F530F radiator & e brake replacement cost, 97 rexhall rexair 29

[rickrfa]

I am in the process of buying a 1997 rexhall 29' rexair, ford F530F chassis, 460 engine with 50K miles. The mechanic doing the pre-purchase inspection found the following, along with other minor issues.

1- Radiator has a leak, estimated 2K to replace + hoses, t-stat etc.
2- e-brake needs replacment (leaking fluid), 1K

This is at an RV service only shop (not a dealership). Does this seem about right? Seems kind of high to me, but the shop has a good reputation from what I can tell.

Would I be better off taking it to a Ford truck dealership, assuming I end up doing the repairs instead of the seller?

BTW, they said the exhaust manifold bolts are all OK, so I guess that is a positive from what I have been researching on the 460.

I am in the San Diego CA area, any other general comments would be appreciated if you are familiar with this rig/chassis.

Thanks,
-Rick

[Mekanic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickrfa I am in the process of buying a 1997 rexhall 29' rexair, ford F530F chassis, 460 engine with 50K miles. The mechanic doing the pre-purchase inspection found the following, along with other minor issues. 1- Radiator has a leak, estimated 2K to replace + hoses, t-stat etc. 2- e-brake needs replacment (leaking fluid), 1K This is at an RV service only shop (not a dealership). Does this seem about right? Seems kind of high to me, but the shop has a good reputation from what I can tell. ......Thanks, -Rick

3K for a radiator and E brake Cable??
If mine I'd like the wind...somewhere else.
I think they were going to fill the rad with special "RV" coolant.
(same ole coolant just a different bottle label and price markup)

[Nick-B]

Definitely get a second opinion. Everything at an RV shop is more expensive,
Just to clarify - your Rexair Class A is on the Ford F53 chassis, not F530F.

[rickrfa]

Thanks,
The carfax report from the VIN came back as F530F. I did a google search and looks like the F530F has something different in the rear frame, otherwise the same. F53 seems to be the common generic usage.

Anyway, will definately check out other shops, will probably call the local ford dealers truck service dept first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-B Definitely get a second opinion. Everything at an RV shop is more expensive, Just to clarify - your Rexair Class A is on the Ford F53 chassis, not F530F.

[subford]

Well Ford never made a F530F.
Yes you will see a a lot of F530F Motorhomes and trucks on a google search but none of them are a F530F. In short non of the hundreds of posts know what they are talking about.
You see none of the Class "A" Motorhomes have any Ford model numbers on the titles. The titles all have the Coach name and not Ford on them.

None of the F530F on the google searches are from Ford, only used car lots and private parties. None of them are from a Motorhome dealer that sells new Motorhomes or Motorhome Mfg.

You have a F53 and Nick is right. Look it up on any parts store or offical Ford site and you will only see F53 and not F530F. Also any Ford shop manual also only will list the F53 or F59. And no F53 is not a common generic usage.

True that most parts for the F550 truck of the same year will fit the F53. Ford never used a "3" before the last "0".

There are a lot of data sheets and manuals out there from Ford on the F53.

You say you are from San Diego CA area.
I know a guy in the San Diego CA area that rebuilt his own e-brake on his F53 about a year ago for about $60.00. If you want his photos and where he got his parts email me.
My email address is below.