Mechanical and exterior update

Topic: Mechanical and exterior update (Read 1771 times) previous topic - next topic

Mechanical and exterior update

December 12, 2020, 12:06:48 pm

Hi
I am new to foretravel. Always dreamed of having one, now I do.
I am going to be doing a full me mechanical refresh as well as exterior body.
What
Here is the exterior body project:
I have a 98 u320. Both the Jenny and engine bay doors have small "bubbles", like bumps where the brackets connect to the door.
Two bubbles on each door. The RH bracket that goes to the bottom of the engine door is rusted off.

So if I keep original, I will need to spend money fixing and reinfor ing so it it doesn't bubble again. I will also have to repair the bubbles. The ladder needs all of the plastic replaced.

I also need all of my bay doors aligned in the closed and open position, plus all of the brackets taken off, cleaned up and either painted or powder coated.

So I need to decide whether I repair and return to OEM, or whether I modify. I can't find anyone locally that wants to take on the project. I went to a place in cashmere that does RV body work and paint, and they laughed. They said their workers would not like the work. Poor babies.

Is there anyone in the NW that does this kind of work? Otherwise I will take lots of picture and get quotes from FOT and extreme. Probably quote to return to OEM, as well as a quote with modified doors.

Mechanical
Plan on goung to Cummins coach service in spokane, but open to suggestions. Tranny service could be done at communs as well, or i could go to an allison sevice center for the tranny. Since I will be taking it to FOT or extreme for body work, could get most of the mechanical done so where other than Cummins coach. Open for suggestions. I do plan on doing my own maint after the initial run thru, but wanted it gone through by hopefully a pro, for a base line.

Add Bluefire
Fix Tachometer
Replace or fix Fresh water valve
Replace koni Drive shocks
Check and certify Propane system
Pull refer and line with hardee board
Install ARP system on fridge
AC service repair, engine
AC service top units
Replace bags
Oil and filter, engine
Oil and filter Tranny (transcend with extended filters, take to Allison dealer to do)
Oil and filter Hydraulic system
Service generator
Service or replace 12v Lift pump
Replace Fuel shut off valve
Replace Fuel lines
Inspect and or replace Air lines
Replece Belt idlers and all belts
Replace Air dryer
Jenny valve check
Inspect Jenny motor mounts
Inspect Cummins motor mount
Valves and injector inspection cummins
Torque turbo bolts
Driveline and u joints service
Replace Water pump?
Replace TSTAT?
Rebuild starter and alternator?

I know that all of this is probably going to be (hopefully) 10K to 15K, max 20K.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #1 – December 12, 2020, 12:35:20 pm

The one that sticks out to me are the turbo bolts,don't touch them with a 10 foot pole unless you want them to snap off,if the exhaust is not leaking leave them alone.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #2 – December 12, 2020, 12:51:07 pm

Quote from: Ldillow – December 12, 2020, 12:06:48 pm

1. Rebuild starter...
2. I know that all of this is probably going to be (hopefully) 10K to 15K, max 20K.

1. Replace it with a new Delco gear reduction starter. Smaller, lighter, works better.
Delco Remy 39mt Starter 8200308 CW 12v for sale online | eBay

2. I think your estimate of the cost of completing your entire project list is way low. You may not appreciate how long it takes to do some of the things you want done. Bear in mind that one day (8 hours) parked in almost any shop will cost at least 1 coach buck ($1000). Labor charges are very high all over the country. Add to this the high cost of parts, plus the problem of actually getting parts with many supply sources either closed or running with reduced staff. Unless you do a LOT of this work yourself, you are gonna get hit with a very large bill bottom line.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #3 – December 12, 2020, 01:17:34 pm

Well that's a pretty aggressive list, as far as the exterior you might want to leave that up to the professionals . But if you want to learn about your coach, roll up your sleeves and get after it.
It will save you money and give you a great experience. But that's just me good luck and have some fun it's a great life.👍
Oh and welcome to the madness😁😎

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #4 – December 12, 2020, 01:32:30 pm

Quote

Welcome!

If you are going to Xtreme (highly recommended) use one of the shops in NAC for much of this work.

FWIW - Fuel Lines at a major shop - $3K. Airbags at a shop - $2K. Koni FSD's x QTY 8 maybe $200 a piece at a shop. your list is long and comprehensive, see what you can do yourself to save money. You don't have to do all that in year 1. There are threads on the forum of owners fixing bulkheads, replacing their own fuel lines, replacing shocks, replacing airbags, replacing steering boxes. These jobs usually fall to the most junior person in the shop as they are not technically advanced, just dirty and a fair amount of effort,.

