
Explorer
Explorer
I know how you feel. After working on my camper all day too, I'm ready to go to bed!

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
Im tired and gone to bed.:Z
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
Anyone ever seen I solid black cat have 4 solid white kittens, This was under the left front wheel of the old dodge this morning its the wifes cat with 4 new babys, She and her litter is now inside the old dodge with a nice bed in the corner.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
I guess I better not do that, The hard work is over now.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
Here you can see where I have used the oil to prevent water from soaking into any wood, I do mean water from condensation because thats the only way any will get inside this when I'm done.
Without Trucks,....America Stop's

oldtrucker63
Explorer
Explorer
Pixs front to rear its all on now.....:Z
Without Trucks,....America Stop's