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Old 07-12-2018, 06:38 PM   #1
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1992 35' Airstream 350
Alpena , Michigan
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1992 Classic 350LE

I just purchased this 350LE on Monday, its out at my mechanic getting all new brakes and fluids. It has 43k miles. I haven't ever owned a camper let alone a motorhome. Aside from brakes, tires and the fluid change what should I look for?
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Old 07-12-2018, 06:49 PM   #2
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Old rotten rubber fuel lines have burned many of these old beauties to the ground. Modern fuel ruins them quickly.
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Old 07-12-2018, 07:29 PM   #3
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2005 34' Classic S/O
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Nice unit....where did you find it ? Regards, Bob
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Old 07-12-2018, 07:40 PM   #4
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1992 35' Airstream 350
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A friend of mine has had it for 10 years. Only used it a few times. So it mostly sat for 10 years.
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Old 07-13-2018, 05:13 AM   #5
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The 92 350LE is one of the finest made, with the factory fuel injection and overdrive transmission it is the envy of a lot of us. Is that all the crap you cleaned out of it ? Some inside pictures would be nice when you have a chance, Regards, Bob
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Old 07-13-2018, 05:32 AM   #6
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1992 35' Airstream 350
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Yes, a lot of junk along with about 5 5gallon buckets of pine needles off the top. It's in pretty good shape, the 6500 onan generator only has 439hrs and runs great. Haven't tested everything because I dropped it off to get new brakes and fluids. Much of the paint is peeling, and there is only 1 dent, it's on the roof where the spot light is. Appears someone sat up there, hoping it can be pulled out with a suction puller.
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Old 07-13-2018, 06:32 AM   #7
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Nice rig!
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:42 PM   #8
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Really looks nice, how much for the couch ???? LOL inside joke.....hope you can make it to the “Get-Together” at Pennwood, PA in September, you would be amongst friends, Regards, Bob
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Old 07-13-2018, 02:11 PM   #9
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1991 25' Airstream 250
Oxford , Oxfordshire
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Welcome, congratulations on your purchase.

Looks like a nice rig and effectively the same set up as my 250 with the stock overdrive etc.

I would look at the following, depending on whether you have any maintenance records:

Belts, hoses;
Brake Service, including hydro-boost and master cylinder for leaks;
Check the cooling system, including the fan clutch is operating as expected;
Suspension, especially the air bags, are they at correct PSI. check the shocks. Replace with Bilstein heavy duty and steering stabiliser if they need replacing
plugs, wires, sensors hanging off the engine
Check whether TBI unit is operating as expected, rebuild if neccessary
invest in a bluetooth OBD2 reader to give you some stats
Check/download chassis guide and lubricate all joints/lube points
Download the Chevvy manuals (I assume this is P32 chassis) off links on post 94 of the sticky
Complete audit (checklist on the site) of running gear and airstream stuff
Replace stock charger if not already replaced and put in a modern tri-state charger
Add solar if you plan on any boondocking
Add a modern solenoid on the rear of the battery tray
replace fuel filter on chassis rail

I am sure there are loads more things and others know more than me, but that's probably a good starter for ten.

all best
Nick
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Old 07-13-2018, 02:31 PM   #10
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https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...a2b4372548.pdf

https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...dfa3276905.pdf

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ml#post1895608

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...air_Manual.pdf

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...iveability.pdf

https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...9bb3cbe6fc.pdf

Run your VIN through Compnine to decode it to RPO codes which will aid you finding parts, although nothing like actually getting the casting number off bits when they need replacing.....
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Old 07-13-2018, 03:00 PM   #11
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Aside from brakes, tires and the fluid change what should I look for?
I wouldn't waste anytime looking for stuff to go wrong........it'll find you sooner, than you'll find it.

