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Old 09-23-2018, 11:43 PM   #1
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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New owner 1989 345LE

Excited new owner of a 1989 345LE. She is not perfect. She has a few dimples and pimples but no more than we expected, so far. There is a lot of work ahead to get the unit back into full working order inside and out. We wanted a unit that didn’t kill the budget and had good enough bones that we could use the motorhome as we brought it back to life. I am confident this one can be saved. She needs plenty of TLC. I am still working on identifying the condition of everything.
I would say the biggest issue I have for the exterior is that the motorhome has been sitting for 10 years out in the elements. I am concerned about window seals as I can see failures on the drivers and passenger windows. All the windows need some immediate service. The unit appears to be outfitted with almost all the original pieces and parts except for a couple added switches on the dash, an AM/FM/CD unit, and a CB radio that was added. The engine runs fine but needs a lot of age-related changeouts, a tune up and a smog. The transmission shifted smoothly but the rear main seal leaked when I down shifted to low and put strain on it on it going up the grapevine on I5, seller did warn me that he suspected this leak. I drove 600 miles to get home with my wife following behind. Except for the rear main seal leak identification on the grapevine the ride went very smooth. I took it easy so it was a long trip.
I want to get the engine and transmission looked at and serviced. I am in the San Diego area, does anyone in this area have a recommendation for RV engine and transmission service? Also, I want to start on the windows and expect to do all the work I can myself any input on that would be welcome.
I appreciate the amount of knowledge and information on this forum and I don’t think I would have taken this leap if I had not known this resource existed. Thank you all for doing what you do here.
Thanks, Mike
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Old 09-24-2018, 05:10 AM   #2
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That rig appears to be in excellent condition, welcome to the forum!

Check your fuel lines if you haven't already, those are the number one cause of these things going up in smoke
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Old 09-24-2018, 07:10 AM   #3
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1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
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Welcome to the Asylum!
I’m in Southern OC, so we are quite close!
Looks like a beauty to me!

No suggestions for service places but remember, it’s just a 454/th400 powered rig. Any good shop that has the space for it should be able to do the rear trans seal after they pull the drive shaft and brake drum.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:27 AM   #4
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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Posts: 54
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Thank you both. I appreciate it.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:37 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnet18 View Post
That rig appears to be in excellent condition, welcome to the forum!

Check your fuel lines if you haven't already, those are the number one cause of these things going up in smoke
Don't just check the fuel lines. Gasoline with ethanol in it eats old-style rubber gas lines rapidly. If ALL the rubber gas lines in this rig are not new, plan to replace them ASAP.

A fuel leak can quickly burn one of there to the ground and ruin your entire day. Better to be safe than sorry--replace all old flexible lines with modern materials!
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Old 09-24-2018, 11:03 AM   #6
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1984 34.5' Airstream 345
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If its an '89, It might be TBI....
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Old 09-24-2018, 01:09 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Lychgate View Post
Thank you both. I appreciate it.
You mention starting in on your windows, what about them are you planning to start on?


Care to share more about the drivetrain? Pictures? I'm just curious. If you don't have an overdrive unit it might be pretty easy to get to your transmission output seal, there is enough room under these to work pretty easily without jacking it up. I've not worked on my th475 but I just had my parking brake apart last week in the driveway, no problem.
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Old 09-24-2018, 01:49 PM   #8
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Looks like a nice coach. There are plenty of excellent posts on window seal renewals. Two key options: original fuzzy schlegel channel vs flexible flocked rubber channel. Have a read through the posts and then let people know if any further questions. I suspect all fine in terms of damage, although think getting your seals overall sorted if a good idea.
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Old 09-24-2018, 06:11 PM   #9
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnet18 View Post
You mention starting in on your windows, what about them are you planning to start on?


Care to share more about the drivetrain? Pictures? I'm just curious. If you don't have an overdrive unit it might be pretty easy to get to your transmission output seal, there is enough room under these to work pretty easily without jacking it up. I've not worked on my th475 but I just had my parking brake apart last week in the driveway, no problem.
The seal around the frame from the outside is hanging away from the window frame into view, laying on the window. It looks shrunken and dried out. There is some staining on the inside arm rest. I will take pictures when I return home and post. I am committed to a family issue and I will be back on it in a week. I will take some shots of the driver train as well. Thanks
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Old 09-24-2018, 06:14 PM   #10
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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Posts: 54
Images: 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
Looks like a nice coach. There are plenty of excellent posts on window seal renewals. Two key options: original fuzzy schlegel channel vs flexible flocked rubber channel. Have a read through the posts and then let people know if any further questions. I suspect all fine in terms of damage, although think getting your seals overall sorted if a good idea.
Thank you Boom, I will take a look.
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Old 09-25-2018, 01:24 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by Lychgate View Post
The seal around the frame from the outside is hanging away from the window frame into view, laying on the window. It looks shrunken and dried out. There is some staining on the inside arm rest. I will take pictures when I return home and post. I am committed to a family issue and I will be back on it in a week. I will take some shots of the driver train as well. Thanks
You can just strip out that outer seal and probably replace it. Check out of doors mart or Inland RV or vintage trailer supply for parts. If the windows are sticking and it all looks duff, you will probably want to go down the route of replacing the channels, fuzzy stuff between windows and all the plastic seals. I think that is probably a couple of days work for both front windows. There are some excellent posts to guide you.
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Old 09-25-2018, 01:30 AM   #12
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It's also worth checking the following:

