Hi folks I recently bought a 1986 falcon 19 at an auction in PA. It was unloved for a few years but I'm having a blast bring it back to really nice condition. Lots to do including resealing the roof and all windows. I have a few questions now and may have more later...1. did some of these come without a holding tank level indicator panel? Mine has no button to push to check the tank levels. I know these panels are often not very accurate anyway and I can certainly live without it BUT I'm surprised to see it missing. 2. It appears to have the original fridge. It's small and brown with a pin to hold it closed. It has a tiny freezer on top without its own door. Anyway... it works great but how do I know if it's a 2 or 3 way fridge AND how do I switch it between sources of power? I can't even figure out how to turn the fridge off! Currently my LP is empty and my coach battery is dead so the fridge is running on 110v. 3. Does anyone have a working NUCHRON green LED clock for sale? Mine does not work.

Nifty-looking unit. Hope some Falcon people weigh in with answers. Seems like there have been some on the forum. Did you do a search yet in the Class B forum? Maybe you can find another owner and send a private message to get their attention.Meanwhile, have fun!

NCWriter wrote:Nifty-looking unit. Hope some Falcon people weigh in with answers. Seems like there have been some on the forum. Did you do a search yet in the Class B forum? Maybe you can find another owner and send a private message to get their attention.Meanwhile, have fun!Ummmm......isn't THIS the Class B forum? Seriously, I've got an '89 Coachmen Horizon. Mines on a GMC chassis and it's a shorter version of yours. A little tip, if you trip, don't try to catch yourself on that lip over the front seats. It pulls out several feet. (Don't ask me how I know this!) Your refrigerator may have been changed over the years. Open the door and look along the bottom of the unit. There may be a knob or tang in front of a box that says electric. You can turn the knob to select power. Mine is two way. Mine says gas or electric with OFF between them.My unit isn't exactly the same as yours but a manufacturer won't change too much between similar models to keep parts and design costs down.A few more tips. Measure the highest point on your unit. Mine is 9'2. Put a label over the windshield with a few more inches so a mechanic doesn't drive through McDonalds and top it. I've got 9'6 over my windshield.It will drive pretty much like any other Ford van from that year. EXCEPT for windy days. Strong cross winds make it really.....interesting.....to drive. I changed lanes a couple of times without meaning to before I got used to it.If you cover it, make sure the cover is breathable. Before I got it, mine was covered and when a really cold spell rolled in, the moisture condensed inside and stained the walls.If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks folks. Its a neat rig for sure. I will check the fridge bottom and see if there's a switch. It wasn't obvious that's for sure. There is no genny so I'm going to buy a honda eu2000. I've got a ton of new parts coming from ebay, amazon and other RV places online. I have to screw up the sagging ceiling too. FUN FUN !I think the Coleman Mach AC is newer. It doesn't appear to be from 1986.

I've tried to add my photo before. Let's try it again.

Nice blue one old grouch! It looks to be well loved

Falcon 19 footer - 1986 - newbie with questions

401nailhead
Explorer
Jul 25, 2015
Great thread, saw it for first time today, great job on fixing up, and great pictures throughout. I have a 1996 Coachmen on a Chevy. Hope to be able to do just a fraction of what you have done. I'd definitely keep it for getting away from it all when you need to.
d0n1
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
thanks! Its been a fun project
924guy
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
Great progress on an outstanding project!
d0n1
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
UPDATE: We decided to keep the Falcon and finish the restoration. It now has a new home inside our 26 x 50 garage. Living near Atlanta, we knew we had to have the A/C system working 100%. I took it to a great place called "Cool-it" auto air and heat @ 1480 Veterans Memorial Hwy SW, Mableton, GA

The AC system had never been maintained and basically needed EVERYTHING replaced. Almost $1000 later and the AC system is now all new and blows ICE COLD!

Next project is to have new carpet installed in the camper. I have found a company and the right carpet. I just need to free up $550 to pay for it!

After that, I need to install the new holley carb and find the leak in the propane system.

It is turning into a nice vintage camper!
Roger_n_Wanda
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
Is that a vent above the refrigerator? You might be able to store something there but you don't want to block off too much airflow.
d0n1
Explorer
Nov 26, 2014
Assyrian_Elvis wrote:
rwj146 wrote:
It's good to read you had a safe trip. I've enjoyed reading your work on your RV.

Bit of a culture shock going from NY to Atlanta I would guess.. Good Luck. Bob J.

Did you sell the falcon yet? I saw u had listed it on ebay

No, decided to hang on to it for a while. Still have a few things to do to make it 100% perfect and then maybe sell it for top dollar then.
ol__grouch
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
Assyrian_Elvis wrote:

Ol grouch I always see u post ur van or craigslist, why u post it if u dont sell it? I dont get it

It was sold but the fellow didn't have any money. If I sell it, i plan to replace it with a trailer that fits in the same spot. This will give me a little more room and have one less drivetrain to take care of. If it doesn't sell, it doesn't sell. I won't lose sleep over it. I have a small house on a small lot. Beside the motorhome, I have two pickups, three cars and two utility trailers. A camping trailer will reduce my insurance cost by a substantial amount per year.
Assyrian_Elvis
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2014
ol' grouch wrote:
d0n1 wrote:
We've actually decided that once we move to Georgia full time in 2 months, we will no longer need the Falcon...so, it's for sale currently. See it on ebay now or just read this thread to understand what a well sorted Falcon it is. It is located in marietta Ga.

I've had mine for sale and had some interest but I'm also having second thoughts. If I have a rough week, I head away, at least 100 miles, and spend the night reading or something. It's a whole lot cheaper than a hotel room.

Ol grouch I always see u post ur van or craigslist, why u post it if u dont sell it? I dont get it
Assyrian_Elvis
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2014
rwj146 wrote:
It's good to read you had a safe trip. I've enjoyed reading your work on your RV.

Bit of a culture shock going from NY to Atlanta I would guess.. Good Luck. Bob J.

Did you sell the falcon yet? I saw u had listed it on ebay
Assyrian_Elvis
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2014
ol' grouch wrote:
Elvis, you have the same conversion unit I have. Mine is based on a GMC chassis but the window placement and roof mounting is identical to mine. If you've ever wondered, Coachmen had three models and we both have the Horizon.

Ive noticed that ford n dodge vans look longer since the wheels are closer together and there is a large overhang in the back, just wondering why does chevy make their vans wheels apart so wide?