here's what I got for $3K - opinions?
smugg
from a used car dealer (don't flame - he's my dad - he purchased at auction
in Texas) in Colorado. Here's what I got for the $3000 purchase price:
Self-contained unit with bath/shower & toilet - sleeps 3, possibly 5 or 6 -
shower door required some hot-glue repairs, toilet supply valve required new
washers.
40 gal (approx) green water tank that required removal and hot-glue type
welds to repair leaks (cracks at the mounting studs) - tough job, required
partial dismantle (can you say destruction?) of the kitchen sink cabinet but
everything went back together ok.
Dometic M60a 110v ac / lp gas refrigerator (that works now in both modes
after some study and coaxing);
6 gallon Bowen lp water heater (required cleaning of the pilot tube, but
works fine now)
Magic Chef lp range / oven with range hood / fan... all very clean and
working fine.
Microwave ( 110v ac that works fine)
Forced air lp furnace w/thermostat that works fine.
Coleman overhead AC / heater that works fine when off-board ac is plugged in
(or genset is running)
Onan 4kw genset (which now works after replacing the coil, points and
condensor - $100)
There has been water leakage from around the antenna mount (my next project)
that will require partial new headliner (but since I have a van conversion
background, new headliners and side-walls were automatically on my list for
next spring (button-tuck)) and some water leakage underneath the windows.
Damage from the leaking water tank didn't affect the sub-floor much. I need
to replace the vent stack covers and apply mastic.
The carpet is worn and will be replaced next spring when I do the headliners
and walls.
The engine appears to be sound... (fan clutch is getting ready to puke) good
compression, didn't use any oil over the 1400 mile trip fro Pueblo CO to
Seattle. Tranny appears good... downshifts fine in a pull, no burned AT oil
odors, etc... no clanking noises from rear-end or u-joints, so drive train
appears solid front to back. (I did have to replace the alternator 100 mi
into the trip at a cost of $45, as well as some clearance light lenses and
bulbs - oh yes, and I replaced the headlight dimmer switch for $4.00).
Chassis battery and unit battery both new... unit battery is deep cycle
marine (still learning about batteries)... and it needs brakes which is
later today.
With my background (11+ years carpentry [frame and finish]), van conversion
(1+ year as cabinet maker / installer), it's pretty much cake as far as
repairs,etc... admitting that I have a LOT to learn about the individual
systems and their individual components and about rv'ing in general, I feel
like I got a good deal... and by this time next year will have a rig that is
a steal.
Opinions? What say you of the *experienced* rv'ing community? Did I get a
decent deal?
Steve
tom J
"smugg" <spam-be-go...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Pduh7.2199$MK5.1...@news1.sttln1.wa.home.com...
>
> 40 gal (approx) green water tank that required removal and hot-glue type
> welds to repair leaks (cracks at the mounting studs) - tough job,
required
> partial dismantle (can you say destruction?) of the kitchen sink cabinet
but
> everything went back together ok.
Never heard of a "green" water tank. Is it the fresh water tank, the grey
(sink/shower) or the black (comode) tank?
>
> Dometic M60a 110v ac / lp gas refrigerator (that works now in both modes
> after some study and coaxing);
>
> 6 gallon Bowen lp water heater (required cleaning of the pilot tube, but
> works fine now)
>
> Magic Chef lp range / oven with range hood / fan... all very clean and
> working fine.
Just trying to help you with some terms here - those appliances are
referred to as runing on "propane".
>
> There has been water leakage from around the antenna mount (my next
project)
> that will require partial new headliner (but since I have a van
conversion
> background, new headliners and side-walls were automatically on my list
for
> next spring (button-tuck)) and some water leakage underneath the
windows.
> Damage from the leaking water tank didn't affect the sub-floor much. I
need
> to replace the vent stack covers and apply mastic.
If you have water damage to inside components from roof or window water
leaks, you can be sure you have damage to framing and insulation, so do
more than just cover the soiled panels.
>
> Opinions? What say you of the *experienced* rv'ing community? Did I
get a
> decent deal?
>
> Steve
For a handyman type person, you probably got something that you can tinker
with and use for a few years. Decent deal? Depends on the amount of time
it takes to repair all the water damage.
--
Tom J
tomj...@att.net
http://www.geocities.com/aviontravelcade/
http://www.geocities.com/tomj_ga/
Are we having fun yet?
