1978 Winnebago Chieftain

[@daviddavis4444]

My Aunt and Uncle in late 70's bought a Winnebago Indian. They added a microwave was about all they did to it. 440 Dodge V8 pulling a 78 Subaru GL Wagon. Drove it about 10 years all over the country after he retired from the Navy.

[@chrissmith256]

So authentic, you even kept the 440! And she sounds great. Hope you aren't going far. Just outstanding, the preservation. I want everyone to know, it isn't just old cars that we lose to time. Well done.

[@boydbaxter]

We acquired a 1988 Winnabego Itasca Suncruiser 32ft with a Chevy 454. After replacing the spark plugs, wires and vacuum hoses and carberator rebuild, it started up and ran like a dream. We drove it 65 miles to get it home. Yes on the highway. So we decided to continue and rehab the rest of the rig. We will do a lot of upgrades too. Nice job and great ideas for our rig. Thanks

[@randyrandy7864]

In 2023 I bought a 1984 pace arrow in pretty much mint condition Chevy big block she had 50 thousand miles on her and I hope to put many more

[@chrisreed26]

I admit I'm not a fan of when an RV interior is redone painted white etc but this has to be the most tasteful done reno on an old rig that I have seen! The placement of the interior A/C is perfect as it blows straight through to the front! How perfect that the placement worked out to do that as well as the exterior unit looks like it belongs in that compartment! I'm impressed! I've bought and sold Rv's for 25 years so I am not one to give these compliments this easily but you guys did a fantastic job! I would take the front area where the headlights are that area that is indented or concave and paint it a contrasting color..just my observation..anyway the added water outlet outside, just some great ideas to make this older unit as modern useable as newer ones!

[@gerrykan1629]

These are probably the most iconic RVs of the time, I LOVE these

[@francismcclaughry3794]

I was young when this came out' glad you restored it, i could not afford it back then and I'm sure i could afford it now

[@bjm315lacy9]

Beautiful renovation. An act of love. You put in tons of work and great solutions for upgrades. Very well thought out and execution was super well done. Happy travels!

[@nojnoj3069]

I totally agree with you....He sure is a handsome fellah!

[@cnillsales]

Thank you very much!

[@allthingsharbor]

Thanks for a trip down memory lane... love the modern touches that respect the history !

[@carlstone5735]

Really looks great man. You guys have done a beautiful job updating and rehabbing this rig. Looks like it's ready for another 40 years of adventures yet to come.

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

Now here’s some memories. I traveled all over the US in a heavily touring bluegrass band in one of these for three years. Although it may have been a ‘79. Bought new and used for three years - but was still running great when traded. Solid motor home. A bit small for a five and six piece band with instruments, baggage, concessions, etc. But it did the job. I confess however that I was pleased when we went to a bus after this. More comfortable - especially considering the miles we traveled.

[@nojnoj3069]

Hi CAROLVS •...I love your story and being an old touring muso myself I know you had awesome time's outthere together with your fellow muso's....... especially in the warmer weather, sleeping outside under the stars..we are the lucky ones....we weren't stuck in an office with miserable people...

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

@@nojnoj3069 Absolutely. Best days of my life and I didn’t know it.

[@nojnoj3069]

@@CAROLUSPRIMA ....oh yes we were....God blessed all the musicians outthere young an old, past an future.

[@brenda8506]

I fell in love with it… my thoughts went to wow 1978 Elvis wasn’t alive when that came out.

[@monstermcboo7282]

My mom just turned 70 and she kind of marks milestones in her life as before and after Elvis. 😂

[@janaprocella8268]

Oh. But. Elvis was....Alive....because he faked his death !!

[@bonnieyuse5876]

Yes he was! He was in Movies in the 50's so what do you mean?

[@jimdavenport4484]

Sure he was. He was sighted at the KFC That year 😁

[@nojnoj3069]

What an awesome beast...I love everything about it....you got it exactly right. Well done..!....you can't beat the old boy's and he's a real handsome fellah!....I wish you wonderful times together.

