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chriscraw · 05-27-2017, 01:57 PM

Peter...after our chat, very pleased to see you went ahead. From your post seems that the B-Van is now in your possession. Quiet a change from your earlier "engined" motor homes but a necessary and appropriate step towards the reality of the passing years!

PeterH-350LE · 05-27-2017, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Nice Peter

Will it need suspension work to deal with the trailer?

10k hitch setup, 6K towing capacity before reaching GVWR. Seen several folks pulling 8-9k trailers with no issues. Previous owner, on older lady, pulled her 29' Excella with it.

bkahler · 05-27-2017, 05:10 PM

Well then...I'd have to say you're all set

Enjoy!

Isuzusweet · 05-27-2017, 06:11 PM

Interesting reading......

The 460 was phased out for use in passenger cars in the late 1970s, with 1978 being final for the LTD and 1979 for the Lincoln Continental. However it continued to be produced with minimal modifications in trucks, RVs, Boats, and as a replacement "crate engine" available through Ford Motorsports until its production finally ceased in 1997. The 460 is known as a good heavy duty towing, marine and motorsports engine. These 460s actually had higher horsepower and torque ratings than the IDI 6.9 liter and later 7.3 IDI diesel engines, though fuel economy was significantly better with the diesel. The 460 began using fuel injection in 1988, leading to a slight increase in horsepower and torque ratings. For 1993 and up 460s saw an improved cylinder head design that further improved power. While perhaps best known for its poor gas mileage, the later 460 is considered by most to be a reliable, long-lasting, heavy-duty, and powerful engine for towing and hauling purposes, as well as a good starting point for engine builders building dragsters. Due to its mass production and relatively minimal changes during its 30-year production run, parts are generally cheap and easy to find for the 385 series engines.

Cheers
Tony

PeterH-350LE · 05-27-2017, 07:05 PM

Tony, That is interesting stuff indeed. You know the 370 sports the very same engine.
Airstream did a nice job outfitting these Vans, with the Class C style overhead sleep cabin. It has everything the Classics have, just a more compact version of it. The Generator is an Onan Microlite 2.8, the AC is a 11 BTU version, the converter is 30amps and the fuse panel is precious.

ALANSD · 05-28-2017, 09:38 AM

Peter, you are amassing a fleet. Nice!

PeterH-350LE · 06-23-2017, 05:40 AM

Since I am still recovering from my broken Elbow, I decided to outsource some of work needed to be done on the New to me 1996 BVan. Its my first Ford Van and I am learning.
So I found this "reputable" shop to replace the shocks with 4 Bilsteins, replace the belts, fix the ABS light, replace the alt and check the rear brakes.
$1200 later (I paid for the shocks separately) this is the result:
1. ABS light still comes on
2. Air cleaner breezer hose was stuffed into the engine compartment and air cleaner was loose
3. Rear upper shock nuts were loose (i made a video and forwarded it to the shop)
Haven't had the time to check the rear brakes, yet.

bkahler · 06-23-2017, 06:57 AM

Peter, my guess is you'll probably be doing most of the work yourself now.....

bobmiller1 · 06-23-2017, 04:33 PM

If you paid by check, I would put a stop on it, if you paid by credit card, call the credit card company, if you do nothing you only let these Jerks stay in business ! Regards, Bob

PeterH-350LE · 06-23-2017, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

If you paid by check, I would put a stop on it, if you paid by credit card, call the credit card company, if you do nothing you only let these Jerks stay in business ! Regards, Bob

