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Topic: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE  (Read 9636 times) previous topic - next topic

Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Greetings to all,

I'd like to introduce myself to the community. I live in Southern California, my name is Michael McLaughlin, and yes -- I have been a "Foretravel lurker". That is - I've been on different forum's for the past few years as I learned and absorbed as much as I could about the various models produced from 1986-1996. I looked at hundreds online, and stepped up to, and crawled around/under about a half dozen GV's and Unihomes -- all in the hope that I'd be able to swing the deal of liquidating some of my other toys (such as an Italian sportscar), return to working at a real profession again (having been laid-off in 2008), and make the move towards owning one of these excellent machines.

This brutal economy did its best to de-rail my plans time and time again.

However -- after 4 years, it just came together. I'm working again, the sportscar found a new home, and I rolled the dice big-time to acquire what had become my dream Coach, a 1995 U300 SE with the Cat 3176.

I say "roll the dice", because among many potential challenges I'm facing -- I have no previous-owner history on this Coach. It has not been running for perhaps 3 years -- even though it did fire up with an external diesel fuel source, and the generator runs fine, showing 450 hours. The VDO odometer shows an amazingly low 7,154 miles (which I suppose -- could be completely bogus). The interior is mint from end-to-end (just very..very dusty). Of course, it needs tires, a complete set of batteries, all the filters and fluids changed, belts, and that's just the very beginning. But it matters not  to me. I'm just very stoked over the fact that I have it, and working again means I can start pouring the money into the top of the funnel to restore it.

I'll be doing all the work myself, as I've a pretty heavy automotive background in both hands-on and the engineering side of things. It appears the first thing (after a new set of batteries) is to investigate what could be a nasty situation with the main fuel tank, and fuel feed lines. I'm certain I'm looking at the replacement of the lines, and right now I'm looking at alternative materials to rubber hose. I spent years building and modifying sports cars, Formula cars, and sports racers -- for reliability on the racetrack, and there are often much better materials than were originally fitted. Knowing this fuel line replacement is a major PITA-- I want to do it once only. Any suggestions?

I'm also quite aware that the air-bags should all be replaced, together with the flexible brake hoses, propane hoses, and even though the range and fridge appear to have never been used -- I understand that this area needs a very careful checking out.

So, the "adventure" begins. I guess some might pick another word, like "lunacy". 

I'm just thrilled to have finally gotten here.

With best regards,

Michael

P.S. -- After seeing the I.D. number on my Coach (12335), if anyone has any knowledge of what/who came before -- please forward the info.  (good or bad-- matters not). I did find an old online Ad from maybe 3-4 years ago -- offering it for sale for $149,000 obo -- but that's about it.

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #1 –
Excellent.  Welcome to the club.

If you need advice on that one, let us know.

Steps I would take:

1.  Verify all wiring visually before connecting to shore power or charging batteries.  Mice tend to chew wires on coaches in storage for years.  You don't want to start a fire or short out a PC board. Yes, that means dropping the overhead wire trays in the basements too.

2.  "Smell the diesel".  If it smells OFF, have it pumped out and discarded.  Fuel polishers (marine thing) can give you pointers.  You sure don't want to introduce potentially decade old diesel into the injection system if it is bad. 

3.  Change batteries and tires.  FMCA has a fleet discount program with Michelin-- if you need more details, Private Message me.

4.  Very important-- test the coolant-- the 3176 has an aluminum spacer between block and head.  If anti-corrosion properties are gone, you may be doing engine work. Check for any sign of water in oil/oil in water.

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #2 –
In the rear engine compartment there should be an engine hour meter, Located on the remote engine start panel near the top of the engine compartment ( May be covered with vinyl flap) this should give you a good idea how many hours are on the engine, also a cummins shop could read the engine history from the computer.  Nice Find!!! Welcome aboard......  ^.^d

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #3 –
Thanks, Brett and Gerry!

Tomorrow -- I will check into both of these, looking for the meter, and getting on my back in the basement to inspect wiring for damage. Gerry, it is a CAT, but I'm assuming that same meter is on the remote-start panel. I'd already thought of just having a pumping truck remove all the old fuel, and then with the tank drain open - spraying through the tank-fill inlet with a wand --- some mineral spirits or other solvent to try and flush out the tank of sludge or bio-mass goo I'm sure is there. 

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #4 –
Mike, welcome aboard. I think you will be surprised at how good the condition of the components of a 95 Grand Villa, even one that has been setting for a long time, will be. I am on my second 93 Grand Villa and other than the basics, tires and batteries have found most of the systems still in great shape. As Gerry suggested, check the hour meter in the engine compartment to get an idea of the actual mileage. I would hope the mileage is much higher than that showing on the odometer since regular use keeps the systems in better shape than just setting. Do the basics as suggested by Brent and others, but the old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is very pertinent to these vintage Foretravels. I have found that the fuel lines on both of my 93's are in great shape even at 19 years old.

It sure looks a nice rig in the photos so you have a great foundation for many years of happy motoring.

 

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #5 –
Thanks, Kent.  I will take the advice (if it ain't broke... don't)  One thing I've already read about time and time again is a small part failure being the one that leaves one dead on the road, and needing that very expensive tow to a shop where you are a captured potential victim. So -- I'm trying to make it as reliable as I can before hitting the road for even the first test-drive.

