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Trip end report [message #300806] Thu, 19 May 2016 10:29 Go to previous message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma:
Senior Member
I bought Neil Martin's coach, picked it up at Miguel's place in Montclair CA after a transmission transplant and new header gaskets. I took a week to drive it home with stops along the way, truly a 2300 mile learning experience:

Even good stock brakes are no match for a reaction arm system.
MSD injection is more sensitive to low fuel level than a carb.
A 3:70 gearset sure helps in going up the Western mountains.
A 3:70 gearset does Bad Things for gas mileage.
The MSD throttle body with a simple bonnet for a remote filter is noisy as hell.
Turning the back into a bed is a great idea.
Even a wet side bath is no match for the palatious Reading Room in my Norris upfit.
I wish I could afford Hal's Vista Cruiser - geez it's a work of art.
Low oil pressure seems to be a hallmark of this particular rebuilder, I've seen it in the past. Doesn't seem to hurt anything, but I'd like a bit more leeway.
Between Neil and Miguel, I had enough information to get home safe and sound, but there's easy a week of tracing wires and reading manuals for add - ons.
For those who asked selling price, talk to Neil. If he wants to share I don't care - but it's his decision, not mine. I think he did me a great favor.
As far as the State of Georgia is concerned, "Ten dollars ($10.00) and Other Valuable Considerations."
This coach has an aluminum radiator, I don't think it's the equal of the recored one in my 23. I'll run it over Culowee Mountain in a week or so for a comparison.

So some things I figure to do over the next few months as ongoing changes. I'll put a reaction arm system on as soon as I can scrape the money, which will get the bearings repacked. I have the tweak box for the MSD, I want to see if I can get it a bit more stable under full throttle at low engine speeds. I'm gonna stuff an original thermostat in to see if 170 or so running temp will hike the oil pressure a bit. If the run up the the Asheville shows give more temp rise than I like going over Culowee, I'll likely swap radiators with the 23'. and use 'Aluminum Radiator' as a selling point. Front tires will be migrating to the rears, rears to mid, and mids to front - fronts show wear - even fortunately. The left rear air system decided to puke about Tulsa, I came the rest of the way with the valve off and height set for $.75 at a gas station. Setting the Electro - Level to 'raise' pulls the presuure gauge to 30PSI with the compressor running continuously. There's a line off or a split, ought to be easy to find. I can compare it to the good side. Ride height needs setting in the rear, not sure about the front but it will be checked. The maps in the gee-whiz Clarion radio/GPS/player will be updated. The rear view camera will be repaired - I suspect there's no power going to it. The (brand new) Suburban furnace will be made to work. Has 12 volts, 'stat calls for heat properly, it stays silent. Again, ought to be easy. Propane valve will be repacked, I don't like the leak in transition mode. I'll ask Oakwood Tire for recommendations for the TPMS sensors, they have expired batteries. And likely there will be the occasional nit - picky thing to mess with along the way.

It's gonna be fun, since I can use the coach during all this. The 23' Norris upfit is now Officially For Sale. As soon as I get some pics it will go up on the facebook site. Meantimes, eight Large will drive it home. Or I'll ask for nine and you can talk me down to eight. Save the dickering, bring money and it's yours. PM for specific questions.

--johnny



Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
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