Hi, I bought a '73 Open Road on a Chevy C30 Chassis. $900, and I gave it new: Tires, Brakes, Flushed fuel tank, hoses, belts, batteries, radiator, (And then the water pump went out, replaced that, some minimal rust coming in the fuel line, alternator, cleaned and tuned carb, new wires, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, shop replaced all rubber seals on the transmission... What Else?Then I went on to the utilities: New water heater, overpriced mechanic tells me everything else works but the toilet. (They dumped some water in it, and it of course leaked, and was hell to rid of the smell for a short time.) The propane tank was made and tested in '73, and they tell me I can fill it and use it no problem, which speaks volumes about this RV service store. Everyone else, and the government statutes tell me the tank must be retested or replaced) I was a bit peeved at some of the work they did, and failed to get them to teach me how to do things like light the furnace. The auxiliary battery does not charge, and a mechanic ran a wire with battery clip to the positive, which charges it. There may be a short, for it drains fast. I have not used my utilities at all, waiting until everything is perfectly maintained and safe.How do I teach myself these things? I heard some critique about Open Roads, but I don't care. If I get everything running, and give it a facelift inside and out, I think I could get my money back. I am not sure I am happy with the engine.

Wow! And welcome aboard! To find out how all systems run, since I doubt you will find manuals for something that vintage, you might want to check out some of the RVing books available - here's a link to some at Camping World - http://www.campingworld.com/search/index.cfm?N=1152&affiliateid=4232&perPage=96Look for ones like RVing Basics and The RV Book. Won't have specifics necesarily, but it might give you a better understanding of how your systems are supposed to work... As far as the van itself, just use a regular service station/Chevy dealership for work - nothing special about that... Regarding your propane tank, if it is permanently mounted versus a removable 20# bottle like on a gas grill, technically it does not need to be replaced. However, it might be worth a trip to a propane gas supplier - even if they don't work on propane systems they could probably give you a lead on who might... Most of this work could be done at an RV dealer/service center, but honestly that would be very costly, particularly for a $900 van! Hope this helps. ST

Hi. I have a 73 Superior Coach on a Chevy 30 van. We have had it for 11 years and have been to all 48 lower states. We would be in Alaska now except for a minor health issue for my wife. The van is a Chevy with lots of parts available. As for other stuff, search the information out. Know the brand and model number. Or ask questions for specific instructions.Last summer I transplanted a 91 motor and transmission into mine.

Hi loggenrock ... sodajerk.As far as I understand it... By the NFPA's criteria, the National Fire Protection Association's standards--which I do not know if they could be considered statutes, according to NFPA58, I think Chapter 9, in the past there was a rule formulated that propane tanks had to be 12 years old or newer before needing replacement, but there were years grandfathered in, something like anything from 1983 and older. In the last couple of years, the grandfathering clause was ended, and all tanks have to be replaced or certified after 12 years old. Here's the NFPA's link: http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=58#

I believe the loggenrock is correct, the propane tank does not need replacing since it's permanently mounted. Would be a good idea to have a propane supplier (the bulk firms) check it out though.

Might be correct, but it does me no good here in the San Francisco Bay Area if multiple gas suppliers refuse to fill it. Maybe I could find the statutes to show LP gas suppliers.

My new '73 Open Road/Chevy C30 Chassis--How to learn?

11 Replies

Arizona_Kid
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
http://www.npga.org/files/public/OPD_Packet.pdf
Horizon170
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
Arizona Kid wrote:
Does it have the newer OPD valve?

When did they start with the OPD valve. I believe my '88 has one.
Arizona_Kid
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
Does it have the newer OPD valve?
OpnRoader73
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
Yes, it is the original tank mounted under the driver's side, with the knobs extruding out the side. I tried to fill it several places, Action Rentals, another equipment rental, but they all cited the 12 year rule, except the RV center where I had it filled.
Arizona_Kid
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
I think the valve has to be upgraded to an OPD valve before it can be filled.
op do a Google search for OPD valve.
loggenrock
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
Hi again - just confirming - your propane tank is not a removable 20 or 30 pound tank, like you find on a gas BBQ grill, but rather one that is permanently mounted to the camper, right? Like, underneath on the frame, vs hanging on the rear door... What is the reason they are giving you to not refill it? Where are you going to get it filled? Have you tried an RV dealer/service center? I would think they would know the rules, vs maybe a gas station or hardware store. You said the guy who did the work on your camper said "fill it" - can he??? Maybe someone else can chime in here on the specific rule, but an internet search (besides NFPA... and I am in the fire service myself...), like RVIA, might reveal something. ST
OpnRoader73
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
Might be correct, but it does me no good here in the San Francisco Bay Area if multiple gas suppliers refuse to fill it. Maybe I could find the statutes to show LP gas suppliers.
Islandman
Explorer II
Jun 13, 2013
I believe the loggenrock is correct, the propane tank does not need replacing since it's permanently mounted. Would be a good idea to have a propane supplier (the bulk firms) check it out though.
OpnRoader73
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
Hi loggenrock ... sodajerk.

As far as I understand it... By the NFPA's criteria, the National Fire Protection Association's standards--which I do not know if they could be considered statutes, according to NFPA58, I think Chapter 9, in the past there was a rule formulated that propane tanks had to be 12 years old or newer before needing replacement, but there were years grandfathered in, something like anything from 1983 and older. In the last couple of years, the grandfathering clause was ended, and all tanks have to be replaced or certified after 12 years old. Here's the NFPA's link:
http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=58#
sodajerk
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Hi. I have a 73 Superior Coach on a Chevy 30 van. We have had it for 11 years and have been to all 48 lower states. We would be in Alaska now except for a minor health issue for my wife. The van is a Chevy with lots of parts available. As for other stuff, search the information out. Know the brand and model number. Or ask questions for specific instructions.
Last summer I transplanted a 91 motor and transmission into mine.