Project Gracie, the 1970 Chieftain

[Tim Dailey]

This is Gracie, a 1970 Winnebago Chieftain, purchased mid December last year.  She has very low miles and everything is in very good shape considering shes now 43 years old.    The original owner was meticulous about keeping her documentation.  We actually have the original sales receipt.  In 1970, this rig cost $18,000.00 and was ordered with every option available at the time.   It still has the original motoraid water heater, it heats the water either via engine heat or propane.  It was also ordered with Mor/Ryde rubber rear suspension.  No springs in the back!    She appears to be mostly original, a real flash back to the 70s!  Under her skirt is a Dodge 413 with a 727 tranny.    Shes also sporting a 4k genset with dash controls.   She even has the original central vacuum cleaner that still works!

As we make repairs and modifications, we'll post them under this topic.  (Or at least thats the plan).   We have already made a few changes.   The rear over the years has been a real tail dragger, so Dad made some skid wheels for the back and they have proven to work really well!  This will protect the skirt and chrome trim, as you can see there has been some damage done over the past 43 years.  

We also wired in a 3kw inverter and installed a 3 way automatic transfer switch.   We also had an exhaust put on it a few weeks ago.   We took its official maiden voyage up to Jimcos last weekend and shes proving herself to be reliable!    (About a 300 miles, round trip)

[Jimco_W001]

Tim,great looking rig.I will be looking foreword to your future mods and upgrades.Thanks for being a GORV member.