Vintage RV
Restoring the Open Road
Meet Tom Speakman—the proud owner of a 1970 Dodge Open Road motorhome
Ontario resident Tom Speakman loves vintage stuff and over the years he's revitalized a number of old cars, trucks, RVs, trains, motorcycles and even a 100—year—old bed and dresser set. Right now, Speakman is working on a 1970 Dodge Open Road motorhome and he was eager to share details of the project with RVwest.
Vintage Pride And Joy: “It just came natural for me to buy this motorhome as I don't even think twice about getting something old back in working order,” said Tom Speakman. —photo by Tom Speakman
“Everything works—except the fridge. It has passed all tests and is now on the road. Our main thing is to redo the interior. There is some water damage but it isn't too bad,” said Speakman. “I can't find anything like it on the web—this is one tough—looking beast.”
Speakman purchased the 1970 Dodge Open Road on April 14, 2007, for $2,000. It was parked near his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, and was used to tow cars to the scrap yard. The engine ran when Speakman bought it but there is still a lot of work to be done. His 37—year—old son, Neal, who has been into classic automobiles since he was a youngster, is helping Speakman restore the motorhome.
“We are replacing the ceiling ribs and the outdated lighting fixtures,” said Speakman. “We plan to do the interior in shades of grey. I have replaced all the clearance lights and I am re—doing the overhead console. It may take about a year to do the interior, starting at the front and working back.”
Speakman's interest in vintage items began in the 1950s and since then, he has been through a long list of vehicles. Some of his prized possessions have included a 1947 Scholtz travel trailer, 1961 Chevy motorhome, 1934 Ford two—door coach, 1947 Chevy pickup truck, 1964 Chevy Nova and an F7 1401 locomotive.
“I have done a lot of custom work on cars, such as paint jobs, pin stripping, window etching and interior work,” said Speakman. “I won the 'Best Paint' award at the Toronto International Centre—you name it, I've done it.”
At 64 years old, Speakman suffers from cancer and recently had a lung removed—but that won't stop him from doing what he loves.
“I just work on the motorhome for five minutes and take a 10—minute break,” said Speakman. “I enjoy every second of it. I'm like the Energizer bunny—I just keep going and going!”
If anyone has photos or information about the 1970 Dodge Open Road motorhome, Speakman invites you to e—mail him at tspeakman@cogeco.ca.
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