Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Newbie Adventures in a 1987 HONEY RV w/ a Chevy 454

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Topic: Newbie Adventures in a 1987 HONEY RV w/ a Chevy 454

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/26/15 03:45pm

Thanks for stopping to look. As I start this new chapter of my life kind of forced on me, ( divorce ) I wanted to make this thread to keep up with this New to Me, Motor home, and look back in a few years at it.

Most threads on the HONEY brand are older and closed, so it will be kind of a travel and info log that may help any other Honey Owners out there ( if there are any? )

1987 Honey 421s Mini Class A
Chevy 454 7.4L V8 4bbl
RPO: LE8
P30 Chassis
GVWR / Brake System: 10,0001 - 14,000 Hydraulic
Assembly Plant: Detroit, MI
Paid cash on June 28, 2015 with 33,523 miles.

Accessories:
Onan Emerald I Generator ( Model: 4BGEFA26100F )
Roof A/C: Duo-Therm Brisk-Air
Fridge: Dometic RM2501
W/H: Atwood G6a-6E
Oven: Wedgewood T2130
Furnace: Hydro Flame 19000

A few photos:

Floorplan 7252
[image]

* I love classic Volkswagens, and this is the main reason I bought the RV is to go to more shows:

[image]

I look forward to hearing from other Honey Owners, or any other RVer that can offer any advice to a newbie, as I am sure I will have questions as I discover new things about this classic Motorhome.
Subscribe, if you would like to keep up with my adventures.

EDITED TO ADD:

Found some info on the P chassis that may help others.
pg 25 has the VIN code breakdown.
P Chassis Info PDF

This site has all types of links for Onan generator Manuals.
Onan Manuals PDFs

* fixed the missing pics being held hostage by photobucket.

* This post was last edited 06/30/17 09:33am by 66vdub *

Current Project: 1982 Coachmen 15' TT

SOLD: 1987 Honey 421s Class A

Posted By: gbopp on 07/26/15 05:14pm

Welcome to the forum. Your Honey appears to be in good condition.
I like the older RV's. They have class.
Cool toad!
I'll be waiting for your updates.

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/26/15 10:06pm

Adding a few pics of the first trip.

July 1st - 4th

I took my 14 & 11 year old to Steele Creek Campground for our first camping trip together.
It was really fun, thought I might forget a lot of items that we would need, but not to bad.
I would have liked to had the boys bicycles to get them around a little better, and a rope to hang wet clothing.
We did have a great time, and no mishaps hooking up to water, electric and sewer.
Used the fridge and it kept things nice and cold, the freezer worked.
AC worked fine. I was quite pleased and relieved.
Used the LP and ran the oven to cook a couple frozen pizzas too.
We had a really fun time, and I was so glad to be able to share this time with them, and to know they will look back on this a special time with Dad.

[image]

Logged 127 miles on this trip.

* This post was last edited 11/20/17 05:37pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: the_vfox on 07/27/15 03:44am

Very nice looking rig. Take care of it and it will take care of you. I hope it provides many years of happy memories for you.

Fox and Angel, fuzz ball cat and crazy Yorkie ">
Don't call me on the weekend, Im out camping.">
2001 Itasca Horizon DP 36LD 330 Cat and all the bells and whistles
Go Blue, US Air Force(retired)25 years ">

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/27/15 08:03am

Thank you for the welcomes!
just been reading and learning!

I love VW's I have a 1966 VW beetle that I saved from the scrap yard, and decided to take it to Orangeburg, SC for the " Drag Night " VW event. I Just watched the other VWs race, and just entered mine in the show. Great time with a great bunch of people.

Now this was my first boondocking, no Power, Water, or Sewer.
ran the genny to keep cool, as it was well over 100* most of the day, Generator ran great, it cooled the best it could in that no shaded spot.

[image]

3rd trip will be to Gaffney, SC KOA with the boys this weekend.

* This post was edited 11/20/17 05:56pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: jmaotto on 07/27/15 12:28pm

I have a question. Why use a tow dolly? Those VW bugs to well with a tow bar.

Posted By: jplante4 on 07/27/15 02:28pm

I'm like "Holy moly, he's going to eat all that bacon" then I saw the boys...

Nice older rig.

Jerry & Jeanne
1996 Safari Sahara 3530 - 'White Tiger'
CAT 3126/Allison 6 speed/Magnum Chassis
2014 Equinox AWD / Blue Ox

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/27/15 05:31pm

jmaotto wrote:

I have a question. Why use a tow dolly? Those VW bugs to well with a tow bar.

Tow dolly was available, but the bug has been lowered so its hard to get a tow bar under the beam.

Posted By: blazenpm on 07/27/15 07:52pm

Very fine looking inside and outside. Someone took very good care of this gem. I recently restored a 1989 31ft.Bounder Class A. I plan to tow all four on the ground Honda CRV. Have yet to come up with the funds to make the Honda towable. Your interior is much like mine. I also have a P30 chassis with a 454 cu.in. 4 Bbl carb. Mine runs like a champ. Have fun.

Posted By: blazenpm on 07/27/15 07:53pm

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/27/15 10:34pm

blazenpm wrote:

Thanks BlazenPM!

I changed the oil and filter this afternoon. good to go!

