FC Campers
In addition to many unique versions of the Corvair Forward Control series including an ambulance conversion by Amblewagon of Birmingham, Alabama, school bus applications, and many different advertising and delivery configurations, several companies saw the potential to turn Corvair Greenbriers and Rampsides into simple yet comfortable campers in the early sixties. The impressive number of companies and variations of campers based on the Corvair FC is interesting due to the vehicles’ short five-year total production run. Below is a compilation of Corvair Forward Control camper information and descriptions that have come my way over the years.
1961-1962 Chevrolet Dealer Installed Camper Kit (GM Part #985103) $485
This kit was Chevrolet’s first attempt at making the Greenbrier a truly versatile vehicle. The brochure advertises "Complete Guide to Custom Features for the Chevy Corvair Greenbrier Sports Wagon."
The camper kit consisted of a sofa that stretched from behind the driver’s seat back to the engine compartment along the long driver’s side wall in the passenger area. This sofa could be converted into two single beds or a double bed with the help of a bolster cushion. Under-sofa drawers supplied storage space as did two cabinets over the rear wheels, one with provisions for hanging clothes and the other with shelves for food storage. The area over the engine was reserved for loose Coleman accessories such as a #5402-731 Picnic Stove, a 7 gallon Coleman Cooler, a 1 gallon Coleman drink jug and a kitchen counter with silverware tray. Curtains were included for complete privacy when camping as well as many other custom features. Other part numbers and features included:
Tent Unit (GM #985101), Shelter Unit (GM #985106), Window Screens, $34.50 (GM# 985100), Luggage Rack (GM #988398), Custom Greenbrier Table, $41.95 (GM #985107), Car Top Sleeper, $103 (GM #985102), Cargo and Baggage Screen (GM #985104), and Under Seat Drawer (GM #985105).
Corvair guru Larry Claypool, proprietor of the Vair Shop, regularly drives a Greenbrier to CORSA conventions with an installed 1961 camper kit. In my opinion, these would not have been very practical because when the bed(s) were folded out, there would be no floor space left to stand up. It was, though, an interesting use of the interior space in the Greenbrier. An online copy of this brochure can be found on Mike Kellstrand’s Greenbrier Camper Page.
Click on one of the following images to see the original 1961-62 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
This kit was Chevrolet’s first attempt at making the Greenbrier a truly versatile vehicle. The brochure advertises "Complete Guide to Custom Features for the Chevy Corvair Greenbrier Sports Wagon."
The camper kit consisted of a sofa that stretched from behind the driver’s seat back to the engine compartment along the long driver’s side wall in the passenger area. This sofa could be converted into two single beds or a double bed with the help of a bolster cushion. Under-sofa drawers supplied storage space as did two cabinets over the rear wheels, one with provisions for hanging clothes and the other with shelves for food storage. The area over the engine was reserved for loose Coleman accessories such as a #5402-731 Picnic Stove, a 7 gallon Coleman Cooler, a 1 gallon Coleman drink jug and a kitchen counter with silverware tray. Curtains were included for complete privacy when camping as well as many other custom features. Other part numbers and features included:
Tent Unit (GM #985101), Shelter Unit (GM #985106), Window Screens, $34.50 (GM# 985100), Luggage Rack (GM #988398), Custom Greenbrier Table, $41.95 (GM #985107), Car Top Sleeper, $103 (GM #985102), Cargo and Baggage Screen (GM #985104), and Under Seat Drawer (GM #985105).
Corvair guru Larry Claypool, proprietor of the Vair Shop, regularly drives a Greenbrier to CORSA conventions with an installed 1961 camper kit. In my opinion, these would not have been very practical because when the bed(s) were folded out, there would be no floor space left to stand up. It was, though, an interesting use of the interior space in the Greenbrier. An online copy of this brochure can be found on Mike Kellstrand’s Greenbrier Camper Page.
