Hi all, new to the site

zblue240 · 01-07-2019, 04:28 PM

I found a truck I want to convert to a motorhome but have had 0 luck in getting advice or possibly a shop to work on it. It's not a bus but should have a lot of the same issues with a conversion. It's a '76 chubb pathfinder. The main issue is trying to find a way to upgrade the drivetrain and lower the weight. It is in currently running condition but has an old 16 cyl diesel pusher and a 6X6 setup. Is there anyone in the california/ sacramento area that might be willing to work on it?

EastCoastCB · 01-07-2019, 06:44 PM

Upgrade? that thing's badass! I'd love a v16!

cadillackid · 01-07-2019, 06:52 PM

heck yeah!! thats a badass truck.. albeit probably a top speed of about 45 but yeah id love to see the look on the faces of people at "RV parks" when you pulled up in that thing!! "front row parking or ill crush you all to splinters!!"
-Christopher

EastCoastCB · 01-07-2019, 06:54 PM

Wouldn't be much space in it and it would probably get about one mile per gallon. But it would be unstoppable!

cadillackid · 01-07-2019, 06:54 PM

ECCB did you see its a 2 cycle detroit with 1700 ft lbs of torque? holy crap!! no upgrades needed here
-Christopher

EastCoastCB · 01-07-2019, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillackid

ECCB did you see its a 2 cycle detroit with 1700 ft lbs of torque? holy crap!! no upgrades needed here
-Christopher

Yes I did. It must sound pretty darn cool.

FamilyCircus · 01-07-2019, 07:44 PM

id put an ISX15 in it

zblue240 · 01-07-2019, 07:53 PM

That's the main problem is the mileage. Top speed is around 60 and 0-60 in 45 sec. It weighs 21 tons so I'd need to lighten it quite a bit which would help. From what I can find on a similar engine it weighs 2 tons. Those tires are a little over 5 ft high, weigh 600 lbs, and cost $1500 each. It's 40 ft long so there's plenty of room to work with but I'd have to raise the roof. about 5 1/2 feet inside the cab. Haven't bought it yet cause I can't find anyone to work on it and I don't have the space.

Ronnie · 01-07-2019, 08:55 PM

There was someone on here wanting to put a 16V detroit in a bus a bit ago. No need to modify this one. If I was bored I would certainly do it. I have enough to do as it is though.

EastCoastCB · 01-07-2019, 09:10 PM

Seems an actual school bus may suit your needs.

zblue240 · 01-07-2019, 09:26 PM

I thought about it but really want something more unique. I am a little concerned about park restrictions and what it will take to register/ insure. It's currently registered and street legal in CA.

Ronnie · 01-08-2019, 07:16 AM

I somehow can not imagine an RV park letting this thing in, a bit to mad max for them, and so many parks have a no more 10 year old policy that they pull out when needed.

National parks no idea .

I must say it would be really neat, and I do not go to campgrounds usually.

I think the real truth is, this is a build for someone who can do it all. Most shops have grease monkeys and maybe one or two real mechanics, and are too busy to even consider this. A shop that works on heavy earth moving equipment would be better equiped to handle it.

So... pony up and learn what you need and charge ahead for a really special project, or let it slide by as a neat dream. Personally I hope you do it. I love to see great projects built.

EastCoastCB · 01-08-2019, 07:41 AM

It would be cool to own, but I just can't think of how I'd actually use one aside from really REALLY expensive joyrides.

Tango · 01-08-2019, 07:55 AM

I'm still trying to picture such a rig making 65-70.

Scary.

I'm with ECCB. REALLY cool toy...but then what?

Ronnie · 01-08-2019, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango

I'm still trying to picture such a rig making 65-70.

Scary.

I'm with ECCB. REALLY cool toy...but then what?

Yes some truth to this

zblue240 · 01-08-2019, 02:11 PM

That is true. Prob wouldn't want to go that fast. I don't think I'd be taking it to parks much. I'm also looking into property as well. I like the skoolie camp network I saw on another thread. I'm almost ready to get it. $4500 isn't much of a loss if it doesn't happen. That's what he's selling it for. Basically the same as what he could get for scrap.

zblue240 · 01-08-2019, 02:21 PM

I'm just back at issue 1 though. Need a place I can work on it. Anyone have a yard big enough I could rent some space near Sacramento?

zblue240 · 01-08-2019, 02:22 PM

Eventually my goal is to live in it for retirement and go north for the summer and south for the winter between properties.

EastCoastCB · 01-08-2019, 03:37 PM

How much space is in that lil beast?

zblue240 · 01-08-2019, 04:26 PM

It be roughly 20 ft living space. Not sure exactly because I'd have to pull all the firefighting gear out first. Cab is about 10 ft and not sure how much the engine takes.

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