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/27/15 10:36pm

jplante4 wrote:

I'm like "Holy moly, he's going to eat all that bacon" then I saw the boys...

Nice older rig.

Thanks! I was lucky to get 3 pieces of that bacon.

Posted By: blazenpm on 07/28/15 08:44am

very important to have the transmission serviced. Whatever is needed. If it needs to be purged, then do it. I run a synthetic autotrans fluid in mine. The synthetic fluid holds its viscosity better and is not affected by the heat as much as non synthetic autotrans fluid. How are your tires? Make sure they are all in good shape especially the inside duals that you cannot see. They say tires should be changed out after they get seven years old, I think if they do not have any cracks and have good tread and still hold air then run them, but most RV'rs feel that the tires are they one of the most important things on a motorhome to have in best condition. How is your generator working? I had mine serviced as it would not start. The don't mess around with the carburator, just replace it with a new one. Had the plugs replace and filters gas and oil and oil changed. It runs great now. Oh, a friend of mine who is certified in Onan generators says those carbs can very easily be cleaned up with a carb kit and it would work like new. I found that out after the fact.

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/28/15 09:54pm

blazenpm wrote:

How are your tires?

Tires appear to be in good shape, couple years old, but no cracks or signs of dry rot. I will prob run these until next spring, save up for some new ones.

blazenpm wrote:

How is your generator working?

The Onan runs strong now, it surged when I first started it when i was buying it. I have ordered a new oil filter for it and will be doing the change / service next week.

blazenpm wrote:

Don't mess around with the carburator

Carb seems to be working great!, no stutter or hesitation, good power too, picking up an air filter before I leave out this weekend.
Will also be changing plugs and plug wires out too. Along with flushing old tranny fluid.
seems like so much to do, and so little time to do it.

Thanks again for stopping and checking out my thread.

Posted By: Mike Hohnstein on 07/28/15 10:10pm

You might want to rethink 'flushing' the transmission. My company has had to repair more than a few vintage transmissions that were subjected to a flushing process by less than ethical shops. Changing the filter, replacing the pan gasket and refilling with Dextron 3 is all that is necessary for a proper service. Do this @ 24,000 mile intervals. Changing over to syn fluids is a waste of money in your application.

Posted By: 66vdub on 07/28/15 11:25pm

Mike Hohnstein wrote:

Noted! thanks!
This is what I planned on doing, I will do all maintenance that I can myself. I run Conventional Oil and tranny fluid.
I was thinking about flushing the Radiator Coolant.

Posted By: JimFromJersey on 07/29/15 08:17pm

Nice looking unit. Enjoy as long as possible. Here's a hint - unhook the awning supports from the body and stick them VERTICAL down from the main awning rod. There should be locks on the horizontal awning rods that will hold everything steady. That way, you walk into the supports much less often, said the voice of Experience. [emoticon]

Always remember, you're a unique individual. Just like the other 7 billion people on the planet...

Posted By: the_vfox on 07/30/15 03:51am

"Carb seems to be working great!, no stutter or hesitation, good power too, picking up an air filter before I leave out this weekend.
Will also be changing plugs and plug wires out too. Along with flushing old tranny fluid. seems like so much to do, and so little time to do it."
When you replace the wires, use the good ones for high temp applications. That 454 likes to get hot when you are working it. Cap and rotor is another area to watch, cheap to replace and good insurance for a great running motor.
I second the drain instead of flush the tranny.
If it's shifting good, just drop the pan, clean the screen and put a new gasket on it. If you don't have a burnt smell to it, your systems are still working good. One last thing, change out the oil in the axle pumpkin if you don't have any records of it being done. My Old bounder was a grand ole gal, just traded it for something with a slide. It was an 88 and running excellent.

Posted By: 1950panman on 07/30/15 04:56pm

wow .they must be a lota of m out there..i did have a 1996 honey great starter..trade it in on a 2003 Georgia boy///love that honey...lane

Posted By: Deano56 on 08/05/15 03:42pm

66vdub wrote:

jplante4 wrote:

I'm like "Holy moly, he's going to eat all that bacon" then I saw the boys...

Nice older rig.

Thanks! I was lucky to get 3 pieces of that bacon.

very clean rig, those boys and you will have lots of fun with that and like you said, good memories. I didn't see anything about the tires, are they good with the dates or did I miss you talking about them. I have 2 grandsons that would tear that bacon up in five minutes, (if I don't get there first)

Posted By: Deano56 on 08/05/15 03:48pm

I like the VW, great practicle cars. My Grandfather worked on them everynight and weekends for extra money for years. He said he could have the engine out from it in less than an half hour. I'm thinking of taking a Yugo and standing it straight up on my bumpber and straping it to the coach. Ha

Posted By: Wimsey on 08/05/15 03:55pm

Nice looking unit and your boys will have great memories!

Talboys -- aka 2005 40' Newmar Dutch Star 4011
Traveling home for Wimsey Bulldogs
Spartan Chassis
Blue Ox Tow Bar
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Towed

Posted By: 66vdub on 08/17/15 07:58pm

Well back again... 3 weekends and 3 trips.

July 31 - Aug 2:
Went to Gaffney, SC KOA. really nice quiet campground, Kids had fun in the pool, playground, hiking trail and even had good Wi-Fi so they could keep up with their friends on their phones.

