It's Never Done.....

[mehes]

Looks sweet Bob. Now on to a year of projects.

[bobmiller1]

I'm glad saved the old spot light remote control switch from the 325LE. The 370 LE's one is broken although the light on the roof is pretty rusty to it may need to be replaced as well. I'm sure that will make Jim happy...he is hoping to get it if I don't need it.

[mayco]

So Bob, the 370 looks amazing, have you outlined your plan of attack for renovation or does it even need much? Is this your "keeper" for the long run?

Mike

[bobmiller1]

Yup...the "Bucket list " Airstream. Same plan of attack as the 325, mechanical, plumbing, fixtures, upgrades, wiring, body. The 325LE will be going up for sale in August .

[Vycan]

Glad you like it Bob! Look forward to all the future stories of your fun with her. I do have a spoiler question though. How likely are you to do a power plant and tranny swap as part of your renovation?

[streamquest]

Ditto that Nick.

The idea of a diesel conversion is tempting, but the scope of work involved has got to be daunting. (Although no one can call Bob a chicken!) You would have to put on a lot of miles to ever realize a dollar savings through increased fuel efficiency. There was a past thread on the forum about a 370 with a diesel conversion, and it's always been in the back of my mind since I see myself pulling a trailer full of motorcycles. I can recall the owner's comments that the hill climbing and engine braking were both dramatically improved. (God knows my brakes could use some improving.) Don't recall the engine of choice, but probably a Cummins. I wonder if Gillig ever put a diesel into this particular chassis for some other application. My biggest concern would be an increase in cabin noise. I am amazed at how quiet that 460 is when going down the road, (until the fan kicks in).

I think these chassis were primarily used in urban bus applications, so they were geared for acceleration rather that highway cruising. I'm thinking of a Gear Vendors at some point to get the RPMs down. The tach and water temp gauge run hand in hand. It's the practical version of cruise control.

[bobmiller1]

The power plant conversion will come after I have finished all of the similar things I have done on the 325. The most important thing for me is to stay away from the computer controlled diesels and stick with a pre 1990 diesel/tranny platform which should not be that hard to do. Charly, did you notice the two access panels for the furnaces ? That work was done by Jackson Center. Both original furnaces have been replaced with newer Surburban units. Extensive re-fit work was done by Jackson Center in 2006, as well as a rebuilt 460 in Florida 6 months after. I have both receipts for the work done......un-imaginable $$$$. There is a soft spot in the floor outside the shower, not uncommon, my guess is a new sub floor is in order....I will not know until I lift it up, the least of my concerns at this point. Hey John, don"t worry about that shower door as I have to order another one for the 370, I will let you know when I do, if you want I can order 2 and bring one with me to our next rendevous. Charly, do you still have the power cord reel and the power hose reel in yours ??? My 325 did not but I found one in Canada (the 325 only had the power cord reel option, but the 370 had both), If you do could you post some pictures ? By the way John and Tony....Happy Canada day to the both of you and your families. Regards, Bob

[streamquest]

Hey Bob,

I think you got a steal!!!

A new motor! AMAZING.

I did notice the side panels, and I think I'll approach replacement of mine using the same idea. The folks at Airstream must shake their heads at the work of the original builders. They undoubtedly realized that there would be way too much collateral damage done inside by trying to remove the cabinetry. Heaters and hot water are both on my to do list. That morning snow at Penn Wood was an eye opener.

I have hose reels for both water and electric, but they are not power operated if thats what you're asking. I wasn't aware of it being an option?

Have you picked it up yet?

[bobmiller1]

No Charly, have not picked it up yet, we are still at the International rally with our trailer....I am going to use the same transport company I used before to drive it from NC to NY. I expect to get it in a couple of weeks. When you get time would you take some pictures of the reels you mentioned and if you have any manufacturers info on those reels it would greatly be appreciated. Regards, Bob

[Isuzusweet]

Bob

My 310 underwent an exstensive redo in 2006 with a new Onan Marquis 6500 generator installed, new fridge, hot rodding rebuild of the 475 at an Allison dealer and upgrade of interior; just the generator bill was almost $7,000. I shudder to think of the final bill for mine and what yours would have been. I'm pretty sure you got a great deal.

FYI The original Airstream diesel conversion, done by the factory in 1983 cost.......wait for it..........$15,000.00 US. In 1983, what kind of house would that kind of money have bought as a down payment? In 1983 a Corvette was cheaper than that!

Goodluck with the 370 and you are well on your way to holding a decent Airstream Classic get together all by yourself.

Happy 4th of July to all my southern and northern friends (I have lived in two different places in Canada, all but three years below the 49th parallel). Heck, I think Mark is north of me.

Cheers
Tony

[Waipio Rim]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Bob


FYI The original Airstream diesel conversion, done by the factory in 1983 cost.......wait for it..........$15,000.00 US. In 1983, what kind of house would that kind of money have bought as a down payment? In 1983 a Corvette was cheaper than that!


Tony

We sold a house in San Diego for $80k in 1983, a little less than the sticker price of our 1984 310.

[bobmiller1]

You know you're in need of help when you're buying parts for an Airstream you don't even have yet ! Well the family and I are leaving for our annual pilgrimage to Lancaster this Saturday ! We will be there till the following Sunday, then back to work fora week, then Debbie and I leave on August 8 to drive to N.C. to pick up the 370....I'll start a new thread or keep going with this one. There is just barely enough room in the shop for all 4.....if I retire from work 6. Once the 370 is home the 325LE will be up for sale in late August. Asking price is $54,900.00, I don't have to sell it...but it is done with the exception of new stripes. Everything works, R-12 dash air and doorbell as well. I bought it for $30,000.00 and have put over $20,000.00 in parts into it. Forget about the price of labor....you do it cause you want to. It was a great learning experience but the 370LE will be my masterpiece. I like the term "Wallet Burner" but it has already been taken. I will have to think of a new nick name !we will bring along our generator to the campground.....with temperatures close to 100 degrees I don't want to experience a lose of AC due to a power outage.

[mayco]

Looking forward to your work on the 370 Bob. Its gonna be fun to follow along Im sure.
I bet youre chomping at the bit to get started. If youre anything like me, youve probably built the whole project 3 or 4 times in your head already. Now its the easy part, youve just got to actually do it! Safe travels to you and the family!

Mike n Lynn

[bobmiller1]

OK John....Here you go....Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

[bobmiller1]

Pictures for John

[bobmiller1]

It’s time to wake the old girl up ! I will be taking the 325LE to Cooperstown for the Memorial Day weekend. I have a couple of things to do to get ready for the trip but it is basically all good to go. I hope to have the 370LE ready for the “Get-Together” in June. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

Pretty amazing.....starts right up, flushed the water system, fired up the generator and hot water heater, checked front air bags, tires, oil, trans, antifreeze, added 1/2 lb. R-12 Freon, I’ll vacuum what the mice left behind and transfer the camping stuff from the 370LE to the 325LE and I should be set to go ! Regards, Bob

[sraab928]

Looks great Bob!

[bobmiller1]

I forgot how nice the 325LE drives, it’s been a couple of years since I’ve had it in the open road. Completely different from the 370LE. I think I’m going to keep it ! Anybody want a 396XL ??? LOL, while here in Cooperstown I’m making a small list of things to do. Front furnace repair, another set of Ramco mirrors like I put on the 370LE....and I’m still looking for 3 more Alcoa rims for the left side ! Other than that I think I will drop it off at my guys body shop in September and get the strips redone. Regards, Bob