>
>
>
Hugh
Some would say no. I say welcome to rving <g>. Sounds like
you did well for yourself. You probably will find some major
rot in the ceiling and side walls but, with your background,
it won't be a killer like it would be for most people. I
kinda expect to see it next year on ebay with a header like
"vintage rv lovingly restored" <g>, starting bid $6,000.
Hugh
Will Sill
>I just recently purchased my '77 Winnebago ". . . . . . I feel
>like I got a good deal... and by this time next year will have a rig that is
>a steal.
>
>Opinions? What say you of the *experienced* rv'ing community? Did I get a
>decent deal?
If YOU think you got a good deal, what do you care what the rest of us
think? Just don't try to sell it next year, lest you want to find out
what a 25-year-old Winnebago is worth on the market! In the meantime,
enjoy it and don't worry about whether it's a "good deal".
Will KD3XR
Madeleine
--
Peace, Love and Serenity,
Madeleine
"smugg" <spam-be-go...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Pduh7.2199$MK5.1...@news1.sttln1.wa.home.com...
bill horne
> Never heard of a "green" water tank. Is it the fresh water tank, the grey
> (sink/shower) or the black (comode) tank?
> --
> Tom J
A green water tank is what some people think they'll have if they don't
pour a gallon of Clorox in their fresh water tank once a month.
--
bill
Theory don't mean squat if it don't work.
smugg
name, wouldn't use for anything else. black water tank - logical name -
full of human waste - no use for anything... black conotates evil <g>
green??? doh! go - ahead - and - use - it - for whatever - cooking,
drinking -
I guess I should have used the term "fresh" or "supply" or some other such
name... ha ha ha... I *will* learn the language.
"bill horne" <red...@rye.net> wrote in message
news:3B868028...@rye.net...
smugg
stepping stone to the next better deal.
"Hugh" <hug...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3B86783B...@earthlink.net...
Bill Seward
wisdom from USENET, wrote:
>Opinions? What say you of the *experienced* rv'ing community? Did I get a
>decent deal?
Well, you definitely got a great hobby! :-)
If you're happy with it, good enough--don't woryy about what everyone
else thinks. One suggestion--on a rig that old, it probably doesn't
have propane, smoke or CO detectors. Get all 3 and make sure they
work.
Bill Seward
http://www.geocities.com/bill_seward
RichT
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal considering your
craftsmanship experience. Fix it up and use it! Besides,
you'll have plenty of sweat equity into it and may not want
to sell it if it works for you. BTW it sounds like you are
in the Seattle area?? - why not come on out to Copalis and
join us for the PNWCO#2 on the weekend of 9/14 so we can
check it out!! Click on the URL for details.
http://www.rvlover.net/pnwco.htm
RichT
RichT
ball HD buddies of mine - especially the stranded part. It
is refreshing! :>)
RichT
Stan Birch wrote:
[snip]
> You obviously have the tools, and know how to use them; and I am sure
> your RVing experience will be a rewarding one.
>
> Sure, you might get temporarily stranded from time-to-time; but usually
> such experiences remain the most memorable.
>
> I recently saw a post from someone complaining of a few minor glitches
> in their new MH; and they're going to spend the rest of their days
> getting their just due from Winnebago.
>
> You are refreshingly representative of those who have the true (not that
> there's a whole lot of choice :-)) RVing spirit. Those who choose to
> choose to roam the continent in a vintage RV, against all odds, have my
> ultimate respect.
>
> Stan Birch
> Sharon, Ontario
Jerry
of repair that the coach needed. This also requires that it be used as you
see fit I would guess a weekender or vacation rig....Go for it.
"smugg" <spam-be-go...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Pduh7.2199$MK5.1...@news1.sttln1.wa.home.com...
STEVEBRAU
> just recently purchased my '77 Winnebago "Sportsmans Den" (on GMC
>chasis)
>> from a used car dealer (don't flame - he's my dad - he purchased at
>auction
>> in Texas) in Colorado. Here's what I got for the $3000 purchase price:
>>
<snip>
Good deal, sounds like you hit on this one - you got a class C for less than a
pop-up costs.I know, because my first popup cost more than that. Congrats, and
I hope it's everything you want it to be.
Have fun...
Steve