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Old 08-21-2018, 08:16 PM   #1
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Roswelll , Georgia
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Another 370 LE Project

I purchased a 370 LE about 2 years ago. It is in very good condition, with most of the motor home in original condition. There are about 34,000 miles on the chassis, and the motor was replaced by the original owner due to overheating. The engine has about 10,000 miles on it. As with any 30 year old motor home, there are a few things that need updating. I have been following Bob Miller's restoration (resurrection?) of his 370 LE, and am in awe of how much he has accomplished. My motor home needs some of the same repairs or improvements that he has made to his 370 LE. At his suggestion, I am starting this new thread to solicit advice, information and guidance on the repair and upgrade of my 370 LE.

I have posted a picture of my motor home, which will show some of the issues that need to be addressed, such as the paint and some of the awnings

With the help of other Airstream owners, I hope to get this classic motor home back on the road.





Steve Curlee
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Old 08-21-2018, 09:17 PM   #2
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1936 20' Clipper
1947 22' Liner
Curtis Wright
1989 37' Airstream 370
marshfield , Massachusetts
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Posts: 789
Hi Steve,

Welcome aboard the 370 circus train...

Bob decided he had to have one after seeing mine at Pennwood a couple years ago, and I've been trying to keep up with him ever since! You couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable owner to follow, but you'd be crazy to think you can keep up with him!!

As always..... POST LOTS OF PICS!!!!

Charly
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Old 08-22-2018, 05:16 AM   #3
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Thanks for the recognition guys, Regards, Bob
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Old 08-22-2018, 02:47 PM   #4
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1936 20' Clipper
1947 22' Liner
Curtis Wright
1989 37' Airstream 370
marshfield , Massachusetts
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Posts: 789
Your "to do" list.

Steve,

I know first hand how long your project list will be.
While many parts are still available, many others are long since unavailable. One critical component that I recall being on the brink of extinction was the rear air bags. I replaced mine this winter, and was told that they are about to go onto the unobtainium list. (I actually saved my old ones so Bob could bust my chops).
I don't have a part number off the top of my head, but you may want to look into it. Just a thought.

Charly
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Old 08-22-2018, 03:26 PM   #5
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It’s the front ones that are rare....the rear ones are readily available....get your facts straight ! LOL, Regards, Bob
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Old 08-22-2018, 09:50 PM   #6
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1936 20' Clipper
1947 22' Liner
Curtis Wright
1989 37' Airstream 370
marshfield , Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobmiller1 View Post
It’s the front ones that are rare....the rear ones are readily available....get your facts straight ! LOL, Regards, Bob
Well.... I guess we'll just have to see about this. LOL. But I sure didn't save the old (rear) bags just to decorate the garage wall.
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Old 08-22-2018, 10:20 PM   #7
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You should have saved the front ones, or better yet, bought spares ! Regards, Bob
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Old 08-23-2018, 07:12 AM   #8
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Welcome, post lots of pics!
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1983 Airstream 310 Class A Motorhome
-Rob
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Old 08-23-2018, 07:18 AM   #9
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Roswelll , Georgia
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I think all of my airbags are working properly, but I suspect their age will require replacement sometime in the future. How do you know when it is time to replace (other than a leak)? If it is advisable to get the spare fronts now, are they available from Airstream or is there another source?


I will take pictures of my airbags this weekend when I go back to R-Ranch (clever name for the 800 acre RV park that I own along with about 800 others - I just tell folks that the wife and I are going to R-Ranch) where the 370 is parked in the storage lot.