Click on one of the following images to see the original 1961-62 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
1961-1965 Car Top Sleeper Accessory
This unit was 6 ½ feet x 4 feet and 33" high when erected. It featured a ¼" plywood base and had enough room for a ¾ size double mattress or two 24" x 72" air mattresses that could remain in place when the unit was folded down. It was made of olive drab canvas, a collapsible metal frame, and nylon mesh mosquito netting. A matching canvas cover protected the unit during travel and could also be used as a canopy in camp. The unit rested on two oak supports held to the roof of the Greenbrier with 8 suction cups, 4 safety straps, 4 rubber coated drip mold hooks, and small hardware. A two section ladder completed the kit making access to the rooftop sleeper easy.
Bob Kirkman, in the January-August 1992 CORVANANTICS, stated that he owned one of these units. He remembers that the canvas never leaked, but it seemed to shrink a bit over the years. He had to shorten the metal support poles to make setting up the structure easier. He remembered that the air mattresses could be left inflated and that if positioned properly, part of the Greenbrier roof rack could still be utilized in conjunction with the sleeper unit.
Click on one of the following images to see the original 1964 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
This unit was 6 ½ feet x 4 feet and 33" high when erected. It featured a ¼" plywood base and had enough room for a ¾ size double mattress or two 24" x 72" air mattresses that could remain in place when the unit was folded down. It was made of olive drab canvas, a collapsible metal frame, and nylon mesh mosquito netting. A matching canvas cover protected the unit during travel and could also be used as a canopy in camp. The unit rested on two oak supports held to the roof of the Greenbrier with 8 suction cups, 4 safety straps, 4 rubber coated drip mold hooks, and small hardware. A two section ladder completed the kit making access to the rooftop sleeper easy.
Bob Kirkman, in the January-August 1992 CORVANANTICS, stated that he owned one of these units. He remembers that the canvas never leaked, but it seemed to shrink a bit over the years. He had to shorten the metal support poles to make setting up the structure easier. He remembered that the air mattresses could be left inflated and that if positioned properly, part of the Greenbrier roof rack could still be utilized in conjunction with the sleeper unit.
Click on one of the following images to see the original 1964 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
1963-1964 Chevrolet Dealer Installed Camper Kit (GM #985654) $595
Completely different from the early camping interior, the 1963-64 kit is also a bit more common today. The brochure from this era proclaimed the Greenbrier "an ideal vehicle to enjoy traveling and outdoor living."
This kit was a bit more complex than the early kit and included a full width kitchen counter behind the front bench seat. This large cabinet included a place for a 7 gallon Coleman Station Wagon icebox, a working sink, a silverware drawer, additional storage for kitchen accessories and food, and a magazine rack. Running along the rear driver’s side wall, a skinny cabinet provided additional storage space as well as a place for the galvanized water tank that supplied water to the hand-pump sink faucet. Over the driver’s side rear wheel well was a large wardrobe for clothing storage that also included a mirror. Two sliding doors provided access to the inside where special slots were included for the use of clothing hangers. Over the engine were two large sliding drawers under the bed cushions. These drawers were only accessible from the outside when the rear doors were open. A sofa sat directly in front of the engine area and was converted to a bed by removing both cushions and sliding three clumsy wooden supports from under the seat area and replacing the seat cushions in a now-flat position. Additional storage could be found under the lower seat cushion. All interior appointments were constructed of furniture grade plywood and clear coated to keep the interior looking light and airy.
The Pop-Up Tent unit (Tent Unit), Roof Luggage Carrier (Luggage Rack), Custom Table (Custom Greenbrier Table), Sleeper Unit (Car Top Sleeper) and Window Screens continued to be available under the same part numbers as in 1961-62. A search light, dome light, fire extinguisher, deluxe air heater and defroster, and custom manual AM radio and antenna were also advertised in this brochure.
These kits are said to have been produced by a small company in Ocala, FL that relied mostly on the efforts of retired people for preparation and construction. I briefly owned one of these kits and have seen several in person including those in Corvanatics members Tim Schwartz and Allen Bristow’s Greenbriers. The design is slightly better laid out than that of 1961-62, especially in the way of floor space when the bed is set up for sleeping. One of the major downfalls to this camper design is the necessity to remove the bed and both drawers above the engine cover to service the engine or access the battery. I have a good friend with a restored GM camper kit in his Greenbrier who has a second battery hooked up and ready for action just in case.
