Maiden Voyage

Topic: Maiden Voyage (Read 1470 times) previous topic - next topic

Maiden Voyage

October 04, 2015, 10:03:40 pm

Well after many month of hard work and quite a few coach bucks we finally took the 94 U280 out on the road. Although only a couple of hundred miles, It felt good to finally get it out. Many thanks for all of the info and advice I have received from this forum! I still have a ways to go to get it 100% (like that is actually possible).
We took it to Texas A&M for a weekend long tailgate. We sure were not the newest...or the fanciest...bet we turned a lot of heads. Our 94 has just over 25K miles and has been stored inside since it was new....So the exterior looks like brand new. Not the fanciest but I am not in debt 500K either. Below are a couple of pictures form the day we pulled it out of storage after being stored for about 15 years untouched and this weekend at the tailgate. Thanks again for all the help and advice!!

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Reply #1 – October 04, 2015, 10:06:47 pm

After a good bath

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Reply #2 – October 04, 2015, 10:08:32 pm

This weekend at the tail gate with new 55" exterior TV!!

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Reply #3 – October 04, 2015, 10:18:25 pm

Congrats!
A very nice coach and a truly rare find!
Looks awesome...............

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Reply #4 – October 04, 2015, 10:19:06 pm

Very nice. What a find.

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Reply #5 – October 04, 2015, 10:24:57 pm

Quote from: FourTravelers – October 04, 2015, 10:18:25 pm

Congrats!
A very nice coach and a truly rare find!
Looks awesome...............

Quote from: rkohl – October 04, 2015, 10:19:06 pm

Very nice. What a find.

Thanks! It was my fathers coach. He bought it new in 94 and got cancer in 95 past away in 96. It was only used for short trips with my mother for the next couple of years ....so it really has not been used since 96. I think I understand now why he bought it..It really is an amazing piece of equipment!

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Reply #6 – October 04, 2015, 10:36:37 pm

Karl, you are honoring your father by getting this coach up and running, extending his memory and his dream. I am sure he bought it to share with his family. He still is. A wonderful story. Congratulations.

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Reply #7 – October 04, 2015, 11:44:47 pm

Enjoy the opportunity to ride along the trails that your Dad most likely wanted to share with you. Floor it...once you get a feel for the air brakes! Wear that coach out! Paul

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Reply #8 – October 05, 2015, 12:26:08 am

I saw the first pics of it dirty and thought "it was stored indoors, wut??" but then once I saw it cleaned up, it puts my 95 to shame! beautiful! sucks to hear the story of how a 25k mile 1994 came to be, but good job getting it going!! I'm jealous!

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Reply #9 – October 05, 2015, 04:27:08 am

I think it has more history and meaning then any new coach would have. Great job getting it going again.

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Reply #10 – October 05, 2015, 11:18:56 am

Quote from: car54 – October 05, 2015, 12:26:08 am

I saw the first pics of it dirty and thought "it was stored indoors, wut??" but then once I saw it cleaned up, it puts my 95 to shame! beautiful! sucks to hear the story of how a 25k mile 1994 came to be, but good job getting it going!! I'm jealous!

Well when I say indoors...It was a corrugated building with corrugated doors on it (you can see it in the first picture).....gravel floor...mice and squirrels. Water would blow through the doors so humidity was high. This made everything inside and out dusty and moldy. Only thing that it really kept out was the sun which was the biggest blessing. That kept me from adding a paint job to the long list of repairs.

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Reply #11 – October 05, 2015, 11:53:13 am

Looks beautiful. More tailgating to come. Enjoy it, as your Father would have.

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Reply #12 – October 05, 2015, 12:56:08 pm

Karl,

Very fortunate indeed. Now you can give it all the TLC it deserves in honor of your father and have fun doing it!

Jerry

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Reply #13 – October 05, 2015, 01:39:54 pm

WHOOP! Best looking coach in the entire lot! Wish we were in our spot there this season and we'd have a Foretravel rally on our hands. Is that the lot on Agronomy Rd?

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Reply #14 – October 05, 2015, 01:45:04 pm

It's a beautiful coach, and your using (and enjoying) it will serve as a tribute to your father.

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Reply #15 – October 05, 2015, 03:51:18 pm

Quote from: bogeygolfer – October 05, 2015, 01:39:54 pm

WHOOP! Best looking coach in the entire lot! Wish we were in our spot there this season and we'd have a Foretravel rally on our hands. Is that the lot on Agronomy Rd?

Yes! Lot 88 There was one other Foretravel in the lot but did not get a chance to meet him.

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Reply #16 – October 05, 2015, 05:47:35 pm

Looks like it was a diamond in the rough! Nice!

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Reply #17 – October 05, 2015, 09:31:11 pm

Karl,
Very nice coach, but a much nicer story.
Congratulations on your first trip.

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Reply #18 – October 06, 2015, 08:51:14 am

Karl, she's gorgeous.....what a difference a good bath makes!

