The Cab

I thought I’d start off looking at the cab features from the driver’s side first. This view is behind the driver’s seat and the red knob of course is the stock location for the PTO engagement for the front winch. What caught my attention was the added door below the PTO knob.

It did have a semi-factory look to it but when I opened it up it was there to provide access to the dipstick for the Small Block Chevy V8 that had been installed in it.

Here’s another installed supplement I would assume that has to do with the different motor but I I have yet to figure out what it does. The insulated button is of the momentary style. Sometimes this area of the cab is modified to make room for the alternator.

The original owner’s son told me that this was a “warning spring” to let your head know it was getting close to the top of the cab opening before that potential “Ouch!” moment.

The old “Phillips” Inter-Com system is still there and completely functional with the rear camper unit.

A handy map light and what I assume is a speaker for the Citizen Band Radio that was once in the truck.

The handle for the still functional spot light located on the top of the cab. Looks like it took a little rigging over the years but it works effortlessly and is extremely bright.

Everything but the kitchen sink on the dash and unfortunately the original tube radio has been replaced with a woodworker’s dream installation cassette player!

Here’s a classic fire extinguisher holder and the “Audiotronics” speaker system that was rigged to be able to relocate outside of the vehicle when in the “Camp” mode.

The original headliner is still in place with a little help from some friends!

A little worse for wear but everything is still intact!

Here’s a handy retractable sun screen to provide the driver with a little added protection.

Sun screen retracted.

This end of the dash seemed to double as an information center for the driver and navigator.

CAUTION!

THIS VEHICLE NEEDS

9’9” DOOR

CLEARANCE

BE SURE the door is

REALLY all the way up

The Information Center!

Another mental note.

I was thinking these could use a little bit of an upgrade! The camper did make it for 52 years with only one minor impact. I’m thinking it was right before the caution note was posted.

Warn lock out hubs and Michelin tires.

Here’s a total package picture. The folding table doubled as a fish cleaning table and inside dining during inclement weather or mosquito invasions!

Same setup for either side but the passenger side also included an installed lantern for late night cleaning episodes.

Cab installed spot light in viewing mode.

Travel position.

The camper installed lantern.

The Koenig front mount PTO winch.

Passenger front view.

Driver's side.

As important of a find as the Trav-L-Aire camper is, having the truck that was its trusty partner for its whole life is also important. Over the years of service the truck had its stock 226 motor rebuilt once and then it was converted over to a Chevy V8 in 1991. The repower led to overheating problems which led to the “facelift” of the truck. Minnesota winters also weren’t very kind to the old gal and typical FC rust issues are present. All in all I think the truck can be saved but I’m still not sure which avenue I will follow. Some long hard decisions will have to be made and I’m sure it won’t be cheap but I’ve promised the former owners that it will be brought back to its glorious past as a reliable backwoods explorer and companion.