Click on one of the following images to see the original 1964 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
Completely different from the early camping interior, the 1963-64 kit is also a bit more common today. The brochure from this era proclaimed the Greenbrier "an ideal vehicle to enjoy traveling and outdoor living."
This kit was a bit more complex than the early kit and included a full width kitchen counter behind the front bench seat. This large cabinet included a place for a 7 gallon Coleman Station Wagon icebox, a working sink, a silverware drawer, additional storage for kitchen accessories and food, and a magazine rack. Running along the rear driver’s side wall, a skinny cabinet provided additional storage space as well as a place for the galvanized water tank that supplied water to the hand-pump sink faucet. Over the driver’s side rear wheel well was a large wardrobe for clothing storage that also included a mirror. Two sliding doors provided access to the inside where special slots were included for the use of clothing hangers. Over the engine were two large sliding drawers under the bed cushions. These drawers were only accessible from the outside when the rear doors were open. A sofa sat directly in front of the engine area and was converted to a bed by removing both cushions and sliding three clumsy wooden supports from under the seat area and replacing the seat cushions in a now-flat position. Additional storage could be found under the lower seat cushion. All interior appointments were constructed of furniture grade plywood and clear coated to keep the interior looking light and airy.
The Pop-Up Tent unit (Tent Unit), Roof Luggage Carrier (Luggage Rack), Custom Table (Custom Greenbrier Table), Sleeper Unit (Car Top Sleeper) and Window Screens continued to be available under the same part numbers as in 1961-62. A search light, dome light, fire extinguisher, deluxe air heater and defroster, and custom manual AM radio and antenna were also advertised in this brochure.
These kits are said to have been produced by a small company in Ocala, FL that relied mostly on the efforts of retired people for preparation and construction. I briefly owned one of these kits and have seen several in person including those in Corvanatics members Tim Schwartz and Allen Bristow’s Greenbriers. The design is slightly better laid out than that of 1961-62, especially in the way of floor space when the bed is set up for sleeping. One of the major downfalls to this camper design is the necessity to remove the bed and both drawers above the engine cover to service the engine or access the battery. I have a good friend with a restored GM camper kit in his Greenbrier who has a second battery hooked up and ready for action just in case.
Click on one of the following images to see the original 1964 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
1965 Chevy Dealer Installed Camper Kit (GM #986324) $595
This kit was almost identical to the 1963-64 kit with the addition of two overhead storage areas, one over the bed for blankets and sleeping apparel and one over the kitchen counter for storage of small kitchen accessories. The magazine rack on the side of the front kitchen counter unit was also redesigned for the worse. The side panel was made higher requiring the occupants to open the front side door if they wanted to roll the window up or down from inside the van. All of the accessories from 1963-4 carried over with the addition of deluxe rear view mirrors.
Click the following link to see the original 1965 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
http://www.corvairkid.com/65gbacc_01.htm
This kit was almost identical to the 1963-64 kit with the addition of two overhead storage areas, one over the bed for blankets and sleeping apparel and one over the kitchen counter for storage of small kitchen accessories. The magazine rack on the side of the front kitchen counter unit was also redesigned for the worse. The side panel was made higher requiring the occupants to open the front side door if they wanted to roll the window up or down from inside the van. All of the accessories from 1963-4 carried over with the addition of deluxe rear view mirrors.
Click the following link to see the original 1965 Chevrolet Greenbrier camper brochure:
http://www.corvairkid.com/65gbacc_01.htm
Travel Equipment Corporation (Elkhart, IN) Chevrolet Home Cruiser
$3650 interior, Travel Top, and Greenbrier, $475 Travel Top alone
My own Greenbrier sports a TEC Travel Top. I have never seen a Greenbrier with an original TEC interior, but I have seen Ford counterparts with intact interiors by the same company, so I can easily imagine how one might have been constructed. I also have several original brochures for TEC outlining the company’s features for a Greenbrier so equipped. The brochure states "Chevrolet Greenbrier…plus Home Cruiser…plus Travel Top…your assurance of dependable transportation and complete living comfort. Now you can cruise the highways with all the comforts of home in your exciting, new Chevrolet Home Cruiser by Calthorpe."
