Hello, I'm here looking for advice on an 85 holiday rambler aluma-lite presidential 28.
I'm in southeast michigan and the price on the unit is $2000. The exterior is weathered and faded, will need cleaning and some paint, but pretty solid and square. No evidence of leaks of any kind that I could see.
The interior is very clean. Appliances are good looking, but operating condition is unknown. The weather and location of the unit is making things difficult when it comes to a proper inspection. Some lights and the steps were working, the fridge light lit when I pushed the on button...
Mechanically the unit needs some work. It started and ran relatively easily for being only 15*F whe I was out there. It drove ok, was easy to keep in its lane, but had to be coaxed above 55mph. Severely in need of a tuneup and carb cleaning. The trans leaked and the drivers rear corner of the fuel tank was wet. The brake calipers looked like they had been replaced within the past year or so, and the brakes worked ok. The tires had deep tread, but we're old and will need to be replaced.
The HVAC control wasn't working properly, the coolant valve was seized. The A/C compressor didn't engage, tho maybe due to low outside temps.
The seller has only had it for a few months. He acquired it to resell and didn't have much info.
Having said all this, how do you make the decision to jump into one of these things? I was a mechanic in a gm dealer many years ago, so I know there's no magic in these repairs, but I'm trying to figure out how much is too much. I have about $5k for this venture, but I don't think I want to spend it all in acquiring the rv just to find out that the same types of repairs will be needed on a 5-10 year newer unit anyhow.
My expectations aren't THAT high I don't think, I just want a relatively reliable rv to truck the kids around in for a few years. Dare I take it to Florida someday????
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking for... So tell me what you think I need to be told.
Thanks, JC
Well! 5-7 thousand dollars will buy you one fine looking rig. I might be tempted to look around a bit more. These old girls can be a money pit if your not careful. What are you going to us the rig for or how big do you need. A 21 footer is perfect for running around town in. Sometimes bigger isn't better. Check out Craigs list there's hours of looking there and there's some real nice rigs for some pretty fair prices. Hm?
I agree with Kevin, 2k is just the start, from what you stated, I already see 3k more going into it....tires,repairs, adds up quick. Also the seller "really doesn't know a whole lot about it" can be a red flag...Just read up on this.. ???
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,8851.0.html (http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,8851.0.html)
If your patient, you will find a nice rig...
I was really agreeing with LJ-Tj... W% and Lefty
Thanks for the replies. That was pretty quick... Between 5am and now, heh.
Craigslist seems pretty barren these days, I was thinking the sub zero weather as discouraging people from going out and taking pictures. But I didn't want to wait until spring necessarily, when every bodies outdoors junk seems to turn to gold in the warmer weather.
Anyhow, to answer your questions, I would like to at least be able to take it to the reaches of michigan. But I took a 5000 mile trip with a 78 wolverine slide-in on the back of my old F350 and we had a great time, I would like to be able to do that with a motorhome and the extra kid (we have 2 now). We were trying to keep it around 25 foot, but after looking around I would be ok keeping under 30foot. I would like the rear bedroom and then the two other sleeping provisions for the kids... But they're pretty flexible.
For repairs, the only thing that scares me would be to have to replace the short block in one of these things... We'll that and braking systems on early travco's... But the time involved in making the repairs myself is something I need to keep in mind, I have a terrible case of A.D.D. when it comes to completing jobs like this. Also a few people in my hood have rvs in their driveways all year, but I really don't want a lawn ornament...
Anyhow, thanks for listening. The wife wants one, but doesn't understand the mechanicals and is relying on me to make the decisions. And these days most of my coworkers don't know how to change a headlight, so they're no help either, hah. I'm gonna sit and consider on this one, and also keep my eyes open for more to at least give me a better reference point when it comes to what I can get for the money.
Cheers!
JC
While far from an expert on any of these old rigs. If you run into something like a 66 to 78 Winnebago and have any questions I may be able to help you out. We have a ton of dealer brochures on these old Winnebago's you could look at to figure out what type of floor plan you might like. Stay posted we might find something you like. I can tell you this. We bought one out of Kansas and the under neath was presteen. If you have to travel to pick it up look at it as a vacation and an adventure. Hm?
