 Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I just bought an old fixer upper motorhome with a 440 running on propane (a seventies conversion). It ran well getting it home (40 kms) and started a few times in the driveway, then.... nothing. It turns over like a hot damn but won't fire at all. It's got all new plugs, cap, rotor and wires. It just won't catch. Anyone know what might be the problem?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Nope, tank is full and the valve (equivalent to a petcock) is on.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11 |
Could be a long shot but...
I heard that spiders love the smell of propane gas, and they love to get inside BBQ gas lines and clog them with webbing.
Check your gas lines?
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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Interesting but I can't see how spiders could get inside the lines. Everything is sealed.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Chrysler s have an ignition module that runs to the distributor, that could be bad? What year beast is it.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
Just because valve is on dosnt always mean the engine is getting fuel?? But for sure you want to make sure you have spark first then of course make sure fuel after that compression if you have all that it should run??
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
It's a '73, Ryk. It is duel fuel but hasn't run on gasoline for a long time. When I stick my nose in the filler cap it smelled bad... really bad so I am reluctant to try that system. It's getting spark. I'm starting to think it's the solenoid in the propane line.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Did you try lighting the pilot light 
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
You probably want the multi fuel option, a can of Sea Foam and some fresh gas and you might find at least you can move it?
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I did get it running on gasoline today but the carb leaked profusely from all kinds of places. I guess the seals and gaskets are all dried up. But it ran quite well on gasoline so I will get that system up and running as time permits.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Keith, Propane engines receive no upper cylinder lubricant from the gassified (word?) fuel, fork lifts and such that run on it exclusively have a fairly low rev limit. You might add a little Marvel Mystery oil to the gas, which is a proven up'r. cyl. lube.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I think I might be okay in that department Ryk 'cause she coughs a goodly puff of blue smoke upon start up as a result of leaky valve seals I'm sure.  I do however appreciate the heads up and will look into that Marvel Mystery you mentioned.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Does anyone know if the regulator ever malfunctions? Or the solenoid? I suspect one or the other might be a problem.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Just as an FYI, you might start looking around at www.iRV2.com. They've got a pretty comprehensive Vintage RV forum. Oh, and congrats on the new "project".
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Appreciate it Steve. Thank you!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Just letting you all know I got 'er running although I'm not really sure how. Too many variable in the mix to pinpoint the cause of that big ol' 440 failing to start. Hmmmmm.... Took it out with my sweetie for a two day camping trip and had a blast. Even got compliments on the motorhome for it being in such good shape for an old rig. Sure it need work but it's 41 years old and I really don't mind fixing it up.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
They can be a lot of fun. We take our old (ahem; Vintage) beast out every couple of weeks - even if it's just for a night or two in the woods.
Glad you got her running! And pics would be nice too.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I'll get some pics up here soon. I didn't realize that vintage motorhomes was a "thing".
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Oh yes! Just like autos and motos, they're a more enthusiastic group than those who buy those latest "I've got more slides than you do" crowd. Now that you've got one, you'll start noticing them and admiring them more. If it's got good bones, it's nothing to see someone drop $20K into an interior remodel (and plenty of companies specializing in doing that).
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Here's one pic of the Apollo. 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
I recently caught the bug as well....this is my Argosy (Airstream) being delivered a couple of weeks back.  Already had a body off frame restoration, going to have all new internal systems before being polished - it's all aluminium. It's addictive, I'm off to look at another this weekend just to provide donor parts. Vintage RV parts are big business at the moment, for example a 28-31ft Airstream motorhome can be bought for under $2K but be worth x10 in parts - each window retails at $1500 salvage.
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Keith, Looks like you've got a rare one there. I'd never seen an Apollo that looked like yours, but finally found one here; http://www.adsinusa.com/c/3851/3851n3959.htm Some indicate that less than 50 were made. Seems they were well made and people tend to keep them. Same thing for that Airstream/Argosy. A word of advice to you and Martin. Check the dates on those tires. General consensus is to replace after 7 years - not based on wear. A blowout on the highway isn't fun (I've had 2 - each time it was one of the duals, so I could keep going for a while). Good Sam or CoachNet are good roadside services to have. BTW We are not alone... http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=466525&highlight=nwgs 
Last edited by Hermit; 09/09/2014 3:29 PM.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Good advise on the tires, Steve. Mine has 7 (yup that's right, even the spare) brand new tires on it.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Well that saved you about $2K right there. 
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
Unfortunately mine doesn't....  . Another reason for the donor. Seriously though if anyone is looking for a business opportunity at the moment the RetroRV salvage market is booming. Old refridgerators, gensets, even water heaters and A/C fetch big money to the 'purist' restorers and if you live either in Florida, California, or in the heartland of the RV universe (which is Eastern Indiana/Western Ohio) there are loads of 'project RV' to pull apart. The biggest issue is they weigh a ton (actually around 8 ton) so cost a fortune to ship complete - I paid nearly $3K to get mine moved from FL to MA, and that still took 4months and approx 20 different quotes.
