Just purchased a Winnebago Chieftain

rickf · 11-11-2013, 06:22 PM

Just purchased a 1989 Chieftain and wanted to drop in and say hello. I also have some pic's and questions. I am going to put in a link to a post I have in the vintage forum that has all of the pics and questions. If this is a no-no just let me know and I will start from scratch here. I have arthritis in my hands so I cheat when I can.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f65/purch...in-182923.html

garykk · 11-13-2013, 05:01 PM

Welcome...lots of good info here..

TXiceman · 11-13-2013, 06:00 PM

Looks good. But you do need to look at some roof sealant maintenance before it becomes a problem.

Ken

rickf · 11-14-2013, 04:52 AM

Ken, It already is a problem in the back be the ladder but that is why I got it so cheap. I am going to strip all of the sealant on the entire roof and reseal everything up there. I will get the worst parts now because the weather is against me now with temps in the 20's at night. I am trying to make a deal with a friend of mine that has a large pole barn to let me use some space so I can work indoors and have a little warmer temps so I can get the whole roof done over the winter.
Thanks for the welcomes, I plan to keep this for a long time so I will be here asking questions off and on.

Rick

rickf · 11-18-2013, 05:03 AM

Well I got the monster home and I have a few questions I am hoping someone can answer. I asked on the vintage forum but did not get any input on these questions. I have found that it has Steer-Safe installed on the front suspension, any opinions? I am not much of a believer in that stuff. Also the front air bags were pretty much flat, right totally flat and left had 30#. What is the recommended air pressures?

az bound · 11-18-2013, 05:32 AM

I assume its a P series chassis. If so the minimum psi in the airbages is 50 lbs.
The corect way to inflate and restore the ride hight is to raise the front until the suspension is fully extended. Inflate the bags to 100 psi, this allows the bags to fully expand and reset the ride hight. Lower the coach and adjust the pressure to your desired level keeping both sides at the same pressure.

rickf · 11-18-2013, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az bound

I assume its a P series chassis. If so the minimum psi in the airbages is 50 lbs.
The corect way to inflate and restore the ride hight is to raise the front until the suspension is fully extended. Inflate the bags to 100 psi, this allows the bags to fully expand and reset the ride hight. Lower the coach and adjust the pressure to your desired level keeping both sides at the same pressure.

Thank you sir, that is the info I needed, I did put 5olbs in them but I have not driven it due to the pump issue. I will follow the procedure you have given. I am assuming that the ride height I am looking for is close to level when the rear air system is set to normal?

rickf · 11-28-2013, 07:24 AM

I also posted this on the vintage forum but I am kind of desperate because I am not getting any real leads yet. I have found that my radiator needs to be replaced and I am looking for a new one or a new core. I have seen the posts about using the aluminum radiators as replacements but the problem I have is the fill and cap. It is on a seperate inlet that comes out of the front of the tank towards the grill. There is no room on top of the tank for a cap on mine. Getting behind the tank to put one on the return hose would be impossible. If I can get the right core or even a comparable copper radiator I can transfer my tank with the proper fittings over to it. Can't do that with aluminum. I am also leery of aluminum because of the plastic tanks. Now the temperatures are in the high 20's and working out there is miserable but I want to get it done before they get any lower!

Rick

az bound · 11-28-2013, 07:51 AM

I suggest you post your questions on the Workhorse/ Chevrolet forum. There may be a direct replacement available and that would be a good place to ask.

opbart1 · 11-28-2013, 07:58 AM

You could contact Colaw RV in Carthage mo. They are a RV parts salvage specialist and may be able to help. Www.colawrvsalvage.com

Duner · 11-29-2013, 11:41 AM

You don't say what model number chassis you have. Is it a Chevy P30 (series?)

I've used RockAuto.com for years to get good price on parts for older vehicles.

If you have a P30, I found a selection of 3 choices on a radiator.
If you have some other chassis, just click down the menu string til you get to a selection for your model.

Good luck,
Bill

Chiefbvfd · 11-30-2013, 06:22 AM

Welcome to the Winnie family...

rickf · 11-30-2013, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duner

You don't say what model number chassis you have. Is it a Chevy P30 (series?)

I've used RockAuto.com for years to get good price on parts for older vehicles.

If you have a P30, I found a selection of 3 choices on a radiator.
If you have some other chassis, just click down the menu string til you get to a selection for your model.

Good luck,
Bill

Thanks Bill, I have them on my list. One of the three choices is no good as it will not fit the type of radiator support I have. I just need to find out how the others fill.

Rick

rickf · 11-30-2013, 06:49 AM

Thanks for the welcome Terry. Due to some bad choices I made over the years I will never be able to afford a newer class A unless I hit the lottery. Problem there is that I do not gamble so therefore no lottery tickets.

I figured my only way into a class A was to get a fixer upper and dive in. I have a condition with my back that is going to cripple me eventually so I am pushing to get this done as soon as possible. They give me no timeline, just "when it happens, it happens." Gotta love it.

Rick