You all missed one very important resource here for helping JC. The RV Buying Checklist available as a free download link to the right of the webpage.
JC,
Your a mechanic, you'll know what to look for as far as the chassis is concerned. It's the Coach (house part) you will probably want to pay attention to.
They say Pictures are worth a thousand words, but actually going to look and evaluate the RV is worth VOLUMES.. Go have a look at it using the checklist, bring whatever you use for taking photos and take lots of them and post them here and we will help wherever we can. Get yourself an extendable inspection mirror I have three in different sizes (I used to be a home inspector).
I opted for a newer RV because I was running short on options and time. I ended up getting myself a 1984 Holiday Rambler Imperial28. I paid around US$7k for it. The exterior is very easy to clean, and it cleans up nice.
The funny bit, I bought it because the hydraulic leveling jacks worked and was the coolest thing I ever saw!
Like you I sometimes get hit with a bout of ADD but, if you browse my posts I have done a lot of work on it.
Not including the addition of solar and a new inverter, the most expensive repairs I have had to do was replacing the shocks all around and replacing the front springs and air assist system. The mufflers were cheaper than the shocks..
There were a couple of things I replaced either for preemptive reasons or because I thought something was broke (Cough! generator fuel pump Cough!) when in fact I was just low on gas and did not KNOW any better. (I did end up being able to fix the fuel gauge for ZERO money)
Anyway, whatever route you DO decide to go just know this one FACT: There isn't a person on this forum that will refuse to help out if they can. Whether it's tech advice or pointing you in the right direction, you'll not find a more friendly or receptive group of people.
Oh, Not sure if the Presidential model comes standard with the in-counter blender, but if it does and it works? WOOT!! And I will hate you.. :D
Fredric
OMG, I totally forgot.....
WELCOME TO CWVRV!!!!!
I paid $1850.00 for the '88 Georgie Boy (28') we had.... Took about $500 and a couple weekends tinkering with it to get every little thing on it working again after it had sat up for a few months prior to me buying it. You can look at my profile and see pics of it. It's a perfect example of what's out there if you are patient, and beat the bushes... (we looked at roughly 200 RV's over a 2yr period before buying this one.)
to Fredric... Mine had hydraulic levellers too!! :P
Hold up before you don't buy it. Just the aluminum by weight in a Holiday Rambler from 1985 is worth almost 2K...lol!
Ours is an 89 35 foot Imperial, and we got it for 3K. Book value right now is 12K, which is what we'd get in an insurance check if it was totaled, stolen, or gods forbid caught fire...we have full coverage now through Geico, and that is what they rated it at.
We bought it for 3K...but about 2K in tires on it...maybe another 1K in repairs over the years that were necessary...so 5K into it, with a book insurance value of 12K.
Don't have to worry about delamination on 80s Holiday Ramblers...aluminum skins and all.
Also don't have to worry about major structural damage from water...frame, wall frames, roof framing...everything's aluminum, not wood. Water damage in an 80s Holiday Rambler is just damage to insulation and inner wallboards, easy cheap stuff to replace.
Yes we have way more than that invested, since we fulltime it and invested in solar and all sorts of other things, but the basic lets use it as a camper investment was minimal.
I'd say go for it! 2K is a grand less than we paid, and we are still ahead of the game by insurance value.
Kev
HERE HERE!!
Lets see, the 28ft should not have the Mor-Ryde rear suspension so that should not be something to check closely.
I have the Mor-Ryde system. Well, A mor-ryde system anyway.. The one with the fat rubber blocks sandwitched between metal plates..
Did not realize they used it on shorter rigs. After the issues Kevin has had was pointing out it needed to be checked carefully.
Yeah, I remember reading about that. He had just gone to their shop in I think IL or IN?? That's when I looked at mine and discovered I had the Rubber Sandwich ones and had inspected them. I recall another member mentioning he had the same rear end setup.
Fredric
Mor-Ryde can be problematic, but fixable. Smaller rig probably doesn't have it.
My rubber shear springs were shot, so I paid close to 500 bucks for new ones, and they were the wrong ones. Mor/Ryde replaced the wrong springs for free, and charged me 300 bucks for the labor of raising the rear axle to its highest configuration.
