1978 24' Argosy RV w/454 soon will be mine

[Gmckenny]

So I've taken the plunge and found an purchased a one owner, decent and original Argosy motor home. It runs and drives and brakes and stops, but it has been winterized and sat for a great deal of time. It's going to be fun to read through all of the copious paperwork and manuals to learn how things work, but I thought I would first ask my knowledgable new friends available to me through this site, what mistakes should I avoid which could damage this beast as I attempt to get it fully functional. It did start and run and shift and brake nicely as I said. I do intend to get it put up on a lift and have her inspected including looking at the brakes. Should I be worried about changing out fluids and filters and the like. The Onan has not been run in some time. How will I approach testing that and getting it running, though that is perhapse not the first priority. Are old propane tanks something to worry about? This one just seems to have surface rust specs peppering it. Thanks for your advice. I'd like to spiffy up and enjoy the originality of this old girl for a long time. Photos to come upon delivery.
-Ken

[martin300662]

Welcome to the 'mad-house'!

This maybe a good starting point http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...ice_Manual.pdf

[tevake]

Welcome to the forum and the madness of vintage motorhome ownership.
Drop on over to the motorhome corner of this place and dig in, lots of info to be found there. And a number of helpful, hands on owners, who can usually answer any questions that may come up.

Sounds like you may have found a gem there. One owner, mostly original. That is a big plus, as sorting thru the changes have happened to these old coaches thru the years and many owners is a whole nuther layer of challenge.

As to getting your coach back on the road. It's a good idea to replace the fluids including brake fluid and the rubber parts. Tires, Belts, hoses etc. these 454s are a real workhorse of an engine. Good to also check the carb and Exhast system for leaks.
I'm not sure if the Argosies are built on the Chevy P 30 truck chassis as the classics are, but parts are pretty easy to find and not crazy in cost.

I like that you are planning to use your coach as is, we have many deep restorations under way in our crew, so may get to see you on the road one of these days. Have fun!

Cheers Richard