[@archieclark1885]

I love the orange, and the whole thing. That is the best renovation I have ever seen on KZbin. The very best. I'm disabled and on oxygen, but I would love to have something like that. I used to drive 18 wheelers back in the 90s but I would love to do the RVing thing now, but I guess it's just a dream now,but u have done an awesome renovation on it

[@Moffy1961]

Congratulations what a stellar remodel! Love the AC and Heat unit and all the other comforts of home (ie TV mount), which this was intended for it's era. It's a new era might as well update! Awesome man

[@thehemiolds455]

Sweet RV camper hell yeah, it zizzles more when it's driving down route 66 with that 440 Mopar.😎👍👍👍

[@philipjones3793]

Man I'll tell ya; that thing is kick ass. You guys did a killer job.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*NICE!* *Unfortunately I can't afford to either buy or put fuel in a 'Winnie' like yours* *Fortunately I have a paid-for house that's 2-miles from a State Park overlooking the Ohio River, so I'm not all that 'deprived'* ( *I think at 68 my 'wanderlust' days are over...but still plenty of memories* )

[@montanasugrplm]

Beautiful beautiful sunny..you were lucky to find this… Happiness 🧡

[@chrisb2844]

I love this a lot these are the motorhomes I love they are so original and makes a camping trip fun.

[@dongriffin3025]

Love vintage rigs - hope I can keep my 02 running forever lol - great job with the mini split!!

[@KatyInNH]

I have always loved these iconic motor homes! Great job!

[@chefduane3742]

THAT is the hit of the campground! First one I'd want to check out.

[@samuellauvray873]

Bonjour magnifique Motorhome il est vraiment très bien ce Motorhome

[@mizfrenchtwist]

hey there , too , too cool . thank you , for sharing❤️❤️❤️ happy trails .........

[@grayeagleswolves]

I love your Rv its absolutely Beautiful

[@karenclarke1778]

Very nice! Brings back memories of when my parents had a Winnebago in the 70s! Thank you for posting 😊♥️👍 ⛺️ 🌲

[@cjhoward409]

We used to go camping with another family that had a Winnebago like this. We had a big StarCraft pop up trailer. Had a shower and a wardrobe closet it believe it or not. Lol. It was the biggest of its time 😉

[@gardengunguy]

This is really nice! You did a great job renovating the Chieftain! When I was growing up the neighbors across the street had a Chieftain. I love the orange!! Great job!! Thanks for sharing!

[@PNWOlygurl66]

It’s Beautiful! You did a wonderful work!

[@ericoswald7608]

Nicely done! Classic lines on this coach!

[@brucegordon3566]

Had 1970 before it was called brave So many memories wish we still had it Back and forth CA to Montana Only had 318 engine Great job

[@rickhodges1731]

Keeping a classic RV alive is a good thing! You've done some really nice upgrades! Not a big fan of the orange color choices but if you guys like it that's what matters. I have never liked black rims, if you're going with painted rims white will make for a cleaner look. Just a personal taste thing. 😋 Great work 👏

[@cherjohnson5807]

I agree ☝️

[@monstermcboo7282]

I adore the orange! It’s one of my favorites.

[@cjhoward409]

The orange and browns were the colors of the late 70’s. 😀

[@rickhodges1731]

@@cjhoward409 no issues with your color choices. Just have thing about black painted rims. Just a personal taste deal. They always look dirty to me. My generation like mag and chrome rims. All my coaches had Alcoa rims for that reason. The make everything look better! Again what ever pleases you is what matters.

[@cjhoward409]

@@rickhodges1731 Agree about the rims. But I do kind of like the orange and brown trim. Personally myself, I would’ve done a blue and a blue/teal/green colors. More beach vibe.

[@joejoe-qn4hu]

Wow that is cool to see it restored/ resto it's in nice shape takes me back as a kid.

[@cynvision]

My family took a cross country trip in 1981 in Chieftain or Brave of some sort. I was only eleven years old. It had the twin beds in back and a mid bath, I think. The front bed and double front passenger seat brings it all back. If only new RV's were so smart with heat pump and running off that tiny generator.