I'm only disappointed with Mor/Ryde lately for not getting back to me for the cracked spring boxes that were obviously caused by the wrong rubber springs.
I digress. For 2000 bucks, SNAP IT UP!
Kev
Kev
It did and she is a thing of beauty...
My 28 foot HR Imperial DOES have the rubber shear MOR-RYDE system, yours may as well. I know I posted pics on the forums somewhere..
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1282.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa531%2Fcoachmanm500%2FIMG_20130414_220729_336_zps607b3c65.jpg&hash=ef018cd4f64bf6c456a68356e1e9f7092501ef81)
found a pic.
Does your HR have the small ice maker/freezer across from the couch?
Is that the rig your looking at? WOW! Sweet Ride.Looks like it would be worth some serious consideration.
??? I dunno though, where's the Electronic Periscope Mount or the Manually Targeting Missile Launcher?? Hm?
OOH, I know! We can make a Flotilla of HRs!
I nominate Kevin as Fleet Admiral.
Are we being Ramblered by HRs ? Hm?
Hm? Hmm, today is a Holiday and we're "rambling about an RV.. :D
New name for the wesite, "Retro Ramblers (and some other RVs)"
Lol.. Nahh, I like the original. But I'm getting a kick out of your Avatar.. :D
I didn't notice an ice box across from the couch, or a built in blender. Sounds like you've got the Cadillac model!
Aye. The lad does nothing below par.
Looks like its a single axle. Probably leaf springs and not Mor/Ryde. Either suspension is good, just one is more complex and complexity leads to more expense to fix things.
Kev
The Mor-Ryde was available as an option on all 28-30 foot HR+Aluma-Lite class A Motorhomes. But is Standard equipment on ALL Imperials.
So unless the original buyer chose that option, then Kevin is correct.
Looking underneath it I remember seeing leaf springs in the rear and a massive sway bar setup, but I didnt know if the rubber spring was in addition to all that...
On another note, summit racing has edelbrock shocks for the rear of the P30 motorhome chassis on sale for $62.
No, it's either one or t'uther. I lucked out in that the Mor-Ryde on my RV is in good shape. The front coil springs were what I had to replace. I used the leveling jacks to jack her up onto jackstands and did all the work in one day. Not sure how to do leaf springs.
So like after checking out a few more machines, I came back around to the rambler. I can't believe the utter garbage that is out there. When you ask a guy on the phone if there are any leaks or water damage, and he tells you only a small leak above the driver side window... And you get there and EVERY VISIBLE PIECE OF WOOD IS BLACKENED, SWOLLEN AND ROTTEN I swear it is hard to keep calm sometimes, hah!
I left the guy a deposit and will pick it up in a couple days.
That's the spirit!
Nice!
Kev
WOOT!
Some of the rigs I've walked though N:( .......OMG!! It's hard to believe people can waste something so bad....You know when a rig is bad if you think it should be in a scary movie, and you don't touch ANYTHING inside..
Hm? So does that mean you bought it. :)ThmbUp
Funny, after re-reading Eyesores' last post, it could be read as he got the one with all the rotted wood.. Just sayin'.. :angel:
Sorry, I'm distracted, plus typing on a phone... Yes, it's the rambler in my first post that I'm buying ???
a name and a profile change was in order since she's officially my problem now!
"Groovy"
I wouldnt dare.
Eyesore?? Sweet...
Now..... MORE PICS!!!
WOOT WOOT!!!
Quote from: Stripe on February 27, 2014, 06:31 PM
Now..... MORE PICS!!!
WOOT WOOT!!!
alrighty then...
I'll start with the most important part
moar
and...
How about those stripes Stripe?
Looks really nice congratulations on your purchase looking forward to see what you do with it to make it your own :)ThmbUp
thanks fellers. i like it, and yes it needs plenty of work.
the PO says the fridge works on electric, but something like he couldn't get the gas to light
I pretty much intended to delete the TV antenna all together.
yes I am planning on using the pull down bed, unless I can think of some other arrangements for the second kid.