The Travel Equipment Corporation had as standard equipment double-purpose seats convertible into a dinette or double bed, a bed across the rear end, a single bed in the dome, dustproof clothes hanger, kitchen unit (with sink), cooking unit, lockers and storage cabinets, table, 12 volt transformer, 110 volt outlet, window shades, interior lights, water storage, metal coachbuilt elevating roof (Calthorpe), refrigerator, portable toilet, plastic cushions, and screened dome.
Optional accessories included a 12-volt refrigerator, porta shower, luggage rack, ski racks, and awning rack.
The interior layout was not drastically different from the Chevy kits from 1963-65. Travel Equipment Corporation did include cooking accommodations as well as toilet facilities and had more creative sleeping arrangements making it possible for up to six people to sleep inside the van as compared to Chevy’s ability to only sleep three.
Click on one of the two images below to view original TEC advertisements.
$3650 interior, Travel Top, and Greenbrier, $475 Travel Top alone
My own Greenbrier sports a TEC Travel Top. I have never seen a Greenbrier with an original TEC interior, but I have seen Ford counterparts with intact interiors by the same company, so I can easily imagine how one might have been constructed. I also have several original brochures for TEC outlining the company’s features for a Greenbrier so equipped. The brochure states "Chevrolet Greenbrier…plus Home Cruiser…plus Travel Top…your assurance of dependable transportation and complete living comfort. Now you can cruise the highways with all the comforts of home in your exciting, new Chevrolet Home Cruiser by Calthorpe."
The Travel Equipment Corporation had as standard equipment double-purpose seats convertible into a dinette or double bed, a bed across the rear end, a single bed in the dome, dustproof clothes hanger, kitchen unit (with sink), cooking unit, lockers and storage cabinets, table, 12 volt transformer, 110 volt outlet, window shades, interior lights, water storage, metal coachbuilt elevating roof (Calthorpe), refrigerator, portable toilet, plastic cushions, and screened dome.
Optional accessories included a 12-volt refrigerator, porta shower, luggage rack, ski racks, and awning rack.
The interior layout was not drastically different from the Chevy kits from 1963-65. Travel Equipment Corporation did include cooking accommodations as well as toilet facilities and had more creative sleeping arrangements making it possible for up to six people to sleep inside the van as compared to Chevy’s ability to only sleep three.
Click on one of the two images below to view original TEC advertisements.
Travel Equipment Corporation Travel Cruiser
Another offering by TEC was the Travel Cruiser. This camper conversion was quite different from the Home Cruiser in both interior and exterior appointments. The most noticeable difference on the outside was the lack of a travel top. In its place was a "Topside Tent" which was very similar to the Chevrolet car top sleeper except that the TEC tent had a solid roof. It did serve the same purpose of providing sleeping space for two occupants.
Inside, this camper had a cabinet inside of each rear side door and a dinette with seats that faced each other. With the cabinets also sharing the space, these seats were approximately ¾ the width of the van. Together with the folding table, the dinette seating converted into a double bed. Also included were two pole supported cots, one 60" and the other 80".
"Travel Cruiser-the greatest thing ever to happen to Chevy Vans, Chevrolet Corvans, Corvair Greenbriers and GMC Handy Vans. Converts all of them to mobile campsites. Ready to move out in minutes, the standard Travel Cruiser conversion includes interior bunks, dinette, sink with running water, stove, icebox, and storage space. Lots of options including the unique "Topside Tent." Ideal for vacations, weekend trips and outdoor sports and hobbies. Sleeps five adults and two children, or vice versa. All equipment can be removed in minutes. Use the basic vehicle the rest of the year for business or family driving. Licensed, insured, and tolled as a station wagon. Available only through Chevrolet and GMC dealers. For the fun of it, see one today."
This kit was probably available through the dealer starting around 1965. Because the Chevy Van and GMC Handy Van are mentioned, that means that the Corvair vans and trucks were already out of production. It is interesting that TEC continued to convert Corvans and Greenbriers although they were no longer made.
