1977 Argosy 28' Motor Home - Page 3

GlenCoombe · 11-02-2009, 07:46 AM

Jo, sounds like you've got lots to keep yourself busy for a while.

1. if you are painting your end caps and there isn't a great deal of surface corrosion just sand smooth without getting down to the galv. and prime and paint. Just make sure you have the same type of paint rather than the same color match.
2. As much as the engine is accessible from up top the way out is through the front after you clear the top end. Drop the tranny from below with a jack.
3. GV is the way to go but also check US Gear for simple overdrive. GV lets you split gears so you can get 2nd o.d. for hill climbing.
4. I put in a floating hardwood floor and it's just great. I sweep out without any problem and it was simple to do. I got mine at Lowes with the padding already built in to the bottom.
5. Any re-plumbing should be done with Pex. Copper and "shark bite" connectors are great but for going down the road Pex will take the shaking longer I think.

Keep us up to date as you move along. We're looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Gypsy Jo · 11-02-2009, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the tips Glen. The end caps are allready down to galvanized in big spots. Don't know what kind of paint looks original .Anyone know what kind it is?
What is the difference in the gv and us gear, in installation and how they work?

Gypsy Jo · 11-02-2009, 10:29 AM

Ok so I looked on the inernet for us gear and gearvendors .they both attach behind the transmission right? Since I am looking at replacing the tran anyway anyone know about a transmission that comes with overdrive and would it be as good as the gear vendor?

GlenCoombe · 11-02-2009, 06:35 PM

We've been talking a bit about the Allison 1000 series that is a five speed with a .74 final drive. It was a stalwart of the old school buses with 454 power.

It is said that you can plug in the serial number of the unit at the Allison web site but as of this date I've no direct experience with this.

US Gear is lower in cost than GV but does not allow you to split lower gears.

I can tell you that until you experience the "turning of the switch" that takes you from 3k rpms to 25 or 26K you don't know what you're missing. It's magic.

Gypsy Jo · 11-02-2009, 06:53 PM

I have experianced the magic of higher and lower gears.If going to go to the trouble and expense looks like gear vendor would be the way to go.Where would I start looking for used ones?

GlenCoombe · 11-02-2009, 06:57 PM

Keep your eye on eBay, craigslist and don't forget to search for other vehicles with GV installed. As you've found your coach is a great organ donor.

Gypsy Jo · 11-02-2009, 07:03 PM

Thanks Seems like I forgot about the internet.I knew there was a reason I had been scoping out junkyards with motohomes in them

Gypsy Jo · 11-03-2009, 07:51 PM

well hands are sore and injured from using little dental tools and scrapers so thought I would use some different ones today.
Almost got the radiator out but ran out of daylight. Should not take to long in the am to get it out.
Things learned today,
Make sure you have enough clearance under moho for boards creeper and self.
Do not use creeper with hair down.
Hope for good breeze.Cheap particleboard I got to run creeper on smells pretty toxic.

bkahler · 11-03-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gypsy Jo

Do not use creeper with hair down.

I can safely say I don't have this particular problem, haven't for quite a number of years as a matter of fact.....

.

Brad

Gypsy Jo · 11-03-2009, 09:23 PM

One more wrap aroud the wheels and I wouldn't either.

Gypsy Jo · 11-19-2009, 08:33 AM

Well I have been after it again If I ever get some dedicated time for the Argosy I might get more done. As it is I get a couple of hours every now and then. By the end of the day I should be ready to pull engine and tranny. Should I pull tranny with engine or drop it down and out the side? Is there enough room for tranny to come out front?I guess I will find out when I aquire an engine puller. Another question should I leave the oil pan on?
Now I admit using a creeper on wood is much easier than rolling around on the ground but who new there was a learning curve. not only watch out for the hair but the arm skin also. Am not sure how I managed to do it but I ran over the skin on the back of my arm got anice big blood blister about two inches round. Maybe I need an arm skin tuck. Or is this a new way for checking your body fat if there is enough to go under creeper wheels you might need to do something.
Another thing on my heads I have what look like screw in plugs on the front.have never seen these on anything else. any body know about these? I can post pics in a little bit .

Gypsy Jo · 11-19-2009, 11:16 AM

I hope

Gypsy Jo · 11-20-2009, 10:26 AM

Hey I posted these yesterday right before shut down thought I would give it a bump and see if I get any replies.

Victorialhq · Today, 10:45 AM

hey Jo get her going and lets hit the road ... I love MH she is very pretty and heck I am impressed ... I look at a engine and first question is now where does the oil go