370 LE start to finish.....

[bobmiller1]

I spent the better part of today cleaning the exterior of the 370LE.....I don't think is has been done completely in about 10 years. o far I have made 5 lists of things to do. I am still waiting to get a baseline but I think that is still about 2 weeks away. I plan on using it for the Columbus day weekend for our usual trip to Cooperstown, NY. My primary concern for starters is the Hydro-Max situation. My guess is that the power steering pump is good but I will not know until I put a pressure gauge on it. The high pressure line travels from the pump to the steering box, another line goes from the steering box to the hydro-max then a low pressure line goes from the hydro-max back to the reservoir. The power steering works well but the brake pedal is "rock" hard. Two other 370LE owners have told me they have the same problem so at least it's just not me ! LOL. Obviously everything is just a guess so I should focus on what I can get done now and worry about the other stuff later. The first scheduled work day with the men is 09/17/16, so I have a lot of parts to order and get ready. Regards, Bob

[streamquest]

Hi Bob,

I'm really looking forward to following your progress. I expect to learn a lot about the quirks of a 370 through your efforts.
I'll get back to you asap with those A/C and belt related questions.

Charly

[bobmiller1]

I received the new power reel 50 amp and the new 40' water reel for the 370 and finally found a Sharp Carousel microwave with the black trim kit to replace the one that is missing. Started sending 1 wheel a week out for polishing.....9 to do all together. Going to start tearing into the hydro max problem on Sunday and determine if the left rear leveling bag is blown or the level control is shot. The previous owner removed the factory AC compressor and receiver/dryer, the AC compressor is going to be hard cause I don't know what it looked like or how it mounted. Charly is going to send me pictures of his so I have some reference point. My buddy (locksmith) is re-keying all locks to match and is going to pick the factory safe....previous owner did not even know it was there.....could be a time capsule !

[mehes]

Hey Bob, I'm sure I don't have to say this, but post lots of pictures. Even those of us without 370's are interested in every detail. It spurs envy and inspiration for projects on our own units.

[Paul and Tam]

Hi Bob, What year is your 370LE? I am watching your progress, please pose photos when you can. We have a 345 that is aging and needs some extra TLC to keep it on the road. We too have no key for our safe and after 11 years of ownership I still need to get it to a locksmith to see if it is empty. Life is sometimes busy...

[Boom Sounds]

Hi Bob,

My 1991 250 which has the factory air con, should be the same as yours. I can take some photos tomorrow and post them for you if it hjelps. The belt lash ups for the factory air con and non-factory air con should be outlined in the Chevvy chassis guide (see link below. It's in the appendices). I think this manual one is probably consistent with your year. I have the Airstream manual for 1991 which also has the GM reference numbers for all the belts. I think the air con also needs some kind of bracket which is missing on my set up. I need to ID that item and buy it, otherwise the belts squeak because the pulleys don't run smoothly.
I think the differences in the belts refs in the Airstream manual (which isn't clear) are driven by whether the coach had the factory air con or not.

Hope this helps and let me know if you need any info and sorry if I have gone completely off topic.

http://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uplo...sis-Manual.pdf

allbest
Nick and Helen (currently sitting in sweltering heat in Freiburg, Southern Germany, which is highly recommended) x

[m.hony]

Hydro max?
Would that be what we call hydro-boost?
The GM thing that controls power steering and power brakes?
Oddly, the braking feels better when the hydroboost doesn't work- higher, firmer pedal, but...
The steering sometimes gets really hard.

[bobmiller1]

Amazing.......I will answer the questions in the order they are posted. The year if the 370LE is 1989.....they only made them in 1989, 33 to be exact. Secondly, the AC system is on a Ford 460 engine so it is not like the Chevrolet chassis that is in my 325LE, Thirdly....Ford refers to the brake system as Hydro-Max, Chevrolet refers to the system as Hydro-Boost. I am looking for a factory electric couch that folds down electrically that fits the area between the driver's seat and the kitchen sink. I am also looking for a factory shower fiberglass seat assembly preferably new.

[m.hony]

The 370 is on a Ford chassis?


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[streamquest]

Negative. Although Ford 460 powered, the 370's are built on a Gillig bus chassis. They sit about 6 to 8 inches higher than a 345/350, and the front wheels track in line with the outer rear tires rather than the inners as on a 345/350.

[m.hony]

The very fact of the front wheels being further out might make the Gillig chassis handle better with les side to side rocking.


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[bobmiller1]

I'm closer to a baseline, but not yet, still looking, learning, and get familiar with the systems. I fired up the pressure washer today, haven't used it in 2 years, steamed and cleaned all the awnings.....I don't think that was ever done. I ordered parts from Zip Dee broken spring and bad pull strap for main awning. I gutted the electrical/water compartment today so I can install the new 50 amp electric reel and the new 40 foot water reel....they with both fit side by side with an inch and a half to spare. Going to order all the replacement ballasts and lenses that I need as well as the front and rear shocks for the tag axle shocks. I should be getting the first rim back from the polishing shop Tuesday. I originally thought that someone had removed the aux. heater from under the couch when they replaced the couch but I found the aux heater....is installed in the kitchen rearward of the front propane heater. The 370LE is going to require more work than the 325LE, but in the long run it will be worth it to me. Right now I am a little overwhelmed and it"s probably due to the fact that I see so much that has to be done and I don't have my baseline yet......Regards, Bob

[streamquest]

Hey Bob,

Glad you're plowing on ahead. I'm going to try to follow in your wake.

What's your source for the rear shocks?

If I get the chance, I'm gonna take a drive up your way to check your progress, (and try to learn something at the same time!!)

Charly

[bobmiller1]

First rim back...this is the spare....power cord reel, power water reel almost done. All interior ballasts and lenses for the lights as well as 2 cases of GE warm white bulbs on order. Spoke to Andy today at Inland for info on shower pan, window gaskets, weep hole covers, tag axle shocks and front and rear air bags. Great guy....a lot of knowledge !

[bobmiller1]

Left rear water cabinet almost done.....front end up in the air....starting to strip down the air bags, shocks, etc. This weekend's plans to Lake Lucern got cancelled last minute (I really hate that) so I have 3 solid days to work on the 370 LE.

[rmuller]

Looks nice, what did you use to paint the water cabinet, mine has considerable surface rust that I would like to slow down.

[bobmiller1]

I can tell you this...all the suspension parts on the 370LE are larger than the 325LE, and heavier. New microwave came yesterday as well as all the new light ballasts and lense covers. I got the front, rear, and tag axle shocks off today as well as the rear air bags. Since I am home for the holiday weekend I will get plenty of time in on the Airstream as well as finishing up some staining projects that I started in June LOL.

[bobmiller1]

Removed the left front air bag today...not an easy job to say the least. Finished up the install of the new 50 amp power reel and the 40 foot power water reel. No visible markings on the front air bag so I am going to have to take it to a buddy to see if he can match it up.

[Vycan]

Nice work bob!

[Smartstream]

Bob this will help you identify you air spring. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/identi...ir-ride-spring

They will also have the springs you need.