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Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: rickricca on January 23, 2011, 11:34:05 pm

Title: new owner of an old rv
Post by: rickricca on January 23, 2011, 11:34:05 pm
Just purchased what is supposed to be a 1980 38 foot diesel pusher. Looks more like an 83 from the pics I have seen The ID is FTX8014753RED
Can anybody help me out with information such as which chassis, where to find shocks, or any info at all? Air suspension in rear, leaf in front with leveling air, cummins vt225 allison mt643 air brakes. Wonderful interior, drives like crap
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on January 24, 2011, 12:45:21 am
Try this link http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-links.htm/ (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-links.htm/)
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: PatC on January 24, 2011, 09:32:48 am
And somewhere on Barry's website is a break down of VIN numbers so you can put a year with you Foretravel.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Barry Beam on January 24, 2011, 09:43:52 am
Quote from: rickricca –
Just purchased what is supposed to be a 1980 38 foot diesel pusher. Looks more like an 83 from the pics I have seen The ID is FTX8014753RED
Can anybody help me out with information such as which chassis, or any info at all?

FTX  80  1475  ORED

Model FTX
Year 80
Coach Build # 1475
Chassis ORED  (Oshkosh rear Engine Diesel)

Reading the Vehicle Identification Number (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/vehicle_identification_number.htm)
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: J. D. Stevens on January 24, 2011, 10:09:32 am
Quote from: rickricca –
.... Wonderful interior, drives like crap

When I read your post to Marilyn (my spouse, co-driver, lover, etc.), her response was laughter followed by, "He needs to take it to Wayne. Go see Wayne." Wayne is the "Chassis Center Coordinator" at Foretravel of Texas in Nacogdoches. Last week he tweaked our 1997 U295 and the improvement in handling was remarkable. The ORED (Oshkosh Rear Engine Diesel) will not handle like a Unicoach, but I expect improvements could be implemented.

Good luck with your "new" coach.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: rickricca on January 24, 2011, 10:30:01 am
Thanks, looking forward to being a part of this community!
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: MAZ on January 24, 2011, 11:07:04 am
Hey Rick,
  Welcome to the Foretravel community. I noticed in your signature that you are a vintage Mercedes fan. I too am a Mercedes lover. We are on our fifth diesel. 99 E300. Have had two SDL's an SD and a 240D. They are great cars. Hope you get the Foretravel running better and enjoy it.

Regards, Mark
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: rickricca on January 24, 2011, 11:28:19 am
Thanks

I have a couple of really nice ones for sale as I embark on this new obsession

A 1972 280sel 4.5 and a 1961 180b if you know of any interest out there
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Don Hay on January 24, 2011, 01:10:40 pm
Quote
A quote from Rickricca:  "Having trouble finding shocks and it drives pretty bad since the old ones are completely shot."

Many of the Foretravels from '92 on use Koni's, and the upgrades, Koni FSD's (frequency selective dampening) in particular. However, Bilsteins were also used as OEM's on some of the older coaches. There have been several posts a few months ago regarding the cheapest place to order FSD's. Summit Racing is now up to $180-190/shock, whereas a year ago they were about $130 each, which is when and where I got 4 for the front.

Welcome to the Foretravel family.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: J. D. Stevens on January 24, 2011, 01:38:11 pm
Quote from: Don Hay –
Quote
A quote from Rickricca:  "Having trouble finding shocks and it drives pretty
bad since the old ones are completely shot."
...
Summit Racing is now up to $180-190/shock, whereas a year ago they were about $130 each, which is when and where I got 4 for the front.
We replaced the OEM Bilstein's with Koni FSDs at FOT last week. $154.80/shock after the Motorcade discount. They installed them. I think installation was about about two hours labor.

FOT might be able to find the shocks that Rick needs, and their price may be competitive with other places.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on January 24, 2011, 03:03:17 pm
Rick Ricca
I have 4 Bilstein B46-1868-M1 that still seem to have some life left that you can have for $10 total plus shipping about 20 lbs in a box.  They came off my 96 U270 at 65K miles.  I threw the 4 on the rear away, 2 were leaking and the other 2 seemed weak.  Not sure if they will fit your MH.  They have a 3/4" eye for a bolt on each end, extended length eye center to eye center is 21 3/4", compressed 14" eye width is 1 3/4".  Austin, TX
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Dub on January 25, 2011, 11:51:03 am
would like to see some pics of the 80 model rick. And welcome.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: rickricca on January 26, 2011, 10:59:18 am
Foretravel Pics
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Dub on January 26, 2011, 11:00:40 am
she looks sweet .
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Peter & Beth on January 26, 2011, 11:14:02 am
Rick,
That is quite a find!  Take good care of it and it will take good care of you.  I didn't see much info on this rare coach in beamalarm.com.  Perhaps you can post specification details of it...
 
And, welcome aboard the ForeForums express...
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Michelle on January 26, 2011, 11:20:42 am
Quote from: rickricca –
Foretravel Pics

Oh how fantastic!  Isn't that the gorgeous "oldie" James Holder posted about in this thread

most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches..... (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11156.msg54348#msg54348)

If it is, thank you for giving her a new home!

Michelle
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Bob McGee on January 26, 2011, 11:21:29 am
It's beautiful! Thanks for the pictures. Love the bumpers.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: PatC on January 26, 2011, 11:34:48 am
Very sweet!!
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: George Stoltz on January 26, 2011, 11:53:11 am
Rick,

Wow!  It appears to be in mint condition and looks as though it is built like a tank.  What a great find.  The previous owner(s) took really good care of it.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: jaholder76 on January 26, 2011, 05:51:57 pm
Wow! I am envious.. that is truly one of my favorite Foretravel coaches. This coach is built on a Hendrickson or National chassis. They used both early on. This is not an oshkosh. Remove the old shock and take it to a heavy truck parts store ie: Truck Pro. They should be able to match it up. This is a Great looking machine! Feel free to stay in touch. I know a little about these old ones. You can email direct if you like.
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on January 26, 2011, 07:28:41 pm
Howdy Rick,  She's beautiful!!!  Looks " bona fide"  Good Luck!!
 Dave Abel
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: Ted H on January 26, 2011, 07:53:02 pm
What a ride.. and she's from Southern Calif so the rust will be null....

Enjoy

Ted in Seattle
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: rickricca on January 27, 2011, 10:56:32 pm
I figured it out
It's a 1976  National Chassis

Probably went out of business years ago.

4 bag air suspension on the rear, leaf/2 bag in front

More uniqueness!

I love a challenge!
Title: Re: new owner of an old rv
Post by: rickricca on January 28, 2011, 12:22:42 am


Cummins VT225 (triple nickle V8) pusher configuration driver side rear mount radiator Allison MT643 4 speed Auotmatic, Eaton 5.29 final drive. 10800 front axle, 18500 rear axle kohler 4 cyl 7.5 kw generator trash compactor, central vacuum and all the other usual cool stuff!
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