Another offering by TEC was the Travel Cruiser. This camper conversion was quite different from the Home Cruiser in both interior and exterior appointments. The most noticeable difference on the outside was the lack of a travel top. In its place was a "Topside Tent" which was very similar to the Chevrolet car top sleeper except that the TEC tent had a solid roof. It did serve the same purpose of providing sleeping space for two occupants.
Inside, this camper had a cabinet inside of each rear side door and a dinette with seats that faced each other. With the cabinets also sharing the space, these seats were approximately ¾ the width of the van. Together with the folding table, the dinette seating converted into a double bed. Also included were two pole supported cots, one 60" and the other 80".
"Travel Cruiser-the greatest thing ever to happen to Chevy Vans, Chevrolet Corvans, Corvair Greenbriers and GMC Handy Vans. Converts all of them to mobile campsites. Ready to move out in minutes, the standard Travel Cruiser conversion includes interior bunks, dinette, sink with running water, stove, icebox, and storage space. Lots of options including the unique "Topside Tent." Ideal for vacations, weekend trips and outdoor sports and hobbies. Sleeps five adults and two children, or vice versa. All equipment can be removed in minutes. Use the basic vehicle the rest of the year for business or family driving. Licensed, insured, and tolled as a station wagon. Available only through Chevrolet and GMC dealers. For the fun of it, see one today."
This kit was probably available through the dealer starting around 1965. Because the Chevy Van and GMC Handy Van are mentioned, that means that the Corvair vans and trucks were already out of production. It is interesting that TEC continued to convert Corvans and Greenbriers although they were no longer made.
Traville Corporation (Detroit, MI)
Vista Camper (Greenbrier) $1495
The Vista Camper was Traville’s answer to converting the Greenbrier into a camper. Again, the interior was similar to Chevy’s later camper kit. It was a slightly simpler design with less rear cabinets. The addition of a marine type flush toilet and cooker were more advanced than Chevy’s offering. Traville Vista Campers were available through Chevrolet dealers. The brochure encouraged buyers to "Convert the Corvair Greenbrier into a complete travel-camping unit for low-cost family fun."
Perhaps the most unique standard feature of the Vista Camper was a molded plexiglass vista dome. This feature clipped onto the top of the Greenbrier over a hole cut in its roof and allowed the occupants to stand up inside.
Standard features of the Vista Camper included the plexiglass vista dome, 12 volt electric dome vent fan, molded fiberglass utility center including: 2 burner gas range, 2 cu. ft. gas refrigerator, 2.5 gallon butane/propane gas tank, sink with spray faucet, 12 volt electric water pump, 17 gallon water tank, utensil drawer, pull out counter/table, and a seat that converts into a double bed.
Optional extras included a roof contoured plexiglass roof section (interchangeable with vista dome and making it possible to park the van in a garage when not being used as a camper) $195, green tinted plexiglass in dome $24.00, canvas double bunk $45.00, 2 storage lockers (30" x 18" x 7") $79.50, and 4 snap in window screens $32.50.
Vista Camper (Greenbrier) $1495
The Vista Camper was Traville’s answer to converting the Greenbrier into a camper. Again, the interior was similar to Chevy’s later camper kit. It was a slightly simpler design with less rear cabinets. The addition of a marine type flush toilet and cooker were more advanced than Chevy’s offering. Traville Vista Campers were available through Chevrolet dealers. The brochure encouraged buyers to "Convert the Corvair Greenbrier into a complete travel-camping unit for low-cost family fun."
Perhaps the most unique standard feature of the Vista Camper was a molded plexiglass vista dome. This feature clipped onto the top of the Greenbrier over a hole cut in its roof and allowed the occupants to stand up inside.
Standard features of the Vista Camper included the plexiglass vista dome, 12 volt electric dome vent fan, molded fiberglass utility center including: 2 burner gas range, 2 cu. ft. gas refrigerator, 2.5 gallon butane/propane gas tank, sink with spray faucet, 12 volt electric water pump, 17 gallon water tank, utensil drawer, pull out counter/table, and a seat that converts into a double bed.
