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12-07-2014, 03:23 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1991 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 298
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Help Needed !
I'm in serious negotiations to purchase a 1991 Airstream 350LE (Classic) motorhome. I've commissioned the dealer to have the 454 engine, transmission and drive train fully checked-out by a Chevrolet mechanic familiar with this chassis. What I would like to complete is a checklist of items that 350LE owners would suggest need to be carefully examined. Can anyone help me out here?
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12-07-2014, 03:56 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1994 36' Classic 36 Diesel
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 883
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All systems.
1. HVAC [Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning] (Dash, both rooftop units, auxiliary rear, and both furnaces.
2. Refridgerator.
3. Toilet functionality.
4. Verify air admittance valves (AAV) are good (if not you will get a sewer smell when the coach is sealed up and you turn on the ceiling vent fan to exhaust)
5. Ceiling vent fans (all of them to include the bathroom)
6. May try to have them change all the internal 12v bulbs with LEDs. It is something you would do anyway over time, and so might as well have them cover it.
7. Ensure the gauges on the dash work.
8. Verify the black water tank flush if equipped is working properly and not clogged.
9. Ensure the generator has a full service completed to include, filters, carb rebuild, oil change.
10. The brakes should be a considerable concern, either check yourself, or leave to the mechanic.
11. When you test drive remember the P30 chassis is a bit loose on the steering side, but you could play it to your advantage requiring the super steer bell cranks to tighten it up.
12. Go over the electric carefully.
13. Check the water pump for age, leaks, and consider having them replace it anyway, and consider requiring them to keep the old one for a pinch.
14. Also have the coach appraised by someone with no stake in the deal. The appraisal can be used for cash value insurance for the first two years after the purchase in most states regardless of age. Also can be used to further negotiate.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
__________________
1994 36' Classic Diesel Pusher
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12-07-2014, 04:16 PM
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#3
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Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
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All of the above PLUS.....
Condition of subfloor main steel grid work which is welded onto the truck chassis and supports the subfloor.
The steel used for the steel framed grid work which is very thin and very susceptible to rusting out. If it collapses it is a real pain and costly to replace.
Subfloor condition.
Look for damage in the corner by the step up to the passenger seat. Windows leaking will allow water to come down to the channel and it usually ends up coming out at the bottom corner. There are other spots in the coach to check but mainly around windows and doorway. I'm not 100% sure what subfloor were put into 91 345's. It could be OSB board (very bad if wet) or plywood (not so bad but wet is never good). IF it has rotted out I have a thread about replacing it.
Tires....getting harder to find 8R19.5" and you will have 8 to possibly replace, $2,000.00 plus.
Electric deadbolt working if applicable?
Spot lamp work?
Condition of main door latch as parts are non-existent.
Check all warning lamps that they light up when ignition turned to on and the bulbs haven't been pulled.
Last but defiantly not least.......does the door chime work....if not, RUN.
Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
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12-07-2014, 04:38 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
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Air suspension bags, front and rear. Dont let anyone tell you that it doesnt have air suspension because its supposed to. Ive heard of some sellers trying to pull that one.
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12-07-2014, 04:52 PM
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#5
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Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mayco
Air suspension bags, front and rear. Dont let anyone tell you that it doesnt have air suspension because its supposed to. Ive heard of some sellers trying to pull that one.
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It's better without the air suspension as it gives you a more direct feeling for the road....
Seriously???my door chime joke fell flat again?
Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
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12-07-2014, 06:33 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,382
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Tony, where the heck were you when I decided to buy Dad's Toy? If I had known about that damn door bell and that it was a sign of all to come, I would have taken my brother's advice and I would have run like hell in the other direction!
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
May a Firefly land upon your shoulder
and bring you good luck, good fortune, and abundance.
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12-07-2014, 06:34 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,382
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By the way, my door bell goes "dink donk" instead of "ding dong"
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
May a Firefly land upon your shoulder
and bring you good luck, good fortune, and abundance.
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12-07-2014, 06:36 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Wildwood
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,236
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There is a door bell????