I appreciate the welcomes. I think you'll be seeing a lot of me
From the looks of the roof pic, one of the PO's removed the roof storage bin.. I dunno what I'd do without mine.. :)
As far as sleeping, that pulldown has a cool factor with kids. Did the RV come with a ladder to get up into it? I found myself a cheapie at a RV wrecking yard. I bet given the option of sharing the pullout couch/bed one or the other kid will gladly sleep in it. I've used mine just to see how it felt.
QuoteContents under the couch?
Thats awesome...
I like the black window frames too
When it comes to the pull down bed, the problem isn't who will sleep in it, but who won't be able to. They're already arguing about who gets to sleep up there (6 and a 3 yr old). I showed it to them and it blew their minds :)
I'm not sure about the antenna yet. We're not much for TV in general, and we control what the kids see pretty closely. I'll consider its overall condition before I make a final decision
One of my first tasks is going to be to get close to the roof and freshen th seams and screw holes. It seems to me that somebody had overloaded the roof storage at some point and the roof sags a bit at the points under where the storage boxes were. I'll have to verify this with a straight edge
See? What'd I say about the Cool Factor?? :D
Also, see my post about redoing the roof seams...
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,7677.msg35534.html#msg35534
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,7682.msg35601.html#msg35601
Hopefully there won't be much sag if any. Didn't look like it from the pic. If there is a significant amount of sag, repairing it will be a challenge and possibly a bit messy.. :) Especially seeing how that looks to be over the rear bed area.
This will give you an idea of what is under the roof. It isn't as solid as you might expect. When you walk on it there will be some give.
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi903.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac232%2FQuietWater%2FHoliday%2520Rambler%2F3102010034_zps32cb7394.jpg&hash=62afaae1d12a90649ed086f42280d49259077ef0)
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We'll to be honest, I wasn't even considering doing a tear down type repair... If anything I was thinking I could brace the ceiling from beneath and apply some pressure, hopefully causing the roof to deflect upward a bit, only in an effort to lessen the amount of water pooling on top, IF that's even a problem. This is just an idea tho...
There is absolutely no water marks or staining on the ceiling tho, so it's not really a huge priority
Dang Stripe, that roof seam thread was awesome. What a great looking repair!
the under couch contents. left, middle, then right side
jeez Dan, what'd you do to your Rig? ??? Harsh way to make a point... W%
I hope you have the combination to that safe.. :D
I did that 10 years ago. My how time flies
It is time to do the interior all over again D:oH!
So, is that a safe?
No... it's an F18
:)rotflmao
$29.95 and a Notary Public and you can have a replacement combination. What a deal! :)rotflmao
Looks like he got it. That's really not something to hold onto here forever. A link to it would be just fine or attach in an email.
are you saying there's a way to get the combination to that safe? because I haven't found it yet, and it looks like someone has already tried to pry their way into it.
Google Fire Fyter and click on customer service.
OOh, I am going to follow this like I followed Heraldo when he broke into what was believed to be Al Capones Vault!!!
Who knows, maybe it will pay off the restore work? Or it could be empty, who knows?
My Uncle Donald owns Fradon Lock in Upstate NY, if Fire Fyter can't help, maybe he can..
You Tube has video,s on how to crack safes , combination locks etc Frank
What would you be doing watching that kind o stuff Frank?? Hm?
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,7518.0.html
Thats my thread. The roof sagged and the seams leaked. The PO, an RV dealer resealed thee roof but did nothing to the celing where it delaminated. I tore everything down on the inside, installed steel bracing and new insulation. I have the materials to finish the job when the weather breaks.And yes, Allegros and HRs appear to be similiar in design.
Awesome! I wish I would have found this forum when I was trying to do some repairs on my old pickup camper... Sadly tho, that thing has become a permanent farmyard decoration
I STILL have not even started any if the impending repairs I have planned. The HR is stored in a lot near my house that is a working lot for an auto repair shop. Meaning the use the lot for vehicles under repair AND for their uhaul business. MEANING they need to keep the lot plowed. And since here's been so much snow they've had to plow in the rvs that are stored in the back of the lot ??? They said they have no problem clearing me out if I give hen a heads up, but that still wouldn't help the single digit temps I would need to be working in even if I did bring it home
I finally was able to bring the beast home today. I basically just had the daylight to crawl around and under her and lay there for a while contemplating what I was looking at.
Couple things right away.