[image]

Aug 8th & 9th:
I spent the weekend boondocking at a local friends property with a group of VWers just relaxing all weekend and enjoying good food and friends.

[image]

Aug 14-16th:
My 14 year old had his Band review for parents late Friday, so I asked what they wanted to do, they opted to return back to KOA Gaffney as they had a great time and its close.

[image]

So thats about it for now...
Trips planned for Shelby, NC, Maggie Valley NC, Cascade Lake Campground NC, & Sevierville TN 3 of which are VW shows.
Thanks for stopping by.

* This post was edited 11/20/17 06:22pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: 66vdub on 06/20/16 09:39am

back to update.

Sept 11-13 2015 Shelby NC

[image]

Sept 17-20 2015 Maggie Valley, NC

[image]

Oct 1 Trip to Seiverville, TN Rained Out [emoticon]

Nov 24 -29 2015: Ebenezer Park in Rock Hill, SC

[image]

* This post was last edited 11/20/17 06:47pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: ro_sie on 06/20/16 11:00am

Wow, You are creating great memories for your children. Yep, real glad you are taking good care of that RV, but even more proud of you as a good Dad. So many guys just walk away from their kids when a family breaks up. glad you aren't. Children need a Dad as much as they need their mom. congrats on being a fantastic Dad.

ro_sie
Art ( my roomie)
Fleetwood Revolution LE

Posted By: 66vdub on 06/21/16 07:19pm

Kicking off 2016

April 28 - May 1 2016 Sevierville, TN- Circle Yer Wagens VW show.

[image]

Our Site for the weekend
[image]

* This post was last edited 11/20/17 07:03pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: Ballenxj on 06/21/16 09:18pm

Just dropped in to say thanks, I'm enjoying your blog here.
I really like the floor plan of your MH. Really clean looking too.
Lastly, I can relate to what initiated this journey.
Best of luck to you in your travels. [emoticon]

Downsizing ">

Posted By: 66vdub on 09/20/16 05:31pm

June 2nd - 5th 2016
KOA Gaffney

We returned to our favorite local campground.

[image]

Friends stopped by for cookout and Mini Golf

[image]

Rain chased us in for a few minutes...

[image]

Stopped by Crowders Mountain on way home too.

[image]

* This post was edited 11/20/17 07:16pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: J-Rooster on 09/20/16 05:45pm

66 vdub, Thanks for sharing! Divorces are very hard to recover from (been there, did that when, I left the courtroom all I had was my underwear on and pickup truck) glad to hear your alive and doing well!

Posted By: 66vdub on 09/20/16 06:19pm

J-Rooster wrote:

LOL yes they are!

Thanks for checkin in J-Rooster!

Posted By: Ballenxj on 09/20/16 10:04pm

J-Rooster wrote:

I've been through that meat grinder more than once. Hopefully the laws change enough to give a guy a fighting chance.
Some equality they serve up. [emoticon]

Posted By: J-Rooster on 09/21/16 11:53am

Ballenxj wrote:

J-Rooster wrote:

I've been through that meat grinder more than once. Hopefully the laws change enough to give a guy a fighting chance.
Some equality they serve up. [emoticon]

She wanted the pick up truck! I told the judge no pick up truck, no workie! Amen on laws changing!

Posted By: 66vdub on 09/28/16 03:03pm

Picked up 6 new tires today...

local Clark Tire store did the swap... They were kind of alarmed as the rear inside tires had tubes...
they thought they may be the original tires from the late '80s
anyway, new tires now on all 6 wheels.

Went with:
Grantland Milestar 215/85R16 115/112S Load Range E 10 ply

[image]

Posted By: Ballenxj on 09/28/16 03:38pm

66vdub wrote:

Picked up 6 new tires today...

I'll bet you feel much better about traveling now. [emoticon]

Posted By: 66vdub on 09/29/16 02:34pm

Ballenxj wrote:

I'll bet you feel much better about traveling now. [emoticon]

Yes, I was lucky coming back from TN with the old ones!
ready to roll!

Posted By: Kingofthecove on 10/04/16 11:03pm

Just perused this thread. Nice rig. My 2 cents based on my experiences with older big block gassers.
1) take it easy. Sure your coach will do 70 mph. But your wallet and drive train will like things much better at 55-60.
2) insulate your gas lines where they get close to anything hot. Vapor-lock is a real PITA.
3) if your carb ever gets tired, check out some of the offerings from Edelbrock. One of the best additions I ever made to my vintage Dodge gasser back in the day.

And yeah, you dodged a bullet coming from Tenn on old tires. Front drivers side blowout at freeway speeds is not fun, speaking from experience. I got religion on tires REAL quick like after that incident back in the 70s.

2008 Layton Travel Trailer, Model 208 LTD, 5,000lbs loaded.
1998 Ford F250 3-door Ext. Cab, Lariat, 5.4L Triton V8, tow package, WDH, Leer canopy.
We always get there...............eventually.

Posted By: John&Joey on 10/05/16 08:01am

FWIW, keep an eye on your spark plug cables. If your engine starts to act up (i.e. going up hills) the plug wires may have gotten burnt and are shorting out. I guess that 454 runs pretty hot.