On the low mileage issue, how did she run after you started her up & got her going the 1st time? Were all the systems still in good shape? (yes, I know, maybe that's a dumb question for a FT!) My engine was fine after sitting for about 8 years, (only had 41,000 miles) but some of the systems needed tweaking & the hot FL sun/humidity really took a toll on the decals & paint job.

Your coach just turned out beautifully & best part is your dad will always be with you now & enjoying the trips & sharing all the fun down the road! Many happy trails & good memories to you all, hope to meet you all & see this treasured gem in person one day.

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Reply #19 – October 06, 2015, 11:02:07 am

Quote from: Miz Dani – October 06, 2015, 08:51:14 am

Karl, she's gorgeous.....what a difference a good bath makes!

On the low mileage issue, how did she run after you started her up & got her going the 1st time? Were all the systems still in good shape? (yes, I know, maybe that's a dumb question for a FT!) My engine was fine after sitting for about 8 years, (only had 41,000 miles) but some of the systems needed tweaking & the hot FL sun/humidity really took a toll on the decals & paint job.

Your coach just turned out beautifully & best part is your dad will always be with you now & enjoying the trips & sharing all the fun down the road! Many happy trails & good memories to you all, hope to meet you all & see this treasured gem in person one day.

Thanks!
The engine ran perfect! Luckily it was stored inside so the sun had not destroyed the exterior....However condensation had caused mold or mildew on every surface...inside and out. Here is what I have done so far to get it on the road.

1. Installed new AGM start batteries.
2. Installed Lifeline AGM house batteries.
3. Had the alternator rebuilt.
4. Replaced engine belts and tensioner.
5. Had the Allison ECM and remote rebuilt (would not go into gear in order to back it out of storage). Before I realized that it was a bad ECM I cleaned every electrical terminal that I could find ...front to back...I spent days looking for the problem....That's when I realized what a help this forum is!!
Then I was able to get it out of the storage unit
6. Removed 1993 dated Michelin tires and installed new Michelin XZE's. I had road service do this as I was afraid to drive very far.
7. Removed and replaced all of the carpet in the basement after a good cleaning and disinfecting ...rodents had had a huge party and they brought pecans!!
8. Pulled water tank to replace plastic lines on top that had been eaten by rodents.
9. Replaced old Heart inverter / charger with Xantrex SW-3012 300W pure sine inverter / charger.
10. Rebuilt leaking Sheppard steering box.
11. Rebuilt air dryer
12. Oil and filters.
13. Antifreeze and filters.
14. Transmission and filters.
15. Fuel filters
16. New upholstery to captains chairs, dash and sun visors.
17. Installed new Atwood helium refrigerator.
18. Replaced broken anti-siphon behind toilet...pouring water when flushed.
19. Oil and filters on generator
20. Replaced generator shut-down solenoid.
21. Shampooed carpet, headliner and curtains...they came out looking (and smelling) amazing considering the age.
22. In the process of converting all bulbs to LED's.
23. In the process of removing and replacing engine and generator compartment insulation.

Still have a long list but mostly minor things and updating that I want to do.Need to attack the dash A/C (doesn't work and needs to be converted to 134a), fuel lines, rear camera, indoor TV upgrades flooring and upholstery among other things.... If you don't have a to-do list ....you aren't looking hard enough! It just takes time and $$.
I drove it about 220 miles and ran the generator for about 40 hours... +/-40 gallons of diesel.

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Reply #20 – October 06, 2015, 11:32:28 am

What about the 21 year old air bags?

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Reply #21 – October 06, 2015, 11:39:24 am

Quote from: FourTravelers – October 06, 2015, 11:32:28 am

What about the 21 year old air bags?

As far as I can tell they still look good....I am amazed! There are a couple that have very small cracks. I sprayed them down with 303 protectant. They are on the list.....but for now way down the list. Have you had to change yours?

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Reply #22 – October 06, 2015, 11:39:37 am

Your wheels look great. I bet it took a good bit of polishing to get them so shiny.

Do the roof air conditioners work well after all this time?

What a neat story and outcome. Hopefully we can meet you, if we make it to a game this season. Will PM you if so.

Chris

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Reply #23 – October 06, 2015, 11:46:04 am

Quote from: bogeygolfer – October 06, 2015, 11:39:37 am

Your wheels look great. I bet it took a good bit of polishing to get them so shiny.

Do the roof air conditioners work well after all this time?

What a neat story and outcome. Hopefully we can meet you, if we make it to a game this season. Will PM you if so.

Chris

Wheels took quite a few hours with the Power Ball! Both A/C's work....bedroom t-stat only works on med speed. Since they are not replaceable, I am waiting a while before I buy a used one or have it rebuilt. With my luck I would spend $$ on thermostat repair and then the compressor would fail. Plan on being at the rest of the games...Lot 88 #23...Let me know if you are going to make it up!

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Reply #24 – October 06, 2015, 02:35:53 pm

Quote from: John S – October 05, 2015, 04:27:08 am

I think it has more history and meaning then any new coach would have. Great job getting it going again.

John said exactly what I would say... Good job Karl

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