Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

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Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

May 13, 2017, 01:03:18 am

Hey All,

Just wanted to hop in and say Hi.

My with and I just got our first Foretravel. 1986 Grandvilla 3300 GVF SBI. 1987 Chevy 454 Big Block with about 43K miles on it.

Coach is in very good shape for it's age.

My wife and I and kids are moving into in a few weeks and gonna start a round the country trip.

I can't believe how well these coaches are built. So nice.

*************
We got word about 3 weeks ago that our land lord was selling our house and we had 60 days to move out. So we decided we'd take that year long trip we've been talking about for 5 years.

So we hoped in the car that day and headed out across the country to look at three differant GrandVillas. We drove from Cali to Kansas to see one. It was a trash heap (owner lied about it's condition). Then we saw all our midwestern family. Then we stopped in Texas to look at the coach we ended up buying.

Then we drove it all the way back to Cali. Using it all the way. It should be perfect for our little family for now.

If we fall in love with full timing... we might buy a bigger diesel coach. We shall see.
***************
We've had the coach at home for a week now. Been doing renos.

Completed Renos:
- New Tires all around (dealer did this for us before we bought it)
- New Starter, New Alternator, and new batteries (These were done on the road home - had a starting issue on one day of the trip)
- Cleaned and Wet sanded fiberglass roof (it was black with dirt and oxidation - now it's shiny and clean and beautiful)
- Replaced some broken interior door locks
- Polished windshield (looks so nice now)
- Pulled out all curtains

Needed/wanted Renos:
- Pull Decals off of coach
- Wet Sand/Buff/Polish/Wax entire coach
- Pull carpet. Install vynal floor.
- Pull carpet off of walls in bedroom and bathroom. Replace with cool vynal products the RV reno shop showed us.
- Replace countertops with Corian.
- Replace carpet on engine bay and captain area.
- Replace curtains with Day/Night Roller Shades
- Replace nearly all latches on the outside storage doors (some chains needs replacement too)
- Redo the fabric on the valances.
- Sand/polish wood as needed.
- Replace couch. Couch that's there is fine. It's just ugly. Lol.
- Rebuild the table on the sidewall. Last owner removed it. My wife wants it back. So we'll make it. My step-dad is a wood worker. Shouldn't be too hard. And we can probably match the cabinets.
- Re-Do most wiring on engine. Wires are old and brittle.
- Reseal engine to stop minor oil leak
- Replace windshield wiper fluid tank
- Fix a couple of plumbing fixtures that drip (fresh water tank filler valve drips. Water filter valve drips.)
- Fix fresh water tank leak. (it's leaking under the coach somewhere). That's the only problem in the water system though. When plugged into city water... Everything works. No leaks anywhere else except the drip on the couple of valves. They don't drip when in off position.
- Figure out either how to use the tag axle air suspension or fix it if it's broken. Either way it doesn't fill up now. But I haven't found the air pressure tank or how to turn it on. There is an air hose though. So I know there is something. Lol.
- A few fiberglass repairs. Couple of small stress cracks on roof. One small chip on driver side. Some damage that was my fault to the back door of the coach.
- Figure out how to use the ice maker. Fix it if it's broken.
- Replacing florescent lights with LEDs
- Add solar to roof
- Replace most of the rain covers on the roof.
- Fix switch on the Dometic Royale fridge. The on switch is finicky. It turns on... but doesn't click into that position and can be jostled to the off position easily.
- Replace mattress
- Maybe redo the leather on the dash to be a nicer color. It's in great shape. But it's a dark brown color we don't like.
- Maybe paint or restain the wood paneling on the walls. The wood on wood on wood look it a little overwhelming. But we are going to redo the other things first and see if we can make it less overpowering with wood. Maybe it'll be fine. We shall see.

I'm pretty sure that's it. I'll post pictures and stuff as we renovate it. It's gonna go quick. Cause we gotta move into it.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #1 – May 13, 2017, 08:21:00 am

Good Luck Enjoy the Ride.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #2 – May 13, 2017, 10:02:28 am

Have fun with all your upgrades. I believe most people will find with these coaches, buy them cheap, pay and do all the things yourself, pay a little more and get close to what you want. It really is a wash in the end.

Have fun!

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #3 – May 13, 2017, 10:09:15 am

Welcome to the group! Sounds like you'll be VERY busy, but please DO document the adventure with lots of photos. We LOVE photos!

The speed I work, I'd be lucky to make it through your "To Do" list in less than a year! Can't really imagine doing all that stuff while actually living in the coach, but it sounds like you've got a plan, so GOOD LUCK! I'd concentrate on the drivability and mechanical issues first...worry about the cosmetic and decorative changes later. Last thing you want when full-timing is a breakdown on the side of the road - tends to make the family nervous and cranky. But that's just me - your wife may have different ideas/priorities.

Remember: "Happy Wife (partner/companion/friend with benefits) = Happy Life".

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #4 – May 13, 2017, 10:09:30 am

Welcome! We love pictures!

