1975 Dodge Sportsman "c"
Hi first time here and am learning a lot! Thanks. I just bought a 1975 Dodge Sportsman Class C (360). I am having it tuned up and all the systems rechecked etc. I keep being asked what Model name it...
Forum Discussion
Welcome to the Vintage Motorhome family.
While what you have is a good base, be ready to deal with two types of issues you may not have expected. These can be managed (trust me) and must be to have a reliable coach.
First is that you have a very Pre-Modern Vehicle. This means it will need a great deal more maintenance than a newer vehicle. This comes in two phases. The first of those is it will have to be lubricated much more other. Grease is WAY cheaper than parts. Get it to a shop that can repack the wheel bearings (all four) and the rear may take special care as it is probably a truck rear axle (my Cayo Motorvator was). I do not recall is that has a permanently lubricated front end, but if it does not, put that in you schedule for every 3~5K miles. It will still need frequent engine oil changes. Next of these is a real PITA, but it is a "do it once". That is that all the rubber is probably aged out. This means all the belts and hoses may need replacing. The includes the rubber brake lines and the coolant hoses.
The second is also a rubber issue, but is coupled with other parts. This vehicle was not made for lead-free fuel with alcohol added. The is a double edged gotcha. The lack of lead in the fuel may cause the exhaust valves to wear. If this happens, get a valve job done, but have them install insert valve seats and you will not have that problem ever again. The alcohol is a more more serious problem than the EPA wants to admit. It will cause the failure of all the rubber parts in the fuel system. This may require that the carburetor (If it has, I forget what years) wil need to be rebuilt with alcohol proof parts and fuel pump will need to be replaced. All of the rubber fuel lines under the vehicle may also need to be replaced if they have not been in the last few years.
But, if you pay attention to those, you can have a wonderful and memorable time on the road. We sure do and we have both years and miles on your coach.
Matt
While what you have is a good base, be ready to deal with two types of issues you may not have expected. These can be managed (trust me) and must be to have a reliable coach.
First is that you have a very Pre-Modern Vehicle. This means it will need a great deal more maintenance than a newer vehicle. This comes in two phases. The first of those is it will have to be lubricated much more other. Grease is WAY cheaper than parts. Get it to a shop that can repack the wheel bearings (all four) and the rear may take special care as it is probably a truck rear axle (my Cayo Motorvator was). I do not recall is that has a permanently lubricated front end, but if it does not, put that in you schedule for every 3~5K miles. It will still need frequent engine oil changes. Next of these is a real PITA, but it is a "do it once". That is that all the rubber is probably aged out. This means all the belts and hoses may need replacing. The includes the rubber brake lines and the coolant hoses.
The second is also a rubber issue, but is coupled with other parts. This vehicle was not made for lead-free fuel with alcohol added. The is a double edged gotcha. The lack of lead in the fuel may cause the exhaust valves to wear. If this happens, get a valve job done, but have them install insert valve seats and you will not have that problem ever again. The alcohol is a more more serious problem than the EPA wants to admit. It will cause the failure of all the rubber parts in the fuel system. This may require that the carburetor (If it has, I forget what years) wil need to be rebuilt with alcohol proof parts and fuel pump will need to be replaced. All of the rubber fuel lines under the vehicle may also need to be replaced if they have not been in the last few years.
But, if you pay attention to those, you can have a wonderful and memorable time on the road. We sure do and we have both years and miles on your coach.
Matt
