Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition  (Read 1243 times) previous topic - next topic

Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

I recently bought a 1983 Foretravel 35' ORED in an online auction for very little money sight unseen except for a few pics.
Went to see it today and it is in rough shape!
It is non functioning and I don't think I plan to get
It to run but instead to gut it and turn it into a backyard office/studio.
So I will be getting rid of most of the interior so if anyone is looking for parts/cabinets/stove/ etc, please be in touch
Also, has anyone had experience gutting one of these? How are they framed? If I replace the floor plywood and ceiling (water has gotten in and a bit of rot and mold), will I compromise the structural integrity of the RV? Again, I don't plan to drive it but will need to tow it to my backyard.
Any and all advice would be most appreciated! This thing is so beautifully shaped! Too bad it
Is in bad shape.

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #1 –
Where is it?????
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #2 –
I'm having a hard time looking at those photos and thinking of what to say.

On one hand, I wonder why anyone would even attempt to convert that disintegrating hulk into anything useable.

On the other hand, I applaud anyone who would make the effort to salvage some value from such a badly neglected old Classic.

You are a more ambitious person than I, and I sincerely wish you success in your monumental endeavor!  ^.^d
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #3 –
?‐--------?--------?
It is December not April 1
John
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #4 –
Yes it looks like a big mess.  This culture here, we tend to wash the insides of storage bays, reorganize already organized wiring, make things nicer than new, replace things just in case... 

I get making something nice out of something that looks like a lost cause.  It doesn't have to be profitable, or make any financial sense, or result in an original form.  Sometimes it is fun.  Sometimes it is negative fun, but results in pride or practicality.

You may have less in that coach than the cost of permits to build a shed of similar size.  Plus you have a structure, insulation, heating, air conditioning, floors, windows...  Maybe you even have the perfect camouflage for a neighborhood that prohibits additional structures, but doesn't mind RVs!

Keep us informed.  Were you around Tucson, I would don a mask and contribute a day to the cause, and personally offer my good wishes for a new project!
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #5 –
 Some aircraft parts place took over my test runway at my local airport . He has a row  of parts planes that could make an awsume  coach body . Remove the body. install airplane fuse . Should take a couple of weeks , ...
 Brooksville FL.  It may show up on Google earth. 
 I could engineer it .

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #6 –
Wow! Best wishes with the project. I think I'd build a tiny house.  :))
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #7 –
Does that have the welded tubing superstructure as do the Unihomes?
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
Does that have the welded tubing superstructure as do the Unihomes?
This is a '81 FTX and sure looks like the ored.

Maybe the first of its kind?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #9 –
Why not restore it?
Get rid of the carpet, replace rotted woods, it is doable.
Mine 91 was in bad condition, not as bad as this one. But close, With some elbow grease, coach turns out good.
1991 Grand Villa U300

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #10 –
Quote from: craneman –
This is a '81 FTX and sure looks like the ored.

Maybe the first of its kind?

With the welded steel superstructure just sitting there this chassis is head an shoulders above everything else from that era.  A serious cleaning will make it easier to assess its condition and it may not be as bad as it first looked.  Most people remove the original built in furniture in favor of a more flexible arrangement anyway, so that FlexSteel recliner . . . is still a recover or toss decision.

Maybe the first of its kind?
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Just bought a 1983 Foretravel 35’ ORED in bad condition

Reply #11 –
You can remove the center ceiling strip, pull ten million staples up under the strip, then vacuum out all the decomposed foam and adhesive, then spray some glue up there and then pull the vinyl back tight over center. STAPLE, STAPLE, STAPLE  and then some more.
Get some of those decorative little retainers like those holding the center up in place and add a row (front to rear of the coach) midway between the center and the cabinets on each side and the ceiling will look good, maybe even great--for the age.
I had to do this on our coach and now it is nice and tight.
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