Finally got my new Brave home

[73braved18]

Hey guys,
I just brought home my 73 stubby Brave. I can't get over how good the condition is! I bought it from a couple that had it since the early eighties and they bought it from the original owners.
They took excellent care of it. Apparently the original owners had the rear door installed through the dealer prior to delivery. It has the 318 that runs like a top. The roof was reenforced with aluminum strapping and it has a modern rubber roof system. No leaks!
I have tons of plans for it. After this season if I still really like it then I will put in a 12 valve Cummins. 
I will post some of the progress once the work starts.

[stanDman111]

I like it, nice rig, nice shape, rear door is ultra cool

[joanfenn]

Nice looking rig.  Where are the inside pics?  Love that rear door.

[LJ-TJ]

WOW!

[73braved18]

some more..

[73braved18]

more...

[73braved18]

When digging around in it today I found a seeping radiator. It still has the stock one and it seen better days. I am going to replace it. I read up on past posts and probably will order a aluminum Barracuda rad and fit it with electric fans...unless anybody has any better ideas or helpful hints..
Thanks guys

[DRMousseau]

Wow,... what's not to luv here?!?! Looks GREAT, and if the major systems, appliances and equipment are as nice as this looks,... then I'm sure your gonna enjoy it a whole lot! A classic and cozy, cottage/cabin on wheels!!! DANG!!!


I'd bet ya also found that current cooling system to be noisiest dang thing too. Of course they were barely enough and I remember mine being maxed out on hot summer runs in the south. A new rad like that with elect fans will be wonderful.

[LJ-TJ]

Oh Man You Scored. That gives everyone out there on the hunt hope. That is one sweet ride.

[joanfenn]

yes great score.  Thanks for the pictures.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Nice!  Unless you plan on towing a heavy vehicle or driving through the real mountains out West, you'll probably find that 318 engine to be more than adequate.  The 318 is a reliable engine, gets good performance and fuel economy for those short Bagos, are easy to work on, and the parts are cheap as chips!

That rear door is really neat!

Kev

[73braved18]

I do plan on some light towing and there is going to be a lot of Mountian driving. I will see how it does for now. I am torn on keeping it original or doing some renos inside. I am definitely installing some new flooring and roof ac.

[cosmic]

Score!!!!!! My Buddy is restoring the same exact unit. the nice thing about that size is you can get in and out of anywhere... looks great. I hope you got it for a great price. That just makes it even better. The mint condition units are harder and harder to find..
I know one guy who went across 2 counties to find a decent one.. W%
welcome... and before you no it your hooked.. your having dreams about the damn thing

[BrandonMc]

Someone has one of those parked next to me and its got a blown out window, going downhill fast. might be good for parts.


yours looks real nice!!

[73braved18]

I am not sure what if anything (Winnebago parts) I really need so far.
I am very happy with it. I think I got it for a decent price. I would rather pay some money up front and not start with something that needs a complete tear down to repair rot. It is at the point where the work that needs to be done is actually enjoyable. I have delt with water soaked rv's before and unless I have the time and the dry covered space it is not my favourite thing to do.
Going to order a radiator today.

[legomybago]

Do us all a favor.....Keep that baby covered when in storage, keep it dry, and don't paint all the original wood work white, You have a real gem. Sounds like its in good hands. Good find

[CapnDirk]

SWWWWWEEEEEETTTT!!!   


That rear door has my imagination in overtime.  Say about a five foot deep hinged light weight deck on the back.  When down, a couple of swing down legs to stabilize in the back.  Walk out the back door when parked to your deck and lawn chair 

[boohoo222]

love that back door

[73braved18]

I like the deck idea! Got me thinking now.

[CapnDirk]

Heck yea!  Re-mount the spare to the bottom of the deck.  Deck up spare available, deck down spare hidden!  Deck up hitch available for tow.

[73braved18]

It's getting a deck.

[LJ-TJ]

The one thing you'll love about your rig is the shortness of your it. You could probably go to down town New York and parallel park on the street rather than drive around and around and around looking for a parking spot. My 1979 Lincoln was 22' bumper to bumper. You can pull into any strip mall and find a parking spot. The shortness of your rig is golden. Now having said that you could take the rear deck shown it  picture weld a hing to the bottom of the deck and mount it to the underside of your rear bumper so it would lift or fold up at the back. Mount your spare tire to the under side of the deck so when you folded up deck the spare would be mounted on the back in the center were normal spare tires are mounted on regular Winnebago's. That might work. Hm?

[73braved18]

Yeah your right, I won't wreak one of the best things going for it...being stubby.
If I do it it will be on hinges.

[CapnDirk]

I like the awning to.  Could stand outside the back door and not get wet.

[Gearhead88]

Nice rig !