Tap's 1981 280 Motorhome (Purchased January 2016)

[Isuzusweet]

Yeah Tap, hang in there mate as it does eventually slow down. Make sure you get the newest date coded tires you can, to put off having to shell out for tires later, rather than sooner.

When I bought my rig I spent a pretty penny buying it, but it was roadworthy and had been used regularly; that didn't stop me having to put a couple thousand into it to fix things but it certainly wasn't the big shock one can get when buying a barn find.

Speaking of barn find, I recently shocked an elderly gent selling a 345 that he hasn't used in 15 years by telling him that it would cost me a minimum $10,000 to get his rig on the road; let alone fixing interior or cosmetic stuff. He thought I was insane.

PS Give us info on the new rad and what hoses your mechanic found for your coach.

Cheers
Tony

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

...selling a 345 that he hasn't used in 15 years by telling him that it would cost me a minimum $10,000 to get his rig on the road; let alone fixing interior or cosmetic stuff. He thought I was insane.

Cheers
Tony

Well rightly so, Tony. He knew it would cost at least 15 000

[PeterH-350LE]

here Tap, look at this list of my first adventure into Classic Airstream Motorhomes. This was a 1979 28' Excella
What makes it worse is that I tend to sell them after I do all that work to start the next one. Sick huh ???

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Maybe we should share the Peanut spreadsheet so folks can see the cost of parts to just getting a unit back on the road, that has recently (less than 5 years) been used, and with a parts donor to contribute all the missing/bent bits, and with no labor costs (but a big 'favor' pile mounting up!)?

Ain't nuttin in life that's free....I just haven't figured out how to ding you yet

Just kidding, I'm actually learning a lot that will come into play when as I finish mine

Cost comparisons to Bella (which now is officially the same as the list price on a brand new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and nearly that of a Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4) would not be fair, but these things are the definition of a money pit.

I can tell you which one I'd rather have and it would be a Berlinetta or Lamborghini

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

..... worse is that I tend to sell them after I do all that work to start the next one. Sick huh ???

You said it, I didn't....

[bobmiller1]

Hey Tap....how you making out with your radiator ???

[rmkrum]

Hm. Not sure I really want to see a picture of anyone making out with a radiator.....😄


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[bkahler]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Hm. Not sure I really want to see a picture of anyone making out with a radiator.....😄

...if there's no other option available....

[rmkrum]

Ewwwww....😳


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[Tap]

I've made out with worse. Hehe!

Regarding my 280, things are proceeding.

They ordered the brand new radiator last week from some place in Oregon (I'll post the company's name and info once I get it) and it's supposed to arrive tomorrow. Then they'll install it and hopefully I'll finally get my baby back by the end of the week.

Then next week I'll have it flatbed towed to a tire shop that I'm getting all new tires at. Then brakes.

Then I can finally safely drive this thing.

I'm on schedule to make it to Penn Wood. Thanks for checking in Bob.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Tap

I've made out with worse. Hehe!

Regarding my 280, things are proceeding.

They ordered the brand new radiator last week from some place in Oregon (I'll post the company's name and info once I get it) and it's supposed to arrive tomorrow. Then they'll install it and hopefully I'll finally get my baby back by the end of the week.

Then next week I'll have it flatbed towed to a tire shop that I'm getting all new tires at. Then brakes.

Then I can finally safely drive this thing.

I'm on schedule to make it to Penn Wood. Thanks for checking in Bob.

Sounds pretty positive Tap - hang in there.

You can not take anything for granted with these rigs, you only have to look at John's example of issues with his cab side windows (http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...-149666.html); all you can do is have an objective, but when life gives you lemons make lemonade.

[bobmiller1]

I plan on bringing a good assortment of tools and spare parts, I will be arriving at Penn Wood on Thursday so If anyone has problems getting there I will post my cell number for all to see that week on the forum once I establish cell coverage at Penn Wood. The last time I was there, no cell coverage unless you drove out of the park and up the road. If that is still the case we can communicate by E-Mail...they're Wi-Fi was good.

[tevake]

It will be interesting to see if the new radiator has the plastic tanks, and if so how it does. That's all I could in new units, which is part of why I went with a recore.

Tap. Do you know if the new unit has the additional cooling area of the high performance models. Glad you found a solution.

How is the search going for new hoses. I ended up taking the old one to the store to find a close match. The bottom one was particularly hard to find.
Are you replacing the water pump while in there?

I think you will be happy with having this job done, nothing like staying in comfortable temp range, especially with our clutch fan noise letting you know clearly when you are running hot.

I wish that I had documented my projects more clearly and recorded parts #s etc.
your thread will be good for you to look back on once you are out enjoying your coach. Not too long from now

Cheers Richard

[SpiceStream]

I am in Sullivan WI, so about 5 hrs. from you. I have two good friends in Rochester, I was there when you were working on your 280, unfortunately, I just found your thread tonight. We will be coming through the twin cities sometime very close to June 18th we are headed to Alaska for 6 weeks. if you want to meet up and see our rig, let me know.

[Tap]

I would love that!!!
I'll message you. Thanks so much!

[Isuzusweet]

[QUOTE=tevake;1782717

I wish that I had documented my projects more clearly and recorded parts #s etc.

Cheers Richard[/QUOTE]

Tap If you could record part numbers especially for hoses, if they find a close match. Also as Richard alluded too, make notes on type of rad and any differences, tank material, size of core, numbers of cores, etc, etc. It will benefit many.

Cheers
Tony

[Tap]

I'll try to get as much parts info as possible. Thanks.

[Tap]

Guys, where can I get a replacement light and red lens for this missing one?



Thanks!

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Tap

Guys, where can I get a replacement light and red lens for this missing one?

Attachment 261515

Thanks!

They are pretty common marker lights Tap.

Airstream Supply have them, but most folks change to LED to reduce load on the headlight switch.

http://airstreamsupply.com/Airstream...ssic-motorhome

[shepherd57]

You should be able to get them at any parts house or heavy truck supply or truck stop. How many do you want I have some spares.