1976 Ford Midas-looking at one-what do I need to know

The new fridge is a bonus. Old tires is a big pending expense and you may have problems finding the 16.5" rim size that they probably are. GM chassis is easy to get 16" wheels for, Ford not so much. I don't understand how A/C could get "...Cold...but not communicate with Compressor..." If the compressor runs and outdoor coil hot, indoor coil cold, rest is probably repairable. Is it a Coleman? What Model?
But Tom's right, the issue is the HOUSE! Is it solid and not leaking? We looked at a 1984 Midas and didn't even climb inside. From the open door, I could see the sky through the Roof-to-Wall seam.

This may help if you have not worked on the Roof AC's before..

click me too

Good luck..

From what you say you know how to check and fix things. Perhaps you can find information you need to check things out at this site.. Its got lots of information found by just looking around..

Clicky

I'm pretty sure it's a one owner. It's never been out of Florida and from the photos it looks very well maintained - he told me he replaced the toilet last year, fridge is 2 yrs old. There is an issue with the roof top a/c - he replaced the motor and it comes on and gets cold but doesn't seem to be communicating with the compressor--I'm thinking a relay switch issue but I don't know much about these roof top acs. It's the AC issue that got the price dropped considerably. Guy said he bought it because he wanted to visit every state park in Florida and apparently completed his goal.

First, you are looking for the structure of the house to be sound. No damage from water leaks, no rotten wood, no major collision damage. Rebuilding the house can be a big budget item, even if you have the skills, the materials can add up quickly to a lot of money.

Second for me, plumbing (fresh water, waste, LPG) intact and working. Same for electrical, you don't want to be digging into walls to re-wire something damaged or burnt out.

Appliances like range, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, and systems like water pump, DC converter, storage batteries, you want to know what is working, and for what isn't, how much it is going to cost to fix it. Air conditioners and generators, if it has them and you need them, are big ticket items to repair or replace, even when shopping used.

Midas was a fairly well made RV, if taken care of over the years could be still functional after 35 years.