370 LE start to finish.....

[bora77]

Bob,

Are you installing a new air pressure gauge on the dash or are you still using the one in the glove box (not the most convenient place to monitor)?

Also, did you replace the air pressure control switch on the air compressor? If so, what did you use?

Steve Curlee

[bobmiller1]

Never had one in the glovebox, LOL.....I don’t know why anyone would mount one there. Check out the previous pictures, you’ll see the new one in the instrument panel. As far as the switch goes.....there’s nothing wrong with it. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

It’s kind of cool to see everything coming together for the kitchen counter project. The 370LE features the longest counter available in any of the Classic motor homes. At 97” long we have basically packed 2 pounds of olives into a 1 pound bag. I wish Tony were still around to see this, we talked about it and I used his fresh water design and incorporated it into the final design. I’ll be using 2 , 5 gallon jugs for the fresh water supply, the Fisher/Payless dishwasher , 2 burner Italian surface mount gas stove , and 33” stainless farm sink all fit. In the picture you will see my cabinet guy standing next to the face frame which is now all laid out. We are also incorporating 2 slide out cutting boards into the counter top which will be hidden. All cabinet doors and drawers will have soft close features which I don’t even have in my house. More dashboard pictures over the weekend. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

Final fitment of the dash parts is done. The dash folds out on a piano hinge to access parts if necessary. I’ll re-install the stereo/back up camera next week. I figure another week on the wiring and I should be good to go for an engine start up.

[bobmiller1]

[bobmiller1]

The dashboard work is painfully slow, doesn’t show much progress because every feature takes a long time. Well, the piano hinge is installed and access is good. Climate control head had to go in first because the is recessed into the wood. Moving forward and getting ready to start the killer wiring set up. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

The glovebox is kicking my ass.....3 hours into it so far and I’m still not satisfied ! I hope the 370LE starts when I’m done with the wiring. I think I’m starting to lose my mind.....work is slowing down, I don’t know what to believe on the news. I spent some time last night with the cabinet guys, he’s in the same building I’m in at work , the panels are all done. Should start coming together this weekend. I’m going to try and put a good dent in the dash wiring this weekend. I’ll have 2 full days......if my brain can hold up. Regards, Bob

[PeterH-350LE]

you are doing a fine job, Bob. Keep it up and try to enjoy the extra time!
All we can do is make the best of it.

[Paul J Mauro]

beautiful work bob not a bad place to hide out and create your masterpiece

[bobmiller1]

I’m glad I found the Airstream Life a few years ago. It has given me the social interaction I really enjoy. My good friend Charly (Streamquest) has come over for the weekend so we could spend some time together doing what we really enjoy. It’s easy to maintain social distancing while working on a 370LE cause they’re so long. Although I am still busy with work (Snap-On) we are an essential business, we keep America moving both in Industry and the private sector. While celebrating our 100 th anniversary this year in business we are one of the last manufacturers of American made quality tools, which America demands for keeping us moving. Other resellers of tools made in various parts of the Orient are now starting to sit idle because of lack of demand. Charly and I both own probably 2 of the most cared for 370LE’s left in existence of the 33 that were manufactured. He replaced all of my lower belt moulding yesterday while I was inside working on the dash. Today my stereo guy Richie will be coming over to do a few mods to my ceiling mounted back up camera/stereo/nav unit. Charly has a few questions for him as well. Later this afternoon we will be visiting the wood shop to check on the kitchen progress. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

[bobmiller1]

[bobmiller1]

The weekends I spend with Charly which are few and far between seem to go by like that.....we got a lot of work done. The belt line is all done, Charly was able to re-align all of the end caps do it seems like an endless flow from front to rear....he does awesome work ! My stereo guy, Richie showed up, he showed Charly how to hook up the new rear back up camera using the existing wiring that’s in the 370LE. I have the glovebox now re-installed along with the transmission computer. Still moving forward, Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

So I was able to obtain the “un-obtainable “. It took me quite awhile to find the factory pigtails that connect to the new climate control unit in the dash. Getting rid of the original cable operated (Chrysler) heater control valve which never completely closed off the flow of hot antifreeze to the heater core, which killed any kind of air conditioning . The new electric heater control valve uses the potentiometer in the new control head but has very small micro connectors. Almost impossible to make up. In any event , that’s done. Every new circuit that I am changing or creating has its own 30 amp fuse protected relay, thus saving the switches, which only turn the relays on and off. Some pictures of where I’m at right now. Also Cooperstown called me to tell me they will be open May 15, so Memorial Day is a go. Certain restrictions will apply, no social gathering, no pavilion, no pool, no game room, no bathrooms or showers ! Perfect, I never use them anyway.......I should pretty much have the place to myself ! LMAO! Regards, BobAttachment 1Attachment 1

[Air345Fly]

You are replacing the cable operated coolant valve that controls the
flow to the dash heater core with an electric valve? I would love to
see pictures if possible.


Thanks,
Pete.

[bobmiller1]

dAttachment 1

[bobmiller1]

Attachment 1

[bora77]

What heater control valve did you use? Do you have a picture of it installed? I may have missed that in an earlier post.

[bobmiller1]

I’m still playing the role of “Edward Scissorhands” inside the dashboard....I’m doing the final “cut”. As I install a new circuit and test it, I’m removing the old one. I lost the wire that feeds the front and rear ICC lights as I couldn’t get them to work after I installed the new parking light switch/relay as well as the side marker lights. Thank goodness for my good friend Charly (Streamquest). Knowing someone that has the identical model is a sure help. I gave him most of the old dashboard parts, he has his apart as well and he was able to trace the ICC lights out to a module which I had removed and gave to him.....LOL. I can still hook up an interrupter switch if I want to use that feature......but it’s pretty useless to me. I’ve got the climate control all hooked up the way I want it. I’m using 5 relays so I’m not passing any current through the new climate control head. I now have 4 true fan speeds....low, medium 1, medium 2, and high. I also am using the 5th relay for the magnetic coil on the AC compressor. On a side note Martin (Asellers) contacted me and he is selling his really clean 360 (95),I really want it and have the money, but I have to sell the 2007 396XL, or the 1989 325LE first.....I have no room in the shop for a 5th Airstream and it’s not staying outside. The 2005 34’ limited SO is not for sale. Regards, Bob

[mehes]

You need a bigger shop Bob.