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Old 05-27-2017, 08:49 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
20 or 24?

1st let me thank all of you because I have been creeping on this site since 2012 trying to learn from your vast knowledge and experience! They should have a "before you get married" section!! I would have saved a bunch of heartache and money!! Ok ex I do have a few too many projects...anyway

Once upon a time, I bought a rough 20ft Argosy project the idea was to take to the beach travel and to Parks with my 2 daughters. It was rough oh so rough but not beyond repair, It was going to take time money and effort. A couple of years into the "planning stage" I came upon a 24ft with rear twin beds a LOUD generator an A/C unit that probably just needs freon... I thought a bit more room for the kids and it's in a little better shape! Sold (paid too much) but that's a story for another day. Come to find out parking a 24 on local beaches is MUCH more expensive than the 20ft VAN. Did I mention I've restored a few cars built a house or two so I'm thinking I can fix this MH up quick and on a budget!! LOL

looking for some pictures....
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Old 05-27-2017, 08:51 PM   #2
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
found the craigslist ad for the 20!
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Old 05-27-2017, 08:53 PM   #3
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
for those who don't know, They ALWAYS look better in the pictures. let's see if I can find more pics.
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Old 05-27-2017, 09:11 PM   #4
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
Ok here is a picture of my backyard. My name is Ray and I am a projectoholic.
The idea was I would tow the trailer with the MH!!! I have since fenced in my backyard to rent the trailer on AirBNB still working on the finishing touches.
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Old 05-28-2017, 04:57 AM   #5
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1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Ray, interesting story and mine's somewhat similar in that I've restored some vehicles and built a house or two as well although there are no kids in the mix

Which ever one you decide to keep will be enough to keep you occupied for a long time. I started adding up the hours I have in my 20' Argosy and it's mind boggling, but it gives me something to do in my spare time!

When you get a chance post more pictures of your coaches.

Brad
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1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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Old 05-28-2017, 07:38 AM   #6
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
In my driveway after a tow home. 1st order is some cleanup tires that hold air and pulling the engine. This particular 20 came with a 350/350 no a/c or generator. at the time I didn't realize how strange that was. The plan was a 6.0ls and the matching trans. I did some investigating (creeping on the forum) and was discouraged on the 6.0 and started looking for alternatives. keep in mind at this time I didn't have the 24.
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Old 05-28-2017, 08:20 AM   #7
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1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
Quote:
Originally Posted by heyraylata View Post
In my driveway after a tow home. 1st order is some cleanup tires that hold air and pulling the engine. This particular 20 came with a 350/350 no a/c or generator. at the time I didn't realize how strange that was. The plan was a 6.0ls and the matching trans. I did some investigating (creeping on the forum) and was discouraged on the 6.0 and started looking for alternatives. keep in mind at this time I didn't have the 24.
Being a early type rear-bath is more rare, than having the 350/no AC/no-generator - they were all optional upgrades. Post 1977 nearly all were rear-bath but not in the first few years.
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Old 05-28-2017, 09:48 AM   #8
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1979 24' Airstream Excella 24
Tipp City , Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 551
Looks like an awesome project. Welcome to the insanity
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Old 05-28-2017, 10:48 AM   #9
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
I think it's fair to say the interior is in good shape. all original.
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Old 05-28-2017, 11:22 AM   #10
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
About this time I start thinking about paint and the cracked glass! How much could a new windshield be??? back to the forum to find out.....OH no!! more than I expected!!! I can't worry about any of that now 1st things 1st I need brakes! at this point. I decide to look at craigslist, I was on a self-imposed exile from craigslist way too much temptation!

"Oh there is a 24 with less rust and more space and look at the cool rear window imagine the view from bed!" Brakes can wait.... But where am I going to put it? Ahh ill put my cars inside of the house I'm renovating I just need to take out the rear wall. By this time I'm obviously well on the way to being divorced...lol
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Old 05-28-2017, 11:28 AM   #11
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
I can sell my el camino to pay for the 24 until I get around to selling the 20!!!
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Old 05-28-2017, 11:34 AM   #12
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
Ill sell the Winny too!!! Who needs 3 motorhomes??? and I can't afford them all anyway bye Winny.

Boondocking at Lake Pleasant close to Phoenix with my Western Winny will be missed... probably not with 20 Argosy's to fix.
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Old 05-28-2017, 11:46 AM   #13
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
Hmmm the 24 needs a transmission???: idea: I'll use the 700r4 I had built for the 20 to go behind a big block! Easy swap I've done it in a few cars, before I finally figured out the 200r swap is easier in cars because you don't have to shorten the driveshaft. Spoke with the tranny builder the 700 can be made stronger than the 200 so 700 it is! mess with the TV cable for a couple of hours to get it right and bam! overdrive. I find overdrive to be the best bang for the buck in any older ride. Well maybe after a brake upgrade!
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Old 05-28-2017, 12:41 PM   #14
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
About now it hits me! I'm going to have to sell the 20 it's too small for kids. although much easier and less expensive to park. In California, anything less than 20ft is considered the same price to park as a car! https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=625
http://www.zuma-beach.com/

My family is in Phoenix moved out from Connecticut couldn't take the winters anymore. Out here in LA its just the girls and I my job oh and the ex..

I guess I better get to work on the 20 if I'm going to put it up for sale.. Maybe I'll ask for a raise at work and keep them both? Ahh but the time involved kids want to camp not work on campers!! Ill Start with the brakes the ones on the 24 are perfect since I used the 20 brake parts to improve the 24....and so it goes. back to Napa for new

Master, lines, rotors, bearings etc...ouch$$$
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Old 05-28-2017, 12:50 PM   #15
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
The chassis is rusty even missing a few of the storage compartments. nothing a gallon of POR15 can't fix I used it on the cars and it's all that advertised if you use it correctly. 'Ok now I have brakes, surely I can put it up for sale and get going on the 24...... I'll paint it!!! It's a BIG job and the future owner will love the color!!! hopefully
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Old 05-28-2017, 01:21 PM   #16
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1976 Argosy 20
1974 24' Argosy 24
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 44
I have painted or had painted a thing or two in my day. I need the right Aluminum color?? I used some Honda something on the trailer, surely I can do better on my second attempt. I decided to match the color of Rustoleum Aluminum that way if I ever need to fix something in a pinch I could use an easy to find a spray can. Off to the paint shop for some base /clear matched to the off the shelf color. Not that it looks like aluminum but nothing cost effective actually does. There are some new tri coats and such but the paint would cost more than a couple of thousand. PPG Omni or Shop Line will have to do. It's getting hot in Arizona wet sanding is becoming sweat sanding.....
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