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Newbie saying hello
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lagunacat
Posted 2014-11-18 12:53 PM (#2386)
Subject: Newbie saying hello


Location: Prescott, AZ
(69.92.110.115)		Hello, I just purchased a 1976 FMC in AZ, #920 (I think. last 4 of VIN is 0920). Well almost purchased, will make full payment and get title in a couple days. I just found this site and I was hoping I could reach out to you experienced owners and get some advice on getting started with it. I don’t know a whole lot about it as the owner's husband passed away 4 years ago and his widow didn’t know a whole lot. I will be getting it towed to my place once I finalize purchase. I will list the things I do know.

It has been sitting for 4 years. It was parked and left without any storage prep. Before that it was a good runner, according to the owner.
Gas engine- Dodge I am guessing.
Has Generac generator. Is this stock generator in the FMC?
Will need all new batteries so if you can suggest a recommended starter battery that would be great.
Owner thinks the engine was rebuilt in Morgan Hill but has no papers on it.
Can’t find any evidence of propane in the coach. Was this an option?
Tires are pretty good. Only one shows minor cracking.
I was thinking about changing the fuel filters. Can someone tell me where they are located and if I can use a generic filter or do I need to buy a certain type.
I will probably change the oil right off the bat. Oil and filter recommended?

Obviously needs a lot of work and has a lot of unknowns. I just want to do some basic TLC before I try to fire it up.

Thanks in advance,

Vincente
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jevans
Posted 2014-11-18 2:56 PM (#2387 - in reply to #2386)
Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello



Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
(75.71.239.173)		Hello Vinc, you will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome from many owners; you have joined an exclusive club.

If you have not done so, I recommend joining the FMC yahoo group

Some info you may have or not have:
  • The OFE is a Chrysler 440-3 (or I for industrial) gas engine. Many owners have swapped out for a Detroit diesel or other alternative
  • The original genset was an Onan (I forget the wattage at the moment)
  • When I need help with battery issues I always go to the local interstate battery dealer. They are always knowledgeable, honest and have a good product
  • I would be suprised to learn propane would be optional. The stove, furnace and (debatable) fridge all require it. The propane door is passenger side just forward of the engine access
  • Tires are an on going debate in the club. Do you have alcoa aluminum 19.5 wheels, or the original 17 split rim? If there are check cracks and it has been sitting then, bad news, they need to be replaced
  • The fuel filter is usually driver side just below the alternator, etc.
  • I Run diesel weight oil in my gas pusher, because I leak oil as fast as I burn gasoline. There is a high-mileage oil from Valvoline that has given me good results in recent trips. As for filter, buy the very best K&N filter you can for the Chrysler engine. When they ask me for make and model, I say that it's a 440 out of a '73 New Yorker or country wagon. that usually helps the kid at the register ;-)

    Good luck and keep the dirty side down!
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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-11-18 5:54 PM (#2389 - in reply to #2387)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Hi Jim,

    Thanks for the quick reply! Ok so I think the rims are the Alcoa aluminum. There was a spare aluminum rim inside the coach and that is why i say that. I will look closer when I pick it up. The tires had covers on them but by now they were all shredded at the bottom. The cracks in the one tire were very minimal.

    As for the LP, well I know that the fridge is electric. I looked for a gas option on it and didn't see it. Also there is no gas stove. They had an electric cook top, possible induction. The only unknown for me is the furnace. I thought I looked in all the outside doors for the propane tank but might have missed the one you spoke of.

    Couple things I saw that I had no clue (and neither did the owner), a small door below the windshield, drivers side, had what looked like a brake reservoir and another hose with a fill cap. What is this, if you know? Also, right side/below front fender had some odd silver colored (maybe aluminum)unit that looked like a tiny exhaust. Had no clue what this was. Does this ring a bell?

    Thanks for the advice on the oil and filters. Will use the New Yorker reference!
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    jevans
    Posted 2014-11-19 6:33 AM (#2394 - in reply to #2389)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello



    Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
    (75.71.239.173)    		furnace is located under the sink, just right of the fridge, if original configuration. the hatch in the nose is front brakes res. and possibly the windshield washer fluid. the cap and hose is the fresh water fill, which is located under the front floor and possibly under the dinette. an "a" formation has a dinette table and two bench seats. "j" model has a coach and cocktail table config.

    and Yes! flatbed is the way to go!
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    dkarnath
    Posted 2014-11-19 11:17 AM (#2395 - in reply to #2394)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Medford, OR
    (204.10.247.1)    		"It will be getting a tow home as I am not that suicidal."

    Wheres your sense of adventure?? lol

    Hopefully you have the manuals, study up on those, they are full of the answers to some of our "stupid" questions we jump to ask on line...lol Don't ask me how I know.....

    Be ready for friends and family to think your weird for buying this strange vehicle...but everyone will like it, and find it really unique.

    Welcome to the FMC world. Now get to work

    Dan #850
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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-11-19 1:00 PM (#2396 - in reply to #2395)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Unfortunately no manuals. I will try to keep my dumb questions to a limit. I know I probably have used up my month's quota in 2 days already.

    Well I sent a photo to a friend and she told me she was happy I bought a retro rig and not something generic. She said it was so Mad Men!

    Thanks!
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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-11-19 1:08 PM (#2397 - in reply to #2395)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Just noticed your location. Do you know David Thanes? He has been my buddy since 1974. We met in Mass.
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    dkarnath
    Posted 2014-11-19 1:16 PM (#2398 - in reply to #2397)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Medford, OR
    (204.10.247.1)    		No such thing as a dumb question....well maybe their is...hahaha

    No, I dont know any Thanes.

