Community Forums

Rex.Express · 08-17-2015, 01:43 PM

Title more for attention. I bought a 34' 1989 Mallard 2 weeks ago. Trying to get it smogged and the smog guy freaked out on me and failed me. He said the vin comes back as a Chevy, but it has a Ford motor. I pointed out it also has ford doodads on the dash and ford headlights, but he wouldn't believe it came that way.

Here's two pictures. Also,

here's a video

of an RV nearly identical to mine that shows ford accessories and a "ford 460" motor.

Just trying to get some clarification. Also, does anyone know the model name? I can't find anything relating to the model name and if you run the vin it says "Chevy Mallard".

Any assistance is appreciated.

Rex.Express · 08-17-2015, 01:48 PM

Instant update: I just found this. Is it a John Deere chassis? It had John Deere chassis owners manuals in the cabinet when we bought it. NADA says the only 34 footer made in 1989 had a Deere.

1989 Mallard Sprinter Series M-340 SD-Deere Prices, Values & Specs, 1989 Mallard Sprinter Series M-340 SD-Deere Equipment Options | NADAguides, RV Values & Prices

Medico · 08-17-2015, 03:06 PM

Looks like an oldie but goodie. Do not know anything about it. Good luck!

Nick-B · 08-17-2015, 03:26 PM

You might want to find another smog inspection place or if that is not convenient then return to that same place armed with what you have found thus far. Might have to get the manager involved too and do some "educating" to these experts.

The chassis is indeed a John Deere and JD just happen to use Ford drivetrains. Any reference to Chevy is in error. Perhaps the VIN is being misread. If you are getting the VIN from the title it could easily be wrong. Make sure you are using the VIN from the "Incomplete Vehicle" tag that JD would have supplied. They are usually on the sidewall close to the driver's seat. Any Ford "doodads" found on the dash or exterior have nothing to do with the chassis. The coach and dash pieces were sourced and installed by the coach builder (Mallard) and could have come from any common supplier.

Best of luck and congrats on a nice looking classic motorhome.