1. Brakes were good on the way home, but were definitely dragging by the time i pulled into the driveway. New brake hoses/flush/etc. just got moved up on the schedule.
2. There is a holley fuel pump back near the tank looking like it was installed by somebody who just didnt give a hoot N:( . That and some damp fuel lines will be reworked.
3. I didnt yet locate the gas gauge wire to start that repair. Tomorrow maybe, but we're going to focus on cleaning the interior first.
Heres to good weather :beer:
Lookin' forward to the updates and pic..
Today was the first time I actually felt tlike I made some progress, even tho none of the jobs I started are complete...
The thing I made my first priority was to get the fuel gauge working. If'n you cant even get to 'go', theres no sense in worryin about gettin to 'stop'. To make a long story short, the ground wire running from the fuel level sender had been cut at some point, and was flapping in the breeze. I verified thiis was indeed the problem by disconnecting and manually grounding the wire to the fuel gauge while mi esposa sat in the driver seat and hollered that the gauge went to empty. I did have to drop the fuel tank, and I will include pics, etc. in my thread started in the Chassis section... When the job is complete...
The second bit of what I call progress, was all the amazing things I found that I needed to do in the process of investigating the gauge problem... as you will see in these photos
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F047CF7BD-359F-4625-B743-B67A217C7200.jpg&hash=b464c99b5cd7f3401a331824fcd80c0618a292b5)
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The pictures are taken facing the front of the fuel tank, looking over the top of the rear differential. As you can see there has been some "reworkin" of the fuel lines and wiring. The first thing you might notice is the fuel filter and one of the rubber lines resting directly on the exhaust pipe. Also the fuel pump wires resting on the other pipe.
The power to the fuel pump is actually not original, as the original wires were hanging nearby with evidence of being burned through DUE TO RESTING ON THE EXHAUST PIPE. :laugh: I suppose that would also mean that the new wiring is probably hooked directly to key-on power with no provision for either oil pressure or engine rpm as a pump kill.
At this point I have the tank out of the vehicle - which I should say was FAR easier than I was expecting.... Literally disconnected the fill/vent hoses, three straps and it was on the ground - and with the tank out I will be replacing and rerouting all the fuel lines, and correcting the fuel level sender wiring and fuel pump wiring.
Another of the tangle of nonsense
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F0FCD4C84-CEF0-4B8A-9388-54C74B56A1BE.jpg&hash=7c28e04142ba8c2ffad74a864dc62571cd99da51)
Also a shot from underneath after I cut the tailpipes off. I will be installing 90 degree turn-downs in front of the rear axle for the time being, as the tailpipes were rotten and one had rusted off immediately behind the rear axle. The exhaust will stay this was until the time comes for either headers or new manifolds and new pipe.
The hanging wires are the old fuel pump power wires.
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F2D752318-7B28-4F31-B787-43F8C17BB293.jpg&hash=f4a0ebf96ee2255861cf7e02d4fd3651137e8da6)
Headers... Hm?
It always amazes me that these "repairs" are always so sloppily done. Almost like it was just a stop-gap to get it out of the driveway. Especially when the correct repairs take hardly any more time. Rick
I'm just throwing out an update. First thing is dang it takes forever to accomplish anything when you only get an hour or to per day to work on stuff.....
The tank is fixed and painted and assembled, ready to go back in. The fuel lines are routed and the new pump installed. I'm working on the pump wiring.
I found that the PO's fuel pump wiring was not worth keeping, so I started tracing the original wiring. They used a tapcon to cut into the distributor power. It was corroded and the fuse holder was rusted to trash. I also found that the oil pressure switch wasn't functioning, so that's on order. I'm removing any crimp connectors I find and soldering everything
While I was underneath I also swapped out the rear center brake hose. Unfortunately when I cut the old hose up I found that it was perfectly intact inside, so I'm hoping to find another remedy for the dragging rear brakes. I haven't pulled the wheels off yet, way too many irons in the fire at the moment.
