bob loblaw

I would say it is probably worth it. The toyhauler conversion is most likely home-brewed, and should be looked over thoroughly. My brother sort of specializes in toyhauler conversions on Silver Streak trailers. Don't let anyone tell you the conversion can't or shouldn't be done. The key is doing it correctly with reinforcements where needed, and well thought out engineering.

I installed laminate in my dolphin. It's nice I guess, everyone gives nice compliments about it. I am bad about getting pics up, but maybe tomorrow I will un-bury it from the backyard and take some pics. I carpeted the stairs to match the cab, and my bathroom is the original shower floor material. I did use quarter round for some of the trim, and flat decorative moulding for part of the trim. Sounds weird to use two different trims, but there were reasons to do so. I also deleted the main table, so I'm no help with that part.

A hill brake is for starting out from a dead stop on a hill. It works the brakes and the clutch together, so you don't need to use the handbrake (or three feet to work all the pedals.) Subaru's used them alot in the late 70's-early 80's cars. If you have ever driven a gas powered forklift, it's the same principle with that third pedal.

Well, you even beat me, and I'm cheap. The 1992 dodge caravan reciever I installed was $29.00 at the junkyard.

no pics of the hitch at this time. I am planning on installing airbags in the next couple of weeks, so I could get pictures then. What I need to do is stop tinkering with this rig, and actually use it. We bought it last october, and haven't gone anywhere yet. (unless you count the smog shop across town)

A reciever hitch off of a 1992 dodge caravan matched up perfectly to my 1980 Dolphin. Welded it on for peace of mind. The reciever sits just below the 4" square bumper, and sits slightly in from the bumper. If you asked me how it fit, I would reply in my best impression of Ace Ventura Pet Detective, "LIKE A GLOVE!"

A sticker that says "save the dolphins"?! That is the greatest. I want one too. Like the others said, ditch your old foam. You won't have to work to get the smells out of it, and you will be more comfortable on new foam.

I am a truck driver in northern california. I don't mind at all when folks draft off of me, because it increases my fuel economy as well. My truck is governed at exactly 55, so only a few drivers choose to go that slow. Also, a buddy of mine that went into the navy and drove back and forth from san diego to stockton each week, liked drafting until he got a ticket for following too close to a semi.

Hi. Saw this post and I am also replaceing the rot in my 1986 Sunrader,headliner/wall. Would like to know more about the plastic panels Was going to use the 1/8 door skins!Hope I didn"t interupt.Don C I really don't know as much as I should about the plastic panels. They cost around $33 at lowe's, they are textured on one side. I thought they looked like perfect ceiling panels, and I am screwing them in place right over what's left of my Old ceiling panels. I need another panel, so next time I am at lowe's, I will try and get more details.

my 1980 dolphin does use the 1X2 strip you are asking about, as the framing. I am also replacing my ceiling panels with plastic panels instead of wood. I am also going to use a little of the same plastic paneling behind the stovetop area, as a splash guard,where there is currently wallpaper.

on my '80 dolphin, the black water tank is also connected to the shower drain. There is a main drain for the shower "out", but if it is not open, then the water alternately goes into the black water tank. I thought this wasnt a good idea at first, but now I see the reason behind it. I have only showered in a motorhome once (not this dolphin). I bet that just one shower with the main drain closed would fill my black water tank.

Don't you just love all that CA emissions junk that seems to surround the carburetor in a twisting mess of vacuum hoses? I sort of have the opposite of your problem. It ran sort of ok, but was very hard to start. I replaced everything you mentioned, but still ran lean, lean, and more lean. Nothing seems to correct it. I ended up having to replace the EGR Valve (nightmare to find), and completely replace the carburetor (impossible to find). I am still waiting for the carburetor to come from Florida, but this should solve all my problems. I tinkered with it for weeks, but finally bit the bullet and took it in for diagnosis at a local shop. It was worth it though, because the mechanic identified the problems in about 5 minutes and explained why each part was failing and how he could tell. $75 bucks for my peace of mind, and I learned a couple things too. I would bet that letting it sit for 3 years caused the carburetor to gum up, maybe the float is stuck. Maybe an idle jet is varnished over and plugged. Accelarator pump stuck open, who knows. Lots to go wrong in there. $189 for a completely remanufactured carb, very easy to change yourself, or less than one hour labor at a shop. importcarburetors.com is the best place I found. On a slightly different topic, is your toy blue and white with tinted windows and a rear door?

My Dolphin's tires are Canadian trailer tires (I don't live in Canada). I can't check on the size right now. I thought these trailer tires were going to have to be junked, but my mechanic friend said they are great. Who would have known!? Trailer tires on a motorhome!? As for the airbags, I have never heard of them being stock, almost always aftermarket. A nice addition. Very easy to change the airbag, or it could just be the air line got damaged. Put air in it though, maybe there is just a very slow leak you could live with.

I can't tell about the axle because your pic is super small. I do like that front spoiler though. Do you mean you have dually wheels, or two axles in the back?