As to your PNW question, R N R RV (the old Foretravel location, they have more than one, make sure you go to the right location) has knowledge and can work on these coaches. They didn't seem any more or less expensive than NAC, I use them when I am not going through NAC (most of my time is in Gig Harbor WA these days). R n R can be hard to get into as they are usually quite busy and prioritize folks that have bought RZV's from them.

I have used Oregon Motorcoach on multiple occasions, also a Foretravel experienced shop. My experience there has been inconsistent, some good, some bad results, but at least market rate shop charges.

NAC has MOT, NMS, and FT (Stay away from Bernd Ramspeck at world line motors). I would use those folks for service in that order, others might choose differently.

You will be so buried in cost in the coach if you pay to have everything done at a shop. If you do all this and maybe some cosmetics, expect to keep the coach a long time to get the enjoyment value out of your investment. Suggest you use it a bit "as is" and figure out what is pressing to fix and what can be deferred. Fix the stuff that is pressing or really bothers you and try to use it that way for a year. Do as much as you can to save money. After a year, if you decide you want the coach long term, then spend the $$ to make it what you want, but don't expect the next buyer to pay a huge premium over market value for all your investment.

Good luck, and welcome, keep asking those good questions,

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #5 – December 12, 2020, 02:33:42 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – December 12, 2020, 01:32:30 pm

FWIW - Fuel Lines at a major shop - $3K. Airbags at a shop - $2K. Koni FSD's x QTY 8 maybe $200 a piece at a shop. your list is long and comprehensive, see what you can do yourself to save money. You don't have to do all that in year 1. There are threads on the forum of owners fixing bulkheads, replacing their own fuel lines, replacing shocks, replacing airbags, replacing steering boxes. These jobs usually fall to the most junior person in the shop as they are not technically advanced, just dirty and a fair amount of effort,.

Awesome if you have the funds to let a shop to the work, but the $3K fuel line job can be done for less than $500 and air springs for less than $800 if you do the work yourself. Like Tim said, they are time consuming and dirty, but definitely something you can do yourself if you are so inclined.

Transmission service is very easy to do yourself too. Not sure what a shop charges but filters are around $80 for Allison brand and Transynd or Mobile full syn fluid is around $40 per gallon.

Congratulations on your purchase.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #6 – December 12, 2020, 02:45:32 pm

Quote from: Ldillow – December 12, 2020, 12:06:48 pm

Here is the exterior body project:
I have a 98 u320. Both the Jenny and engine bay doors have small "bubbles", like bumps where the brackets connect to the door.
Two bubbles on each door. The RH bracket that goes to the bottom of the engine door is rusted off.

Our 1997 has the same bubbles on the engine door, but only slight surface rust. If one of the brackets is rusted off, it might be prudent to inspect for other areas of rust and corrosion to include the bulkheads and the radiators.
Personally, I would tackle mechanical items first to minimize the potential for roadside breakdowns before addressing fit and finish items like door bay brackets.

To borrow a phrase used by others, do what makes you happy!

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #7 – December 12, 2020, 04:53:08 pm

That's interesting. The M11 actually has a required maint item " torque turbo bolts".
Will certainly talk more about that with Cummins! Thx

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #8 – December 12, 2020, 04:56:28 pm

As I said, I do plan on doing all my own maint after this. I will buy the shocks, bags, and as many of the other parts as I can and take them. If the cost comes on way high, I will start moving things to the DIY list.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #9 – December 12, 2020, 05:04:58 pm

Great replies. Thank you so much.
I will talk to the folks at RNR. It gives me a lot to think about. Anybody have any experience with Cummins coach care in Spokane? Or Mobile Fleet Services which seem to have a few shops in eastern WA. They are also listed as an Allison service center in I think it's Yakima.
Thx!

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #10 – December 12, 2020, 05:41:41 pm

Quote

Our 1997 has the same bubbles on the engine door,

Mine too. Some have them; some don't.
jor

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #11 – December 12, 2020, 06:44:47 pm

Will research the turbo bolt torque,will keep you posted.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #12 – December 12, 2020, 09:14:12 pm

Ldillow, You might want to pull engine oil sample and trans oil sample to have them analyzed so you will have a baseline on wear
from both
I'm with John on turbo bolts--if not leaking don't touch
Chris

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #13 – December 12, 2020, 11:15:42 pm

Has anybody fixed the bubbles and reinforced it so it wouldn't bubble anymore? I was thinking a metal plate glassed in with new bracket support welded to it

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #14 – December 13, 2020, 07:53:34 am

Bluefire ? Guess this was missed.. Great simple choice!
Unless this a mechanical engine?

