Mid 70's Coleman Brandywine Rebuild...Project Brandynstein...

[NadMat]

Hi all, new to this forum, so far it looks like a wonderful resource. I am about to start a major rebuild of my Coleman Brandywine. I want to add an a/c unit, replace canvas, add power lift unit, and am going to be doing some suspension replacement and upgrading. Will also be painting unit at same time I have 4Runner repainted.

I have a good handle on most of repair options, except adding a/c unit. Is it just adding by cutting whole in existing roof or do you need a roof designed for a/c unit?

I am looking at a 95 lb unit currently, I think about 11000 btus?
The current roof needs repair or replacement, so am not adverse to replacing whole top, especially if I can get a top engineered for a/c unit.

I know I could probably get a used camper for less than total cost of repairs and upgrades that I am considering, but current camper has been in family since purchase and has a certain sentimental value.

Any and all advice would be appreciated, especially all info and schematics for mid to late '70s coleman brandywines.

Also, recommendations for central texas RV repair and parts facilities.

Thanks again for any info and insights you can provide.
Matt

[Brantime]

Greetings NadMat!

I am a newbie also to this site, and I also have a Coleman that is of that vintage, lol!

I have a 1976 Coleman Gettysburg that I have just started trying to remodel, so I am very intersted in your pregress  as you go through your Coleman.

I too wondered about adding roof AC/heat but am scared of the construction of the older units. I will also be watching the responses from the gallery on this item.

The Coleman that I purchased had a previous cut out for a window AC on the rear of the trailer.

I just purchased a new light weight, larger BTU window unit to replace the old AC and slipped it into the old cut-out. It does a great job here in the Texas Heat, lol!

Welcome to the site and good luck on the upgrades!

[NadMat]

Greetings NadMat!

I am a newbie also to this site, and I also have a Coleman that is of that vintage, lol!

I have a 1976 Coleman Gettysburg that I have just started trying to remodel, so I am very intersted in your pregress  as you go through your Coleman.

I too wondered about adding roof AC/heat but am scared of the construction of the older units. I will also be watching the responses from the gallery on this item.

The Coleman that I purchased had a previous cut out for a window AC on the rear of the trailer.

I just purchased a new light weight, larger BTU window unit to replace the old AC and slipped it into the old cut-out. It does a great job here in the Texas Heat, lol!

Welcome to the site and good luck on the upgrades!

thanks Brantime. I will be documenting initial condition and progress with my digicam. The camper currently has no a/c at all, which makes it less than ideal for camping during summer months. It is currently not usable due to canvas needing replacement, but that is a fairly easy fix although I want to address the roof leak issue that caused it before doing replacement. I am looking at about a 12 to 18 month project to complete planned upgrades and everything but exterior paint. Paint will wait till am ready to repaint my vintage 4Runner so can do both in matching paint scheme.

I plan on doing a lot of 'dry camping' with it and a lot of the upgrades planned are to improve power systems to allow for longer stays and mimimal use of generator.

I will be posting a lot with questions and pictures of progress. Don't think I am going to be ready for any camping with it prior to 2007, but when get there I will surely be posting the fact and a trip report.
You're not that far away, and in one of the many directions I will be heading to camp, so maybe will see ya out camping when I get it functioning again.

[mike4947]

Well few trailer before the mid to late 80's had a roof/lift system capable of the added weight of an AC.

As for replacing the roof with one from Fleetwood. IF and that's a big IF the current roofs would fix the older box size/lifting arm locations you are figuring apx $1400 to $1600 for the roof and between $400 and $1200 for shipping.

[Brantime]

thanks Brantime. I will be documenting initial condition and progress with my digicam. The camper currently has no a/c at all, which makes it less than ideal for camping during summer months. It is currently not usable due to canvas needing replacement, but that is a fairly easy fix although I want to address the roof leak issue that caused it before doing replacement. I am looking at about a 12 to 18 month project to complete planned upgrades and everything but exterior paint. Paint will wait till am ready to repaint my vintage 4Runner so can do both in matching paint scheme.

I plan on doing a lot of 'dry camping' with it and a lot of the upgrades planned are to improve power systems to allow for longer stays and mimimal use of generator.

