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Contributor
| I am a newbie and really want to purchase an FMC for the house building projects we do in Mexico with AZ high school kids. I also don't ever want to sleep in my tent ever again. That said, my budget and my preferences do not match...
This 1974 FMC (#459) is on Craigslist here: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/rvs/1712721120.html Chris' phone number is 314-322-7727
I talked to the seller, and he says it needs a new or rebuilt master cylinder bolted on and the brake lines flushed with alcohol, then filled and bled, at which point it would be road-worthy and I could fly in and drive home. I can do the good scrubbing needed here in AZ, or anywhere I pass a place with a good scrub brush (I can't imagine I wouldn't at least do a once-over there in MO so that my new pride of the road will indeed have some pride!).
Is there anyone out there who could check out 459 and let me know if that is all that is needed for it to be road-worthy? I don't know how much such a check would cost, but it would save me a bundle flying there and back to have a look at it, and if someone can do the brakes, give me an estimated cost for parts and labor. I really would like to help with the labor, but don't want to get there, figure out a system on something I am so unfamiliar with, order the parts, wait for their arrival, realize later that I have the wrong part, or need something else, etc. However, if everything was there, including someone knowledgeable about redoing the brakes, I can spend a few days working on them before getting underway.
I am especially concerned about rust on the frame, being a midwest coach. In AZ we don't know what rust is, and after reading and seeing the photos of Duramaxer's restorations, I am a little bit terrified. Someone save me from myself!
I know I'm asking a ton, but if you are willing to help, I would be most grateful.
Thanks so much for considering this,
Dave
602-909-4300
davidprobinson2000@yahoo.com
www.UthBuild.org | |
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Veteran
 
Location: Canton, (Sixes) GA | Looks like a decent coach and the price is right. Going to take some time and work to get it roadworthy. Hopefully it was winterized. I'm 8 hours from there (GA) so can't help. You may want to talk to Chris and Karen at MCR in Broadwell IL, 800-786-1536 217-735-1536, they probably know the coach. The bathroom wall mod is similar to Les's 938. | |
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Contributor
| Thanks denshew. I am really curious and had a great look up close and personal today with a different FMC, but got a whole lot more familiar with them today. If only money grew on trees and time stood still!
Dave | |
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Regular
Location: Santa Cruz, Calif. | Also check out the tires. If the coach has the original split rim 17", you can't get tires anymore. Alcoas makes a 19in when they want and they have little demand at the moment. 19in steels are not available in that bolt pattern. They can be custom made (which is what I had to do) but that almost doubled the cost of the new 19in tires. Right there is a $3700 investment.
Also, if you are planning on boondocking, be aware the FMC original refrigs were 12V/120V only. No propane. You can get a 3-way refrig, but you will have to modify the refrig chamber to exhaust the gas and get fresh air to it. | |
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Contributor
| Thanks for the info, Dale. I didn't realize the fridge was not propane. I certainly cannot afford to replace a fridge and tires/wheels, etc.
I think I'm out on this one. I'm worried about rust and I'd be in over my head with this project. Not a good starter RV for me--too many plates spinning already (full-time ministry, part-time seminary, running the non-profit UthBuild, married, etc.). I need a really inexpensive, mechanically excellent unit if I'm to move forward.
Lou here in AZ has been a huge blessing, letting me check out his FMC and the service manuals. I've gotten some great phone calls with tons of great newbie info. I'm really impressed with the fraternity of FMC owners!
Gratefully,
Dave | |
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Veteran
Location: Canton, (Sixes) GA | When I first viewed this coach thought it had Alcoa's. Looked again and it has wheel covers. Maybe 19.5 inch but can't tell for sure. Still looks like it could easily be returned to fine coach status without too much trouble... Price is right if it runs and the plumbing is ok, Going to take some work. Denny
http://claspics.com/755/284536/1264803265-243.JPG.php#browse | |
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Extreme Veteran
Location: Ignacio Colorado | Looking at the pictures of the drivers side i see there is a outside panel cut in for the propane fridge. I think it most likely has a propane unit instead of the norcold all electric fridge. Pictires of tire tread don't help. Most sitting coaches were parked with good tread but time takes a toll and the side walls are what need to be looked at, not to mention the date code. Looks like tires are either flat or have sunk into the ground. Great project. If you want a turn key FMC you will no doubt need a money tree grove in your back yard. You need to find one that you can work over and fine tune to your needs. A cheap coach will cost to repair. Most owners have more invested than they want to reveal. In the end you have a prize coach you can be proud of. Remember the later coaches cost over $50K new. Bill | |
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Anyone in Chesterfield (St. Louis) MO who can check out an FMC for me?