Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-04-2015, 03:59 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
The Dog House

I don't generally don't develop emotional attachments with mechanical things like boats, airplanes, or vehicles to the point of giving them a name. I do develop a deep appreciation for form, function, innovation, and implementation. That started my search for a diesel pusher classic and the subsequent purchase of the 95. I've spent 3 years striving to make perfect. I've developed an obsession to convert it to air ride suspension. I've done a lot of research and came to the conclusion that the only reasonable approach would be to find a donor vehicle and preform a transplant. I knew the Spartan EC2000 chassis came with Granning Air Ride as an expensive option.

A couple weeks ago a sad looking 94 Classic pusher popped up on eBay. I wouldn't have given it a second look except the description stating it had Air Glide suspension. I immediately called for more information and told the lady seller that if it was still available when I got back in town I'd come down and look at it. Fountain CO is only a hour and a half drive. Within hours the listing showed sold. A few days later the phone rang and she said the deal fell through it was available. We made an appointment and drove down to look at it. I actually had no intention of buying it but thought it would be an opportunity to check out the air ride suspension. And possibly test drive it. My intentions weren't totally dishonorable as some potential buyers wanted me to check it out.

The pictures didn't do it justice as it was uglier in real life. It had a big ugly air scoop stuck to its side, the clear coat was totally deteriorated, the graphics were painted over and pealing. The door latch was messed up making the door very hard to get open. The Kwikee step struggled to extend and looked like it had hit more than one curb or stump. The interior was very dusty and done in a hideous blue.

But one look underneath and there it was!

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428183347.793714.jpg
Views:	261
Size:	97.6 KB
ID:	235586

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428183377.211676.jpg
Views:	236
Size:	100.9 KB
ID:	235587

As I looked closer I couldn't find a spot of corrosion anywhere. Per the carfax it had spent its entire life in desert climates. Closer examination of the skin revealed that it was free from dents and scratches. A perfect candidate for polishing out. The interior was dusty but not human dirty. The fabric was still a hideous blue but in pretty good. Shape. The cabinetry was nearly perfect.

It started right and sounded great. We headed down I25 like a big bird. Great power and not a puff of smoke. The emissions test showed it was running very clean. The ride was the most impressive difference between it and my 95. Even on some unsafe at any speed rotted and worn rear tires.

I crawled around it for another hour. Brakes, steering, hoses, belts, plumbing, electrical, roof... Everything looked great. We decided to make an offer. I asked for there best price and they came back with a price I couldn't refuse. Wrote a check and drove home wondering what I was getting into.

...more...
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 04:15 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Drove down yesterday and met the sellers brother at the bank. They cut him a cashier's check and he signed the title. We drove out to his place and I checked the fluids and headed over to the tire shop. I put 6 Michelins on it.

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428185089.440562.jpg
Views:	412
Size:	110.9 KB
ID:	235590

Took a bit longer than planned and I didn't want to drive it home in the dark. We decided to spend the night at a KOA in Fountain plug it in and check everything out.

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428185295.403970.jpg
Views:	230
Size:	99.0 KB
ID:	235591

We spent a bunch of time wiping down surfaces and making up the bed with bedding we brought from home. Lights all worked as did all 4 heaters. We did find this blanked in the closet.

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428185505.163898.jpg
Views:	317
Size:	97.7 KB
ID:	235592

Kota said he didn't mind the blue.

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428185573.083253.jpg
Views:	384
Size:	101.2 KB
ID:	235593

I said, "your a dog! Dogs can't see color!"

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428185687.675165.jpg
Views:	232
Size:	299.1 KB
ID:	235594

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428185723.158795.jpg
Views:	241
Size:	95.9 KB
ID:	235595

...more...
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 04:38 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
The owner said they didn't have the time to remove their camping gear and we should pitch anything we didn't want. We woke up this morning at the KOA and started going through the drawers. Found some real treasures like this 1983 Emergency CB radio.

Attachment 235596

Some usable stuff like a heavy bottle jack and a nice set of stainless dishes for Kota.

The trip home on the new tires was uneventful and a real pleasure. Much tension as the ride is vastly better. I think it will be great for those long days.

The Palmer divide was no challenge. I ran 70 to 75 all the way. It does shift at higher points than the 95 which I've always felt were too low making it lug. I often over ride it to run a lower gear. The 94 wants to run higher RPMs than I like. You can't over ride it to run a higher gear.

I did notice some shudder in 4th gear with a lesser amount in 5th. I think it's slipping when it gets hot. The maintenance records show a history of transmission issues. I'm thinking the clutches are about shot. I can get the MD 3060 rebuilt for about $2500 or a used one for $1000.
Not a planned expense but somewhat expected based on the inspection of the tranny fluid. I was hoping a flush and filters would take care of it.

Anyway, it's home and safely in the barn.

