1961 Corvair Restored by Founder of Chinook Campers

[@dennisjones1642]

Hi everyone Rick and Jamie from the D Michigan and Thanks so much appreciated your time and video & meeting the Man who owns/ building Chinook custom's Awesome 🤩👍🔥😎

[@tonybruno7917]

Hi Rick and Jamie that's a awesome place love the Corvair van thanks for taking us along what a beautiful place

[@richardoswalt1009]

That is the coolest camper I've ever seen.

[@louk231]

What a great family . I remember the Chinooks well. This is an awesome video series...

[@sirmister4411]

Great find thanks for taping it and sharing. So much history is never shared and lost 👍 thanks

[@ronnieroberts9478]

Great van

[@johnnygonzales3211]

Thanks guys for this awesome video😜

[@haroldbevins393]

Wow, talk about a "Honey Hole", those guys are all awesome and the vehicles are just gorgeous even today..... Awesome video Rick.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

That van is awesome! Amazing find!!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes to amazing finds in one video. We really had a good time. Thanks for stopping by Loren

[@scottsmith6846]

Hey Rick hey Jamie thank you for the video and thank you for taking me along with you once again

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thanks for coming along with us again Scott!

[@americanrambler4972]

One thing I really miss on new cars and pickups are the bright and cheerful interiors and fabrics like you have in this Corvair Chinook van.

[@dragonfires01]

This reminds me many yrs ago when a friend of mine came across an unrestored VW camper van....in really great condition..that was pretty cool to check out

[@mindthebendthemind]

That was lovely! Really sweet & more than one bonus 🙂

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes it was! Thanks for the visit Tony.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Appreciate you sharing Rick, that is super cool and I would live in that full-time yeah and just travel around catch on the next one

[@howardkoster4026]

COOL CORVAIR !!!!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes it is thanks for another visit Howard

[@howardkoster4026]

@@ClassicTruckRescue much obliged...

[@devonriley110]

That was a wicked experience!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Sometimes we are very pleasantly suprised when we arrive at our destinations.

[@kbobdonahue1966]

Love this 1961 Chevrolet Chinook Corvan, just awesome. I think I'm gonna look for another 1978 Toyota Chinook Omega after watching this.

[@artyart31]

Wowsers who knew that was the man behind those great transformation campers. Totally awesome

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

We agree!

[@beachlife9419]

Sweet , good parts for sure

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes they are. Definitely a worthwhile trip. Thanks for stopping by again Fellow Oregonian

[@beaterville]

This Corvair would be great with grandpa showcased on Leno's show! So much history. I traveled around Oregon in a Chinook way back when. Kepp puttin up the cool videos and stay off the ladder!

[@sirroi3310]

A Blazer camper wow that is so cool I've done some Van's and buses but a Blazer that would be so cool too

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

I agree completely sir. Would love to have one of those blazer Chinook’s

[@bobjoncas2814]

...LOOKIN' GREAT, KEEP SAFE YOU TWO

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thank you Bob will do. Thanks for stopping by again.

[@billyhill101]

To cool for school thanks

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thanks for watching Billy.

[@ACF6180T]

Nice find ! I'm into Corvairs ! But I did not know that Chinook started with the FC 95 Corvan ! The FC meant forward control ,& 95 meant the wheel base , I've seen one other Corvair Camper in person , & it had Coleman equipment inside , & was built on the Corvair 95 Greenbrier which was a passenger van , & a little more upscale platform than the 95 Corvan ! Also there was a motor home that was built with a Corvair drive train , & suspension known as a Ultra Van , I do remember seeing the Toyota Chinooks , & I use to have a 77 Toyota p/u that was built on that platform except they were duallies , & I still own a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier deluxe 6 door , Chevrolet sold then as Sport Wagons at the time . But still what a interesting find , & story , & getting to meet Gary as well as the cab of the truck You picked up ! Thanks for the video .

[@fitzfitz2801]

i never seen one of these before i thought it was one of those old ford econoline trucks converted very very cool thanks for sharing it

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

I’ve seen a few but not very many that I could lay hands on. It was too cute. How could you not love it? Thanks for stopping by again buddy

[@ogr7771]

Watching you load that truck ben on top of that 58-59 fleetside bed brought back good memories of CTR 111 in 2018!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yeah, you and I did the same thing.

