ambercaye

those seats are great! original or did you buy them? I am looking to swap my seats in my 1976 chinook... beautiful job! love the cushions too

okay it does get hot. How long will it normally take to cool down then? thank you for your response!

Hey Everyone! I was testing out everything in the 1976 Chinook the other day, stove works fine, water fine but the only issue is the original Dometic Fridge. Now I am not sure how long it takes to start up, if it really makes any noise or anything like that. I tried running it plugged in and off the propane too since it is a 3-way fridge. Any tips on how to get this thing running? Thanks Amber

Back East Don, I suppose I meant by way of solar and batteries. We intend on traveling for a while without being on any hook ups or anything. I just assumed since this is the original fridge, that it wouldn't be very efficient. I've researched solar and know the costs are pretty steep, but it's something we would eventually like to do, you know a year or two from now. Totally not dissuading me at all I've seen some flexible solar panels, those are big money. Maybe I can use the ones that I stand up next to the car so the roof doesn't have to be involved at all? We need to make sure everything is working correctly and then I can get a better idea if anything needs some replacing. Just wanted some ideas so I can contain my ever growing check list of chinook curiosities. I can see how the roof would give after time, I think whoever had it before us did in fact have a rack up there (some old holes are sealed up) I can barely lift up the pop top as it is so I couldn't even imagine it with the AC or anything like that on top! Need some WD40! Thanks Linda and B.E.D for your advice, it is greatly appreciated. Amber

Hello all! I recently purchased a 1976 Toyota Chinook from out in Wisconsin. Drives like a beaut, all original interior with the added bonuses such as the 110 volt system, 3 way fridge, gas heater and the sleeping bunks, but has some things that need to be addressed specifically on the exterior. Such as window gaskets, a new windshield, new paint job, a rust spot here and there. We would also like to renovate the interior too (very ambitious, I know) more cosmetic things, not gutting or stripping, just painting and new cushion covers. I have a few questions of course, because you all are the best of the best and very knowledgable - We would eventually like to add a solar panel or two to the roof, is this plausible? - We currently have the original 3-way Dometic Fridge, we would like to swap it for something more efficient. What do you guys have? - Is it possible to add roof racks or something for maximum storage of kayaks or bikes? I know the roof is fiberglass, and not really sure the inner workings of its skeleton. I was also looking into attaching a carrier to the front or back - New car seats, preferably with a headrest for added safety. We love the original brown leather! Has anyone done a seat swap? - We are missing a "city water" cover, I checked amazon but I don't know - Lastly we have AC in the cab, but nothing in the camper. I know the pop top will create some great ventilation. How do you guys stay cool? Anyone considered a roof ac? Thank you so much! Looking forward to some advice and sharing our journey Amber