I estimate 4-6 months before that date, but that may be overly-conservative. It can only be a weekends project. 

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #6 –
I certainly don't suggest neglecting repairing things that are worn or doing preventative maintenance, but I have found that the quality of the components Foretravel used, even the fuel lines and hoses, in the older units makes them far more reliable than I would have ever guessed.

The best insurance against being stranded is either Coachnet or Good Sam's tow services. I would not leave the driveway without one or the other. They also have service plans that will give you expert telephone advice on fixing all components of the motorhome and send out local service technicians for even non-drive train repairs like your furnace or air conditioner. FWIW 

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #7 –
Congratulations and welcome.

The number on the coach in large numerals is the Foretravel Motorcade number.  Buying a new or used coach entitles you to a free membership. See link.

Foretravel Luxury Motorcoaches

The black "egg" on the rear is the previous owners Family Motor Coach Association number.  I believe that there is a member database that you can look up if you are a member.  I let mine lapse when the insurance changed.

FMCA is for motor coach and motorhome owners. Motorcoach articles, motor home

Good luck with it and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Keith

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #8 –
Good for you! There have been a couple of '95 Cat U300s on the market in California the last few years - one down in the San Diego area (I think it had a trans retarder) and one up in or north of the LA area which had the standard jake brake.

These were the rarest (and arguably the best) Unihomes made. We have at least two 95 Cat owners here - Rick D and Jon Harris.

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #9 –
FYI - I looked at a 2008 Motorcade list, and that number doesn't come up.

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #10 –
Congrats. That looks like a nice find! Where in so cal are you located?
Don

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #11 –
I looked too at FMCA and did not find 165123.  There is another alternative, for while I did not find the 12335 in my Motorcade Directory, I imagine Ms. Betty Kountze at FOT will help you.  And if you have the Build Number for the coach, she can get you design and related information.  That is a good number to have.  Give her a call Monday at 936-564-8367 or try 800-955-6226.  In addition she can sign you up for the free 2013 Motorcade membership.....good magazine, trips, rallies, some service discounts that can help. 

Mike

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #12 –
Michael,

Congratulations on a great find.  The 1995 U300 SE is a very rare Unihome, and my favorite coach Foretravel ever made.  The 1996 U280 is also one of the best ever built.  I would go with Brett's suggestions...after ensuring the wiring is okay, then operate all the appliances and chassis electronics to begin the process to improve/replace components.  You may find out that there are many systems & appliances that do not need any attention.  And, in many cases, after weeks of running and operating the coach, some appliances & systems begin to work...To me it's magic as I can't tell how these cob webs become undone...Enjoy!

Peter

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #13 –
Thanks very much for all the valuable advice. I'm located in Santa Monica (temporarily). I had the Coach delivered up in Ventura County very near my sister place in Thousand Oaks --  where I'm renting a 45' concrete pad with water and electricity from a homeowner in a safe, nice neighborhood. My plan is to take the 4-6 months if necessary to prep it, and then fine a nice RV Resort in the area to use as a base for full-timing -- moving it when and where project assignments take me through the Western U.S.

As I'm so new to the actual "being an owner", I will be full of questions, and here is one:

Attached is a picture of the warning label next to the I.D. plate about retarder operation -- that leads me to think that this Coach does have the transmission retarder. Am I correct?

Safe and fun motoring,

Michael

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #14 –
Yep! You have one of those rare birds... A Grand Villa with a trans retarder. I believe that I read that the Allison retarder was an $11K option! If so, no wonder they were rare... Here is a link which may give you some info on the trans retarder:
http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadFile?Dir=publications/pubs&FileToGet=SA2953EN.pdf
Don

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #15 –
Thanks, Don -- I was thinking this was the case. I'll definitely call Betty on Monday, thanks for the tip.

I can't wait to get over there tomorrow and get my hands dirty and hopefully calm my own concerns about wiring damage. There is evidence from an odor and droppings that mice were in the basement. I found no evidence anywhere "upstairs" - after pulling drawers and poking in access panels -- of any intrusion.

Thing is-- I'm doing a total kitchen re-model for a woman friend here in Santa Monica - and today I PROMISED her I'd work at it all day to make some progress. It's killing me! -- I'd much rather be poking around the Coach to follow through on all of the advice coming from you folks.

Oh well.....

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #16 –
Quote from: geomm –


Attached is a picture of the warning label next to the I.D. plate

And based on that ID plate you have build number 4612.

Congrats (especially on the retarder!), and welcome to ForeForums!

Michelle

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #18 –
My 2003 Motorcade directory lists 12335 as belonging to:
John & Mary Margaretis
319 Delicada
San Celemente, CA 92128
714-498-5426

Re: Biting the bullet (hard), I finally have my dream Coach - a 1995 U300 SE

Reply #19 –
Thanks to Michelle and Gayle. Yes -- I just got off the phone with Gary, and he filled me in with most of the history of the Coach -- going back some years, and an amazing amount of "just the way to do this" technical info. He knew the original owner, John Margaritis. And may I say how impressed I am with all of you that have stepped forward to not only welcome me to your community, but how much valuable information you've already provided. It's turning out that the 7,154 miles on the ODO -- is probably -- the actual total miles.

I look forward to getting through the mechanical restoration, the spit and polish on the exterior -- and meeting some of you in the near future when 12335 rolls again!

Michael