1983 AS310 MOHO - newbie owner

[as310moho]

I am totally an Airstream Owner newbie!
I inherited a 1983 Airstream 310 Motorhome, that had sat, parked, in the BC West Coast damp for 10+ years, so I am overwhelmed with questions, and worried about spending a lot of money I don't have.
The status now is the mechanical and the 454 engine are good. A lot of running gear, hoses, wires, and six tires were replaced for the vehicle to pass the Alberta Inter-provincial Licensing Regulations. The propane system is good.
The interior needs a good scrub and new rugs or lino. The outside was all green slime, but the cold Alberta winter killed it, leaving a grey residue. Should I get an acid wash, check all the roof and side seals, and then get a new clear-coat? The waterworks has a stuck winterize-ing valve, and the under-sink drinking-water filter leaks. It's in the shop for some electrical and breaker issues, plus some confusing modifications, and the doorstep won't retract. That's it in nutshell. There's probably more.
I look forward to finding new 310 type friends and information on restoring and enjoyng this "boat".

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by as310moho

I am totally an Airstream Owner newbie!
I inherited a 1983 Airstream 310 Motorhome, that had sat, parked, in the BC West Coast damp for 10+ years, so I am overwhelmed with questions, and worried about spending a lot of money I don't have.
The status now is the mechanical and the 454 engine are good. A lot of running gear, hoses, wires, and six tires were replaced for the vehicle to pass the Alberta Inter-provincial Licensing Regulations. The propane system is good.
The interior needs a good scrub and new rugs or lino. The outside was all green slime, but the cold Alberta winter killed it, leaving a grey residue. Should I get an acid wash, check all the roof and side seals, and then get a new clear-coat? The waterworks has a stuck winterize-ing valve, and the under-sink drinking-water filter leaks. It's in the shop for some electrical and breaker issues, plus some confusing modifications, and the doorstep won't retract. That's it in nutshell. There's probably more.
I look forward to finding new 310 type friends and information on restoring and enjoyng this "boat".

as310moho, welcome to Airforums and Airstream ownership!

You've got your work cut out for you but having it running and driving is a great first step.

I'm sure others will chime in shortly with lots of good advice.

The steps are vacuum operated so the first things to look for are cracked vacuum lines and a plugged vent line underneath the step. Here in Kentucky we have problems with mud daubers filling any small opening the can with mud so look for something that is plugging a rubber hose.

Good luck with your 310 and post pictures when you get a chance.

Brad

[Waipio Rim]

Welcome to the club!

On the exterior, I would start with a bucket of soapy water, a hose, a scrub brush, and a couple of free hours. Get that black stuff wet to soften it up, then start scrubbing. When you are done, you will probably feel much better about what you have inherited, and you will owe us some pictures.

[Hans 34.5]

Welcome to a great place. This was what I started with OMG, What was I thinking on that day.
But today I'm very happy with it. And you will be to hang on it's going to be fun.

[Isuzusweet]

As a person who spent 9+ years on the "wet" coast of B.C you may find a few surprises under that nasty carpeting and linoleum.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...me-106269.html

My was in the drier climate of Michigan/Ontario and this damage occured. It may not be this bad, but anything that can or has been subjected to six weeks of constant drizzle won't dry out for ages.

Your first concern is mechanical, change oil, transmission fluid, rear differential, lights, wipers, radator and coolant. Tires are good? Check date code anyway.

Then it's on to interior as you do want to use it. Spray Nine everything to clean it. Check if the onboard 12 v converter is original; if it is, you might want to think about changing it out, (easy fix). Assess subfloor but don't rip anything out yet.

How is your generator? If it starts does it generate 120 volt.

Your learning curve hopefully isn't as steep as mine, but with a bit of elbow grease and money you may have a great rig that will increase in value.

I would wait on the exterior until very last myself. The rat rod craze will be your excuse for a while; that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

Cheers
Tony

[as310moho]

Thanks about the step. I thought if was electric.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by as310moho

Thanks about the step. I thought if was electric.

It could be electric but most of that era were vacuum operated. There is a switch in the door that is part of the open/close circuit to look for as well.

[jimbro]

Does anyone know if a 3 port fuel selection valve is an acceptable replacement for the original?

[Vycan]

Glad to have you! Post pics! Go with bk's advice. Mechanical first.

[Ruff12]

Good luck with your 310, let me know if you need copies of electrical/ mechanical schematics. I have all my paperwork from when mine was new, back in 82 down here in Calgary

[WayneG]

On the stuck steps, If they dont move easily with the engine off, you may want to pull them off, disassemble, clean and grease them. My 84 has the vacuum steps and they were very gummed up and would not operate without a push. If they do move freely and the vacuum plumbing is OK, check the door switch to be sure it is working.
If you really want to go nutz on it, you can install Fuel injection, Solar and other toys.
Have fun when you are done!

[as310moho]

Schematics I Sure can use!
Looks like the step is a vacuum, gummy works, and switches thing.
Will try attaching before and current pics. Not quite sure how to.

[kevsvan]

I also am a 1983 310 newbe, can anyone help with rear air bag part #they are firestone air ride

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by kevsvan

I also am a 1983 310 newbe, can anyone help with rear air bag part #they are firestone air ride

Here is a guide on how to identify your air spring. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/identi...ir-ride-spring

I have seen numbers posted for the 345 but am not sure if they are the same as the 310.

Welcome to the forum and post lots of pictures.