[@gretchenchadwick8343]

My son really likes motorhomes especially older ones like that one he says: "Motorhomes are like your home away from home 🏡 and if you want or need to move you can just drive away."

[@stephanbuth8195]

Great 70´s orange/brown style! Lovely project.

[@elliottk2518]

Very nice! I love the mix of the old with the new.

[@AztekM1]

Awesome build

[@rayjames6096]

Looks very comfortable and reliable, I like it.

[@burly636]

I like it!! it’s tastefully done inside.. outside looks a little worse, but not the inside.

[@brucegordon3566]

Continue Never had a accident but close because of brakes coming down hill brake fade Completed many upgrades went to jump back in driver seat with bed down woke up on floor changed split times no one would change tires Still miss it It is somewhere in haha Now have2006 bounced Went from 30 ft trailer to a 32 ft motor home but now have a slide out My daughter left successful but I tell her to Denver where she came from Life is good Living Oregon camping Have service for any traveling

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Enjoy your camper and adventure!

[@nwrp]

Awesome work! Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@lenisbeltran4888]

That's a beautiful winnebago chieftain

[@robertcampbell3900]

I have a 94 brave I'm working on. Luv it!

[@rickkentner1713]

The wife and I are remodeling a /92 C class. 30’ and everything works! We bought him last year (2021) certified with new tires, brakes, and a lot of new steering components. He’s pink inside, gross. Sale price was $5800. Canadian. Great deal!

[@clvecooledge2407]

BEAUTIFUL JOB.

[@jacquelinebrooks1326]

Absolutely love it, beautiful

[@paulgrimm]

That’s beautiful

[@bambihargrove6499]

Beautifully restored 👏 ❤

[@maryrecoy1616]

The cost of gas really robs familys of these simple adventures...I'm curious was the orange shower / sink the originals? I adore tht look!! Nice job on entire rig.

[@victoriabenton8378]

Wow it's adorable great job

[@ricktaylor6373]

Super nice! I’d bet it’s a better performer than the new stuff.

[@annisechetelat9026]

I bought old winnebago last year to strip and make my tiny home...in white mountains of Arizona. Ended up having cancer and my son too busy working so I left it. Someone stole a front tire. If you or anyone wants a fix up, let me know. Nothing was taken out. Previous owner put junk in it. May have mountain rats nests. Dirty. Would sell cheap just to remove it off sons land. Her name was Little Winny.

[@ramiroflores2718]

es la mas linda que vi y esta bien restaurada que linda para andar por argentina y que se te apage en el medio de la ruta jajajaj y bueno es para vivir adentro..

[@johnclements8549]

Super nice oldie but goodie!

[@jeadie2273]

I had Nylant toy version of this when I was a kid. I remember it well.

[@annward4149]

I really like the orange. I had a kitchen I had painted orange. But I was always the type person who stepped out there with something different. My livingroom was a deep purple and my kitchen was painted apple green.

[@edwardjackson]

Excellent vehicle!

[@NicoleS0913]

Wow. I Love it!!! I remodeled my 91!!!

[@theehonestson]

Bus was in STRANGER THINGS❤️😮‍💨

[@MarcyS1966ish]

I’m going to take a leap and compliment your wife on her taste! I, too, have a Life Is Good tire cover…but she had me at the “Eww David” sticker…and the skadis pegboard (which I also have in my RV!) I think we could be friends! 😂

[@jeannerountree952]

It’s beautiful

[@59plexi]

looks badass!

[@bentleymilnes1977]

I like the new Winnebago they have out it looks retro but it's new I saw the new one that looks old but it's new on KZbin somewhere

[@Mikeywatches]

I now own this very motor home and its cool to have this vid online for some of the history of the rig. It was also cool to show friends and family when i first bought it what i got. It's not quite as nice as it appears in the video, but it is a very cool rig, and i plan to make some repairs and upgrades and make it even better. It lives in Minnesota now. hope to see some of you on the road or at camp 🏕

[@elUniversodeIngrid]

Esta muy linda

[@aakkeemm8766]

That bathroom looks good

[@jdollinter]

Remember my Mom entering us in the sweepstakes in the late 60’s hoping to win a brand new Winnebago.