I had a 67 VW. Trick to those things was to pull the oil cooler out and run a remote one attached to the back side of the shroud over the fan area. Otherwise the stock oil cooler shields number three exhaust valve which is a two part valve. That thing when it gets hot enough will pop apart and take out the engine.

Nice thread, glad to see life is back to having fun for you and your kids.

Posted By: 66vdub on 10/17/16 09:45am

Thanks for the replies guys, will be checking on those items.

Took The Honey and my 1970 VW Bus out for a local close to home camping get together. Boondocking!
This Onan Gen is an Emerald 1 runs awesome
I changed the oil, filters and plug... fires right up now.

quick pic of my setup

[image]

booked a site at Croft State park in Spartanburg, SC for 10-13 of Nov.
and our yearly Thanksgiving get together at Ebeneezer Park in Rock Hill, SC

Posted By: Ballenxj on 10/17/16 10:21am

66vdub wrote:

This Onan Gen is an Emerald 1 runs awesome
I changed the oil, filters and plug... fires right up now.

Good to hear. [emoticon]

Posted By: turbojimmy on 10/18/16 01:16pm

66vdub wrote:

I have that same outdoor carpet! It's not just cosmetic - it's amazing how much junk it keeps out of the RV.

Nice patina on the VW [emoticon]

The 454 in my '84 does just fine. It looks like the vapor lock avoidance advice that GM provided back in the 80s was implemented on mine. There was evidently an electric pusher pump back at the tank that has since been removed but it works fine. Hasn't vapor locked, even running for 30 miles with temp gauge pegged in the red (plugged radiator).

You're lucky with the tires. Mine has the 19.5" rims which really limit my options.

Enjoy it and the time with your family. I got mine after I divorced as well. Not that my ex-wife prohibited it, but I guess I never thought of it. My new (sort of - it's been 7 years) mate loves to travel in it with me and my kids. It's nice just to leave it all behind once in awhile - even if it's just for the weekend.

1984 Allegro M-31 (Dead Metal)

Posted By: 66vdub on 10/18/16 02:02pm

turbojimmy wrote:

Nice patina on the VW [emoticon]

I call it RUST LOL!
its bodywork time on it, thats all that is left, and lots of it.
thanks for checking in.

Posted By: 66vdub on 11/13/16 05:08pm

Just got in from Camping at Croft State Park in Spartanburg, SC this weekend for Veterans Day.

Arrived Thursday and stayed til Sunday.

Only bad thing was there was a burn ban due to dry conditions.

If you have any questions on Croft, just message me anytime.
great place if you have horses too.

[image]

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/12/17 08:28pm

Hey Everyone,
Just back to add to the thread and close out the 2016 trips in the Honey.

Nov 24 -27 2016
Ebenezer State Park in Rock Hill, SC

Our VW group went to our yearly Thanksgiving campout at Ebenezer again!

[image]

Looking forward to heading out for 2017!

* This post was edited 03/12/17 09:22pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: Ballenxj on 03/12/17 09:10pm

Fun! The more I look at your MH, the more I look, the more I think you have the ideal length class A. Enjoy. [emoticon]

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/12/17 09:24pm

Ballenxj wrote:

Fun! The more I look at your MH, the more I look, the more I think you have the ideal length class A. Enjoy. [emoticon]

I thought I would want a larger one, but this one has been great.
A slide out in the toilet area would be nice! [emoticon]

Posted By: Ballenxj on 03/12/17 09:36pm

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

Fun! The more I look at your MH, the more I look, the more I think you have the ideal length class A. Enjoy. [emoticon]

I thought I would want a larger one, but this one has been great.
A slide out in the toilet area would be nice! [emoticon]

PS, what length is it? I just went through the whole thread again looking for it without finding the length posted?
PS to the ps, looks like I was stuttering in my last post, Haha.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/13/17 03:17am

Ballenxj wrote:

PS, what length is it? I just went through the whole thread again looking for it without finding the length posted?
PS to the ps, looks like I was stuttering in my last post, Haha.

lol it is 24' ft

[image]

Posted By: Ballenxj on 03/13/17 08:22am

66vdub wrote:

it is 24' ft

Nice! I think 24' is the sweet spot, depending on how you're using it of course.
My 31' Sportscoach was nice, but I found it a bit too long for boon docking, going down dirt roads, then having to turn around, etc.
OTOH, I had a 21' Winnebago Brave that I could almost go anywhere a car could. I imagine your 24' coach is pretty close to being that nimble.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/13/17 08:55am

Ballenxj wrote:

Yes, I think so too, almost like a dually truck, or UPS Truck.
driving it is easy, and I plan on boondocking a bit more this year.

Posted By: Ballenxj on 03/13/17 04:11pm

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

Yes, I think so too, almost like a dually truck, or UPS Truck.
driving it is easy, and I plan on boondocking a bit more this year.

You know, I just thought about how I used to laugh about tailgaters while watching them get all pissed off staring at my class 3 hitch. I watched them via my rear camera. I always drove cautiously, and usually in the right or center lane, but they were never satisfied. Also made me wish I had one of those back off or I'll flush stickers. Yup, a big truck and a motorhome are very similar in that respect. They cannot exactly intimidate you, can they?

Posted By: crasster on 03/14/17 08:13am

Awesome first couple of posts. Retro all the way. [emoticon]

4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.