Yes, Bob, you are right. Due to the work they did on my Van, they probably lost 50% or more of their future business.
I had asked my good friend of 30 years, who has a very successful VW repair shop, if he can recommend someone that I could trust with my work. The shop he recommended has received a lot of work from him over the years. He clearly told them that I didn't want any special deal, just good and honest work. They failed miserably and didn't have a good excuse (shocks must have seated, we are just human blah blah).
Needless to say my friend was speechless and shocked beyond words when he saw my video of the loose shocks. Too bad for them and their future business

chriscraw · 06-25-2017, 09:38 AM

Peter...seems you and I and possibly other Forum Members are experiencing the same dilemma. At an age when physical labor looses its attraction, we still love and admire our Airstreams. Sort of like the aging gentleman who still looks-up at the "red lights"!
This dilemma forces us to seek tradesman from who we can expect the same level of mechanical competence and dedication. Unfortunately, these skills increasingly are in short supply.
Maybe one approach is for the Forum to serve as a data base of reputable and available trade skills backed-up by personal comments and some sort of rating as well as location. The difficulty in housing this data on the Forum is it's lack of a useful search capability. Is a Member out there who can suggest an approach using say an easy to use public domain data base which allows multi-user access and can be sorted by skill needed, location and review?
Just a though. I'm going through the same issue with my refrigerator repair. That is having to choose a repair shop based on my intuition and friends recommendation. It would have been preferable to have been able to search such a data base and if necessary directly contact another Member who can confirm his/her recommendation.

bobmiller1 · 06-26-2017, 05:10 AM

So.....What's wrong with the fridge ???

chriscraw · 06-27-2017, 12:23 PM

Peter..with the demise of the original Dometic icemaker (guess an optional for the LE situated between the lounge chairs) and its substitute a small 120V fridge/freezer, I was still faced with the dying Dometic RM3804 which in the end would barely run on 120V and not at all on either 12V or LP.
My options were either a new Norcold or Dometic at around $1500 (plus different dimension and non-original size and finish!) or replace the original cooling unit at between $550 plus $100 shipping (although there were deals out there which rebated the shipping charge). So decided for the replacement cooling unit. BUT..after reviewing AS Forum commentary and YouTube videos, realized that this cooling unit exchange would not be trivial and potentially very, very, unrewarding!
So, found a guy in Kerrville who would supply a new (not rebuilt) cooling unit and install and connect etc for $800! This quote ballooned to $1045 when he saw what was required to get the fridge out (removing the wall panel and front facing buffet seat no less!) and replacing both the thermostat and sensor. Work has apparently been completed and the fridge is working on all power sources. Due to weekend work etc. Can't get back to Kerrville until July 8 to collect the AS but Carmen and I plan to stay a few days in and around there. Once I have inspected the work and result, I'd be happy to share my experience and contact as I mentioned. There is already a separate thread on refrigerator repair and I will also post there. Hope the elbow is now 100% and able to raise a glass or two!

mayco · 07-21-2017, 06:45 AM

Sent you a PM Peter regarding Centramics

PeterH-350LE · 07-21-2017, 08:31 PM

looking at the 360 pusher, doesn't this radiator look like trouble ?

bkahler · 07-21-2017, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

looking at the 360 pusher, doesn't this radiator look like trouble ?

That's either moss or the radiator will need to be removed for cleaning/rebuilding. Other than the radiator what's shown in the photo looks surprisingly clean.

PeterH-350LE · 07-21-2017, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

That's either moss or the radiator will need to be removed for cleaning/rebuilding. Other than the radiator what's shown in the photo looks surprisingly clean.

The amount of metal pitting due to rust concerns me. Its seems advanced and can make it a real pain to work on stuff

bkahler · 07-22-2017, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

The amount of metal pitting due to rust concerns me. Its seems advanced and can make it a real pain to work on stuff

That's typical for a vehicle from the Ohio area.

mayco · 07-22-2017, 04:45 AM

Yup, snow salt.

PeterH-350LE · 07-22-2017, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

looking at the 360 pusher, doesn't this radiator look like trouble ?

Kota told me the other pictures was of the AC condenser. Got a partial picture of what maybe the radiator, which looks fairly good. But due to the amount of rust, I just had to decline and slept real real good for some reason

I was all go on making it my next long term project, but besides the rust, the logistics of getting down to Austin was complicated. Shippers wouldn't even give me a quote and driving an unknown vehicle that has been on the market this long is a scary thought. My plan was to fly up, do final inspecting and money exchange then fly back and have it transported.
Seller told me last night that they have an offer.
Onward thru the fog, friends