__________________
Dave and Felicia
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12-07-2014, 06:38 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Wildwood
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,236
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Seriously, make sure the power plant, frame and skin is good. Most folks do allot to the interior to make it there own anyway. But with out good bones you will be chasing your tail!!
__________________
Dave and Felicia
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12-07-2014, 07:20 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
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I want a door bell
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12-07-2014, 08:52 PM
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#11
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Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
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Mike If you have the balls to take this one off him....it's yours and it would make for a hellava door bell...Donka-Donk.
Just remember...he can run a lot faster mad than you can scared.
Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
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12-07-2014, 09:12 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1994 36' Classic 36 Diesel
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 883
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Just thought of this... The original converter for our motorhomes is awful. Recommend getting them to add a xantrax inverter/converter/charger in the deal if at all possible.
__________________
1994 36' Classic Diesel Pusher
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12-08-2014, 03:06 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Wildwood
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,236
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vycan
Just thought of this... The original converter for our motorhomes is awful. Recommend getting them to add a xantrax inverter/converter/charger in the deal if at all possible.
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Good point!! If it still has the old Energenius It is a fire waiting to happen and must have the inverter/converter stripped off of the breakers. Then a seperate converter can be added and even an inverter if you wish.
__________________
Dave and Felicia
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12-08-2014, 08:43 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
1991 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 298
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I'm not sure how this reply will work but it is to all of you fine gentlemen and ladies who volunteered these valuable check lists which I will use as negotiations proceed. Clearly chassis/body and mechanical items are critical and will be checked-out (including the door chime which could end-up being a deal breaker of course!)
I'll keep you'all posted as the deal unfolds and maybe post some pics as the rig head to Austin (Texas). again mille grazzie all!
Chris
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12-14-2014, 12:23 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
1991 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 298
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Well, after extensive review of mechanicals (by the local GM dealer) as well as the dealer PDI being completed, looks like the deal to acquire the 350LE will go ahead. Many thanks particularly to Vycan and yxbuoy for their comments and insight. The dealer is evasive regarding the door chime!!
One question. I've asked the dealer to complete a cylinder compression check. What should the "average" compression psi be for the 454 for a 60,000 mile engine that has been serviced regularly ?
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12-14-2014, 02:37 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
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Help Needed !
Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscraw
One question. I've asked the dealer to complete a cylinder compression check. What should the "average" compression psi be for the 454 for a 60,000 mile engine that has been serviced regularly ?
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An actual number is not as important as the variation between cylinders. Highest to lowest should be within 15 lbs. Lots of factors and variations in the heads it got, cam profile, temperature, battery cranking power, even throttle position would effect the number.
If you are doing a compression test the condition of the plugs is also a good indicator of the health of the engine.
I'd recommend getting the door bell checked out by a qualified piano tuner. Dink donk is not acceptable.
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12-14-2014, 03:25 PM
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#17
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscraw
Well, after extensive review of mechanicals (by the local GM dealer) as well as the dealer PDI being completed, looks like the deal to acquire the 350LE will go ahead. Many thanks particularly to Vycan and yxbuoy for their comments and insight. The dealer is evasive regarding the door chime!!
One question. I've asked the dealer to complete a cylinder compression check. What should the "average" compression psi be for the 454 for a 60,000 mile engine that has been serviced regularly ?
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Once you get the rig to Austin and need someone to help you figure stuff out, don't hesitate to stop by for a visit. I am in North Austin and have taken a couple of these Airstreams apart.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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12-14-2014, 04:17 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
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I was told that a piano tuner wouldn't know crap about a doorbell. You need a Glockenspiel tuner! Sorry...
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12-14-2014, 06:44 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
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, _
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,382
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you guys are making more worried about my door bell then my continued rain water leaks!
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
May a Firefly land upon your shoulder
and bring you good luck, good fortune, and abundance.
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12-15-2014, 02:11 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1994 36' Classic 36 Diesel
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 883
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dadstoy... life is about priorities :-p
__________________
1994 36' Classic Diesel Pusher
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