Archive for the 'RV Restoration' Category

An interesting, productive day

Published
by
Meta
on March 25, 2008
in Projects and RV Restoration
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First, I thought I was going to have several more weeks to work on the RV before I really needed it.  Instead, I got a call last night confirming that I have a gig in Pasadena, CA, and I’m expected to be there onsite on Apr 7.  So, my RV project has to be rushed to get through some of the more high-priority items so that I can hopefully get on the road this weekend.

Second, don’t mind the tools and cleaning supplies laying around, but I posted some pictures of the interior for your viewing pleasure.

So, today I made a quick trip to Edmundson RV to ask some questions and pick up some parts.  I inquired about getting a tow-bar and a base-plate installed on my pickup so I could tow it around, and drive it once I reach my destination. Their prices were pretty steep, so I opted to hold-off and shop around.  I also asked about getting my fuel tank repaired, as it seems to be gunked up or something and right now I’m running completely off the auxiliary tank.  Turns out their service department is back-logged and no way they could get it fixed by Friday.  Ugh.

I did, however, get a replacement for the bad battery isolator that was bypassed and preventing the batteries from charging.  I also picked up a new LP gas regulator, since the original was broken off during the tire-blowout. 

I got the isolator installed and tested.  Everything seems to be working as it should and now I don’t have to jumpstart it every time I shut the RV down.   I would’ve installed the LP regulator, but it turns out I accidentally gave the clerk at Edmundson’s the fittings I needed.  Ugh.

I also managed to get the RV connected to a 15amp service from the house to make sure it could run off "shore power" (I’m starting to pick up the RV-ers lingo.)  The good news is that the microwave, TV, lights, and A/C all work.  Phew!  Next, I filled up the fresh-water tank about half-way and turned on the water pump. It worked too!  I got water out of the bath/shower and the faucets in the bath and kitchen.  But the water filter is so old that it started spitting out dirty water under the kitchen sink.  So, fixing that is on the to-do list for tomorrow.

So, the big things left to do are:

  • Get the LP gas working so I can test the furnace and water heater,
  • Replace a few burned-out light bulbs,
  • Replace the water filter and fix the kitchen faucet leak, and
  • Get a tow-bar and base-plate so I can tow the truck,

Things that need done but likely won’t be until I get settled are:

  • Fix the main fuel tank. (The only reason I would really need this is to run the generator. But I don’t plan to be without access to shore power long enough to need it.  The hassle is that I’ll have to stop for gas more often on the way.),
  • Repair the fiber-glass damage resulting from the tire blow-out, and
  • Replace the old, yellowing vents and sky-lights.

RV background (and name contest)

Published
by
Meta
on March 23, 2008
in Projects and RV Restoration
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So… I’m sure you’re wondering about this RV and its background. Well, I’m about to tell you. In addition, I need a name. My instinct tells me vehicles are normally girls, but on the other hand, sometimes this one acts like a guy. I mean, in my experience so far, it just kinda’ does what it wants to do and doesn’t mind a little nudging. But too much nudging and it gets offended. So maybe it’s a guy. Anyway…

The beast is a 30′ 1983 Executive Diplomat. It’s built on a Chevrolet P30 chassis and has a Chevy 454 engine. Executive Industries, the company that built it originally, no longer exists. They were bought out by a company called Monaco Coach Corporation, who, unfortunately, have little to no information to give about this model.

As I understand it, the original owner was a rather wealthy ex-Navy guy. He bought it, used it a few times, then parked it for almost 10 years. Eventually, he sold it to a guy whose intention was to ‘flip it’. The new owner did some minor fixes to make it run again, then sold it at a profit. That’s ok with me, because I think I still got a pretty good deal.

So… on to the name contest: if you have any ideas… I would appreciate the suggestions. It’s rather inconvenient to continue to refer to it as “the 1983 Executive Diplomat” and it seems too informal to simply call it the “RV”. Look closely at the pictures, and if you have an idea for a name, post a comment. Sharon and I will evaluate the suggestions and, in a few weeks, post the official new name.

The new project officially begins

Published
by
Meta
on March 23, 2008
in Projects and RV Restoration
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I’ve created a new ‘category’ to document the work I’m about to do to bring this old 1983 Executive Diplomat back to its former glory. I’ve also created a new Photo Gallery where I’ve already uploaded a few new pictures now that we got her home.

Ever since I decided to get the RV, my biggest fear had been driving it up the hill and around the curves that lead to my house. Then I would have to manage to get it into my driveway and parked somewhere. Well, doing so wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. The old Chevy engine still does a good job of pulling this rig around.

R.V. Adventures

Published
by
Meta
on March 18, 2008
in Projects and RV Restoration
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As you probably know, "RV" is the common colloquial abbreviation for "recreational vehicle".  Speaking of "RV", have you seen the movie?

Anyway… on to my own story.

A few years ago I had a great idea. Since my work requires me to travel to different cities around the country, sometimes for months at a time, I thought I could save dramatically on my travel/lodging expenses if I had an RV.   I could drive the RV and park at a campground for months at a fraction of the cost of living out of a hotel room or getting a short-term lease on a small apartment.   And, though my company was buying the thing, I could take the RV out for personal trips too. 

So, after months of debating and searching, I finally came across a beauty on eBay selling for much less than I thought it was worth.  I bought it.

My girlfriend and I drove down to Memphis, TN in her car.  The plan was that I would drive the RV home while she followed… just in case I ran into "any problems".  We would pick up the RV in Memphis, drive to Nashville, TN and stay the night there.  Then, on Sunday morning, we would drive the rest of the way home. 

"Any problems" turned out to be an understatement. 

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