kcmoedoe wrote:
My biggest concern would be even if you get it to run, will you trust it to keep running to get you where you want to go and then back home? Not sure the Suzuki will be up to the task of dragging it back and you really can't just abandon it on the side of the road. The fact of the matter is it was built in the late 70s, not the high water time for US automakers. IF the chassis and RV portion is worth it, I would probably be looking at a new motor. At least you would have some sense of security it wouldn't just die in the middle of the interstate.
I can deal with some uncertainty, these old motors can be very reliable. A lot less electronics to go bad. Out of my 3 vehicles (now 4), only one of them is fuel injected.
My 84 Ford truck has never left me stranded and I have driven it 200,000 miles on top of the original (to me) 146,000. The carbed 460 gets me 12 mpg pretty much loaded or unloaded as long as I keep it 60 mph or below. It does have a nice tri Y header, RV cam, recurved dizzy and a nice torque intake. It's a great motor. From what I have heard so far the Dodge 440 is very good in it's own right. In the mountains of Colorado the extra power is good to have on tap but excellent brakes are a must.
I will get it running and take a few test loops close to home then decide how far to trust it. Cary a few common failure parts and give it a go.
As far as the Samurai pulling the camper! Good one, it has a 1.3 liter motor and can't get itself up to 55 unless it's downhill. But I bet it would pull it in low range 1st gear, however, I can walk faster that it moves when in low low, and I have. I have stepped out of it idling in first gear low range and walked beside it.
Really, I am hoping this rig works out for me. At the very least I will get it running then decide to take it further or put it up for sale. It's just a simple gas motor, if it's not locked up it will run.
I've only had 3 hours to work on it so far.
For the cost, I can put up with a lot. I guarantee if I get it running I will get more use out of it than a lot of folks get out of their multi thousand dollar rigs. Nothing against the good stuff, they just are no where near within my budget.
I guess what I'm saying is, I don't really plan to travel the US, just fairly local. I typically drive to a destination, camp out for a week or two, then head back home. Very rarely do I spend a night in a camp ground, I always look for the primitive camp sites and there are plenty of them. Perhaps with some time and a buildup of confidence in this rig, I just might decide to take a big loop trip or two in the future, it's a brave new world. I have been thinking about an Alcan trip...
The conveniences of a 1978 motorhome will be living in the lap of luxury for me. It's all about perspective.
Thanks again everyone for all the excellent view points and tips.
Jeff