Optional extras included a roof contoured plexiglass roof section (interchangeable with vista dome and making it possible to park the van in a garage when not being used as a camper) $195, green tinted plexiglass in dome $24.00, canvas double bunk $45.00, 2 storage lockers (30" x 18" x 7") $79.50, and 4 snap in window screens $32.50.
Traville Corporation (Detroit, MI)-manufactured by Cree Coach Company (Marcellus, MI)
Campside (Rampside) $1245
Traville was one of the few companies to capitalize on the low cargo floor of the Rampside pickup truck as the basis for a camper. Unlike the slip in pickup units used for conventional pickup trucks in the sixties and through the present, the Campside topper actually was attached to the sides of the Rampside bed and had a removable door unit that filled the area where the ramp used to be. A short roof section overhung the cab of the truck and featured a full width vista window making the camper seem larger than it was. The interior was similar to that of the Traville Vista Camper conversion for the Greenbrier. The notes are conflicting on interior materials. Some sources say the main interior cabinets were made of neatly styled fiberglass while others say they were made of top quality Birch paneling. The only Campside I have seen actual interior pictures of had a Birch interior. The shell’s exterior was made of aluminum siding and finished with a Cameo-white weather resistant baked enamel paint guaranteed never to rust or fade. The siding was attached to a welded aluminum frame for maximum strength and long life.
Standard equipment included kitchen cabinets, 3 burner gas stove, swirl-a-matic marine toilet, 12 gallon water storage, 12 volt electric water pump, full length double bed, kitchen sink, 2.5 cu. ft. refrigerator, jalousie windows and screens, 15 gallon septic tank, roof ventilator, 2 pipe berths, and window and lavatory curtains.
The brochure states that the Campside structure weighed 250 lbs., and the equipment weighed 300 lbs. The unit was completely insulated and was easily removable or installed by three people. I have a copy of the original owner’s manual that goes into great detail on these conversions. They were very cool and offered lots of features to make life on the road very comfortable. I have also been offered a Campside for sale, but have decided that as of now, my Greenbrier camper is enough. If I had enough spare money lying around, however, I wouldn’t mind owning one. Records show that approximately 300 Campsides were produced, and very few are known to exist today.
Campside (Rampside) $1245
Traville was one of the few companies to capitalize on the low cargo floor of the Rampside pickup truck as the basis for a camper. Unlike the slip in pickup units used for conventional pickup trucks in the sixties and through the present, the Campside topper actually was attached to the sides of the Rampside bed and had a removable door unit that filled the area where the ramp used to be. A short roof section overhung the cab of the truck and featured a full width vista window making the camper seem larger than it was. The interior was similar to that of the Traville Vista Camper conversion for the Greenbrier. The notes are conflicting on interior materials. Some sources say the main interior cabinets were made of neatly styled fiberglass while others say they were made of top quality Birch paneling. The only Campside I have seen actual interior pictures of had a Birch interior. The shell’s exterior was made of aluminum siding and finished with a Cameo-white weather resistant baked enamel paint guaranteed never to rust or fade. The siding was attached to a welded aluminum frame for maximum strength and long life.
Standard equipment included kitchen cabinets, 3 burner gas stove, swirl-a-matic marine toilet, 12 gallon water storage, 12 volt electric water pump, full length double bed, kitchen sink, 2.5 cu. ft. refrigerator, jalousie windows and screens, 15 gallon septic tank, roof ventilator, 2 pipe berths, and window and lavatory curtains.
The brochure states that the Campside structure weighed 250 lbs., and the equipment weighed 300 lbs. The unit was completely insulated and was easily removable or installed by three people. I have a copy of the original owner’s manual that goes into great detail on these conversions. They were very cool and offered lots of features to make life on the road very comfortable. I have also been offered a Campside for sale, but have decided that as of now, my Greenbrier camper is enough. If I had enough spare money lying around, however, I wouldn’t mind owning one. Records show that approximately 300 Campsides were produced, and very few are known to exist today.
Compac 95 Rampside Camper, Nakomis, FL
I have very little information on these campers. They are very similar to the Traville Campside, but the shell is made from fiberglass unlike the Traville unit that is made of a welded aluminum frame covered with aluminum siding. These included a stove, refrigerator, couch or bed, toilet (self-contained) and an interior ventilation unit. Rumors say that only about nine of these toppers were made.