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #15 – December 13, 2020, 10:25:32 am

Quote from: Ldillow – December 12, 2020, 11:15:42 pm

Has anybody fixed the bubbles and reinforced it so it wouldn't bubble anymore? I was thinking a metal plate glassed in with new bracket support welded to it

A photo would simplify what you are asking and to what degree your issue is. Everything on your list are certainly items that will need attention at some point, but not everthing will need to be addressed prior to use. These coaches have a lot of systems and they are all twenty years old. How many miles does your coach currently have? Tires, batteries, brake pad condition, and brake caliper slide pin service. Will probably need new slide pins also. KIT15017 by MERITOR - Meritor Genuine Air Disc Brake - Slide Pin Kit Have you had the Bulkheads and basement structure inspected? I personally believe in function over form. Needs to work correctly. ARP is a good choice,Very hi on my list but fridge condition may be a issue also. Aqua hot condition is huge. Make sure it is properly filled with RV antifreeze to prevent freezing $10k failure for $500 worth of parts.
You don't have to catch every ball. Lots of stuff has been in its current condition for years. But if it's broke or will break it must be fixed. I stepped into your shoes in July, may others have also. Do you have a dedicated storage out of the elements so as you can work on near your home? Is this a full time dedicated repair project or a side hobby? I've got hundreds of hours of work in my coach since July working and spending money almost every day. Just finally getting ahead of the major items. Don't touch those turbo bolts till they need attention. Want to check torque on something go to the bulkheads. Pictures again would tell a better story. Welcome to a great group of owners with a similar interest. Congratulations on your project.
Scott

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #16 – December 13, 2020, 10:50:10 am

Quote from: Ldillow – December 12, 2020, 12:06:48 pm

I also need all of my bay doors aligned in the closed and open position,

This really has me concerned as to a failed floor bulkhead issues. Pictures again. Can you give a more detailed description of there problem
Scott

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #17 – December 13, 2020, 11:04:46 am

Scratching my head on that one too,piano hinge on top,if not aligned something seems wrong,pictures will help.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #18 – December 13, 2020, 01:09:56 pm

He possibly means closed alignment to be out when the doors are closed, could be when looking at them across the face of them al. I had that issue and it just means adjusting the wheel fenders by shimming or? so they are flush. I have gone over all my basement doors to fix just that and it does look much better.
JohnH

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #19 – December 13, 2020, 04:58:57 pm

Door alignment, as you said:
Looking down front to back. In open and closed position they are off.

My more pressing concern is the engine and generator bay doors. I believe that if I do not fix them, the bubbles will get bigger.

Anybody fix this problem?

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #20 – December 14, 2020, 10:05:08 am

Quote from: Ldillow – December 13, 2020, 04:58:57 pm

Door alignment, as you said:
Looking down front to back. In open and closed position they are off.

My more pressing concern is the engine and generator bay doors. I believe that if I do not fix them, the bubbles will get bigger.

Anybody fix this problem?

So are you talking about bubbles in the fiberglass or bubbles in the paint of corrosion of the mount brackets? The engine and generator doors are not in the center section and not subject to floor bulkhead failures. The doors all use adjustable latch strikes and can be adjusted in or out. The latch is mounted to the door, are they loose?
Photos would help
Scott

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #21 – December 14, 2020, 10:32:31 am

As Scott says, take high resolution photos of the problem areas and post. Otherwise, it's a guessing game. Is this coach from an area where the roads are treated in winter?

Pierce

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #22 – December 16, 2020, 07:46:46 am

Everyone to their own, but I do not take my coach to Cummins for engine work or to a "motor home place" for heavy maintenance. The Cummins shop charges $175 an hour for motor homes which I feel is excessive. The motor coach repair facilities know we are all movie stars and charge accordingly. Scout your area and find a really good clean truck repair facility that will work on your coach and charge $100 an hour.
We bought heavy fabric painters drop cloths with a plastic backing at Lowe's and cut them and sewed the shapes together to cover all our flooring when we bring the coach in for service, also have a slip cover for the drivers seat.
Good luck with your list, that 20k estimate you have can get eaten up very quickly with a visit to MOT and Xtreme.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #23 – December 16, 2020, 08:13:23 am

Not the OP, but I think this is what is being referred to as bubbles on the engine door.

Re: Mechanical and exterior update

Reply #24 – December 16, 2020, 03:10:29 pm

I have them as well....I have just avoided looking at them as unless you get up close (especially on my white coach) you do not see them.
I am pretty sure they do not have any effect on safety or function, but if anyone knows anything different, please chime in..
Peter

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