Community Forums

WarHorn79 · 06-03-2023, 08:22 PM

Wow! You definitely did a teardown. It's further than I have the knowledge to go but you look and sounds like you got this!

sibe · 06-04-2023, 04:56 AM

Holy sxxx!!!!!! That is a teardown...
I can only say, at this point, take your time.. Make a solid plan, source all you stuff.. really plan as logic on assembly is key, power , plumbing, accessories - add now in design,,,

Look at newer coaches for modern ideas that may cross over and easy to do now..

please post progress,,,

Hayseed4ever · 10-01-2023, 10:16 PM

I suppose that as summer is winding down I should post an update on the progress that I have made so far. I needed to do some engine work. I started with the water pump and figured since I had it off, I should replace the timing chain and gears while I was at it since this is all kind of a pain to get to. Turned out that the timing chain was just at the edge of acceptable wear. I also replaced the power steering pump since I was in there. I am planning on doing the brake booster and master cylinder before I put it in service. I replaced every rubber line i could find, one of the PCV elbows was torn. I am sure that will help with the starting issues I was having before.

I also took a look at the body mountings and found that they are pretty worn. The bolts on the passenger side also showed some deterioration which required replacement. Since these are impossible to replace when the coach is on, I am going to do it now. The problem is that the they don't make those body mounts anymore. After talking with some folks from energy suspension we determined that we needed a 90 durometer material. I was able to buy some material from McMaster Carr and will be cutting and turning it on my lathe to make the replacements.

As for my sides, I have sourced new single piece fiberglass sides mounted to Azdel wood free substrate. I also have some 4x8 Azdel sheets that will be coming for the interior sides.

Crypto Weenie · 10-19-2023, 08:49 PM

Hayseed4ever – Our first motorhome was a 1986 Jamboree; the Tioga is an upgrade to the Jamboree. Looking at the Fotos, I could be looking at our old Jamboree. Same color scheme, layout, etc. We purchased it used in 1990, with 27K miles, and sold it eight years later with almost 90K. We loved that RV, but we did learn a few things:
As you have already discovered, the overhead windows LEAK. We fought those leaks constantly.
I suggest that when you have the overhead fiberglass off, use liberal amounts of sealant at all the seams when reassembling the unit.
We lived in Colorado when we owned the Jamboree and we took it to Breckenridge skiing ONCE. It has little to no insulation. When you reassemble your unit, use plenty of insulating material.
Also, the utility tanks and plumbing are fully exposed under the unit. I created an insulating blanket, with heat tape installed to help mitigate the tanks freezing up. It did help some, but I could have used more insulating material.
The fresh water tank in mine was only about 35 gallons. I always wanted to pull it and install something larger, but never got around to it. Something you might want to consider.
Additionally, the fuel tank is only 40 gallons. At six to seven miles/gallon don’t expect long distance travel without frequent stops for gas!
You have a huge 460 CI Ford V8, with a weakling 200 HP. In a vehicle that weighs 15K lbs., be prepared for less than neck-snapping acceleration. I did consider some hot rod upgrades, but never acted on the idea. Something you might consider.
Good luck with your project. I look forward to seeing how it turns out

John

sibe · 10-20-2023, 06:07 AM

Hayseed... Nice, please post back..

I am on my third RV with 460's.. The carbed one I only had a few months..

other 2 are FI.. Waterpump and timing chain.. good idea, while you are at it..
I also updated my radiator with an all alum more core replacement.. also added a trans cooler.. best things I did..
You can also bump timing a couple degrees to help with running.. Tons of stuff and dollars you can spend on a 460 to wake up.. nice free flow exhaust helps with pulling not MPG..

Good luck on your quest..

Hayseed4ever · 11-11-2023, 08:59 PM

Well I have the frame completely sanded and every square inch of the frame undercoated to promote longevity of the frame. Now to mount the gas tank and put the fuel and electrical lines back. The single piece fiberglass sides and interior azdel panels arrived with about 5 gallons of adhesive.

As for the insulation I have been giving it some thought. I spent a very cold October and November in northern Wisconsin, and that convinced me there could be some improvements. I have 1.5" foam board insulation I am putting in the walls because the cavity is only 1.5" deep. This should be a R-10 value and I plan to spray foam any gaps between the frame and the foam board to prevent drafts. This unit originally had all of the plumbing inside and only the holding tanks were exposed below the frame. I am contemplating how to maybe insulate that in the future.

Next is getting the mountings made on the lathe and putting the bottom floor on the frame.

Hayseed4ever · 06-21-2024, 11:18 AM

It has been a wile since I last posted since we welcomed a new baby to our family and I had to place the rv project on the back burner.

What I have been working on my recently is new mounting bushings. The original ones were rubber and the bolts were worn a third of the way though. So in trying to find replacements, it turns out that they don't exist. This means that I have to make them. This is a great opportunity to use my new vintage lathe. I purchased 3/4" hardened bar stock to make into spacers with a 1/2" hole. I bought polyurethane logs, cut, turned, and faced them to make the replacements. I am about half way through making all of these new ones with only one that did not meet my standards. After the first 3 the rest were pretty quick.

Here is what the new ones look like compared to the old.

Rialiama · 06-26-2024, 03:38 PM

Wow, man, talk about a labor of love when all is said and done. I hope your adventure continues and you end up with a perfect home!

VA-Apraisr · 06-26-2024, 04:55 PM

You, sir, are a much better MAN than me!! I couldn't and wouldn't even conceive of taking on a project like this. The photo of the layout looks very similar to many, many newer RV's out there, so, have to question what made this particular unit so attractive to you? We all have our dream rigs, and maybe this is yours and happy for you. But very common design/layout. I certainly understand the old engines are less "computer" issues, but do remember vapor-lock, overheating, etc. in the good ole days. BEST of luck on this ambitious project!!