Stories

The article discusses the restoration journey of a 1971 Winnebago D24 Chieftain Motorhome named Bernice. The author delves into the process of reviving Bernice’s fuel system, including rebuilding the Holley 4150C Carburetor and replacing fuel lines with an electric fuel pump for improved performance. The focus then shifts to taming the cooling system by flushing out old coolant, cleaning with water, and refilling with the proper coolant mix to prevent overheating issues common in older engines. The author emphasizes the importance of thorough maintenance to ensure the motorhome’s reliability and longevity.

After nearly five years of searching, I finally found and restored a 1971 Winnebago D24C Chieftain, named Bernice after my grandmother. This nostalgic journey began with vivid childhood memories of my grandparents’ RV adventures and has become a tribute to those cherished times. Despite many challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and the loss of close friends, restoring Bernice has been a labor of love and a reminder to live life fully. Join me as I share the story of bringing Bernice home and the steps taken to revive this cherished piece of history.