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #5 – May 13, 2017, 11:34:11 am

WOW!!! Welcome to coach ownership. What a leap of faith you have taken. We wish you the best. The folks on this forum are the best.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #6 – May 13, 2017, 12:14:22 pm

Wood on the wall will be great if you change the upholstery fabrics. Easy to bring the wood to like new. Don't toss the sofa, just reupholster. Lots of posts on the forum that should help with most of your proposed changes.

Pierce

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #7 – May 13, 2017, 01:26:29 pm

Welcome. Make full use of the search function on here as most or all of the things you are going to do have been covered and done by others. Questions? We love them almost as much as pictures. Also look at This excellent site

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures

Keith

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #8 – May 13, 2017, 03:14:42 pm

Welcome aboard!

Young & ambitious, I need some of that. But before you start your epic journey, have the hydraulic brake fluids changed and pads checked. Getting a loaded coach going is easy, discovering the brake fluid has absorbed moisture can be disastrous. Brake fluid is cheap. Once packed have the axles weighed at a truck scale.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #9 – May 13, 2017, 04:16:33 pm

Welcome!
I just got an 86' GV as well, though mine's on the Oshkosh chassis.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #10 – May 13, 2017, 06:01:27 pm

Agree on redoing the couch. Unless the PO (previous owner) changed it out you have a well made frame (as opposed to an

SOB (some other brand) that put cheap junk in for furniture. Get the generator fully checked out so it will not have problems

in 105 degree weather with the family on board. Also think about adding seat belts to the couch it will give the kids a sense of

safety and if you get into heavy traffic or you have to make a sudden stop or lane change you do not have to worry about

where they are and if they are safe. Curtains, upholstery fabric, lighting and carpet will offset the wood color. Be sure to run bleach

through your water system and I would add a good water filter. Might think about changing out the CO2 and propane

detectors, they have about a 5 year life span for safe operation. I am trying to restore an '84 40' with Cat diesel and it seems you

have gotten more done in a few weeks than I have in two years. It has a pull down double bunk over the driver and passenger.

A shame it has to be in a coach for old folks like us. With kids an ice maker will be important. See how much it will cost to

repair yours and look around, there are several RV used parts places over the country and used might be cheaper than repair?

Most of us on here are older and it is so great to see several younger families taking up coach life. This is the start of an adventure

that the kiddos will never forget and such a great bonding for the family unit. There is another family traveling on here, the Walker7.

Maybe some of the younger coach owners will check in and all of you can visit on here. Again welcome here and it is wonderful

to see another generation hitting the road.

Carter Langford
Nacogdoches, Texas

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #11 – May 13, 2017, 06:23:30 pm

Welcome aboard neighbor! We are just down the road from you in Scripps Ranch. Enjoy the ride!

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #12 – May 13, 2017, 08:17:15 pm

Regarding your ice maker....

U-Line Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly 80-54372-00 | RepairClinic.com

Not inexpensive but well worth it to us. I use a lot of ice and I wanted mine to work, which now it does!

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #13 – May 13, 2017, 09:01:00 pm

I can't wait to see pictures. Don't forget to take before pics! Welcome!

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #14 – May 13, 2017, 10:28:55 pm

Quote from: Texas Guy – May 13, 2017, 06:01:27 pm

There is another family traveling on here, the Walker7.

Close...actually they go by Walkerfam7. If you ever meet them (like we have), you won't forget them. I mean that in a GOOD way!

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=4266

Follow-ups
- Why have the axles weighed

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #15 – May 14, 2017, 01:00:21 am

@stump - Thanks! Should be fun.

@cubesphere - Yeah, that's what we figured. We got a great price on it. Couldn't believe it actually. This way we get to make it our own. Not someone else, it that makes sense. Money isn't an issue, so we can pretty much do what we want to it. Time is more the concern for us.

@Chuck & Jeanie - I've had two mechanics look at it already. And my brother and I will be going over everything in the engine together (he's a fantastic mechanic). We'll get it in tip top shape. But I've already put 1500 miles on it during the trip home. It drives and runs beautifully already.

We've been lurking on the Foreforums for a while now. So I've seen WalkerFam7 around. Watched a lot of their YouTube Videos. I can't wait to meet them.

@Jeff & Sandy - Pictures are coming! I've just been busy working on the coach. Lol. And thanks for the IceMaker links.

@Forewheelers - Thanks! Glad to be here. Quite the warm reception.

@Pierce & Gaylie Stewart - Yeah. I like the wood. Just want to make it less overwhelming. Which I think we can do by lightening up everything else.

@Old Phart Phred - Wonder screen name btw. Thanks for the tips. That will all go on my list. Just curious newb question... but why have the "Axels weighed"? And what's that even mean?

@Flopsie - Sweet! Aren't they cool? Love pretty much everything about it. I'm not sure which chassie our has.

@TexasGuy - I'll see about reupholstering the coach. The jack knife sags a little when turned into a bed. The kids fall off of it. Lol.
The generator is being worked on. It's got a bad voltage regulator board. The dealer who sold it to me is shipping me the board. We'll get it running good before we leave.
The couch already has three seat belts.
Good call on the bleach. I'll add that to the list.
I've already replaced the CO2 and Fire Detector. And I've added the Propane detector to the list.
I'd love to see pics of your pull down bunks! Maybe it's something we could build into ours. The kids would love bunks.
And yeah, my business gives me a lot of freedom and I'm young and fit. So spending 12 hours a day doing reno work means I can get a lot done very quickly.