    You can read the manuals here:

    http://fmcmotorcoach.com/Manuals.html

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    BigRabbitMan
    Posted 2014-11-19 11:16 PM (#2399 - in reply to #2397)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello



    Location: Cottage Grove, OR
    (216.139.57.155)

    lagunacat - 2014-11-19 11:08 AM Just noticed your location. Do you know David Thanes? He has been my buddy since 1974. We met in Mass.

    Go into your profile and add your location and then others will see where you are from.  It does help communications.  When you get time, also create a signature that will show in your posts.  If you include your coach number in either your signature or profile it helps others answer your questions as some of the answers are dependent on things that your coach number will reveal.

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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-12-07 12:51 PM (#2446 - in reply to #2387)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Hi Jim,

    Finally got around to taking some photos of my tires and rims. They are uploaded to my album. It appears they are all dated around 06 and show some minor cracking.

    Vincente
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    fmc708
    Posted 2014-11-18 3:26 PM (#2388 - in reply to #2386)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello



    Location: Soquel, CA.
    (73.170.144.94)    		You will probably have to do some work on the brakes too, if it has been sitting.
    For the tires, see if you can find the mfg. code to figure out how old the tires are. Most people want to switch them out at 7 years, 10 at the most, even if visually in good condition. But, some of us here have driven on much older, especially when first bringing the coach home!
    Brakes and Tires!! Gotta be serviceable to drive home.
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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-11-18 6:10 PM (#2390 - in reply to #2388)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Thanks for the advice on the brakes and tires. I had a nightmare about the brakes last night! It will be getting a tow home as I am not that suicidal.
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    5Dollar
    Posted 2014-11-18 6:46 PM (#2391 - in reply to #2386)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Bethune, SC
    (165.166.72.232)    		Be sure it is towed correctly. The best way is to haul it on a Landol or equivalent. (Google it.) If it is towed, it must be lifted by putting the front wheels on a front wheel cradle lift, not any other way. Your FMC is of a uni body type construction. If it is towed, either the drive shaft, or the axle drive hubs must be removed. Use a heavy duty towing company. If the tow truck operator does not know what he is doing, get another one or you will regret it. I have spent over $6,000 having two FMC'S towed successfully. I have used excellent, expensive HD equipment haulers and have not regretted a penny I have spent.

    A bad tow can ruin an FMC.

    Henry
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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-11-18 7:10 PM (#2393 - in reply to #2391)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Henry,

    I should have been clearer, I didn't mean having it towed but transported on flatbed. Is this an option? I looked up Landol and not sure that kind of rig would get down the road I live on.
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    fmc708
    Posted 2014-11-18 7:01 PM (#2392 - in reply to #2386)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello



    Location: Soquel, CA.
    (73.170.144.94)    		If they have to tow it, and this may sound stupid, but I learned it the hard way, make sure the tow truck guys realize that the engine is in "backwards" when they unhook the drive shaft. Removing it precludes that problem. I second on Henry's excellent advice: Landol or equivalent is first choice with towing a distant second.
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    FMC
    Posted 2014-11-21 7:40 AM (#2401 - in reply to #2386)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Lavallette, NJ 08735
    (69.113.227.218)    		ah, the memories... Without 2 nickels to rub together, that first trip home! If I knew then, what I know now; would I still have done it the same way?! Unfortunately, probably; as is how things unfold for me. Tow truck came (coach not run for years, until about that moment, new brake line intact; and bled. Manual states to tow ONLY FROM 2 BRACKETS WELDED TO UNDERSIDE; as I recall, in about a foot from front wheels; as well as undoing shaft. Anyway, tow driver said would need flatbed (not currently , readily, available. Drastic action was needed! Unfamiliar in every possible way with coach, jumped in; (filthy, closed windows, sunny August day, no fan, no air, no experience, and before long, no brakes, for 60 mile trip of traffic lights; desperately pumping 20+ times at every intersection for much of it!) and gunned it ( always more balls than brains...) for home. As with every trip since, HARROWING. I have some video of that first trip; and if I can, will upload to site? Welcome to my nightmare! Check forum for many answers to your questions, already posted! Robert #0075

    P.S. I think I have cd with manuals on it, can copy & send if so (lmk). If ever in NJ, and in trouble, I will try to help...
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    lagunacat
    Posted 2014-11-21 9:40 AM (#2403 - in reply to #2401)
    Subject: Re: Newbie saying hello


    Location: Prescott, AZ
    (69.92.110.115)    		Thanks, Stephen has a CD he is sending me, plus I have accessed the manual link on this message board which I am finding extremely valuable!

    Your comment about "more balls than brains" reminds me of calling for a jump back in the 80's. I specifically asked for a normal truck since I was on the 5th floor of a parking garage outside Fanuel Hall downtown Boston. Well they sent a TOW truck and the young buck driving it drove his rig right up to 'low entrance' warning sign. Clearly his tow boom was about 6"-12" too tall. He surveys the situation while both me and my friend tell him he will not fit. He is having none of it. He gets in his rig, backs up and floors it! Smashes through the warning sign and we watch in horror as his boom hits the concrete abutment and the front of the truck points to the ceiling. This idiot got enough speed going that his truck squeezed under the abutment. Then he gets gets out of the truck with this grin of success that quickly turns to worry when he sees that his rig is now stuck inside the parking garage! He panics and starts driving in reverse ramming the the boom into the concrete. Me and my friend decide we want no part of this and decide to leave. The last words I remember hearing from this guy "this is my first day, they are going to kill me". And fired.
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