Posted By: turbojimmy on 03/14/17 08:14am

Ballenxj wrote:

66vdub wrote:

it is 24' ft

I agree. My 31' Allegro kind of fell in my lap, but if I were to do it again I'd get something shorter. It's a lot to maneuver for what I use it for.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/14/17 08:21am

crasster wrote:

Awesome first couple of posts. Retro all the way. [emoticon]

Thanks for lookin!

Posted By: jspringator on 03/14/17 01:09pm

Looks nice! I agree on the length. Mine is a 27 footer; the shortest I could get with a slide.

Jim & Sherri
02 Winnebago Sightseer 27c Class A;
"Scout" Springer Spaniel, gone but not forgotten;
"Boo" Chocolate Labradoodle.

Posted By: CharlesinGA on 03/14/17 06:17pm

I need to find something light weight to pull behind my View. Not too fond of straining the transmission which is a very weak design. I've given serious thought to a VW based fiberglass dune buggy, just gotta find one in decent shape that they don't want stupid dollars for. Either they are a pile of parts for $3500 or a decent looking machine for $9000, not much in between. May end up building one (probably a Barrien/ACME on their chassis). I figure it won't weigh over 1200 lbs or so, will never know its back there.

Charles

'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO six speed, PacBrake Exh Brake, std cab, long bed, Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB.. previously (both gone) 2008 Thor/Dutchman Freedom Spirit 180 & 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/14/17 07:04pm

CharlesinGA wrote:

yes I couldnt tell my VW was back there... I would have used a VW tow bar, but this bug has been lowered... its since been sold, and now have a 1970 Westy Bus. which I sometimes take out.

Craigslist is probably you best bet on finding one.

Posted By: Jim@HiTek on 03/15/17 12:56pm

Nice looking rig! Not only will you and the boys have many adventures, you'll also get to work on it. Something you'll likely enjoy, if you're anything like me.

And now for a little shameless promotion, I bought an older ('94 Bounder) diesel class A and wrote a repair blog about it for 12 years. Although it was a diesel, many of the house and some chassis systems are the same as yours and you might find something of use in it: RV Repair Blog

Jim@HiTek
Have shop, will travel!
Visit my travel & RV repair blog site. Subscribe for emailed updates.
Winnebago Journey, '02
Cat 330HP Diesel, 36.5', two slides.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/15/17 02:19pm

Jim@HiTek wrote:

Thanks Jim!
I will definitely check it out!

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/17/17 07:30pm

So today, I picked up some Brake pads and brake hoses for the front this weekend for my piece of mind... I really dont know how old they are, and well... I like to stop when I have to. lol

I had watched a video on youtube about cleaning the black splotchy streaks and picked up some cleaner they used called "LA Awesome"
its carried at local Dollar tree store, and I was skeptical at first, but WOW! the stuff works great.

I had about an hour or so of sunlight left and did the top half of the drivers side then the rain came.
hopefully I can finish it up by Sunday evening.

can you tell?

[image]

hard to see in this pic, but top half is clean

[image]

hope to have some pics tomorrow of break work ( rain permitting. )

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/18/17 06:35pm

So today I started on the the front brakes and glad I did.

Started out on Passenger side and everything went smooth, the caliper looked good and functioned, so I just replaced the pads

[image]

also replaced the brake hose since I don't know how long it has been on there, and for my piece of mind.

[image]

Went to the Drivers side and I had been hearing some noise while going down the road every so often on the last trip of the year.
took the wheel off and noticed the little piece that sits on the metal part that screws in was sticking out and broken.
( photo is of passenger side, but the arrow is showing the little curved piece that wedges the plate in to secure the caliper. )

[image]

So the noise i had been hearing was the caliper flopping and banging.

So I needed the new piece, and of course I have to buy a whole new caliper just for that... so I undid the brake line, changed it all out.

[image]

New Caliper, pads and hose on drivers side done, so good to go now!

[image]

Thinking with the surprise I found, I will be safe and do the rear shoes for safety sake before I take it out on next adventure.

Also found a leak on the connection of my water pump from Fresh Water Tank... I want to boondock more this year so I will be getting on that too.

Thanks again for reading my updates, looking forward to a great 2017!

* This post was edited 03/18/17 06:59pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: Ballenxj on 03/18/17 07:16pm

It's good for peace of mind to stay on top of things.
Good job! [emoticon]

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/19/17 04:40pm

Well finished cleaning the black streaks off of the Honey today...

[image]

Have a good one everybody!

[image]

* This post was last edited 11/20/17 07:23pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: magik235 on 03/19/17 08:28pm

Outstanding improvement.

1993 Damon Challenger
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26989746.cfm

Posted By: Jim@HiTek on 03/19/17 10:35pm

Looks nice! Great job. I watched that video and you really work fast. [emoticon]

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/20/17 02:36am

magik235 wrote:

Outstanding improvement.

Jim@HiTek wrote:

Looks nice! Great job. I watched that video and you really work fast. [emoticon]

Thank you both!

Jim, wish I could move that fast!
30 seconds of time lapse was just over 1.5 hrs.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/30/17 03:30pm

Yesterday, I ended up raising the back end and checking out the rear brakes... confirmed my suspicion and found a leaking wheel cylinder on the passenger side.

decided to take it in to someone who has the proper tools to get the job done.

so next week planning on having them replace
Shoes
Wheel cylinders
Hoses
and have them check the axle bearings...

