74 Argosy Audiometric convert

[GVA]

I’m new to the Airstream Forum, I hope I’m at the correct thread for my Argosy questions before I begin my restoration project... I’ve included some photos to help with responses.
First question: what problems am I going to run into considering my motorhome wasnt “built to be an RV”? This was purchased from Jackson Center in 1976 as a demo Audiometric diagnostic center. Original owner tried it convert but never “entirely” completed. Anyone familiar with this “Hearing Mobile” turned RV?

[GVA]

Still getting used forum.. here are the pics

[martin300662]

Hi welcome to the forum.

The biggest issues in converting are the obvious ones....no bathroom (which is normally at the rear in a motorhome of your configuration (the small single window normally is above the toilet) and too many doors.

The bathroom would also have had the water/waste tanks, it looks like the previous owner has installed water (you have the access panels for the water heater and (obviously) the sink.

The additional door is going to impact internal seating (typically there is one central mounted door (so room for gaucho in front and behind), if you can live with the layout then this should be no issue.

I guess a minor issue could also be you have about 1/4 the number of windows, so it must be pretty dark in there!

[kidjedi]

I would be interested to know if that unit has improved acoustic insulation. The motorhome itself should be fine for your needs (tonrenovate and use as a "regular" rv), as they would have just changed the body, not the chevy p30 chassis, but if it has improved acoustic isolation, I would be interested in that unit for a mobile film/audio editing bay.

[GVA]

It’s really dark inside the MH. My next question would be if I’ve got a good head start or a headache? There is a toilet but it leads nowhere. So right now I’m a mobile waste dump...
As a novice have I bitten off too much or can “we do this”?

[GVA]

I haven’t removed the skins yet so not sure about acoustics

[GVA]

They used lots of oak paneling to hide stuff...

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by GVA

It’s really dark inside the MH. My next question would be if I’ve got a good head start or a headache? There is a toilet but it leads nowhere. So right now I’m a mobile waste dump...
As a novice have I bitten off too much or can “we do this”?

Just realize you are not attempting a renovation, it was never a motorhome. You are attempting to turn what started as a van into a motorhome. Its possible, but would require a ton of effort and money: much more than you could buy a 1978 28ft motorhome for. I bought I running, driving 1978 28ft motorhome and cut it up for spare parts, because that was cheaper than buying the parts/many parts are NLA.

[GVA]

That’s what I was afraid of... all of the appliances are “new” but have never been hooked up. New means bought 30-40 years and never hooked up. It does have propane tank underneath and of course the 120v standard electric connector for Argosys

[Smartstream]

Welcome to the world of Airstream/Argosy motorhomes.

I have a 345 that was originally a mobile chemical test lab. I don't have info on the original configuration but it did have two generators, two propane tanks and two refrigerators. It was supposedly converted to a moho by an Airstream dealer but I don't know for sure where or when. The layout is basic Airstream with a few subtle modifications. You can read about it here. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...is-183003.html

To me your most difficult task will be the waste tanks. Tanks are easy but the size and shape to get the most volume in the available space will be the fun part. Plumbing it all together is the easy part.

Any specific questions feel free to contact me.

[GVA]

Thanks SmartStream... I have the configuration and and layout of the MH. The original owner kept original owners manual and good records and files. I even have the original sales letter from Jackson Center Sales rep explaining to buyer what he was getting. Pretty cool. I’m going to have a local Rv guy check everything out to see what’s missing and what’s connected. He said he would check plumbing and electric.

[GVA]

After looking at your 345, I’m thinking that the original owner had Airstream up grade it to a Moho. Your configuration is very similar to mine (minus the windows in yours and the extra door in mine). Mine has booth that converts to a bed. Has the gaucho in the back. Bathroom minus shower in middle and storage in place of windows. I also got under it for first time (I said I was a novice ��) there is a black and a gray tank and septic hookup. And a potable water hookup. No generator and no “extra battery “. There is a water heater and refrigerator, gas stove (it looks like all appliances we’re supposed to be gas powered). II’ll find out this week if any of it works...

[Smartstream]

It looks like you may be in pretty good shape.

[GVA]

Fingers crossed

[GVA]

My MH checkup was delayed until this week, so I had a mechanic check out the motor and transmission... says I need a carb rebuild (Rochester) says he doesnt know much about this type of carburetor? And I need manifold gaskets but everything else is in good shape. Any suggestions on what to do with the carburetor? Find someone to rebuild or buy new one?

[GVA]

DISASTER STRIKES!!! On the way to have my checkup for all appliances, hookups etc... I threw a rod and had to have it towed ($400). What to do next??? I’m so disappointed... Do I fix it (initial estimate is $9000), part it out, use as a planter... Advice???

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by GVA

DISASTER STRIKES!!! On the way to have my checkup for all appliances, hookups etc... I threw a rod and had to have it towed ($400). What to do next??? I’m so disappointed... Do I fix it (initial estimate is $9000), part it out, use as a planter... Advice???

Bummer, sorry to hear

Replacing the 454 in mine cost in the 9K range. You can get a shop to do a "not to exceed" deal where they look it over and give you an estimate and they agree of they botched the estimate they can't charge you more than that. For the PO of my unit that was 10K, i think they came in just under.

The engine itself is only about 2K, iffuns you're up for a project... Really it's just having space to work and using something like an forklift to get the engine in and out that's the hard part. You're paying 8k for mundane labor doing the removal and replacement of accessories like grill, radiator, water pump...

Either way you'll have a reliable engine setup when done. But you need big pockets or big tool boxes.

Parting out is an endeavor itself and may take years to do. Brad has done it a couple times and is probably the best resource for details on that.

[GVA]

Thanks Magnet18,
Got a good deal on it when I bought so I have some wiggle room. I before I bought the 74, I bought a 1978 Airstream Argosy 280 as a complete rebuild from ground up. The 74 was supposed to be my way to camp while rebuilding/restoring the other one... is the 74 worth selling and pouring the money into the 78? I attached pics of 78.

[Magnet18]

The problem is with a big hole through the side of the engine block (assuming the rod totalled the engine), you might have trouble reclaiming value.

Maybe swap the running engine over and put a nicer engine in the long term project some time down the road?

Looks like the path forward will depend on a lot of personal factors, what skills you have, what skills you're interested in learning, what you're willing to hire out, long term plans, etc.

[chiefair]

You can read through the link below and learn from my experience. I also blew the motor. I replaced mine at home in the driveway.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...ml#post1681552