TPW

Have to agree, the bed is a bit of a hassle. There are two different layouts that I am a ware of. the one with the bed down the passenger side is plenty tall enough (i have one and I'm 6'2), the other has two couches on either side that fold into a bed... won't work for you (us). Mine didn't come with the table so I tend to just leave the bed down as a single all the time when I'm out on my own. I made an additional piece to replace the table section to extend the bed out for when my wife and I are on the road. it does mess up the space arrangements and it is a bit of a pain getting out of bed (especially if we both want out at the same time!). It's tight, but I like that ok. the area over the cab is good for storing soft stuff, or a small kid of you build a rail. It cruses at 60 without breathing hard... until it hits an incline. but I've had it up some pretty steep grades at 35 -40 and it has not let me down yet. I have also taken it out into the boonies where you can't take a bigger rig and it's been plenty strong enough to get me to some amazingly fine places. The main thing you want to think about is the condition of the engine, the tires and brakes, the electrical systems and if there has been a leak in the back door area (check the floor for soft spots). Otherwise. I say grab one if you can and start having fun! just remember that like everything else, you will find some really good things about it and some things that will just boggle you... Good luck!

Hi, My '76 Chinook pop-top does not have a heater and I am contemplating putting one in. It has a stove and refrigerator that run on propane and so I was thinking I could tap into the line somewhere and hook one up. I am looking around for a used one, and any advice on what to look for and what to avoid would be appreciated... along with suggestions for how one might go about putting one in. I would also be interested in suggestions for alternatives to a propane furnace. Thanks.

I went and looked at it and realized it was just the kind of project I am not going to get into just now. It was the basic carb plus a number of adapters and stuff that didn't look fun. I think I'll get a new one if I ever get serious about doing it. Thanks.

I found a used Webber carburetor on Craigslist for $125 and wonder it it would be worth getting and figuring out how to instal in my 76 Chinook. Assuming it's in good condition (which I don't know for sure yet) would it boost my performance and milage sufficiently to make a difference? I like he idea, I just don't want to put out the money if it turns out to be more hassle than it's worth... and since I'm not a mechanical genius, installation will be a learning process

Hey George101, I'd be interested in that Chinook user Guide. If you could find it, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks.

Hey Excal... Go for it! (or not) I've got a '76 chinook and can help a little. Mine was a $400 project so it doesn't have all of the pieces. It does not have a heater, but I have heard that some do. I am considering the possibility of running a small space heater off of the deep cell, but don't know about that yet. I also don't have the table so I can't say how it folds down, but I believe it would make into a full size bed. The space up above could hold a small child; my concern would be him/her falling out (would need a rail or something). As far as the front seat arrangement... I don't know. I might get yelled at a little here, but the five lug doesn't seem to be a problem with these vehicle as long as you don't over load it. Mine fits me just fine and I like it really well. Four people seems a little tight (even with one of them an infant), but what the heck, fun is fun. You might check Craigslist and fly the family down to Seattle if you find something interesting, and drive everybody back home in comfort and style. (Okay, that might get a little pricey, but you would build a memory that would stay with everyone forever... and that's not a bad thing:)

Hi, My 76 Chinook has a leak around the door somewhere. I understand that this is not uncommon for these vehicles. Can anyone give me an idea where to look for the most likely place for this kind of leak? Thanks. Sorry, guess this probably belongs in the Engines, Transmission, etc. forum...

Hi, My 76 Chinook has a problem with the left side turn signal (right side works fine). It flashes fine until I apply the brakes or turn on the headlights; then it stops. The light stays on, but not very bright. I assume it's a short somewhere, and am wondering what is the best way to locate it. Thanks.

I have an opportunity to pick up a set of 14" aluminum wheels for my 76 Chinook pop-up. Do you think that would be a good thing to do? They would look a lot better than the ones that are on there now. Are aluminum wheels as safe and strong as the steel wheels?

Thanks guys... I'll get a face shield and an oven mitt and a flea collar (but I got a pretty big neck:O) and one of them three foot lighters and then have my wife do the lighting part...

Ok... but if I end up getting my eyebrows singed off, I'm gonna be pretty mad!

I have just bought a '76 Chinook pop-up that has been sitting in a dry climate for at least 10 years. It has a two-way refrigerator and a two-burner stove. Since this rig has been sitting around so long without the appliances being used (and me with very little RV experience), what would be the best approach to finding out if things work? I don't have the rig right now (it's getting a new transmission), but I'm getting excited about figuring things out when I do get ahold of it. I'm not sure if there is any LP in the tank or spiders in the jets. Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Tom

Just heard for the mechanic.... $800 for the transmission. Hmm... That's twice the price of what he is asking for the whole RV! Is this the way I can expect things to go with this kind of project? I can afford that... he says that the engine started right up and sounded good and the radiator looked good, so I crossed my fingers and told him to go ahead and order the tranny. That will be $1200 for the rig and I should be able to feel fairly confident about the mechanical aspects of it (I hope). Wish me luck. 85M, I kinda wish you hadn't shown me those pictures. That is just scary. There is no way I am going to go down that road. I'm not sure I'm goning to be able to sleep tonight! But thanks for sharing.

Now you're making me crazy already! I just saw a 1990 v6 4x4 extra cab on craigslist for $1900 (the engine was acting poorly)! made me real itchy! but my budget has to be my guide (it's limited), not my imagination. I drove by the old Chinook to see about getting a picture of it in situ, but the mechanic had pulled it into the shop already and had the hood up. He forgot to check with me and we haven't settled on a price, so I'm hoping he's not getting carried away. The shop was closed, so I probably won't know anything til Monday.