Safety First.

a few pics for you to check out.

[image]

* This post was edited 03/30/17 06:11pm by 66vdub *

Posted By: Ballenxj on 03/30/17 06:32pm

Moving right along here, aren't we? Good job you caught that leaky wheel cylinder.

Posted By: 66vdub on 03/30/17 07:53pm

Ballenxj wrote:

Moving right along here, aren't we? Good job you caught that leaky wheel cylinder.

Yes, I plan on taking the RV out the last part of April, not sure where to, but somewhere.
Then May 4-8 to Sevierville, TN for the spring Circle Yer Wagens VW show.

Posted By: stugpanzer on 03/31/17 07:53am

Welcome to the forums! Nice looking coach and setup! I wish for many years of happiness and adventures for you with your kids and your new unexpected turn in life! I will be looking forward to seeing your updates! Happy camping!

2006 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37C
Mods: EEZRV Products TPMS, Cobra 29LX 50th Anniversary CB radio with Firestik NGP Antenna, Self contained sewer hose

Posted By: 66vdub on 04/06/17 09:10am

Yesterday I Dropped off the Honey to get rear brake work completed.
anxious as to what the final bill will be. [emoticon]

Posted By: Ballenxj on 04/06/17 10:53am

66vdub wrote:

Yesterday I Dropped off the Honey to get rear brake work completed.
anxious as to what the final bill will be. [emoticon]

Uh,oh, I hope it's bearable.

Posted By: femailyetti on 04/06/17 11:08am

I don't think "anxious" would be the word I would have, Worried is probably my word lol. But not stopping cost you a lot more, like you said SAFETY is the best to think about.

Posted By: 66vdub on 04/06/17 03:44pm

Ballenxj wrote:

Uh,oh, I hope it's bearable.

UGH! Wasn't ready for the total $1023.56 out the door.
$360 in parts, $600 in Labor and then tax.

Replaced:
Both Drums
Shoes
Wheel Cylinders
Hoses
Repacked Bearings

I wasn't thinking the drums needed anything but turning, but they were wore below specs.

well at least I'm safe now! time to start enjoying!

Posted By: Ballenxj on 04/06/17 06:40pm

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

Uh,oh, I hope it's bearable.

OUCH! But at least you should be good for quite a while?
Now take your kids out on the road with peace of mind. [emoticon]

Posted By: 66vdub on 05/04/17 07:35am

Not been fun the past week...
more issues popped up...

Water leak under the shower area... old pipe has small crack, kept hearing water running but couldnt see anything. keep searching people, its going somewhere. lol ( still working on this issue... may have to pull shower to get to it. )

was getting hot while searching for leak, and turned on AC unit to cool down... compressor comes on but no FAN blowing... ugh.

Ended up getting on roof and removing the cover, and the shaft has a greasey dirt buildup on it... clean it up, lube it good and remove a huge dirt dauber nest, couple live wasp nests, and a few leaves, give it a spin and its is smoother when it turns. I close it all up, put new stainless screws to hold the cover, ( others were really rusty. ) go back down and check it... good to go!

So, last night I want to go fill up the Honey, for a trip to TN this morning, forgot my phone inside, ran in to get it and on the way out i noticed fluid splattering near rear passenger tire... get under and gas spraying all over... shut it down and the fuel pressure regulator has prob deteriorated over time and from this lovely Ethanol gas. ugh.

[image]

So I googled and found this is a problem for some old coaches. the regulartor has been discontinued so that didnt help.
but here are the parts you would need if you come across this problem.

Holley repair kit part# 12-807 $12.99

Holley Fuel Regulator - part# 12-803 $35.99

came across this helpful video by a youtuber named Nathan. I really appreciate it and a few other videos he has shared.

Replacing Fuel Pressure Regulator Chevy 454 P30 chassis

so, I hope to have this issue fixed by tomorrow, trip canceled.
Thankful for seeing it, before going down the road and being stranded or something worse.

Thanks for stopping by,
ROB

* This post was edited 05/04/17 07:43am by 66vdub *

Posted By: Jim@HiTek on 05/04/17 08:07am

Just skimmed through your postings in this thread (really a great bunch of pictures) and don't think I saw anything about the Parking Brake. Many years of P30 chassis production used an inferior design component, prone to failure, that was called the Rotten Green Switch (just type that into Google). Your chassis might predate the use of that, but you should look into your P-B system asap. Parking on a hill, getting up for a snack and then noticing the RV is coasting slowly towards a cliff is NOT FUN.

Here's a link to resources for the brake: Auto Park Brake...

Although my system in the '94 Bounder I use to have was the more reliable Bendix setup, with a driveline drum brake, I did have to work on it several times. Didn't realize how much I depended on the P-B until I lost it.

Posted By: Ballenxj on 05/04/17 08:59am

Jim@HiTek wrote:

Parking on a hill, getting up for a snack and then noticing the RV is coasting slowly towards a cliff is NOT FUN.

Is this the voice of experience? [emoticon]

That does not sound like fun. Talk about panic.

Posted By: Ballenxj on 05/04/17 09:17am

66vdub wrote:

Not been fun the past week...
more issues popped up...