Goodluck
Sidekick Tony

PS The very first thing I'd do is the fuel lines; followed by a new water pump, thermostat, drive belts and coolant flush; brakes, brakes, brakes. These items left undone, will ruin your coach.
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Old 07-13-2018, 03:01 PM   #12
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1992 35' Airstream 350
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Thanks for the great info, I haven't ever owned a camper or RV so it's all new to me. It is getting all new rotors, calipers, pads right now along with all the fluids including the generator. I had heard there were very few of this model made, so Im hoping I can find bits and pieces, the deadbolt on the inside is missing, along with the crank for the antenna. We are going to take it to a few local parks this year to get our feet wet and most likely a bigger trip next summer. This was a spur of the moment buy and the bills for it this year are already adding up. We only paid 9K for the motorhome but spent 1200 for plates and taxes, then insurance, new brakes, inspection etc will probably be close to the 2k mark, new matress and linens. My 9k motorhome is soon approaching the 15k mark.
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Old 07-13-2018, 04:22 PM   #13
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1992 Classic 350LE

Consider also changing out all the gasoline lines. A crack spitting fuel by the hot engine is bad news in a hurry. Buy and carry a good, big dry chemical fire extinguisher as well.
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Old 07-13-2018, 06:56 PM   #14
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1992 35' Airstream 350
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Good idea. I have one sitting here.
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Old 07-13-2018, 07:08 PM   #15
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Quote:
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My 9k motorhome is soon approaching the 15k mark.
The purchase price of any Airstream or Argosy motorhome is just the down payment...........be happy if you can stay below double over what you paid.....in other words $18,000 in repairs on your $9,000 purchase price.

It'll start to get expensive if you neglect the three major systems; fuel lines, (fire, total loss); water pump/ coolant/thermostat/radiator/hoses (overheated engine requiring at the very least head gaskets, or rebuild, $2,500 at the least to $14-$16,000); brakes (accident with irreplaceble damage to front end, leading to total loss).

Make sure you DOT your tires.......one blow out could cause $3-6,000+ in damage to wheel wells and aluminum bodywork surrounding the tire.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS I just did almost $7,000 CAN on repairs on a $1,000.00 US purchased 1975 Argosy.
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Old 07-13-2018, 09:59 PM   #16
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1992 35' Airstream 350
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Ouch! We are planning on taking it out in 2 weeks. No clue maintenance on these beasts was so high.
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Old 07-14-2018, 05:08 AM   #17
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Ouch! We are planning on taking it out in 2 weeks. No clue maintenance on these beasts was so high.
It's not necessarily the maintenance that is so high, it's all the work that needs to be done because previous owners didn't do their part to keep it in good running condition. Motorhomes tend to get neglected especially if they only get used once or twice a year.

Once you have it in good shape maintaining that condition isn't near as bad. It's getting there that's expensive!

Brad
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Old 07-14-2018, 06:20 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by bkahler View Post
It's not necessarily the maintenance that is so high, it's all the work that needs to be done because previous owners didn't do their part to keep it in good running condition. Motorhomes tend to get neglected especially if they only get used once or twice a year.

Once you have it in good shape maintaining that condition isn't near as bad. It's getting there that's expensive!

Brad
Especially if they haven't moved in 10 years........My Argosy hadn't moved in 15 years.

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Robrings    OuchWe are planning on taking it out in 2 weeksNo clue maintenance on these beasts was so high
As I alluded too......Maintenance isn't the expensive part, parts are actually quite cheap for these old beasts, but REPAIRS are very expensive.

We've had forums members buy old Classic/Argosy motorhomes that have gone off driving them without changing anything, only to be towed back to the shop time and time again to have very expensive repairs done that could have been prevented with maintenance.

Oh, and even if you put almost $7,000 in preventative maintenance into your 30+ year old motorhome, it doesn't guarantee nothing will go wrong; (I still had issues getting Gale home), but I knew it wasn't going to be major, just PITA stuff.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony
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Old 07-14-2018, 06:25 AM   #19
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OH, don't forget ball joints! You'll want to talk to Mayco about that one.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS We're not trying to scare you off having a Classic motorhome; on the contrary, we're trying to have you succeed and enjoy your purchase.
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Old 07-14-2018, 12:05 PM   #20
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I think cooling system critical otherwise you might face very expensive engine and gearbox repairs
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