[@dpotengy1]

i love it & I would bid on it. Even just for my dog I it would be amazing. nice space & to be honest i like the colors & would only take 1 of the beds out, make a queen-size folding bed on the back & some clothing storage, bkz im girly. is it sold already?? whoever bought it, i hope gives the LOVE that yalls put on.

[@robertwhite9898]

Outstanding! Job !

[@mag078]

Nice! The year i was born lol

[@patrickr.452]

It looks great!

[@janieshanks5125]

I love the orange

[@robileemcintyre7442]

wondering what you did for the gas tank filler encasement, mine is rotten and gone thanks

[@travoaf]

I am in the process of restoring my chieftain I could learn some from you if you didn’t mind

[@pauley7648]

Very nice

[@johngudmundson9975]

Like the pull down bed idea, what does the mechanism (brackets) look like? Wonder if something similar available? Thanks for tour.

[@pamjacobson6236]

Love it!

[@Вадми-с4м]

💖💖💖💖💓💓

[@podunkpennsylvania292]

SWEET!!!

[@josephsarmiento5684]

is it possible to get a link to where you bought the radiator? did it fit it well or you had to adapted it? thank you

[@josephsarmiento5684]

did you change the ceiling? Do you have a video about it? how much costs to have a new ceiling? is it still an aluminum te ceiling? thank you

[@frankie6849]

Beautiful RV

[@Divolina]

sonho de consumo

[@SangPeramuAar]

Very nice. Full memories 🙂👍💪

[@rexg2985]

440 is a good motor but most came with 413's. Which is a good motor too. What gear ratio was in it before? Just curious. Nice vintage!

[@crazgirl80]

Sweet remodel .

[@donnathedead7554]

I'm so in love. I have been ever since I test drove one of these a few years ago. Actually, the test drive was scary but, I just love the look of these. How does it handle? The one I drove was a nightmare. I'm wondering if there is a way to fix that because I would love to have one that I wasn't afraid to take on the highway.

[@stevez1122]

Very cool retro good luck

[@EvelynMunoz]

nice for family, looking for a rv to live in when on the road. Thank you for sharing. let me know $$$ if you can

[@randallmoore2950]

Just wanted to ask a question. Where did you get replacement switches that are above the ac/heater on the dashboard? I have a 1984 Winnebago Chieftain that needs to have a few of the switches replaced. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@mr.intensity2685]

I'm browsing through the classic Winnebagos. I'm just curious about the difference is between your Chieftain and the Winnebago Brave. I remember seeing these things when I was younger. I started kindergarten in 1978...

[@brianleonard6885]

Bravo

[@beverlyrutherford1833]

I believe our friends had the Indian which was lime green on outside.

[@guyg7160]

Put on drip railing on the windows. I restored my windows like you. Still leaked till I did the drip rails.... They don't leak ever now. What are your tires? I need tires on my brace... 8r17.5 size. Thanks.

[@patrickbarrrymurphy]

How long did it take you to complete it?

[@kevinswinyer3176]

I really love your Swing out Spare Tire Rack that you have on the rear of your Coach. Was it already installed on the Coach when you purchased the Coach, or did you have it installed after you purchased it ? I am getting a 1991 Fleetwood Flair 22 foot Class A Motorhome, and it has a permanent Spare Tire Mount on the rear, but it is blocking the access door to my Fresh Water Tank. I want to either completely remove the current spare tire rack, and stick my spare tire into a side compartment, or, if I could find something similar to your swing out spare tire rack, that would swing out to allow me to fully access my fresh water tank compartment, that would be even better.

[@cnillsales]

Swing out rack was from the factory. We love it as well

[@cherjohnson5807]

Love it👍

[@sammyhooligan803]

Are those incadecent head lights

[@wes6374]

Just curious what the total bulid set you back?