Steve
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Old 08-23-2018, 07:27 AM   #10
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Does that mean you own 1 acre ??? Regards, Bob
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Old 08-23-2018, 10:29 PM   #11
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1936 20' Clipper
1947 22' Liner
Curtis Wright
1989 37' Airstream 370
marshfield , Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobmiller1 View Post
You should have saved the front ones, or better yet, bought spares ! Regards, Bob
Just for the record Bob, I think the fronts are still hanging around somewhere as well!
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Old 08-24-2018, 01:21 AM   #12
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I can’t recall which chassis you have, but the P30 front air bags are available in Europe, so look into that or get in touch with me if desperate and I’ll try and find some for you.
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Old 08-24-2018, 08:46 AM   #13
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My advice would be to start with the seals and gaskets. Make sure she is watertight unless you are in the SW in which case it might not be a problem. Download all the chassis, service manuals which are relevant to your coach. There is tons of P30 stuff in the sticky, although I think you might have that Gillig chassis. Airstream.com service section of their websites has lots of archive stuff. I’m pretty sure it covers your coach and will describe options etc and basic set up. They might even have an electronic version of your coach manual. Run your VIN through Compnine or equivalent to get all the RPO codes. Make a record of any useful casting number etc as you repair/replace stuff so you have good records of the stock set up. Review any paperwork, repairs from the previous owner. I think depending on your time, cash and attitude to risk will determine what to approach first. For me, in Europe, on school holidays, I don’t want to break down. So, I’ve replaced all the basics even if still operational and kept the 30 year old bits as working spares. Basic service of fluids and filters. Starter, battery solenoid, hydroboost, master cylinder. I suspect all the bits hanging off the engine were replaced when it got the new motor. ZipDee has excellent service and info on repair and maintenance of the awnings. Paint codes are available for the grey, but I am not sure of maroon, described as luxury edition graphics. I think I have the blue option code. Good luck. I intend to mine Bob’s thread for ideas so will keep an eye across your progress. Best wishes to all from a scorching hot beachside pitch in Elba, Italy.
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Old 08-24-2018, 11:19 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
I can’t recall which chassis you have, but the P30 front air bags are available in Europe, so look into that or get in touch with me if desperate and I’ll try and find some for you.
Yep, gillig with a ford 460 engine

Speaking of... Bob, when you pull that out, I've got a 68 project mustang...
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Old 08-27-2018, 08:17 PM   #15
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Talking

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Does that mean you own 1 acre ??? Regards, Bob

Well, I own a piece of all 800 acres, but so do the other 799 or so owners, and we all have to share and play nice. It would be nice to carve out my own 1 acre tract, but that won't happen. I do get to store one RV in an open storage area (I had 2 RVs and an Airstream trailer in the storage lot until the enforces caught me). At least someone else mows the pastures, maintains the roads and all of the other amenities. I just have to write a check each year. Cheaper than storing it anywhere else, however. Plus I get to ride the horses for free, camp when I want and use the other amenities.


Steve
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Old 08-27-2018, 08:48 PM   #16
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More pictures

I was able to do some work on the 370 LE this past weekend. Mostly exterior clean up. Here some before and after pictures. I was able to rewind the spring on the small awning, but am still working on replacing the spring on the large awning on the passenger side. Here are some before pictures.
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Old 08-27-2018, 08:54 PM   #17
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More pictures

Here are some pictures after cleaning most of the grime off the exterior. The large awning is hard to roll up with the help from the spring. Removing the rod from the fabric is the biggest challenge. I ran out of daylight.
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Old 08-27-2018, 09:00 PM   #18
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Roswelll , Georgia
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Towing package

I wonder how the 370 LE would to as the tow vehicle with a 34' Airstream Excella 1000 behind it. I am sure the DOT folks would have fun with this.
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Old 09-01-2018, 07:58 PM   #19
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370 LE Manuals

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
Download all the chassis, service manuals which are relevant to your coach. There is tons of P30 stuff in the sticky, although I think you might have that Gillig chassis. Airstream.com service section of their websites has lots of archive stuff. I’m pretty sure it covers your coach and will describe options etc and basic set up. They might even have an electronic version of your coach manual.

The prior owner saved most of the original manuals and other information that came with the information that came with the motor home. If there is more information on the 370 LE, it would be helpful to add that to my collection.

Steve Curlee
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Old 09-01-2018, 08:08 PM   #20
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370 LE Kitchen Utensils

Here are pictures of the original kitchen utensils. I am not sure if the coffee maker hanging from the overhead cabinet is original to the coach.


Steve
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