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20_ft_Midas_Mot's avatar
20_ft_Midas_Mot
Explorer
Jul 13, 2016

Just got my first RV, now what?

I got an incredible deal on a 1978 Midas 20 ft Motorhome. It was built on the E350 Ford chassis and has the big block 460 motor. Not sure what transmission. But the transmission has less than 2000 miles on a rebuild and the motor is at 52,5**. The po removed the bathroom and kitchen to make a larger sleeping area for his hunting club. It had previous water damage. He redid the roof and replaced all the upper plywood. The fake panelling is falling apart in spots. The front seats look new. The carpet is in decent shape for its age but should probably be replaced. I only paid $300 for the rig and it runs and drives surprisingly well for that price. It also has 7 newer matching tires. I was told the Generac generator works. I replaced the battery for the electric start but it sounds like the Bendix just spins. So I will tear it apart and see what is going on.

Thank you for any advice in advance.

Bill

20 Replies

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  • RavensFan24's avatar
    RavensFan24
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2016
    Definitely make sure the engine is in perfect working order. I had a friend dump a ton of money into a 1999 (approx) Class A he bought and restored it from the bones on up to a beautiful brand new looking RV. He only had someone check out the motor and perform minor repairs to it though and on their very first trip the engine caught fire and burned the entire motorhome to the ground. Luckily no one was hurt, but he lost a bunch of money and time. Thank goodness for insurance, though he didn't recoup all his losses.
  • 20_ft_Midas_Mot's avatar
    20_ft_Midas_Mot
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2016
    CC,

    That's exactly what I have been doing. But, I still plan to put in a campers toilet and build a small enclosure for it. Maybe just a shower curtain or something simple for privacy if I ever decide to have company. It's great The way it is for just me. I figured it will cost me about $1500 to redo the interior and roof. The roof doesn't leak but it's discolored and I don't like it. I am going to put ice guard down for the roof. It's $50 for a roll. One roll would probably be enough to do the roof 3-4 times. I don't like the panelling inside so I will be replacing that with 1/4 inch Luan plywood. It's just over $11 for a 4x8 sheet. The panelling doesn't have to be replaced but I like the Luan better.

    Thanks,

    Bill
  • CC_Crabman's avatar
    CC_Crabman
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2016
    This could be a great deal if you can minimize your restoration costs. Think I would use it as a sleeping room on wheels and plan on going to parks/campgrounds with restroom facilities. Plan on using outside cooking facilities and bring a folding table and chairs for setting up outside or inside as weather permits. Go and have fun!
  • 20_ft_Midas_Mot's avatar
    20_ft_Midas_Mot
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2016
    Thank you for all the replies. The roof does not leak. The electrical sockets all work when plugged in to a power source. The original fresh water tank and pump are still in the RV. The furnace is also still in place but I am not sure how to operate it. The AC has been removed. I will not be using it as a cargo hauler. I plan to install a camping toilet and build walls around it.

    Thank you again for all the replies.

    Bill
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Nomad
    Jul 13, 2016
    "The po removed the bathroom and kitchen to make a larger sleeping area for his hunting club."
    NO kitchen OR Bathroom ?
    Are you going to use this for a cargo hauler?
    Although that is a good price.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jul 13, 2016
    Check all rubber - hoses, belts, etc., as well as all gas lines (engine, generator and propane).
  • mabynack's avatar
    mabynack
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2016
    Do a thorough inspection and make a list of problems and prioritize them. Try all the electrical and run the A/C, fridge, heater, stove, water heater, etc. As gbopp said, the most important thing is the roof. If the drivetrain is in good shape and it doesn't leak, you can work around most everything else.

    Ripping up the carpet and replacing the mattress is probably a good start. You'll be able to see any rotten flooring and old carpet can hold mold and make the rig stink.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2016
    Welcome to the forum. You will have a lot of questions. :)

    First things first. Make sure the roof is in good condition and no leaks. A small leak can do a lot of damage if not repaired quickly.

    You want it dry and leak free before you start any renovations.

    You will probably want to change all the fluids, oil, coolant, brakes, etc..

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