Newbie Intro - my gamble, a 1978 Dodge Class C.
Hello all,
I just bought a used Dodge Class C, MB400 with the 440. 156k on the odometer.
The title says it's a 1978 but the VIN code tells me it's a 77.
F4 = MB400
4 = Conventional cab w/sweptline box; Compact Hi Line Wagon (Royal Sportsman), MB3 High-Line. (Don't know what all this means.)
C = 10,001 lbs to 14,000 lbs
D = 440-1
7 = 1977
V = Warren Truck Compact
My intent is to use it to tow my 4WD to various destinatins in CO and UT. I had been using my F-250 and 4 Wheel Pop Up for this purpose but the camper got swamped in the mud from the flood last fall and is no longer usable. I did get a lot of use out of that camper which I paid $900 for 12 years ago. Also, my wife was tired of using a bucket to do her daily biz. I didn't mind that much myself. If all goes well we will not only have an indoor toilet but a shower also! Not to mention the fridge and a little more room to roam.
I wasn't really considering a class C, but this deal seemed ok albeit a bit of a risk.
I had looked at this rig before but felt the asking price was too hi. They wanted $2500 and couldn't prove it would run. Then just yesterday they called and said they dropped the price to $1500, I offered $1000 and we settled at $1200. It's a bit of a gamble. It does have an Onan genny so very worst case scenario I can salvage that out of it to recoup some of my loss then get scrap price for the rest.
The interior is in very good condition. However, I was unable to test or prove anything. Also, the rig did not have a battery so I have yet to hear it make engine noises!
The claim is that the motor and trans have been rebuilt but not sure when. It was purchased 3 years ago and this owner never used it, he bought it from a friend of his who was done travelling. Drove it to their home and parked it. Said they started it up occasionally until about a year and a half ago and not since.
Today I took a battery over and tried to start it. First it had no electric at all when the key was turned on, then I found a fuse problem and once replaced it had indication on the dash and turn signals, but only a click when trying to start. This was a half hearted attempt, I was just trying to get a lay of the land so to speak with the hope that a battery and starting fluid would get me engine noise. The battery I took over turned out to be weak so that might be the issue. It tested 12.4 volts when I grabbed it from my garage but once connected and tried it quickly dropped to 11.9 volts. I did try to jump start with this battery with no luck. Not really asking for tech help (feel free to suggest though). I'm just describing my experience so far. I am charging that battery at home now and will try again as soon as I can get the time to get back over there (50 minutes away). I am also going to try to enlist the help of a mechanic friend.
I have done my fair share of shade tree wrenching over the years. If just a good batt does nothing further then I will look at the starter solenoid and the starter. There is some questionable wiring I might have to try to sort out in the engine compartment.
Getting that doghouse off was a PIA, seems like the seats may have been upgraded so it did not just pop off, had to pry it a little between the seats and dash.
From what I have gathered so far poking around the forum I am pretty sure I will need a set of tires since these are old. Camper batteries will be needed also.
So, yet to be determined weather I made a $1200 dollar mistake or not.
I sure would like to get it to the house to tinker with, was hoping a battery and some starting fluid would get me going at least to get it home. A tow will cost me $300-$400, which I would prefer to not have to spend.
I am excited to take on this new project and anxious to use it but it might be longer than I was hoping. A goal of taking it on a Moab trip this fall is what I am working toward.
Anyway, I use forums often for my various hobbies and endeavors and look forward to meeting some of you good folks and learning what I can.
BTW, my profile name (Swath) is just an old one I have used for years now on the net. Made it up when I started playing Doom many years ago and have continued to use it since.
If you read this far thanks, more to come as I venture forth.
Terra Incognita
Jeff
I just bought a used Dodge Class C, MB400 with the 440. 156k on the odometer.
The title says it's a 1978 but the VIN code tells me it's a 77.
F4 = MB400
4 = Conventional cab w/sweptline box; Compact Hi Line Wagon (Royal Sportsman), MB3 High-Line. (Don't know what all this means.)
C = 10,001 lbs to 14,000 lbs
D = 440-1
7 = 1977
V = Warren Truck Compact
My intent is to use it to tow my 4WD to various destinatins in CO and UT. I had been using my F-250 and 4 Wheel Pop Up for this purpose but the camper got swamped in the mud from the flood last fall and is no longer usable. I did get a lot of use out of that camper which I paid $900 for 12 years ago. Also, my wife was tired of using a bucket to do her daily biz. I didn't mind that much myself. If all goes well we will not only have an indoor toilet but a shower also! Not to mention the fridge and a little more room to roam.
I wasn't really considering a class C, but this deal seemed ok albeit a bit of a risk.
I had looked at this rig before but felt the asking price was too hi. They wanted $2500 and couldn't prove it would run. Then just yesterday they called and said they dropped the price to $1500, I offered $1000 and we settled at $1200. It's a bit of a gamble. It does have an Onan genny so very worst case scenario I can salvage that out of it to recoup some of my loss then get scrap price for the rest.
The interior is in very good condition. However, I was unable to test or prove anything. Also, the rig did not have a battery so I have yet to hear it make engine noises!
The claim is that the motor and trans have been rebuilt but not sure when. It was purchased 3 years ago and this owner never used it, he bought it from a friend of his who was done travelling. Drove it to their home and parked it. Said they started it up occasionally until about a year and a half ago and not since.
Today I took a battery over and tried to start it. First it had no electric at all when the key was turned on, then I found a fuse problem and once replaced it had indication on the dash and turn signals, but only a click when trying to start. This was a half hearted attempt, I was just trying to get a lay of the land so to speak with the hope that a battery and starting fluid would get me engine noise. The battery I took over turned out to be weak so that might be the issue. It tested 12.4 volts when I grabbed it from my garage but once connected and tried it quickly dropped to 11.9 volts. I did try to jump start with this battery with no luck. Not really asking for tech help (feel free to suggest though). I'm just describing my experience so far. I am charging that battery at home now and will try again as soon as I can get the time to get back over there (50 minutes away). I am also going to try to enlist the help of a mechanic friend.
I have done my fair share of shade tree wrenching over the years. If just a good batt does nothing further then I will look at the starter solenoid and the starter. There is some questionable wiring I might have to try to sort out in the engine compartment.
Getting that doghouse off was a PIA, seems like the seats may have been upgraded so it did not just pop off, had to pry it a little between the seats and dash.
From what I have gathered so far poking around the forum I am pretty sure I will need a set of tires since these are old. Camper batteries will be needed also.
So, yet to be determined weather I made a $1200 dollar mistake or not.
I sure would like to get it to the house to tinker with, was hoping a battery and some starting fluid would get me going at least to get it home. A tow will cost me $300-$400, which I would prefer to not have to spend.
I am excited to take on this new project and anxious to use it but it might be longer than I was hoping. A goal of taking it on a Moab trip this fall is what I am working toward.
Anyway, I use forums often for my various hobbies and endeavors and look forward to meeting some of you good folks and learning what I can.
BTW, my profile name (Swath) is just an old one I have used for years now on the net. Made it up when I started playing Doom many years ago and have continued to use it since.
If you read this far thanks, more to come as I venture forth.
Terra Incognita
Jeff
