1976 28' Argosy Motorcoach

[kramerbuilt]

Window coverings and the beginning of the led lighting.

I decided to illuminate the roof of the main dinette/ seating area with non-directional LED's, reminiscent of the long light fixtures in the original.

I was able to use the existing wiring and direct the LED's onto the roof, similar to an airline.

The lighting is the last picture however, I had to run the wiring in the picture to test the look as I have the battery's removed from the rig.

[mprokop87]

Its looking good! I have thought about adding similar wooden features to mine but I wasn't sure how much weight it would add, any idea? The only thing I did add was a nice oak bed frame and custom counters in the back.

[kramerbuilt]

Originally Posted by mprokop87

Its looking good! I have thought about adding similar wooden features to mine but I wasn't sure how much weight it would add, any idea? The only thing I did add was a nice oak bed frame and custom counters in the back.

You Know, I don't think it added that much weight? I have not weighed her yet but, will let you know the numbers once I'm completely done.

I used very thin light plywood. I also removed the old plastics/ lights/ carpet, curtains and trim.

In my previous Scotsman trailer build, I used the same materials and when we were done it was the same as the factory spec weight so, I expect we'll be really close.

I'm very weight conscious when ever purchasing material.

[kramerbuilt]

We took her out partially finished and I'm amazed by the 454's power, how the coach handled and, how the air flows past the driver/ passenger windows. The engine AC isn't charged and it was hot this weekend =).

We got 8.5 MPG (I have not tuned the engine at all) at 60 - 63 MPH. I hope to see this improve. Our speedometer showed 55 but an app we downloaded floated between 60 and 61.

With new tires around, the coach tracks smooth. I repeatedly noted this and showed my wife by taking my hands of the wheel and showing her.

That said, we were driving out of Livingston MT this morning. It was windy and the coach did wander a bit. But with the wind head-on, we drove 60 again with that 454 power. This is new for a past trailer towing guy.

When we left it was 95 - 100 degrees so we really tested the cooling systems. I only noted the gauge move as we toped some bigger hills and it dropped back down as soon as we peaked the hill. And, we trucked up these bigger MT hills at 50 -55 with little effort from the 454. I was impressed again. I've not had a big block before =)

Anyway, I'm very happy and glad that we made our purchase. I find this coach has touches all over it that I didn't find with previous rigs I've owned and, most noticeable is how she tracks down the road and, how quiet the open windows are. My wife talked on her phone with the windows wide open.... Comfortably

Here are some updated photo's of the build. I especially like the hidden TV that will eventually slide and hide behind the dinette booth seat.

[mprokop87]

Glad you got to use her! We went out as well this weekend, stayed at a place on Chautauqua Lake in southern NY. I averaged about the same, however, I had my generator running so I could keep the interior cool with the rooftop. I was also averaging around 70mph according to my gauges. It was screaming down the thruway but handled nicely. Dont you love some of the looks that you get from people passing by?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by kramerbuilt

Here are some updated photo's of the build. I especially like the hidden TV that will eventually slide and hide behind the dinette booth seat.

Looking REALLY good!

[kramerbuilt]

Just posting some updates

I got the dash wiring cleaned up, deep cycle battery's installed (tested adequate) and dc electrical is going back in and up and running. I found this older tachometer at goodwill just after I bought this rig and it had to go in. I must have cleaned out 200' of old aftermarket wiring jobs.
Through increasing the rear bath/ shower size, we lost 1/2 of one cabinet closet but, extended the shower to 48" (with a seat over the Generator box). So rather than add a small closet, we added a small book/ DVD shelf. Under the shelf is left open for larger flat items like outdoor tables and/or a box fan.
I finished the table and added a leaf with the existing table hardware.


I did pay to have the last of the bench seat cushions sewed as I'm just out of steam and want them done for our late July trip. Having to finish the floors this weekend and add a new Thetford Aqua-Magic ceramic stool will fill the time I have left.


We also tested the propane and I lost 1.5 psi over a week so I'm not trusting the LP yet. I did add a new LP, CO2 and smoke alarms along with fire extinguisher.


I have the black water and fresh water up and running but still haven't tested the grey water, The release valve is stuck and I'm hoping adding some water will loosen this but, if anyone has experienced fixing this I'm open to any info.

[kramerbuilt]

Just a few more photo's. I added LED lights to the old fixtures. They work great. Go online to purchase, you can buy between 10 and 12 for under $12 online, and I pulled these before we sold our old 2001 21' StarCraft that we have used for a season last year.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by kramerbuilt

Just posting some updates

Looking good! I really like your dash. On my 74 the dash was pretty well butchered by some PO.