[@old-man173]

Very nice

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thanks For watching Paul

[@colinnapier6662]

Absolutely amazing the condition of the camper, awesome to see the actual designer and builder.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes having Gary standing there was the best part. Thank you for watching

[@odahithedubious2017]

That's fantastic! My grandparents had friends years ago who owned one of the Toyota Chinook pop-ups. It was a neat little rig, they really liked it. Later I started seeing the dually Class C style. If I were in the market for a motor home, that one would be on the list. It's super cool that you met the man who started it all. He does seem like a great guy, and a great family man. Glad you were able to meet him and spend some time with him. All the best to you and Jamie.

[@frankcarchedi737]

you need to build that truck

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

You may be right. Thanks Frank

[@andreacrashe9894]

*Wow what a awesome camper to come across and to learn more about them too.*

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

It really is! It was great spending time with all of them. Such nice people. Thanks for the visit Andrea.

[@elwoodwatson9906]

Hot dang, this is just like a full meal deal. One of the bestus CTR's in my book. The bird and a Classic Corvair 95.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

I was amazed. And then I was amazed again. It was a fun trip thanks Elwood

[@keithwallington4966]

Wow nice to see a corvair up close as i was saying i have 1:43scale models of them and the campers he used to get there with his campers i will send you some pic,s of them if you ,d like to pass them on as part of the history ✌👍and im as chufed as you that you got a hood -bonet emblum still got that goodum t shirt jammie 😘🤪

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

She loves that shirt. Sounds like you have a very interesting collection. Thanks for stopping by again Keith

[@PaganWizard]

WWOOOWW!!!!!!!!!! You really hit a honey hole on this trip, and I can't wait to see part 3 of this video.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

The trip was definitely worthwhile. But the best part was meeting some really cool people and listening to their stories. Thanks for watching.

[@2ahdcat]

Happy new their, Y'all 😺

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Happy new year to you as well. Hope you have a good one and thanks for watching again.

[@2ahdcat]

@@ClassicTruckRescue 😺

[@ericmarsteller587]

That was the most amazing history lesson. Thank you both for sharing

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

We love these kinds of trips. The people are just awesome. Thanks for stopping by Eric

[@terryw.milburn8565]

That's 1 Unique Corvair, Great Haul Friends. Prayers For All There @ C T R ! ATB T God Bless

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes it was Terry. Prayers back at you thanks for another visit God bless

[@61rampy65]

I watched this because of the Corvair. While an extremely nice van, that van is a 1964, not a 61. The rain gutters on the A pillars, the rear engine access door, steering column, the amber front turn signals, the wheel covers, and the instrument cluster all have a 1964 design. Still, very cool and immaculate!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Interesting. Well, I can't really comment on that, because Corvairs just aren't something I'm knowlegeable about. Thankls for the input.

[@reddye2331]

A trip to Mexico is in store it looks like for Rick & his Chevy hood jet ornament to get it re-chromed up. Lmao picking up 2-dozen old trucks along the way. Gonna restore them all. Can’t wait till he gets this building done. I think some of us viewers are more excited for the new building then I think he is. Of course tho when ur building a building as such ur brain is overloaded on the next task/step at hand. The actual owner/builder can’t see the end product as much as others can. The Old Covair Van is a beautiful work of automobile art I’d say. Straight up Pristine condition. 😮😮😮

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

I’ve actually been waiting for you to come help me since it seems like you have a lot of experience building 48 x 96’ pole barns all by yourself. Thanks for stopping by again

[@cinthb]

Rockin' the rocket... sweet! Oh smoke!... I'm on the Patreon roll call ;D

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes you are! Thanks again for your support Charley!

[@tomrausch7014]

I hope you showed Gary a picture of your Heartbeat of America, Racecar hauler. I’d like to have Gary’s Econoline when I get old….oh that’s now.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Didn't have one with me Tom. Sure would be cool go go visit him with the Race Car Hauler and have Thumper in the back to take advantage of the scenery.

[@clarkleakins879]

Doorman raised roof were from England, originally put on Landrovers. Wish I could find my Dad's Corvair van! Was not a camper, was all windows, powerglide automatic transmission.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

That would be neat. We have to get Gary to show us how to make those pop-up tops. Would be really cool if he would show his son or grandson’s out to carry on with his work. Heck maybe he already did. Definitely have to visit those guys again. Very nice people.

[@clarkleakins879]

Look up "Dormobile" company in the UK that makes/install/parts for this pop top design.

[@richardmead9225]

That Chinook conversion would be great on a Studebaker bus.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yes it would. I’ve been thinking I need to get a hold of Gary and see if we can go visit his place. That was actually his son’s place that we were at. Thanks for the visit.

