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SOLD         

1969 Dodge A100 Balboa Motorhome

 

Rescued from a field in Kansas and shipped to me in San Diego, this rare fiberglass 18ft Motorhome was originally built by Jensen Marine in Costa Mesa CA.  Originally called a Surveyor (after the moon vehicles of its time) later became know as Balboa Motorhome. It has both original tags - Surveyor and Balboa tags and the VIN# plate  on the back is marked Model: 1.  This may be the first Balboa Motorhome ever manufactured! Over the past year I renovated this cool camper van from bumper to bumper, literally everything.  I will do my best to outline it below.  This is a weekend cruiser type recreation vehicle that requires the attention and patients of a 55 yr old car and the patience to deal with everyone smiling at you and asking about it.  You may even win some car shows or be asked to drive in a parade, and when you are camping everyone will want to talk about it.  More info on @balboamotorhomes and @freedomvessel instagram.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own something like this.

 

The Van:

  • Built on the Dodge A100 Sportsman chassis v8 318 engine 727 transmission 3 speed automatic

  • Rebuilt cylinder heads by Odessa, new gaskets and remanufactured exhaust manifolds

  • New Exhaust welded by Scotts Auto in Leucadia

  • New Carburetor, full tune up, timing, spark plugs, cap, rotor, oil change, fluid flush

  • Transmission gaskets and fluid changed

  • Hydrovac brake system & Power Steering components rebuilt by ABS Power Brakes Inc.

  • New Tires with white walls and new OEM rims with Hubcaps (I have original rims too for new owner)

  • Auxiliary Radiator Fan installed

  • New Gas tank and sending unit 

  • Additional auxiliary 40 gallon gas tank 

  • New running lights, headlights and reverse lights, all gauges on dash work, wipers work, dash painted

  • Bluetooth stereo, horn works, heater blows air not sure how hot it gets

  • Floor painted with POR15 and original floor matt with a cool barefoot gas pedal

  • Full exterior paint job 

  • New starter, fuel lines and voltage regulator

 

The Camper:

- 18ft fiberglass shell, never rusts, rattles or leaks, huge windows (removed and resealed)

- Maybe 1000 ever made, with only 50 Balboa’s on the road today, maybe 10 on this 1969 A100 chassis

- Over the cockpit area can be a child bed or storage area

  • Dinette bench area become a bed, couch pulls out to be a bed also

  • New upholstery and cushions on front seats as will as camper (sunbrella fabric)

  • New interior built to original specs with new wood and fresh Behr Cabinet paint

  • Propane Stove/oven, propane fridge, propane cabin heater in rear

  • New butcher block countertop, sink and faucet with new water pump, 

  • 30 gallon fresh water tank (filled from outside near the passenger door)  - no hot water

  • Toilet and shower room in rear (this is a ‘park model’ camper so there is no grey/black tank)

  • Original fan, new vent/skylight on roof ceiling painted with fiberglass boat paint

  • LED dimmable puck lights

  • Power is supplied by the 12v Battery which is charged when you drive, originally you could plug in the van to 110v, but the chord is cut/missing, so an electrician may be able to repair that, but I don’t see why you would need it.  A separate battery bank with solar may be a nice upgrade eventually

  • New vinyl flooring, trim, and cabinet hardware, upper cabinets freshly carpeted, new hardware

  • Original interior fan and flares, under mounted propane tank

 

What does it need?

  • A person who will love it, care for it, understand what they have, enjoy it, make memories in it

  • This is not really a live in it and work remotely traveling the country rig, its a weekend cruiser.  Will it do a cross-country trip?  Well, yes it could be done, if you haven't driven a 55 yr old vehicle before, please be aware that its a whole different vibe.  Mechanic recommends a new radiator before a huge trip also it could use a few front end bushings which are inexpensive.  Personally, I think this van is best suited for casual trips and weekender type stuff.  

  • There is no holding tanks for grey/black water, we use a Tupperware bin to catch the sink water under the rear of the van and we don't use the toilet.  If you are hooked up to a RV waste at a campsite you can use the toilet.  

  • Needs propane tank filled, currently empty on propane.  

  • Door cylinder locks need to be replaced, no key ($25 ebay) rear door lock works - I’ll try to fix

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     Asking $26,000 - will entertain a solid offer from a stoked buyer!   PAUL 

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