Last edited by Martin62; 09/09/2014 5:01 PM.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Those old RVs look awesome. I was going to to build one out of an old blue bird bus, but decided to sell the bus because I didn't have time for it. Towing it to Houston from Arkansas was going to be rather expensive.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Btw Martin... that Argosy is awesome. What year is it?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Keith, Looks like you've got a rare one there. I'd never seen an Apollo that looked like yours, but finally found one here; http://www.adsinusa.com/c/3851/3851n3959.htm Some indicate that less than 50 were made.
Where did you hear about the numbers made, Steve? I've been all over the internet searching for more to know about my purchase. I'm getting a bit stoked in terms of it's possible scarceness and/or uniqueness.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Now ain't that a thing of beauty, Ryk. I plan on hauling my bike along on a small flatbed trailer as we go about the business of enjoying the great outdoors in our motorhome.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Yea, you could probably buy 3 trailers and licence them for what that hydraulic bike toter would cost.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
Keith, Looks like you've got a rare one there. I'd never seen an Apollo that looked like yours, but finally found one here; http://www.adsinusa.com/c/3851/3851n3959.htm Some indicate that less than 50 were made.
Where did you hear about the numbers made, Steve? I've been all over the internet searching for more to know about my purchase. I'm getting a bit stoked in terms of it's possible scarceness and/or uniqueness.
I don't remember Keith. Once I saw yours, I knew I hadn't seen one before. I was familiar with the bigger Apollos (Sceptre), but none like yours. So I started Googling 1973 Apollo and read it somewhere (Evelyn Wood C/o 1963).
I'll add what I find, but you'll have to verify the accuracy:
Made in Downey, CA 1970-1990, with zero production some years. Company filed bankruptcy, allegedly due to money laundering. Could you have the DeLorean of RVs? Better check behind some of those panels. 
A post on www.RV.net indicates that there is an Apollo group on Yahoo. you have to be a Yahoo member to access it. I'm not. But here's the link http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ApolloMotorhomes/photos/album/1369947867/pic/list
I don't see an Apollo in their collection, but a letter might get you some info. http://www.rvmhhalloffame.org/museuminv.cfm
Another Yahoo group is listed here, or maybe the same as above: http://www.rv-camping.org/RVClubs.html
Here's a rough 1975 that was for sale in 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR5yQJqeG0A.
Here's an 1983 Sceptre remodel video to motivate some of you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QYa-30_Abc
I'm done (for now).
Last edited by Hermit; 09/10/2014 4:41 AM.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Here is a rig for sale in Southern Ontario. The restoration on this Argosy Airstream is fully documented on the Airstream blog. We looked at it and if in the market for a trailer I would jump on it. The guy did an amazing job. Just $87K for all three pieces but what to do with the Speedmaster?  If anyone is interested here is the post on Kijiji http://www.kijiji.ca/v-travel-trailer-ca...gationFlag=true
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
Quote:
Btw Martin... that Argosy is awesome. What year is it?
It's a 1975 model year but was made towards the end of 1974.
I finally decided to get a 'shorty' and still tow my hauler, but one of the early plans was to get one of the (more common) 28' Argosy's and have it 'clam-shelled' at Barillaro Speed Emporium in TN, to make it into a toy hauler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBBbnhl-3Xw). Trouble is a couldn't convince my better half that my bike should have pride of place inside the RV, and we could swing the beds out of the way to make room for it.....go figure.
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
Quote:
Here is a rig for sale in Southern Ontario. The restoration on this Argosy Airstream is fully documented on the Airstream blog. We looked at it and if in the market for a trailer I would jump on it. The guy did an amazing job. Just $87K for all three pieces but what to do with the Speedmaster?
If anyone is interested here is the post on Kijiji http://www.kijiji.ca/v-travel-trailer-ca...gationFlag=true
The seller is a member on Air Forums (the forum for Airstream Owners) and it is listed on their Classified section as well....not sure about the IKEA cabinetry though. Things get shaken around pretty good in an old Airstream trailer!
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Thank you Steve for all the wonderful research you did. There's plenty there for me to sink my teeth into over the next while. In the meantime I joined iRV2.com so I guess I'm "one of them" now!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Still waiting for your land yacht pics. Sorry, this thread took off. My browser took me to page one, I hadn't noticed other pages. Your RV is cool, very retro.
Last edited by MACMC; 09/10/2014 11:15 AM.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Quote:
Here's one pic of the Apollo.
thats awsome Keith, like others have said, theres even a cople shows on TV now that are all about older RV and trailer restores, seems to be pretty popular thing right now.....and maybe check behind some of dem dare panels!
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
I had one like that I called the Titanic. Mine had 6,000 miles on it because they lived in it in Fl and it never went anywhere. I gave it to a friend of mine.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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