Most RVers are intimidated when they see a vintage RV remodel project, but a special few have what it takes to dive in and git ‘er done. Take for instance coolkx, a new member who joined after acquiring this Pace Arrow 37J — for free!
Kicking off the Pace Arrow remodel with a tow
“…for the nay sayers whom will contend that this isn’t “worth it”, and just to buy a newer one. I paid $0 for it, well, I paid $1000 to get it towed, so I can afford some investment and sweat equity.”
In the first forum post about the Pace Arror remodel, coolkx says that input from the knowledgeable members of the iRV2 community will be greatly appreciated as the project gets underway:
“I am sharing my restoration efforts of a newly acquired Pace Arrow 37j. . . Hopefully you’ll tune in periodically and voice some opinions on approach and to see some cool transformation photos. I want the interior to be ultra modernized, but will likely keep most of the cabinets.”
This project is not for the squeamish. coolkx adds:
“Since, I am un-intimidated by hard work, what would you all propose to address the flooring and ceiling? I have to remove a lot of smoke from the ceiling regardless, and I presume this will promote further sagging.
I am in a highly arbitrary environment with this build, in other words, I’ve never worked on RV’s before, but am very handy and am a tool junkie, so I am sure I can handle most anything. I just don’t like scratching my head on the approach, and currently, I am generated a plethora of dandruff (jk).”
The Pace Arrow has a solid reputation as one of the most deluxe Class A coaches ever built. With high quality construction, sturdy materials and dedication behind it, coolkx should have no problem turning this into a dream machine like this one:
Follow along with coolkx and offer your input in the iRV2 Fleetwood Owner’s Forum topic, “Pace Arrow 37J Complete Remodel.”
More vintage RV remodel projects
Did you know the iRV2 Forums are a hotbed of information about vintage RV remodel projects like this one? Check out the Vintage RV’s forum to learn about what it takes to turn an ugly duckling into a swanky home on wheels.
Often called “The O.G. of full-time RVing,” Rene Agredano and her husband Jim Nelson hit the road in a fifth wheel trailer in 2007, after their dog Jerry lost a leg to terminal cancer. Sixteen years later they are still traveling and sharing their nomadic adventures at LiveWorkDream. As a self-employed wordsmith, Rene shares her expertise for many RV industry videos, publications such as the Escapees RV Club Magazine, and has authored numerous books, including the Essential RVing Guide to National Parks, and Income Anywhere, a guide to earning money on the road. She has been featured in global media outlets including the PBS documentary “NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” The Guardian Sunday Edition, and the Dan Pink book Free Agent Nation.
So awesome. What a great find. Best of luck on your re model.I am so envious. I will be watching your work as I may learn something.
Good luck and have fun restoring your RV. I James s , I am just starting out in rehabing my 1978 Ford E350 van ( cut chassey RV. Only thing not done on drive line is u joints (4) of them a carreirer drive shaft Bering and ft. Rear axle housing seal (weeps ) oil. I did my self rear brakes, and hardware,and rear axle bearings. Paid Amoco transmission in Altuna pa to do job. On the engine new to me radiator, new distributor, cap & rotor and yellow spark plugs wires . Also new. Starter and alternator, battery’s (2) 1 house for now 1 engine start battery ,battery cables. Ft brake pads, custom maid square tube grill on ft of rv. And the fun to rehab the house side RV.
Did you ever finish it? I only see beginning posts! ????
I have an 89 Pace arrow and it’s almost the same as that one but it’s a little bit longer cuz the back bedroom back window there is one I have a glass shower stall and when you come in the side door there’s a seat right next to the right of it so mom might be a couple feet longer but it’s just about the same identical one and I’m getting ready to remodel it too put all new walls and everything else on it I was playing on meeting put a couple slide out extensions one behind the driver’s seat and one in the bedroom and also had a bright idea and maybe putting some kind of gas fireplace in it