1970s Tonka Toy Winnebago Restoration

Some projects are just for the fun of it, and this Tonka Toy Winnebago Restoration was just that. Fun! I had seen one of these Vintage 1970s Tonka Toy Winnebagos years ago on a home tour. It was displayed on a shelf in the living room and I thought it was so cool and hunted one for years. Finally, I ended up finding one on eBay a few years back for about $25 but it ended up in a closet, until now. It was finally time to get this girl rolling again.

Before

I’ve always thought a full-size camper restoration would be fun so I figured why not do a mini one? I have dubbed this little Tonka Winnebago the “Mini” Bago and the “Mini” Bago was in rough shape when I got her and quite dirty as well. I started the restoration by stripping the “Mini” Bago down and cleaning her up. Every part got taken off and given a good old fashion scrub.

Restoration

With all the plastic parts removed I used a paint stripper and steel wool to remove all the paint from the metal body.

I managed to get it all the way down to the raw metal pretty easily, which left a nice smooth finish for the next step.

A fresh paint job! I chose to go with a whole new color scheme in Aqua and Yellow, which I applied using masking and spray paint over an all-over white paint job.

I even gave the interior a new look to match the retro color scheme.

After

Since the roof doubles as an awning, I thought it needed an awning stripe. I used the same yellow paint as on the body over a white background to achieve the look.

I re-applied the details using a paint pin and auto pinstriping tape. The reproduction decals for the front grill I purchased on eBay

Now 1970s Tonka Toy Winnebago Restoration, or should I say “Mini” Bago, is ready for the road.

Or at least ready to be put on prominent display in my sewing room.