WOW! Sounds like not a lot of fun. I've never been a fan of RV plumbing. Had to replace just about all the pex plumbing in a 5th wheel I had before I could sell it. At least the new owner shouldn't have to worry about plumbing for a while.
Sorry to hear about the pressure regulator and fan. Hopefully the fan is an easy fix. I once found a closeout deal on a Carrier A/C at an RV store that was going out of business. Best A/C I ever had. My old coach had two A/C units, and I found I never had to run the second one any more. Hopefully you will get this all sorted out soon. [emoticon]

Posted By: Jim@HiTek on 05/04/17 10:14am

Ballenxj wrote:

Jim@HiTek wrote:

Parking on a hill, getting up for a snack and then noticing the RV is coasting slowly towards a cliff is NOT FUN.

Is this the voice of experience? [emoticon]

That does not sound like fun. Talk about panic.

Sure is. I'd only owned the rig for a month, and was on a trip with a good friend who was dying of brain cancer. She was pretty subdued and quiet as you can imagine. We parked along the edge of a cliff, with a beautiful view on her side, at a slight angle, and as I got up and started to walk to the kitchen to fix a sandwich, she whispered, "Jim, we're moving". Surprisingly, I heard her, looked out the window, saw it was true and raced back to the driver's seat to stomp on the brake. We were about 6 feet from the edge of a drop off behind us when we stopped. Yikes!

That was my first indication that my P-B didn't work because I'd always parked on flat areas before.

Turned out that the P-B had been badly misadjusted, to the point of non-operation, by the previous owner for some misguided reason...probably because they'd read about the P-30 chassis Autopark Brake locking up on people and having to have the RV towed. Mine was a Freightliner so the P-B was a Bendix system, not prone to that type of failure. I adjusted it properly and it worked fine for several years.

Posted By: 66vdub on 06/13/17 09:11pm

Finally got out this year..

.NC Mountain Getaway

I'm new at youtube, so dont expect much... anyway thanks for lookin.

Posted By: magik235 on 06/14/17 09:21pm

Excellent video.

Posted By: 66vdub on 06/22/17 12:18am

Been busy at removing all the old polybutyl plumbing and installing PEX lines throughout.

Cleaning out the Fresh water tank to so I can do some dry camping wherever.

Will update some pics as soon as I get a chance.

have a good one!

Posted By: 66vdub on 11/15/17 01:12pm

Alright, been a few months since my last update.
I finished up the plumbing, installing 1/2" Pex throughout and no leaks.

[image]

So after the Maggie Valley Trip, I did a few local runs, couple days camping and fishing around the county, I started removing the windows and resealing them.

[image]

July did a run to Lee State Park ( Bishopsville, SC ) and then on to Huntington Beach State Park, in Murrells Inlet, SC

[image]

You can check out the video I made of this trip on youtube,
Here

[image]

Stayed local up to Sept. and did our local VW show

[image]

Then a trip to Sevierville, TN for the Annual Fall Circle Yer Wagens VW show

[image]

* This post was last edited 11/20/17 11:14am by 66vdub *

Posted By: Ballenxj on 11/15/17 08:55pm

Good to hear you're doing OK and having fun. Sorry to hear about the generator, but it sounds like you don't need it for now anyway. Enjoy.

Posted By: 66vdub on 11/20/17 11:32am

OK came back and added pics to last post...

November started off with my youngest son and I going to Mt. Pleasant, SC the 3rd-5th

[image]

Turned over 37000 miles on this run...

[image]

A great time, I have 5 sons but now down to 1 that doesn't work, and on the go with their friends.

Up Next will be Thanksgiving and the Weekend 23-26th at Ebeneezer Park in Rock Hill, SC on Lake Wylie.

Posted By: 66vdub on 11/20/17 11:41am

I like to run my Generator once a month for maintenance, but I went to fire my Generator up, to let it run for 30-40 min and it died out on me after 15 min of surging and running.

cleaned out carb, bowl and jet, tested fuel pump by taking 12v directly to it (works).

it looks like the circuit board ( 300-3056 ) isn't supplying power to fuel pump, so since I dont use my generator much, I will be putting this off until spring.

So that's where I am at.

since Photobucket decided to charge to post pics, I will be moving them over to imgur, and get them back up.

Hope everyone has a great holiday season.
will be back to update when more when I update, fix things and have more adventures in this fun old coach.

[image]

Posted By: Ballenxj on 11/20/17 03:48pm

It's good you're upbeat and having a good time after all that life has thrown at you.
Photobucket? They shot themselves in the foot big time! I know a lot of photographers are dumping them, and rightfully so.

Posted By: 66vdub on 11/20/17 05:17pm

Ballenxj wrote:

Thanks for checking in! A lot more out there worse than I was / am.
Knee replacement Surgery coming up in January, hope to be back out enjoying times by April.

Posted By: Ballenxj on 11/20/17 05:32pm

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

Thanks for checking in! A lot more out there worse than I was / am.
Knee replacement Surgery coming up in January, hope to be back out enjoying times by April.

Knee surgery? Replacement?

Posted By: 66vdub on 11/20/17 07:26pm

Ballenxj wrote:

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

Thanks for checking in! A lot more out there worse than I was / am.
Knee replacement Surgery coming up in January, hope to be back out enjoying times by April.