Hard to see, but this is the new fuel pump and hoses and the rear Ctr brake hose. Not much to see
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F0D404F6A-F0FC-49E7-AC5B-7AE73876DD53.jpg&hash=5a97faa6e436fc899e25c4ec14a58448c12b46f4)
Here is one of the many reasons I'm S-canning the fuel pump wiring. Yes that is power and ground laid across that metal edge, ready to be clamped down upon by the doghouse cover
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This one here is just a really pretty solder joint ready for shrink tube
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2FE391E541-53A5-4274-AB03-F3D95A3C541D.jpg&hash=78cad7e23069c6b6c5b22ea6677a70f8687ff737)
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My helper gettin er done
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The tank sending unit with some enamel to help slow corrosion. Engine and generator supply are facing similar direction, the 3rd is the tank vent with the orifice jammed into the end. The odd brass fitting is the fuel return. Also new fuel level wiring
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F42D86282-FC1E-4A8D-A2E6-4E36282D41D2.jpg&hash=a9dd87a8440e5b5e0892bd02dd3c230a0146f192)
Groovy.
Hey.....
Looking Good TripleJ
TripleJ don't give up because when you fix one issue another one appears. I myself have the same issues and have to drive 10 minutes away to work on the camper but between work and babysitting my 4 year old triplets I don't get but maybe 3 hours a week in increments. Just make a list on what you want to get done then research what tools and how to do it then go at it hard in your short amount of time. HECK! I've spent 2 weeks trying to get an alternator installed but everytime something happens and have to cut it short until next time. There's nothing like getting in a weird position and ready to work on something then hear your name being called and trying to crawl out from under the RV D:oH! . You are doing great so keep it up and keep us posted. This is good stuff man.
Four?? Heck They that old? Put 'em to work Man!
Muahahaha!!
3 youngins X 4 years old is 12 and that's old enough for sure.
Oh yes, if it were that simple N:( . Try having them picking up a yard full of sticks and they just want enough to swing around and hit the other ones so the mechanical helpers they are not. I do try to explain and let them do some small things but they don't sit still long at all. AND THE QUESTIONS NEVER END!!! I'm ok with it though. If it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't be doing half of the updates that I am doing.
kids are great have 4 daughter they are now 31,25,23 and 22 now also have 4 granddaughters and 1st grandson love them and love them but never get anything done when they come over :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao tring to get something done is like pulling your own teeth :)rotflmao :)rotflmao
Well, I got it all back together and running today. Fuel gauge works again and I have restored confidence in the fuel system. I restored the original electric pump wiring properly fused and with the oil pressure safety switch working as it should.
Here is the last shot of the new pump setup before the tank went back in. Im not sure why the suction side of the pump doesnt look straight... some kind of casting issue or it was threaded wrong? I installed it with my hands so its not crossthreaded, and I dont see any leaks yet
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F341D66DF-6C0A-4DE8-9295-FC751D20F1E5.jpg&hash=6f462ad895ccc2cdd7926e8c7cdb29e522bc3cae)
And heres just an idea of what it looks like with the tank it. You can see its not in danger of being struck by anything going down the road... You can just barely see the little brass elbow sticking out to the right of the tank
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F86404113-63A5-46C9-9397-253FB118E9AA.jpg&hash=d36d57668782ad425c612fa3323221d2c32ba77b)
Im pretty sure the oil safety switch was a Holley part, so I went to Oreillys and searched up an OEM style version of the same part. You can see its only slightly different.
The switch was bad... At least the normally closed part was bad. Probably burnt out when the power wire shorted on the exhaust some time ago, leading to the PO "runnin them new wars".
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2FC2E348C4-E5AB-47B4-A29B-F7255C91161C.jpg&hash=51f033373625dbde193aeb6a0afa8e6fc8344780)
It looks just fine installed
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2FB60C393D-90E6-4A42-B2D8-96F4E6D27D8D.jpg&hash=5b68fe05311b30aa193b7c2bc6fe2379f95b3b38)
I also went for a cheap disconnect for the fuel level sender, which was the cause of this saga in the first place. Just a $3 rubber sealed bullet connector setup from the trailer wiring section
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2FAA5FA52C-3E47-4A80-B32D-A2096DED8419.jpg&hash=f9d0667b3f1e5f04bebddce6e171115cbdb49d66)
I finished up the day ordering up some new wiper blades, picking up a new radiator cap, fluids, oil change and random stuff. The wipers were a bit of a chore, but we found that TRICO HD series should be direct fit.