I will be posting a lot with questions and pictures of progress. Don't think I am going to be ready for any camping with it prior to 2007, but when get there I will surely be posting the fact and a trip report.
You're not that far away, and in one of the many directions I will be heading to camp, so maybe will see ya out camping when I get it functioning again.

NadMat!

Thanks for the response!

You mentioned several items that you were looking at undertaking while readying your camper...and it sounds like a lot of fun!

It gives the camping trip a little different feeling when using something that you put alot of planning, sweat & tears, and money into...kind of a personal touch, lol!

You mentioned replacing the canvas on your camper...I too, am about ready to send my canvass off and found the following web address on one of the threads here. It has a very good testimonial page that has helped me decide to use this particular company. I haven't totally decided but am leaning this way, lol...

http://www.bearcreekcanvas.com

I will  look forward to seeing your update photos and any Q/A's in the future.

I am based here in East Texas, but sure do enjoy dragging the PU around, lol!

Lot's of luck with the project!

[NadMat]

Well few trailer before the mid to late 80's had a roof/lift system capable of the added weight of an AC.

As for replacing the roof with one from Fleetwood. IF and that's a big IF the current roofs would fix the older box size/lifting arm locations you are figuring apx $1400 to $1600 for the roof and between $400 and $1200 for shipping.

Hey mike, thanks for the info. I was figuring on at least $1500 for the replacement roof, and I wouldn't mind spending money upgrading lift system if it were possible.
If the better part is to be had, I will be trying to put it in. End result of upgrades is to be not just good as new, but better than new, and adapted to my specific needs.

[NadMat]

Hey Brantime,
Maybe we can e-compare our progress here. I need to look around site and find where to upload pics so I can upload a few of the current 'before' pictures. Am currently in process comparing what I want to do to what can actually be done.

[brainpause]

I would also love to see pics of your progress. Our second camper growing up was a mid 70's Brandywine, so I have great memories of that model.

Good luck on your remodel.

Larry

[NadMat]

Hi Larry, how are things in Frankilin? I love travelin' in TN & KY, used to live up that away, long time ago when I was little, and still travel there often to visit folks on farm in Paris, up near Kentucky Lake. I inherited this Brandywine from parents, and there are plenty of good camping memories with both family and freinds created in it. Hence my desire to rebuild rather than replace.

[NadMat]

Here is a pic of my TV, also vintage, and also about to undergo overhaul, even though still going strong at 250K

[brainpause]

Hmmmmmmm....

How long has the Brandywine been in your family? I grew up just south of Paris, in Huntingdon. Seems like they sold their BW in the early to mid 80's, and I guess it could have been to someone in Paris just as well as anywhere!

Now, wouldn't this be funny?

Larry

[brainpause]

PS: If you have any pictures of the roof, I just might be able to ID it as ours/not ours!

Larry

[NadMat]

We got ours here in central Texas as whole family was livin' here from early seventies to late eighties, till Dad retired and moved back to  family farm.

But will be posting plenty of pics as do the upgrades, so feel free to compare and contrast

[brainpause]

We got ours here in central Texas as whole family was livin' here from early seventies to late eighties, till Dad retired and moved back to  family farm.

But will be posting plenty of pics as do the upgrades, so feel free to compare and contrast

Looking forward to it. Next time I'm home, I'll try and find some old pics of the BW and post them. Matter of fact, I might try and get Mom to scan and send them.

Larry

[NadMat]

After several beers and a brainwork session over weekend, me and my trailer knowledgeable friend have decided that it is best to avoid rooftop a/c unit, so will be looking into a small unit mounted in back of camper and ducted to several outlets. Also will put a gas/electric hot water heater. And upgraded water supply system. Plus doing whatever is required to take care of roof leak and replacing canvas, plus most or all of interior upholstery.

Waiting on weight proportioning details of desired RIB dive boat so can plan upgrades and over roof storage mounting details, but basically will upgrade frame,axle and suspension to handle extra 1200 lbs. Removable cradle will hold RIB above roof, as low as possible, and will be removed upon arrival at site.