Brand New to RV's With a '77 Dodge Cruise Master

[Joel James]

I just purchased a 1977 Dodge Cruise Master that I want to fix back up to be usable.  It's on a Sportsman chassis with a 318 engine.  The heater works, the stove top and oven work, think the refrigerator works, and hoping the bathroom works.

I know there is a short somewhere in the system as the lights don't come on easily, a lot of the paneling is separating and will also need to do something with it. I also don't have an air cleaner housing on the engine, but for what I paid for this project seemed okay.  The only water damage on the inside looks to be on the far left hand corner of the over cab bunk.

This is my first motor home/RV.  I have little or no experience with RV's at all, and I'm open to suggestions on steps to take. I've started to take up the old dirty carpet and am planning on laying vinyl flooring.  I'm planning on changing out the dead light bulbs with LED bulbs I saw on one of the RV sites. The floor seems in really good shape except for right in front of the doorway.

I do woodworking for a living so repairs to the bathroom door and the a couple of cabinet doors doesn't look like much of a problem.

 

Looking for ideas and advice on best way to attack repairs and move ahead with the project.

[Joel James]

Thanks Pat, need a place to start on it.  It's too cold to do much right now on the leak as I don't have a garage that I can pull it into.  But tracing down the wires and electrical is important and I think I can do that at this point and wait for weather where I can work with sealants and things.

I will check out the photos and did a bit when I first signed on here.  I'm on the steep portion of the learning curve so all help is appreciated.

[Richard W. Cobbs]

I don't understand what you mean when you say that "the lights don't come on easily"?  Can you explain that further?

RWC

[Dale and Lynne Park]

Welcome to GoodOldRvs.  We have a 1977 Dodge Sportsman Brougham Class C.  It was a learning experience for us as well and I have to echo what Pat said - take care of the leak in the cabover before doing anything else.  It may seem like a small leak but the old Cs are notorious for this.  Our leak looked small also but you will likely find rotten wood, mold and possibly insects once you tear out.  It is a messy and wet job and no sense starting on the living area when you will be dragging stuff in and out.  It was pretty simple to reframe and repanel and we then worked our way backwards on the coach.  Wishing you good luck and hope you will post some before and after photos - we all love those!

[Sarah Elizabeth]

How are things going for you? I just bought a '78 Dodge Cruise Master. She needs a lot of work!