I bought a tach like the one you installed but now that I'm redoing the entire instrument cluster I'll be adding a tach there instead.

Brad

[Gregsch]

Wow! Really like all the custom cabinetry.

[kramerbuilt]

I have most of the floor down. Sorry these photos are sideways, taken from my phone. Also, thanks to dad for bringing down his side grinder. I was able to cut, finish welding and painting the new side mirror posts. A few weeks back we flush mounted the tail lights.

[bkahler]

I really like the approach you took with the tail lights! Simple and clean.

I'm also looking forward to seeing pictures of your external mirror modifications.

Brad

[kramerbuilt]

We had a great five night trip.

Propane was filled and is holding pressure. I'm comfortable that we are now holding pressure without leaks=). The battery's kept us very comfortable for three nights with lights, TV an fans running between charges.

I use an older Coleman lantern for light and heat for our cooler mountain nights and this conserves battery.

I must also through a shout out for the larger Mr. Buddy Heater that heated nicely with our quick connect and was very much appreciated as I woke up with the inside temperature at 43 degrees one night. I must say that this heater doesn't run the fans that the onboard 12v force air heater does and, doesn't wake me up every few hours.

The last two trips I'm only seeing around seven-ish miles/gallon however, I'm driving between 55 -65 mph. I find speed really depends on road surface. Fully loaded leaving town I stopped and weighed in at 11,860 pounds with around 500 Ibs of humans and all our camping gear for a week out.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by kramerbuilt

I must also through a shout out for the larger Mr. Buddy Heater that heated nicely with our quick connect and was very much appreciated as I woke up with the inside temperature at 43 degrees one night. I must say that this heater doesn't run the fans that the onboard 12v force air heater does and, doesn't wake me up every few hours.

Could you post more info on the Mr. Buddy Heater? Sounds interesting.

[kramerbuilt]

Winter Camping... Shower, Bathroom, Kitchen and... a lot more needs to be completed. Reviewing the antifreeze in the lines, waste water and now on to Heat and comfort. Our TV and electric; we are thankful with full hook-up. Electric heaters and gas. I'm so happy to take the family camping in our old, soon to be wrapped (full season) Argosy (next year). My wife requested winter camping and I'm really happy to take her to a Montana KOA with full hook-ups in our old motorhome on her birthday in January.

[kramerbuilt]

Finished framing the bathroom door. Sorry about the mess, skipped cleaning up and snapped some photo's with my phone. I finished the gel coat on the larger shower and I'm very pleased with the larger shower an bathroom layout.

[PeterH-350LE]

Nice quality work, Kramer !!!
I enjoy following your progress.

[kramerbuilt]

Just wanted to add some updates.

It's been a great summer and we've been enjoying our Argosy. My wife has me working on a 1965 Bell Camper now. This is slowing my finishing the MH but, I don't think it will ever be finished

We are turning the Bell coach into a mobile store for her pottery business 504 Square Feet Pottery.

I replaced the valve cover seals and have to replace an oil coolant line. I added a toggle switch to the external fuel pump for safety. I also added security camera's (night vision) for back up and passenger side viewing and security as, this was easier than over coming the mirror issues =)

Lastly, I re-weighed the MH without water last week and with everything else on board, Felt we were pretty close to original weight. She's a little heavy in the front but, I'll re-evaluate the air bags and springs and see about upgrades over the winter.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by kramerbuilt

...i replaced the valve cover seals and have to replace an oil coolant line. I added a toggle switch to the external fuel pump for safety. I also added security camera's (night vision) for back up and passenger side viewing and security as, this was easier than over coming the mirror issues =)

You've got a nice looking Argosy there

I have not seen a door latch cover like you have. Do you know if that's factory?



Another thing that caught my eye was the style of mirror you have. Definitely not original!

What don't you like about that style? Or is it the vibration issue?



Brad

[kramerbuilt]

Hey Brad =) I fabricated this door Screen Door Slider. Started with cardboard and made it from there. I think I found were you can order originals but, I decided to try my hand at making one. I like this one very much

Yes the mirror vibration is an issue but; the real problem with this mirror is that the passenger window post blocks the mirror from view of the driver. (a lot of the view is obstructed) I love the mirror on the drivers side. I tried to fix this with different mounting brackets but for now, settled on the camera. (for now =)