Newbies and Our 345

[JJ1965]

My wife and I have been in the market for an RV upgrade lately. We have been RV camping for about eight years and our old class C is smaller than we would like. We wanted to upgrade to something we could use forever. We had originally planned to purchase an A class diesel in a few years but then we discovered the classic Airstream. The hunt was on! We researched this site as well as any other resources we could find. Looked at all kinds of "other" RVs to make sure the decision as right. We even looked at Airstream trailers for comparison. No doubt after touring many used class A motorhomes nothing is built as good as these are! We Emailed and called on a number of Airstreams and finally settled on a 345 in Indianapolis. I'm not sure if the PO has posted this 345 on the site before but I wanted to share some pics and details of our maiden journey.

[JJ1965]

When we found this it was listed on EBay as well as RV trader. After speaking with the owner we chose to place a bid. We lost the bid in the last minute��. I let the owner know if it didn't work out to give me a call. A few days later he did. We made arrangements to fly to Indianapolis and drive back to Oklahoma just over six hundred miles. We have never done anything like this before, a new adventure! We felt confident that the previous owners were good people and turns out they were. We actually enjoyed meeting them and they took a lot of time going over all of the upgrades and maintenance on the rig. They had an actual log of all maintenance done for the previous fifteen years. We drove back without a hitch. This is the best driving motor home I've ever been in!

[bkahler]

Congratulations on buying your 345 and welcome to Airforums!

It sounds like you got a well maintained rig which will certainly make ownership that much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Brad

[John Woodrow]

The 345 is a great unit. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions at every stop!
There is a wealth of information here which will be a great help to you now and "down the road".
I've owned mine for about 12 years and have been very involved in it's upgrades and upkeep. If I can be of help feel free to PM me.

[JJ1965]

Thanks we have already answered a ton of questions. People notice it at every stop. Friends and family have stopped at the house to see it and get rides. Camping will get very interesting in the future! Thanks for the offer of help. I will post some threads of a few upgrades in the future hopefully starting this weekend.

[OttawaValleyGuy]

I have a nice 345 for sale should someone be interested
It is a 1986 and has all new tires and much more, it is read to go across the nation.

Call or text only to 386-984-1340

Mod please delete if not wanted here

[Dennisr]

Congratulations. It looks awesome. Is it as nice inside.

[Grosspoluter]

Congratulations on the new rig
these things are awesome to drive... when they're working
I personally have a love-hate relationship with my 345
I would not still have this rig if it weren't for the FANTASTIC people on this WONDERFUL forum

The picture attachment is the usual relaxing day at the camp sight [emoji57]

[JJ1965]

The inside was redone about fifteen years ago. It's still in decent shape but a little dated. We plan to do the interior remodel as soon as we sell our other motorhome. Hopefully this winter when we're not camping. It does have a sleep number bed and new plumbing throughout. I will post some pics a little later. I'm home today, tune up oil change and belts are in the plans. Does anyone have a recommendation on the best fan clutch to use? Previous owner had replaced it three times the latest one seems to be locking up.

[Boom Sounds]

AC Delco OEM heavy duty fan clutch. I think if unobtainium or you need something cheaper, try Autozone for the Torqflo brand, but make sure it is rated a heavy duty.

[bkahler]

AC Delco radiator fan clutch - 154949

[JJ1965]

As promised some interior pics. We are thinking a combination of wood and carpet in the future. I've already sourced someone for upholstery just need to send her pictures and get quotes.

[JJ1965]

Thanks for the part numbers on the fan clutch I'm getting on that this afternoon.

[Boom Sounds]

Originally Posted by JJ1965

Thanks for the part numbers on the fan clutch I'm getting on that this afternoon.

You can cross ref with your VIN here
http://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/cat...log_search.php
which is a good guide to parts options. Stick to OEM where possible. Cross ref with other sites on more complex items e.g. brake booster etc

NB from parts site.......It is recommended to replace your Radiator Fan Clutch & Water Pump at the same time. The two parts age at the same rate so if one has failed, the other is probably not far behind. The fan clutch and water pump are also connected by the same shaft. When one part fails it typically affects the operation of the other. To prevent premature failure of your new unit, it is wise to replace both at the same time.

[JJ1965]

Good advice The previous owner had sourced a new radiator and hadn't installed it yet. I thought about installing it when I did Hoses and do the pump as well. With the price of the Delco clutch it crossed my mind to go with electric fans? I would have to upgrade the alternator as well though. Not a big deal just limited on time at the moment. Going on vacation in a month and I don't want to do any modification before a long trip.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by JJ1965

Good advice The previous owner had sourced a new radiator and hadn't installed it yet. I thought about installing it when I did Hoses and do the pump as well. With the price of the Delco clutch it crossed my mind to go with electric fans? I would have to upgrade the alternator as well though. Not a big deal just limited on time at the moment. Going on vacation in a month and I don't want to do any modification before a long trip.

On a 345 I would replace the fan clutch AND add electric fans if you don't already have them. The 86 345 that I dismantled had both from the factory.

[JJ1965]

Previous owner had installed some nice Taylor plug wires that I hoped to keep. Unfortunately they had gotten hot.

[JJ1965]

I chose to go with Accell custom fit wires so I could reuse these nice boots.

[JJ1965]

Tune up and oil change are done. Moving on to belts and an updated stereo and speakers. More pics to come.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by JJ1965

I chose to go with Accell custom fit wires so I could reuse these nice boots.

I've come to the conclusion insulated boots like that are almost a must have on these rigs.

Brad