I have very little information on these campers. They are very similar to the Traville Campside, but the shell is made from fiberglass unlike the Traville unit that is made of a welded aluminum frame covered with aluminum siding. These included a stove, refrigerator, couch or bed, toilet (self-contained) and an interior ventilation unit. Rumors say that only about nine of these toppers were made.
Highway Cruisers, Incorporated Rampside Conversion
The camper conversion by this company was called a "Sports Cab." The Rampside bed topper included a flip up section above the ramp to create an entrance for the people using the camper. I have no information on the interior specifications of these campers.
The camper conversion by this company was called a "Sports Cab." The Rampside bed topper included a flip up section above the ramp to create an entrance for the people using the camper. I have no information on the interior specifications of these campers.
Travelcar by Royden Industries (Greenbrier conversion)
"The very best way to see the USA. The unique design of TRAVELCAR provides the facilities of a large and expensive motorhome in a compact land cruiser, easy to buy, easy to drive, and easy to park. Individual front seats for easy access front to rear, card table, writing desk, refrigerator, sink, stove and toilet PLUS a foam cushion chaise lounge or full length day bed. For the first time in many a year, traveling is fun for everyone." That is how this particular conversion was touted by its manufacturer.
The interior indeed provided a full-length sofa/bed along the driver’s side in conjunction with several smaller seats that created a "U" shaped seating area in the rear of the van. The table was central to these seats and provided a usable space while parked or travelling. The brochure advertises two full length double beds and sleeping accommodations for four 6 footers. The second of these beds was located in the camper top. The top is fully insulated and has a fiberglass roof with solid walled sides. I cannot tell from the brochure how this one folds down, but it does look to provide lots of interior room. Other typical interior accoutrements are a refrigerator, toilet, and wardrobe and storage cabinets.
Standard equipment included the expanding roof, 48" x 74" double bed, 52" x 74" double bed, enclosed toilet, ice box (electric refrigerator optional), 2 burner gas stove, 2 bottles of gas, fiberglass sink, and fifteen gallon water storage.
The advertising for this one really makes it seem like the manufacturer was trying to create a very versatile vehicle. The focus is not only on weekend family adventures, but also on comfort at sporting events and also as a mobile office for accountants and businessmen. They obviously had a large and diversified audience in mind.
"The very best way to see the USA. The unique design of TRAVELCAR provides the facilities of a large and expensive motorhome in a compact land cruiser, easy to buy, easy to drive, and easy to park. Individual front seats for easy access front to rear, card table, writing desk, refrigerator, sink, stove and toilet PLUS a foam cushion chaise lounge or full length day bed. For the first time in many a year, traveling is fun for everyone." That is how this particular conversion was touted by its manufacturer.
The interior indeed provided a full-length sofa/bed along the driver’s side in conjunction with several smaller seats that created a "U" shaped seating area in the rear of the van. The table was central to these seats and provided a usable space while parked or travelling. The brochure advertises two full length double beds and sleeping accommodations for four 6 footers. The second of these beds was located in the camper top. The top is fully insulated and has a fiberglass roof with solid walled sides. I cannot tell from the brochure how this one folds down, but it does look to provide lots of interior room. Other typical interior accoutrements are a refrigerator, toilet, and wardrobe and storage cabinets.
Standard equipment included the expanding roof, 48" x 74" double bed, 52" x 74" double bed, enclosed toilet, ice box (electric refrigerator optional), 2 burner gas stove, 2 bottles of gas, fiberglass sink, and fifteen gallon water storage.
The advertising for this one really makes it seem like the manufacturer was trying to create a very versatile vehicle. The focus is not only on weekend family adventures, but also on comfort at sporting events and also as a mobile office for accountants and businessmen. They obviously had a large and diversified audience in mind.
