Body Swap on a 24 Argosy

[JT5.9]

I have a argosy 24 that i put a 6bt 5.9 in it is a grate improvment over the 454. I have sense put a 6bt in a FMC 2900r will be selling the argosy. Your cheapest way is to put the dodge 4x4 axle under the p30 frame. I wold be glad to share info with you. call me at 208-590-1898 best Jim

[mikeajana]

Originally Posted by JT5.9

I have a argosy 24 that i put a 6bt 5.9 in it is a grate improvment over the 454. I have sense put a 6bt in a FMC 2900r will be selling the argosy. Your cheapest way is to put the dodge 4x4 axle under the p30 frame. I wold be glad to share info with you. call me at 208-590-1898 best Jim

Nice talking to you today Jim.
I appreciate the information and encouragement.

Airforums.com is awesome!

Martin, have you shipped a Motorhome to Europe already?
I am hard at researching. I'll be back in Eastern Europe in April.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by mikeajana

Martin, have you shipped a Motorhome to Europe already?

Yes, I have imported Bella and will be importing Peanut. But keep in mind Bella (and Peanut) are permanent imports/registered in UK. If you are taking yours back to US then you will not be 'importing' just bringing it over on a temporary basis, and there is a time limit on that.

I use a company called Schumacher Cargo Logistics (https://www.schumachercargo.com/) and they handle all the paper work/act as the agent at both ends.

[mikeajana]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Yes, I have imported Bella and will be importing Peanut. But keep in mind Bella (and Peanut) are permanent imports/registered in UK. If you are taking yours back to US then you will not be 'importing' just bringing it over on a temporary basis, and there is a time limit on that.

I use a company called Schumacher Cargo Logistics (https://www.schumachercargo.com/) and they handle all the paper work/act as the agent at both ends.

Thanks Martin!

[mikeajana]

To continue this discussion on another thought:

We got into an accident with our 4x4 diesel Excursion this week (okay I really mean I).

The body shop that was recommended by my Insurance company advises that it will be hard to avoid a total loss. I'm devastated, it's the only new car we ever planned or have purchased. It has the most excellent 7.3 turbo diesel.

So if she is unrepairable, and since the damage is only to the body, what are the thoughts of using the Excursion chassis under our 24? with the E350 springs we have the rating is 6830 rear axle and 4000 front axle.

I would of course have to extend the frame to match the longer wheelbase, add a dually axle to the rear and move all of the chassis electronics over to the Argosy.

Thoughts?

BTW- What is the wheelbase of a 20' MH?

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by mikeajana

To continue this discussion on another thought:

We got into an accident with our 4x4 diesel Excursion this week (okay I really mean I).

The body shop that was recommended by my Insurance company advises that it will be hard to avoid a total loss. I'm devastated, it's the only new car we ever planned or have purchased. It has the most excellent 7.3 turbo diesel.

So if she is unrepairable, and since the damage is only to the body, what are the thoughts of using the Excursion chassis under our 24? with the E350 springs we have the rating is 6830 rear axle and 4000 front axle.

I would of course have to extend the frame to match the longer wheelbase, add a dually axle to the rear and move all of the chassis electronics over to the Argosy.

Thoughts?

BTW- What is the wheelbase of a 20' MH?

Is the Excursion chassis flat across the rear axle?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Is the Excursion chassis flat across the rear axle?

Doesn't look like it.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Doesn't look like it.

Attachment 333767Attachment 333768

I know that has caused issues when others have tried to swap into pickup type chassis. You are going to have to accommodate that step in the motorhome frame/sub-floor. Not impossible (and much less than the step there is in the 1977 20ft Argosy frame to accommodate the generator) but it complicates the potential of a body swap.

Why not create a hybrid chassis with the front from the Excursion and the P-30 rear, that why can can also justify keeping the original chassis number? Maybe create a front sub-frame to bolt onto the rear?

[mikeajana]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Is the Excursion chassis flat across the rear axle?

No it's not flat.


these stock photos are a 2wd, ours is 4x4.





The frame will need to be lengthened; by 21 inches of wheelbase and whatever overhang is needed to the rear bumper.
We could fix this when the excursion body is off.

