1975 Argosy 26' rear double.

[Skygeek76]

Hello everyone! My wife and I just acquired this awesome Argosy, and we have a couple questions. We would like to restore/rebuild it, but also be able to use it during the process. How realistic is this goal?

It has 84,460 miles on the dash, pretty sure that is all. The interior is in what we think is great shape but could use any an all opinions on the matter. The motor ran to bring it home about 80 miles or so, brakes were solid and steering seemed fine.

Is there any repair priority list when diving into a project such as this?

Any and all idea/suggestions would be awesome.

[Skygeek76]

Pics of our argosy 26

[bkahler]

Here's a slightly different view that's a little easier on the brain



Definitely a clean looking Argosy. To me the priority list would be drive-ability and then coach issues like plumbing, etc and finally cosmetic. You should have no problem being able to use the coach while working on it although there could be short periods where you can't such as when it's up on blocks checking the brakes, etc. Many members on Airforums do just that.

Even though it seemed to run and drive well I'd still go through the brakes and drive train looking for any possible issues.

When you have the opportunity could you take a picture of your lower front valance and post it?

By the way, welcome to Airforums!

Brad

[Skygeek76]

Wow, all of them upside down? Not even sure how that happened. Thanks for the info, and here is a shot of the front.

[martin300662]

Welcome to the forum Skygeek76.

I think Brad was looking for a close up of the valance under the bumper....his 1974 has a unique (it appears) shape which changed to a simple wrap under design sometime in 1975.

If you take a look here (http://www.airforums.com/forums/f310...rs-141937.html) we have recently had a mold taken from Brad's valance so I (or anyone else) can replace a missing valance with a copy of his 'air-scoop' version.

Yours is also the first time I have seen the rear equivalent still 100% complete (that sits between the rear bumper and the body). It would be good to get some close-ups of that as well.

[bkahler]

What camera or phone are you using to take the pictures with?


Martin is correct, I was interested in seeing a picture of the valance under the front bumper.

Martin, my rear "valance" is intact. The covering between the rear bumper and the shell is just aluminum sheet that has some 2 dimensional contours cut into it. When you get here this weekend you'll get a first hand look at how they are made.

[Skygeek76]

Ok I think this is what you are describing..

[Skygeek76]

Other view

[Skygeek76]

From the inside

[bkahler]

Interesting, other than mine your's is the only other valance that I have seen so far that has the air scoop!



If you're interested in replacing your badly cracked valance check out this thread.

It looks like someone has blocked yours off on the back side so no air can pass through. Also yours is in worse condition that my original valance was. ABS plastic sure doesn't stand up well to aging and abuse.

Brad

[Skygeek76]

Look like they were trying to keep small animals from getting sucked in at high speed.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Skygeek76

Look like they were trying to keep small animals from getting sucked in at high speed.

That would do it!

I don't have a picture handy of the grille that was made for my air scoop but will take one this evening and post it. I'm fairly certain the grille I have was made by Airstream due to it's complexity and shape.

Does your generator run? I had the same Generac XP generator in my 74 Argosy and it was a mess. To remove it I had to cut away some lower framework due to the way it was installed at the factory.

[Denda]

Welcome to the Argosy family!

[Skygeek76]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Does your generator run? I had the same Generac XP generator in my 74 Argosy and it was a mess. To remove it I had to cut away some lower framework due to the way it was installed at the factory.

Not as far as I can tell, it spins when you hit the switch, but it won't catch and start. I haven't checked the fuel line going to it yet.


What batteries do you guys run in your argosy? Single, or dual? Any recommendations?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Skygeek76

Not as far as I can tell, it spins when you hit the switch, but it won't catch and start. I haven't checked the fuel line going to it yet.

Once you start looking into it more it will be interesting (to me anyway!) if you have any issues working on it. I never did anything with the Generac in mine except remove it which as I mentioned previously was a real pain. Hopefully they simplified the installation and removal process from the time they built my 74 to when they built your 76.

What batteries do you guys run in your argosy? Single, or dual? Any recommendations?

I think a lot of the smaller coaches had a single starting battery and a single coach battery. Not sure when or what size coach determined if 2 coach batteries were needed. Personally I prefer 2 coach batteries and that's how I'm setting up my 20' Argosy.

[bpg_austin]

Welcome aboard skygeek. Another Texan in the fold, excellent!
My 28' 1978 Argosy has only one coach battery. Works OK for a night if needed, but its pretty dim in there. 2 would be better, but not necessary for the camping our family does.