Knee surgery? Replacement?

Yes, I was hurt overseas in Navy been dealing with bad knees for over 25 years... I am only 51 but Doc's says its time...
1st one in Jan
2nd in Fall 2018.

Posted By: Ballenxj on 11/20/17 08:24pm

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

66vdub wrote:

Ballenxj wrote:

Thanks for checking in! A lot more out there worse than I was / am.
Knee replacement Surgery coming up in January, hope to be back out enjoying times by April.

Knee surgery? Replacement?

Yes, I was hurt overseas in Navy been dealing with bad knees for over 25 years... I am only 51 but Doc's says its time...
1st one in Jan
2nd in Fall 2018.

Git er done then. Everybody I talk to that has had it done always say they wish they had done it sooner. Things will get better.

Posted By: BigRabbitMan on 11/21/17 06:28pm

I enjoy your pictures and travels. I just recently upgraded the radiator and fan in my '76 FMC. Runs cool now going up grades! In 2016 I visited a friend in Bethune, SC then went north to VA and a brother's place. Nice country but a long way from home for me. Come West if you get a chance.

BigRabbitMan
Gas to Diesel Conversion project
76 FMC #1046, Gas Pusher became a Diesel Pusher
Discussion thread on this site
"You're never too old to learn something stupid."

Posted By: 66vdub on 02/09/18 03:21pm

Alright, back after a trip to Nebraska for Dec. and had my knee Surgery on Jan 8th 2018... did some messing on the RV today.
I had ordered the control board for the Emerald I genny, installed it today, and it fired right up. sounded good too.
coach fired up too after sitting for the 2 months and i let them both run for 20-30 min. everything is good to go.

a few pics:

Here is the old board # 300-3056

[image]

New Board: 300-3950 Onan Replacement Generator Control board

[image]

so as of today, Mileage is: 37485 ( put on just under 4000 miles )

[image]

probably going to see what it will do on eBay... plan on going out in the 1970 VW Westfalia Camper this spring.

Posted By: turbojimmy on 02/09/18 03:39pm

66vdub wrote:

Alright, back after a trip to Nebraska for Dec. and had my knee Surgery on Jan 8th 2018... did some messing on the RV today.

Awesome. I hope you're on the mend.

Reminds me that I need to get out and fire up mine - the 454 and the generator. It's been a while. Time flies as it sits out there. But Spring is around the corner and a whole new season of good times awaits!

Posted By: 66vdub on 02/09/18 04:52pm

turbojimmy wrote:

Yep, movin good. Doing physical Therapy and picked up a metal detector too.

crazy how fast time flies, get it cranked and tuned TurboJimmy!
have a good one!

Posted By: Ballenxj on 02/09/18 05:34pm

66vdub wrote:

turbojimmy wrote:

Yep, movin good. Doing physical Therapy and picked up a metal detector too.

crazy how fast time flies, get it cranked and tuned TurboJimmy!
have a good one!

I was wondering how things were going. Glad you're on the mend. [emoticon]

That metal detector sounds like just the ticket for getting out and having fun. I've been thinking about getting a White's detector for a while now.

Posted By: 66vdub on 05/26/18 08:50pm

back for an update,
not much going on and have been camping in the VW so far this year.
just cleaning and maintenance on the RV.

I did snap this today as I was heading to dinner, we had a power outage and I just fired up the genny to cool off and stayed nice and dry.

[image]

I have listed the RV on Craigslist, so maybe a few potential buyers may stop here and check out the thread.

will update if it sales or if I take it back out again.

Posted By: Ballenxj on 05/26/18 09:53pm

66vdub wrote:

I have listed the RV on Craigslist, so maybe a few potential buyers may stop here and check out the thread.

will update if it sales or if I take it back out again.

Hate to see you sell it, and I bet you'll regret it later if it sells.
I've had two I regret selling now. Good luck either way.

Posted By: jspringator on 05/27/18 11:43am

Got a link?

Posted By: 66vdub on 05/27/18 12:13pm

jspringator wrote:

Got a link?

the craigslist ad?

For Sale Ad on Craigslist

Most of the photos and some others are on this thread.

Posted By: 66vdub on 05/27/18 12:16pm

Ballenxj wrote:

Hate to see you sell it, and I bet you'll regret it later if it sells.
I've had two I regret selling now. Good luck either way.

Yea, I'm sure once it is gone, I probably will, but I have been using the VW Bus more and more.
fuel mileage is a tad better... lol

Posted By: 66vdub on 06/25/19 07:15pm

Just came back to update and close this thread out.
I sold the Honey RV last June, and it went to TN.
The family loved it.

... I have been camping in my VW Bus, taking trips to Daytona Beach, TN, and SC

Though, today, I bought a 1982 Coachmen Travel Trailer for a new project.
Looks like a new thread will be starting up.

Be safe everyone!

Posted By: Ballenxj on 06/25/19 07:36pm

66vdub wrote:

Thanks for the update. You can put a link to your new thread here, right?

Posted By: 66vdub on 06/28/19 08:47am

Ballenxj wrote:

Thanks for the update. You can put a link to your new thread here, right?

Yes I will, as soon as I get it going.
Hope all is well your way!

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