Only problem is right now I've very sore. Lol.

@rbark - Scripts Ranch is close. We drive by there all the time. Wife and kids love the La Jolla area. Maybe we can meet up sometime.

@Michaelhayley - I should have taken more before pics of the outside. Before I started removing decals and wet sanding the fiberglass. The roof was totally gross looking. Now it's beautiful. I'll make sure to take plenty of before pics of the interior.

@All - Thanks for the warm welcome!

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #16 – May 14, 2017, 01:13:44 am

Chuck,

I know close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades !

The memory is not what it used to be.

Varter-

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #17 – May 14, 2017, 06:53:30 am

Quote from: AKATheAlchemist – May 14, 2017, 01:00:21 am

I'd love to see pics of your pull down bunks! Maybe it's something we could build into ours. The kids would love bunks.

Since you also mentioned the couch sagging, did you happen to see the new Flexsteel couch that makes into bunks?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JACYqZcxImw

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #18 – May 14, 2017, 08:32:12 am

Quote from: Michelle – May 14, 2017, 06:53:30 am

Since you also mentioned the couch sagging, did you happen to see the new Flexsteel couch that makes into bunks?

That's very cool! We have no need for bunk beds, but I applaud the concept.

If I'm a kid, I'm thinking I would want the top bunk, just in case...you know...maybe Mom or Dad didn't get it locked correctly in the UP position.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #19 – May 14, 2017, 09:39:06 am

I'm working on a similar project, on a p30 chassis 454 chevy/gmc. I replaced the starter and added a heat shield. I have an engine heat issue so am also replacing the fan clutch and adding an electric radiator fan. I'm also adding solar on top. Are we having fun yet?

wantabe

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #20 – May 14, 2017, 10:17:43 am

Quote from: wantabe – May 14, 2017, 09:39:06 am

I'm working on a similar project, on a p30 chassis 454 chevy/gmc. I replaced the starter and added a heat shield. I have an engine heat issue

They don't call those 454 engines "B.B.Q. Specials" for nothing, you can wrap a steak in foil, put it on the manifold, and in a few minutes, it's done! I'd heard Banks made a set of headers to "beat the heat", worth checking.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #21 – May 14, 2017, 10:18:35 am

Quote from: AKATheAlchemist – May 14, 2017, 01:00:21 am

@Flopsie - Sweet! Aren't they cool? Love pretty much everything about it. I'm not sure which chassie our has.

I think with the tag axle you have the P-30 Chassis which GM made. Mine is the smaller Oshkosh one. v-814. Both of those were for gas engines, since they didn't have to carry a zillion tons of cast iron for the big diesel engines. They only downside I see is the water capacity seems to be smaller. I'm guessing but it looks like I only have a 40 gallon fresh tank. Mine also had the Ford 460 in it, but one of the Previous owners converted it to a Ford 7.3 IDI diesel.

Please post pics of all your upgrades. I've been focused on mechanical and electrical stuff so far, so I'll be taking notes on your interior work.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #22 – May 14, 2017, 11:13:14 am

Welcome ,
Please help me out as a fellow newb. Is the Chevy Engine front or rear? I have both spec sheets on the beamer site . There is a rear engined Chevy Rat GV down the road from me at another shop. It also has a tag. What Chassis is the rear engine gas?

If it is a front engine, P30 chassis , flush the hydraulics/rebuild the calipers if stuck.
Check out the parking brake system . I serviced a P 30 front engined RV for a few years and the common issues were the parking brake pump fails and the bus wont move , do a little preemptive investigation. It is a large drum brake on the rear of the trans.
The "Banks headers/ intake " helped a ton on power. 0to 60 went from 22sec to about 17. Fuel use went from 7.5 to 8.2.
The heat issues are real ,the oil filter is near the headers, exhaust and a shield helps . Cold air intake helps. Nice big exhaust( if not Banks) will have a nice return. IMHO.
If you get tired of the Rat, many of the FMC guys are swapping the Duramax/Allison into the smaller FMC coaches .
Thanks for taking the time to post here . There seems to be a huge cross section of social/economic/demographic backgrounds here. All very nice .

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #23 – May 15, 2017, 01:58:18 am

Quote from: Michelle – May 14, 2017, 06:53:30 am

Since you also mentioned the couch sagging, did you happen to see the new Flexsteel couch that makes into bunks?

I'd buy that coach in a heart-beat if I could find it anywhere. It doesn't seem to be available from Flexsteel's website. I should call them and see if I can order it.

Re: Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Reply #24 – May 15, 2017, 02:03:09 am

Quote from: Flopsie – May 14, 2017, 10:18:35 am

Mine also had the Ford 460 in it, but one of the Previous owners converted it to a Ford 7.3 IDI diesel.

You can swap it for a diesel? That's awesome. I'd totally do that if the engine was bad. I'll be sure to post pics of the interior work.

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