Download the Chevy Motorhome Chassis guide (searchable versions available on the web)
Download all the garage Service Manuals for your coach. Look on the classic motorhome sticky, around post 94, you'll see i posted all the links there
Electronic versions of the coach manuals and other info available on Airstream.com
Run your VIN through compnine to get all the original RPO codes for your coach
For parts, suggest using the AC Delco parts look up using your VIN as a starting point. MillSupply worth checking out. If you need any other bits, more knowledgable folk than I on this forum should be able to advise
There is nothing like replacing parts based on the casting number of the bit you are replacing. Some P30 (P32) Motorhome parts were specific to Motorhomes, so not strictly P30 bits although many are identical.

Good luck!

Nick
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Old 09-25-2018, 11:23 PM   #13
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 54
Images: 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
It's also worth checking the following:

Download the Chevy Motorhome Chassis guide (searchable versions available on the web)
Download all the garage Service Manuals for your coach. Look on the classic motorhome sticky, around post 94, you'll see i posted all the links there
Electronic versions of the coach manuals and other info available on Airstream.com
Run your VIN through compnine to get all the original RPO codes for your coach
For parts, suggest using the AC Delco parts look up using your VIN as a starting point. MillSupply worth checking out. If you need any other bits, more knowledgable folk than I on this forum should be able to advise
There is nothing like replacing parts based on the casting number of the bit you are replacing. Some P30 (P32) Motorhome parts were specific to Motorhomes, so not strictly P30 bits although many are identical.

Good luck!

Nick
Wow, thanks Nick, I really appreciate the guidance thanks. I will get online and check it out.
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:06 AM   #14
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Sitting for 10 year, if it has not been done yet, you are definitely going to need new tires all the way around.
When you check/replace the fuel lines look for short sections of rubber splices going down the frame from the engine to the tank, I had 3" splices in the supply and return lines hidden above the rear axle.
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Old 09-26-2018, 10:35 AM   #15
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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Images: 17
Thank you Wayne, I will hunt those down.

Nick, Is it uncommon for compnine to not have a VIN on file? I ran the VIN (1GBKP37W5J3333038) and it came back with no record. I really like the idea of having this information. I am reading the VIN off of the pink slip, I am going to verify there is no error when I get home.
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Old 09-26-2018, 11:54 AM   #16
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Thank you Wayne, I will hunt those down.

Nick, Is it uncommon for compnine to not have a VIN on file? I ran the VIN (1GBKP37W5J3333038) and it came back with no record. I really like the idea of having this information. I am reading the VIN off of the pink slip, I am going to verify there is no error when I get home.

I think that is the Airstream VIN that gives the camper configuration.
There should be another VIN somewhere up front near that one. Mine was on a pillar near the radiator.

When my previous owner registered mine in Vermont he used the Airstream VIN and nobody at DMV caught it, I had to do some convincing of the NY DMV to get it right.
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Old 09-26-2018, 03:41 PM   #17
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Yes, look in windowsill (drivers side) and/or on a small plate in engine bay.
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Old 10-08-2018, 02:05 PM   #18
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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Back home. Related to the VIN's, on the drivers side dash was this:
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Looks like the sun has all but destroyed it. Right or wrong I removed it and covered it so I could read it:
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The VIN matches the small plate in the engine compartment and the "MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE" serial number "011162" matches the last six of the Airstream VIN on the large plate.
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I cannot get a match for either of the numbers in COMPNINE. Any thoughts?

I have the MH at a local RV service business that was recommended locally to get a second set of eyes on the engine and transmission. Working to get a smog done.
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Old 10-08-2018, 03:02 PM   #19
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Look around under the hood, on mine the real vin was front and center, but hidden underneath a bundle of wires. It'll be a plate in there somewhere, the ones you're posting are just the airstream ID's, the BMV couldn't care less about them
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Old 10-08-2018, 03:07 PM   #20
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2006 28' Safari
1948 22' Liner
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamul , California
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Images: 17
The last picture is under the hood on that pillar near the radiator. The small plate is the Chassis(right?) VIN and this matches the registration with the DMV and yes, this does match the pink slip and registration. The large plate is the AS VIN. I will look again. Thanks!
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