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lady2boys · 01-26-2005, 08:01 PM

I'll try this one last time. 3 times and I'm out.
I don't know what I'm doing wrong but my messages haven't posted the last two times.

We are looking at a 1976 Argosy 28 MH. It has roof damage and one broken window where the tree fell on it. The window is the small window above the couch. One was broken and one was not. Where and how could we replace that window.
The home has lots of visible mildew but otherwise the interior looks to be in well taken care of condition. I don't think I'd have a lot of trouble cleaning this part.
The motor has a manifold exhaust leak . 33000 original miles.
The onan works. We plan to go back and hook up the electric and water and see what does actually work.
What else should we look for????
The asking price is $1800 (eighteen hundred). What do you think?? Any suggestions appreciated.

RichardT · 01-26-2005, 08:08 PM

The window can be found from a parts unit or mabye new, ( I found one for my 79) If you plan to fix the dent you can just leave the window out when you replace the aluminum, that way it wont be important if you find it right away. $1800.00? What are you waiting for? Go get it and start cleaning and fixing, and remember, it isnt a motorhome, Its a hobby!
Nothing specific to look for other than typical, plus some parts are hard to come by so ask here if you find broken or missing parts that seem specific to that model. Otherwise look at it like you would any vehicle with a plywood floor.

For best help post a pictur of damaged area and we will tell you if it is fixable,
If you dont buy it send me the phone number by PM and I may!

lady2boys · 01-26-2005, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you know how it turns out.

74Argosy24MH · 01-26-2005, 08:30 PM

Check for water damage from the window and the roof. If the tree hit a rib it could be a pain to beat it back into shape.

Check the big dollar items for operation, frig, furnace, ac. The generator working is a good sign.

John

zamboni · 01-26-2005, 09:56 PM

jmtcw...check the genset under loaded condition. It may start and run but might not have been run loaded often enough to keep it in top shape. See if it can power the AC unit for an hour with the power inverter operating also.
Things to check for sure:
RV SIDE
Fridge
Gas oven & stove
toilet leaks
Plumbing system (gray & black tank valves, leaks, gauges)
water pump & faucet leaks
furnace
AC unit & is there a heat strip installed
Plywood floor for softness or rot
windshield & windows for leaks
Power inverter

CHASSIS SIDE
***(check everything like you are buying a 30 year old vehicle)
Engine maintenance & leaks
Drive train, steering, axle, shocks, air bag suspension (?)
exhaust system
TIRES look at DOT markings for year
rims (rims on a 1976 probably would be suseptible to interior rustout)
frame rust
body damage (which you already noted)
bearings & brakes

You need to define what you are hoping to get out buying a vintage MH...fulltime RVing...occasional weekend get-aways...cross country trip...shack in the back...

I'm sure I've left some things out, but you get the idea...the price seems reasonable. BUT remember, you are buying a 30 year old vehicle to drive and maintain. It won't be easy...but from my experience, definately worth owning a "hobby", "project" and lifestyle different from any other.

ALANSD · 01-27-2005, 06:06 AM

1800 is great, but remember you will need a healthy reserve of funds for problems that will need attention.
However the fun is well worth the hassle.

59toaster · 01-27-2005, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady2boys

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you know how it turns out.

\

If you don't buy let us know for sure! If richard doesnt buy it or will give me a chance first I might get it.

59toaster · 01-31-2005, 10:09 PM

Well, did you get it?

lady2boys · 02-12-2005, 08:42 AM

Hello all,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. No internet service at our campground.

Yes we did finally get the Argosy. I've been busy cleaning the mold off the interior and it cleaned up very nicely. Had the carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned last night. What a difference that made.

We will start on the roof repairs tomorrow. Hope that turns out good to. Do we have to use special rivets or can we go to home depot and buy them. Thanks for the input and I will keep you updated.

59toaster · 02-12-2005, 08:53 AM

Excelent!
Now where are the pictures!

59toaster · 02-12-2005, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady2boys

Hello all,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. No internet service at our campground.

Yes we did finally get the Argosy. I've been busy cleaning the mold off the interior and it cleaned up very nicely. Had the carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned last night. What a difference that made.

We will start on the roof repairs tomorrow. Hope that turns out good to. Do we have to use special rivets or can we go to home depot and buy them. Thanks for the input and I will keep you updated.

On the Rivets:

Use an olympic Rivet WITHOUT the gasket. www.inlandrv.com, www.AirstreamDreams.com and www.airstream.com stock them. You migh find them at a specialty fastener place.

lady2boys · 02-15-2005, 08:58 AM

I just uploaded the exterior photos.. We worked on it yesterday with a portapower and it straightened up a whole lot. Still a long way to go though.

Where could we find a vista view window???

Thanks again for the help.

lady2boys · 02-15-2005, 09:02 AM

I'll take new photos and post of how the work turned out.

59toaster · 02-15-2005, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady2boys

I just uploaded the exterior photos.. We worked on it yesterday with a portapower and it straightened up a whole lot. Still a long way to go though.

Where could we find a vista view window???

Thanks again for the help.

Andy at Inland ot Colaws salvage are probably the best two bets.

Little bondo will fix that right up!

Really thats not that bad. Check out what damage camp collector repaired in his gallery. Petter replace the whole side of his Motor home.

Honestly I would pull the inner pannels and see how much of that you can push out. Might be surprised just how much comes out.

I would have bought that in a heart beat for what you paid for it.

87MH · 02-16-2005, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 59toaster

On the Rivets:....Use an olympic Rivet WITHOUT the gasket......

I'm starting to go back together with the '78 31' Sovereign, and may have to use a few Olympics.....

All of the bucked rivets (so far) that I have installed have been well sealed with Vulkem and ParBond, but 59toaster's quote above has caused me to wonder - should I take the gasket off of the Olympics (if I have to use them), or leave the gaskets on?

My initial thoughts on the matter tell me to leave them on - more sealing action, another seal layer, increased resiliency....

Anyone have any thoughts on the pros (or cons) of installing the Olympics without the gaskets?