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05-11-2016, 01:25 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1983 31' Airstream310
sturgeon county
, Alberta
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 5
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1983 AS310 MOHO - newbie owner
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".
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05-11-2016, 02:53 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,116
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Quote:
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".
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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
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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05-11-2016, 03:13 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1984 31' Airstream310
Honokaa
, Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 993
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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.
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05-11-2016, 05:32 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
northern IL
, Illinois
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 102
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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.
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05-11-2016, 05:52 PM
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#5
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Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
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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
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
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05-12-2016, 10:34 AM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
1983 31' Airstream310
sturgeon county
, Alberta
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 5
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Thanks about the step. I thought if was electric.
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05-12-2016, 10:57 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by as310moho
Thanks about the step. I thought if was electric.
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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.
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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05-12-2016, 01:54 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
1985 32.5' Airstream 325
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 48
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Does anyone know if a 3 port fuel selection valve is an acceptable replacement for the original?
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05-12-2016, 09:17 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1994 36' Classic 36 Diesel
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 883
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Glad to have you! Post pics! Go with bk's advice. Mechanical first.
__________________
1994 36' Classic Diesel Pusher
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08-04-2016, 12:37 AM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member
1982 31' Airstream 310
calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 10
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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
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08-04-2016, 03:01 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1984 27' Airstream 270
Scotia
, New York
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,082
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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!
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08-05-2016, 11:05 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
1983 31' Airstream310
sturgeon county
, Alberta
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 5
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AS310 Progress
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.
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09-20-2016, 04:49 PM
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#13
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New Member
1974 31' Sovereign
1983 31' Airstream310
fargo
, North Dakota
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
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I also am a 1983 310 newbe, can anyone help with rear air bag part #they are firestone air ride
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09-20-2016, 07:47 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1982 28' Airstream 280
Port Angeles
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,943
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kevsvan
I also am a 1983 310 newbe, can anyone help with rear air bag part #they are firestone air ride
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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.
__________________
Cheers, Dan
________________________________________
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~ Margaret Thatcher ~
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