Home made conversions, and some notes on the interior of Ben’s Bus
It is important to note that many people over the years have converted their own Corvair vans using a lot of ingenuity, creativity, and off the shelf hardware and camping store supplies. I have seen many more owner-converted FCs than dealer or aftermarket conversions. Some are elaborate, some are simple, and some are just plain strange. I have noticed a large variety of folding seats, cookers, and iceboxes as well as overall interior arrangements. In one conversion, the owner took two cabs from Greenbriers, cut them off center vertically, connected the wider halves, and added a large box on the back for the purpose of building a complete camper. This particular creation includes a late model Corvair car rear suspension. Though I decided to stick with a stock van for my camper, I designed my own interior because I did not like the rigidity of the dealer installed kits.
By building my own interior, I could make each and every piece to meet my needs. This included adding Corvan bucket seats for a "walk through" camper which would not have been possible with the GM kit. Also, I have built my own version of a folding sofa/bed that is much easier to use than the GM’s design. I have plenty of storage and the interior color scheme is to my liking. Much of my interior is modeled after Volkswagen Westfalia camping interiors with some definite influence in the construction of the cabinets evident in the GM kit from 1963-65. My set up offers more seating than GM’s did, but has no actual sink. The cabinets are also less obtrusive of the living space leaving room to stand even when the bed is set up. We carry cutlery and dinner service for 12 people, a full complement of cooking pots, pans, and utensils, a cooler, two stoves, a water jug, clothing, food, and tools to perform repairs. Even the spare tire is hidden in one of the seat cabinets so as to be out of sight and easily accessible if needed. I tried to keep simplicity in mind when designing the interior, therefore in place of elaborate cabinet door latches, I cut small holes in the cabinet doors to pull the cabinets open. All of my cabinetry is stained with three coats of mahogany stain and clear coated or painted gray to match the rest of the interior paint. With the addition of my camper top and side awning, Lynn and I can camp very comfortably for weeks at a time.
It is important to note that many people over the years have converted their own Corvair vans using a lot of ingenuity, creativity, and off the shelf hardware and camping store supplies. I have seen many more owner-converted FCs than dealer or aftermarket conversions. Some are elaborate, some are simple, and some are just plain strange. I have noticed a large variety of folding seats, cookers, and iceboxes as well as overall interior arrangements. In one conversion, the owner took two cabs from Greenbriers, cut them off center vertically, connected the wider halves, and added a large box on the back for the purpose of building a complete camper. This particular creation includes a late model Corvair car rear suspension. Though I decided to stick with a stock van for my camper, I designed my own interior because I did not like the rigidity of the dealer installed kits.
By building my own interior, I could make each and every piece to meet my needs. This included adding Corvan bucket seats for a "walk through" camper which would not have been possible with the GM kit. Also, I have built my own version of a folding sofa/bed that is much easier to use than the GM’s design. I have plenty of storage and the interior color scheme is to my liking. Much of my interior is modeled after Volkswagen Westfalia camping interiors with some definite influence in the construction of the cabinets evident in the GM kit from 1963-65. My set up offers more seating than GM’s did, but has no actual sink. The cabinets are also less obtrusive of the living space leaving room to stand even when the bed is set up. We carry cutlery and dinner service for 12 people, a full complement of cooking pots, pans, and utensils, a cooler, two stoves, a water jug, clothing, food, and tools to perform repairs. Even the spare tire is hidden in one of the seat cabinets so as to be out of sight and easily accessible if needed. I tried to keep simplicity in mind when designing the interior, therefore in place of elaborate cabinet door latches, I cut small holes in the cabinet doors to pull the cabinets open. All of my cabinetry is stained with three coats of mahogany stain and clear coated or painted gray to match the rest of the interior paint. With the addition of my camper top and side awning, Lynn and I can camp very comfortably for weeks at a time.
Some of the preceding information was found in:
CORVANANTICS issues Volume 12 Number 6, Volume 16 Number 2, Volume 18 Number 3, and Volume 20 Numbers 1 to 4 (CORVANANTICS is the official bi-monthly publication of Corvanatics, an official chapter of CORSA)
1961 "Complete Guide to Custom Features for the Chevrolet Greenbrier Sportswagon"
1963 and 1965 Corvair Greenbrier Accessories Brochure
Gunnell, John. Chevrolet Pickups 1946-1972. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks
International Publishers & Wholesalers, Inc., 1988.