The frame is a true 1 ton frame, same as the F350. Ford derated the springs on the Excursion by 20% for a softer ride. We, like many Excursion owners, have the F350 springs installed. Levelling the frame during the lengthening process could be an option and may add some more rigidity. The forward "hump" seems to be pretty similar in rise to the "hump" over the rear axle. During the body swap, I would assume, it would be another option to fabricate mounts similar to a body lift to accommodate the rise and fall of the frame.

This Excursion has some mileage on her, but is in such awesome mechanical shape. She is super reliable, and drives so well, that it would be a shame to scrap her. I could find some really cool vintage body to put on the Excursion chassis, but we are at a point in are life where we need to shed the excess toys and projects. The Argosy with a modern drivetrain is on our keeper list.

[mikeajana]

FWIW, here is the mishap damage:

[mikeajana]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Why not create a hybrid chassis with the front from the Excursion and the P-30 rear, that why can can also justify keeping the original chassis number? Maybe create a front sub-frame to bolt onto the rear?

Hmmmmm. I'll ponder that.

I am an amateur welder. In cases like these I measure, cut and tack weld, leaving the heavy welding to an expert. I'll talk to "my guy".

I'm not super concerned about the chassis number thing. It's just super serious repairs to very old vehicles that I own and do not plan on selling.

I've seen a couple of "starts" of body swap projects to pickups, but I don't recall seeing any completions.......

JT5.9 is the only guy that I've engaged with who has put diesel conversions on the road. I enjoyed the Argosy 20 story here that was purchased with a Cummins in it.
I know there are others, but I haven't seen the finished reports.

I think a 20 footer may have the same wheelbase as the excursion, 138 inches.....are there any looking for a home?

[JEE]

[QUOTE=mikeajana;2163818]Everything I have seen in this thread I have taken as encouragement!

I am a fabricator. I have ideas in my head that I will never be able to implement because I am more creative than capable, but I never shy away from a challenge.

This thread is tremendous, I am grateful for the inspiration it is creating.

The dash in our Argosy has already been removed.




I am in need of a dash for my 1977 Argosy 20. My machine came from Texas and the dash is droopy from baking on the sun. Are you interested in selling your old factory dash?

John

[mikeajana]

John,
Don't want to let parts go until I know they won't be needed. I'll post them here when I know......

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by mikeajana

FWIW, here is the mishap damage:

[ATTACH]333772

I would bust your insurance balls for the highest payout.......then when you've agreed to a payout, add that you want your truck back.......then pay to get it fix.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[JEE]

Originally Posted by mikeajana

John,
Don't want to let parts go until I know they won't be needed. I'll post them here when I know......

Sounds good. I would do the same thing.

John

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by JEE

Sounds good. I would do the same thing.

John

Where are you based John?

There is a dash from a 1978 (my parts donor) 'stored' in JM2's 1977 20ft in New Jersey in case we needed parts!

[mikeajana]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Where are you based John?

There is a dash from a 1978 (my parts donor) 'stored' in JM2's 1977 20ft in New Jersey in case we needed parts!

I don't need parts, but I'd like a 22.......

Mike

[JEE]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Where are you based John?

There is a dash from a 1978 (my parts donor) 'stored' in JM2's 1977 20ft in New Jersey in case we needed parts!

Attachment 334249

Attachment 334250

I am in Minnesota.

The bezel for the 1978 is different than the one I have: mine is like the one on the 1977 storage vehicle.

My budget is a bit strained by the current engine overhaul in progress on mine, but I know I can't just go to the store and buy a dash.

Let me know how much you need for it.

Next problem, not sure how I would get it home.......

John

[mikeajana]

Originally Posted by mikeajana

I don't need parts, but I'd like a 22.......

Mike

I did that on my phone; Meant to say I'd like a 20.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by mikeajana

I did that on my phone; Meant to say I'd like a 20.

They do occasionally come up. For example Jamimes recently picked up a second 20ft that was buried axle deep and ready to run apart from mild overheating/radiator leak - that unit would be perfect for a body swap!