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428187064.112998.jpg
Views:	251
Size:	104.2 KB
ID:	235598

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1428187081.480127.jpg
Views:	222
Size:	106.5 KB
ID:	235599

Dave...
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 05:05 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
SteveSueMac's Avatar

 
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W , New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
Looks beautiful!
SteveSueMac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 05:42 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
It's got a lot of potential but it's going to be a project.
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2015, 11:22 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Vycan's Avatar
 
1994 36' Classic 36 Diesel
Colorado Springs , Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 883
Blog Entries: 1
Kota,

Any idea which one you are going to keep?
__________________
1994 36' Classic Diesel Pusher
Vycan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2015, 02:15 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Both!

Actually, the jury is still out. The 94 has 100,000 miles of drive train neglect. The 95 has been meticulously cared for. Allison synthetic...

I've been through it end to end and it's ready for Alaska. Just starting on the fun and cosmetic stuff.
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2015, 06:12 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
Vycan's Avatar
 
1994 36' Classic 36 Diesel
Colorado Springs , Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 883
Blog Entries: 1
Nice!
__________________
1994 36' Classic Diesel Pusher
Vycan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2015, 06:28 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
The Dog House

We will use the 95 this camping season or until I get the 94 roadworthy. At that point I figure out which one to continue on with. Lots of work ahead but the experience on the 95 will make this one go much faster.

Evaluating the air ride will be the determining factor. The springs with the Goodyear G630RVs and new Bilstien shocks really improved the ride. It's totally acceptable but I have high expectations of the AR.
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 06:48 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
The Dog House

I've been documenting my efforts on the "happy camper" in the mechanics corner forum. The hard work it starting to pay off. I have it in a "roadworthy" condition and took it up to Longmont for an emissions test so I could get my plates before the temp tags expired. The previous owners definitely dumped it because they were tired of throwing money at it with no positive results. It apparently had a catastrophic engine failure in 2004 and got a factory reman engine. Soon after the air-compressor came loose and it lost oil. It was towed into Cheyenne Wy. The driveshaft was reinstalled a spline out of phase causing a driveline shudder. The oil leak caused the radiator to plug up with a blanket of dust and overheating problems set in. Most of the problems have been resolved and it running very nice.

The emissions test and oil analysis look great. I don't think any harm was done. I believe the engine has about 5000 miles on it.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1431564495.170411.jpg
Views:	136
Size:	104.6 KB
ID:	238377  
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 07:46 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
mayco's Avatar
 
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign , Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
Nice work Kota. Brought it back to life. Good luck with it what ever you decide to do with it...........WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO WITH IT???? Hehehehehe, one for week day and one for week ends?

Mike
mayco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 05:46 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
The test drive's not over. Looks like the neglect hasn't resulted in permanent damage. Jury is still out on the air ride. They actually ride and drive very nice on springs. Especially with good shocks, good tires,and proper inflation. There is something eloquent about the simplicity. The air ride needs some work to get the auto levers working correctly. I need to set up the ride height. The bags and probably shocks need replacing.

In any case one will get sold this fall.
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 05:55 PM   #13
4 Rivet Member
 
SebasSF's Avatar
 
1991 30' Airstream 30
San Francisco , California
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 463
Did the 95's not have rear panoramic windows?
SebasSF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 06:44 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Pretty much identical to the 94
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2015, 05:59 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1431993495.045653.jpg
Views:	177
Size:	295.8 KB
ID:	238732

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1431993527.111903.jpg
Views:	176
Size:	295.8 KB
ID:	238733

It actually cleaned up pretty decent inside.
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2015, 06:00 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1431993610.136480.jpg
Views:	199
Size:	297.4 KB
ID:	238734
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2015, 09:25 PM   #17
4 Rivet Member
 
SebasSF's Avatar
 
1991 30' Airstream 30
San Francisco , California
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 463
Nice! No chair or mini couch next to the door? I wish I had the couch option not the chair...I wonder about getting one custom made?
SebasSF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2015, 10:10 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1432008648.425184.jpg
Views:	173
Size:	111.0 KB
ID:	238772
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2015, 11:14 PM   #19
4 Rivet Member
 
SebasSF's Avatar
 
1991 30' Airstream 30
San Francisco , California
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 463
Looks like they had a TV there...
SebasSF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2015, 06:50 AM   #20
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington , Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
Quote:
Originally Posted by SebasSF View Post
Looks like they had a TV there...

Imagine the TV on that wall with the sofa replaced with:

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1432039812.297587.jpg
Views:	194
Size:	46.0 KB
ID:	238781
Kota is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dog house gasket 345 MH pjzuk Classic Motorhomes 3 07-22-2011 04:30 AM
First dog in AS - how do you eliminate that dog smell? Whirlaway The Pet Forum 42 03-22-2010 05:54 PM
Bella's new dog house 67doghouse Member Introductions 4 05-13-2008 06:27 AM
Silver Dog House Gets a Bath davidz71 Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 4 04-16-2007 09:30 PM
AS Dog House loudruff The Pet Forum 13 12-26-2005 11:13 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:47 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.