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1977 Foretravel

Hello everybody...I'm new to the site, but I thought you would like to see what I'm working on.  It's a 1977 Foretravel 26', sporting a Dodge 440.  I've owned it for 6yrs and other than sitting for most of that time, she runs.  Just dealing with the little items that tend to go from sitting such as carb, master cyl, etc.  I contacted the factory for any info, but they told me that the facility burned down in the 1980's, so if anyone has info on these old coaches I would be grateful.  Hope to get some good feedback.

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #1 –
Welcome to Foreforums and Wow!

Do you know the build number on that gem of history?

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #2 –
where would i find it?

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #3 –
Do you have a photo of the VIN plate?  (see gmgeoff's post here Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel??? )

If you post the photo, the folks at Foretravel will likely see it and be able to help out.

I'm hoping members jaholder and gmgeoff chime in to share info on your era coach as well.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #4 –
Dude ... you SO need to see the Speedy Marie!!!  Head to Nac with some photos of your project and take a tour of the Factory!!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #5 –
i have been planning that trip forever...its about 4hrs from me.  what is the "speedy marie"?

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #6 –
I'll snap a pic of the vin plate and post it up.  I think its leftover from the '76 line up and titled as a '77, because the only "77's ive seen are the FTX

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #7 –
The original Speedy Marie is in the showroom at Foretravel ... fully restored and named for Mrs. Fore.  You will be inspired.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #9 –
oh wow, she's an oldie...i will keep yall posted on the progress

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #10 –
Randall,

We had a SouthWind with the same engine. Not the super sought after forged crank model but still an excellent engine with high demand by restoration guys today. Does not crack manifolds like the 383 did.

You probably have the Carter AFB sitting on top. Good carb but needs a little work to get it to smog in some states and use less fuel. See the page here for overhaul tips: http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/2009/AFB_Rebuild_Guide.pdf

I brought two large diameter exhaust pipes back and out the side just in front of the rear wheels. I put a big cat on one for the smog test with a smaller version for the other. Passed really easily.

Some of these older motorhomes had a short (high numerical) rear end ratios. They accelerate like rockets but spin pretty fast going down the road. Ratio stamped on a tag on the rear end. May be easy and cheap to switch if you find you will like a lower cruise rpm along with better fuel economy. Ours got about 5.5 mpg.

Springs sagged so put Firestone airbags on the rear. Worked amazingly well.

If you have an Onan generator, they last forever. Had to tinker with the points and carb but after that, it was great.

We had a great time with our old one but yours is a much better constructed RV and should be a lot of fun.

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #11 –
it had a holley, but i replaced it with a new edelbrock (carter afb).  going to upgrade to an electric fuel pump, because that tank is too far away from the mechanical pump on the engine. i read somewhere that someone burned down their new ft by priming the carb with gas in trying to get the fuel from the tank to the engine.  he filed a lawsuit against ft, but dont think they found the factory at fault.  it has an onan which ran when i got it, but now doesnt want to even turn over.  project for later...the gear is pretty low, if i take her over 55 she starts to heat up.  slow and easy wins the race...right?

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #12 –
Mine heated too. Replaced the radiator with a Ford truck unit and changed the fan. It was OK after that. Make sure the ducting is in place so the fan is moving as much air through the radiator as possible.

Sure it's just a problem with big 12V or ground cable with the Onan. I also had to play with the auto choke to get it just right as I remember.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #13 –
Ill try that.    Figured it may be cable related

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #14 –
Well, welcome Randall!
I do have a copy of the original sales brochure that covers your coach. The model 26LR I believe it was called. This coach series named the "super Luxura" was produced from late 1973 to early 1977. It ranged from 26 to 33 feet. and was the first production fiberglass motorhome to be offered with a diesel engine. These coaches were offered with more amenities and features than other coaches of that era. I have one of the first models offered; a 1971 24 CB this coach is very similar to the one on display at the factory which BTW, is build # 49. Mine is build #53. Contact Don Lee with your VIN # and he could tell you which number you have. I am unsure how many of the original coaches remain. I do know that the first five were destroyed in a hailstorm at a show. Please post more pics of your jewel. I am more than happy to share any info I have with you.
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #15 –
Randall, you might want to check the radiator hoses. If old the hoses might be collapsing due to the water pump suction. I found, in the past on some older models, that the spiral wire inside the hose had broken into pieces and blocked the coolant flow.

Another thing I  ran into when I worked on stock cars was the cooling fan had to be a certain distance away from the radiator in order to move air. Too close and it just cavitated.
Someone might have tried to correct your heating situation by using a different fan, or spacer, or shroud. Check that the fan is moving air and the hose or hoses are not collapsing by revving up the engine a bit and holding it there while you check.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #16 –
Fan moves a lot of air, but the upper rad hose does seem flimsy. I will look into it. Thanks for the input.
 

Re: 1977 Foretravel

Reply #17 –
Randal the problem with the Onan not turning over is probably the brushes , on the older model gensets they used the generator armature as a starter, it would have a extra set of brushes i think a total of 4 on the back end, most likely if you clean the armature and the brushes it will work. They can be finicky if they dont get proper volts, I have a old 4500 watt laying around if you need parts and I think I have a repair manual somewhere if I can find it, Hope that helps, Adam
Adam Byler
1999 U320 M4200 DGFE Build #5389
2014 Sundowner 26 ft Enclosed
2015 Ford F150 King Ranch crew cab