Looks great!
No wonder you had an easy time of dropping the tank. You have no cross bars under it.
Mine has the crossbars from the Mor-Ryde suspension.
For an 83, I wouldn't waste the $$ on the premium..
That also reminds me, I need to find a source for a replacement blender on mine. That or see if I can rebuild mine.. Hmm, Gonna try rebuild first. Just to see if I can do it..
JJJ Did you have a ground wire at the front of the tank that went to the frame crossmember?
I wouldn't use premium either. The compression is so low on these 70s and 80s engines that I doubt there's any benefit.
I have been meaning to ask whether you guys wight the 70s machines are using lead substitute tho, and if not whether you have had any top cylinder problems due to no lead fuel...
Stripe, no there's no ground strap on the tank. I didn't see any provision for one either. Only the ground from the sending unit screw, which goes to the frame and of course is threaded into the tank.
Can you please ask the technical questions and discuss technical topics on the appropriate message board rather than all in one, general post? All this good info will never be found in the future by those who could benefit from it.
Please remember that this board is for general introductions rather than for questions & tech discussions.
Thank you.
Well Ive been meaning to update all my projects, but time has been short since Ive been trying to get this thing ready for a short trip to a nearby stat park this weekend. I ended up putting everything on hold in order to get rid of the nasty old carpeting and replace it with wood laminate floor. Rain and bad weather turned that into a 2+ week ordeal $@!#@! and its still not completely trimmed out, but its a lot better than dirty carpet...
It was a scramble to get a few mechanical things put together and I thought I was on the road, but the rambler had other plans. Ive had a bit of an avalanche of problems pop up. Everything from the gas gauge quit working again and going to over-full, a radiator leak, to the engine stalling out to the point that I cant even get to the end of the street and back.
My schedule aside ive put every spare minute into this thing for the past week and now Im pretty burnt on messing with it.
/rant over
It happens. One can only take so much of digging through stuff trying to repair it and finding more stuff in the process. Well earned time for a break, I'd say.
Any updates about the fuel gauge? Mine still doesn't work.
I dunno how I missed your comment on no ground strap on your tank. My tank has wires that are held in place by nuts(of the steel variety that is not the tree kind) that are on bolts sticking up from the top of the sending unit.
As you can see in this post only two wires are present..
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,9070.msg46107.html#msg46107 (http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,9070.msg46107.html#msg46107)
Dunno if it's a trick of the light but the darker wire looks brown.
Mayhaps one of your wires came loose agin'...
I posted this once, politely:Quote from: Oz on April 20, 2014, 07:08 PMCan you please ask the technical questions and discuss technical topics on the appropriate message board rather than all in one, general post? All this good info will never be found in the future by those who could benefit from it. Please remember that this board is for general introductions rather than for questions & tech discussions. Thank you.
It got ignored?Okay, here it is again. Directly to the point: Technical questions and discussions should be posted on the corresponding tech boards. The General board is for... Read the board description.Do you have rules in your house? Suppose I came in with some friends and just ignored them... and YOU when you reminded me about them... would you be a little ticked-off?Ignore me one more time and the entire topic will be deleted.
Just here reminiscing, on how this all started... And that time I got scolded
W%
Definitely no regrets choosing this RV :) :)ThmbUp
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F8F744DF3-7E85-4249-974F-FE8B60BDF471.jpg&hash=9d095d233fa7202bafa76f9bbb34e9f60a5bd5b0)
Every HR owner so far say they really, REALLY love them!
Pics from my new favorite campsite this past weekend
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2FAFB99076-5436-4FDE-9248-D626E7885155.jpg&hash=bb8e2f6947da4799d97ab69a44f48a372b11d4f4)
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2FF3F831A0-38D5-4ECB-843C-261BFD09F9AE.jpg&hash=d319d705c8280c8e79f858d4ebaf2eca21558d56)
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy77%2Fsmasheromalley%2FHR%2520PICS%2F67C84A6A-C18E-4509-B8C7-8461DF09D11E.jpg&hash=ad6d2192a41c547b2af5bf8736ced14a25c839bc)
:)ThmbUp :)ThmbUp
Sweet! We sure do love our Holiday Rambler!
Kev