[@sirroi3310]

Cool

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thank you sir

[@novanut1964]

good video, i liked the red truck was hauling a load even tho it was on a trailer

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

We don’t waste any time putting them to work. They have to earn their keep around here. Ha ha. Thanks for stopping by again.

[@jerrysingleton4956]

Part II 🤞?

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Yup, Thanks for watchin' Jerry

[@jerrysingleton4956]

@@ClassicTruckRescue excellent.

[@RBPx1]

Rick you always run across the awesome stuff . Thanks for sharing with us. Keep up the fantastic videos…

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thanks, will do!

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Totally awesome video buddy!! I think my favorite was the camper blazer for sure!!! I’ve seen a blazer like that one in the pictures that you was showing that was kept very well and used very little but had all the same decals like that one!! I think on the coffee walk he had either just the blazer that he had baught or it might have been the camper style one!!! Definitely vice nice and capable vehicle for going and seeing things over the road!!! I’m pretty sure I seen him with one in a video in the past year or so Where he had found a bunch of older cool vehicles and he had baught them!!! I’ll definitely have to go back and see if I can find that video or not??? Dennis Colans the coffee walk!!! Awesome video once again Rick!! The camper van was definitely very cool also to see and still in amazing shape also!!! You can tell that it is being taken care of quite well still today and put inside out of the weather when no in use!!! Well I definitely can’t weight to see all the other cool things that the builder of these really cool and amazing things ever made back in the day!!! Remember keep up all the hard work buddy!!!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thanks for stopping by again JJ.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

There was one of those chalet blazers for sale around here for a while. It was in very rough shape and the guy wanted $10,000 for it.

[@jimcrichton8028]

You asked what vehicles Dormobile put those elevating roofs on in the sixties. Well just about any van made out here, Ford, Bedford, Austin, Commer, Volkswagon. Some small vans half ton like Austin A50 and Morris Marina as well as the one to one and a half ton regular vans.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

It was a pretty good design. Gary didn’t have any bones about saying he stole it. Thanks for stopping by

[@jwarehouse1]

Great video Rick! Super cool camper. It's not just the cool old vehicles.....it's the cool people and families you introduce us too...Thanks for sharing!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

You got that right! The people we meet are the best part of the road trips for Jamie and I. Also a lot of the people that come out to the classic truck Ranch are pretty cool. Thanks for stopping by again.

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome evening !!! Another awesome adventure !!!! Yall some of the most amazing adventures !!!! It's so awesome that we are able to tag along and enjoy all of them with yall !!!!

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Thanks again Robert!

[@TerryC69]

Hi Rick and Jamie! Impressed with Mr. Lukehart and his family. The clear admiration and respect his grandsons show him says a whole lot about Gary and his son. Decent human beings don't happen by accident. That Corvair is one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time. There is a very nice article in the local paper about Gary and Chinook. Just search: "Local RVs with a Cult Following." Congratulations on recovering the "gold" under the seat! 🇺🇸 God Bless America 🇺🇸

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

A LOT of truth in you're words Terry. Jamie and I were honored to be able to spend time with that family. Thanks for stopping by again and taking the time to comment. God Bless America.

[@barrygiddings7109]

Brother this one could of been an hour and I would of watched it . It's so cool to see you and Jamie meet these people and find out that they are a part of history. Always wondered who built the campers for the Blazer/Jimmy squarebody trucks. NOW I KNOW !! Always fun to ride along with you and Jamie on the next adventure. Hugs to the BETTER HALF and scratches for Anna. Keep the dirty side down and keep on truckin, I'll be waiting for the next video. PEACE AND LOVE FROM MINNESOTA......BARRY

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Believe it or not it took me about 14 hours to edit that. The rest is on its way. Film at 11. Thanks Barry.

[@brentthomas5815]

hey Rick keep up the great videos where at in Idaho is this guy located i’m in Boise

[@bashfullbuzzard]

i was wondering why didnt you back up to the pile instead of carrying it

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Because I need the exercise. Thanks for watching

[@reddye2331]

Rick’s like if ur in Idaho stop by and see it. Lmao the owners are like oh no don’t do tht. Just go to car show and see it.

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

The funny part is that they’re not in Idaho. Thanks for watching.

[@brianhayes7618]

I heard the word cool at least 30 times on this video lol

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Cool! Thanks for stopping by Brian

[@yvesgardner9612]

Too bad we did not see the motor

[@ClassicTruckRescue]

Sorry about that Yves. It was a long day and we still had other things we wanted to film and share with our Viewers. Thanks for watching.