gmichaelz

Thank you Allen, for your considerate reply. I believe that the toilet was replaced in 1999, if you can call that an appliance. I'll try to determine age of refrigerator and stove. As to the Toyota Chassis and Drivetrain, I currently have repair manuals dealing with the Toyota subjects / objects. It's the "Motor Home" portion which is unfamiliar to me, today. Again, Thank You Kindly, MH Novice Michael

Fellow ToyHome Owners: While browsing some of the past forums at this wonderful site, I have seen many references to obtaining: Bob Livingston's book, "Trailer Life's RV Repair and Maintenance Manual", As I search for Bob's Manual for a 1987 Toyota Gulfstream Conquest MH, I find basically 3 editions offered for sale authored by Bob Livingston: 1989, 1998, 2002 So I am planning on purchasing a 1989 edition to match the period of the manufacture of my recently purchased 1987 Conquest. But, some of the newer editions of this manual may cover all previous information, plus carry extra chapters. I also have seen a more recent Trailer Life's edition but no mention of Bob Livingston as the author. Does any one have a preference on this Repair & Maintenance Topic, as to author or publisher? I am not adverse to owning more than one copy by different authors. But, I am trying to simplify my life and shed some of the materialism which I thought I had to have when I was younger! Thanks, Michael

I found another good outside source from "RV RESTRIPE CENTRAL" to remove vinyl striping and graphics. I've included the links here for the members of this site whom may also need to work on their stripes. Removal: http://www.rvsg.com/restripe-removal.asp" target="_blank">http://www.rvsg.com/restripe-removal.asp</a> Surface Preparation after removal: http://www.rvsg.com/restripe-surfacePreps.asp" target="_blank">http://www.rvsg.com/restripe-surfacePreps.asp</a>

I am a "Newbie here at Toyota MotorHome" I believe that around the day I joined this fine group I saw a post by member "pennstater" dated 07/09/09 to a forum topic started by RoadRunner on 7/9/09 entitled "a) frontseat, <img src="http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="cool.gif" /> exhaust manifold" in which he gave a humorous and detailed account of using 1993 4Runner bucket seats. He certainly sold me, So when i need to replace my ToyHome cab seats thats the way I'm going. I have a 1986 BMW 635CSI Coupe equipped with Recardo style bucket seats and I just cannot envision the possibility of ever mounting that size bucket into a small mini pickup cab. Of course BMW makes smaller more compact models, which could be fabricated to fit your cab, but why not stay with Toyota? Toyota supplies Leather Seats also. You can choose plush fabric or durable leather and yet encounter an easy drop in replacement factor. http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2179" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2179</a>

Thanks Futar: Not too much of an issue on the cab since the doors each have three large rust spots from the loosened mirror brackets, also passenger fender has rust spot from loose radio antenna mount, top of Drivers fender has rust spot from stone chip. All points are surface rust only. But need to repaint lower portion of cab to correct or apply random pattern of _______ onto repaired areas. As to the MH Coach fiberglass corrugated portion, if I live with it long enough it should equalize. Kidding, thanks for the advise, Michael

Thank you Shanda: Small retired box truck may just have the length / width bracket I require to get beyond my sideways overhang due to the stepped nature of these mini pickup cabs attached to wide body MH. I will plan on visiting a salvage yard this week. I am hoping to purchase someones' extra inventory and stay with the 80's retro look. I can see it now, "Stainless Steel Swing Away West Coast Mini Mirrors" Thanks, Michael

Update: This Toyota MotorHome Site is a terrific place for this "Odd Job Man" as I'm becoming in my retirement. In reviewing your past forum files I believe that I may have found some suitable alternatives in removing my old graphics / decals. One method is physical in using a rubber eraser pad manufactored by "Astro" mounted on a variable speed electric drill or a pneumatic grinder, which member "pdqmovie" supplied on 01/31/09 http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=886" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.ph...post&id=886</a> http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=892" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.ph...post&id=892</a> The other being a chemical manufactured by 3M which can be purchased at Carquest or NAPA Parts Store for removing woodgrain, information supplied 01/01/09 by member "wistoy" on vinyl off, Siding Forum Does anyone else have experience with these old, faded, cracked decals / stripes? Thanks, Michael

Update: My first choice of door mirror brackets would be similar to those which I saw in a file photo for "johnnyonthespot" galley when he rebuilt / remodeled his interior. I have sent him an E-mail but it appears as though there has been no activity with that member since early April 2009. I hope all is well with "johnnyonthespot" and he is out in the wilderness enjoying his ToyHome (TMH) this summer. http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/uploads/1169594953/gallery_1558_138_26192.jpg" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/uploads/...8_138_26192.jpg</a> I would like to keep the feel of the 80's, after all that is when I was in my prime. Thanks, Michael

I chose a Griffin SmartDeck model because I will be able to use my radio controls to shuffle my iPod Nano MP3 Player, I am unaware of this units capability to control a portable disk player. but if I were to use a portable Disc Man I would probable choose a Monster iCarPlay model over Sony CPA-9C , only because of current price availability. See attached links for Monster iCarPlay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Monster-Cable-Car-Cassette-Adaptor-MP3-CD-iPod-iPhone_W0QQitemZ200337221115QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOther_MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item2ea50765fb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/Monster-Cable-Car-Cass...%3A1%7C294%3A50</a> or also: http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=monster+cassette+adapter&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=sony+cpa-9c+cassette+adapter&_osacat=0" target="_blank">http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=monster+c...r&_osacat=0</a> If you wire your Disc Man's power supply to a fused power source only, On in Accessory or Run position, you will not need to turn off your Disc Man Player every time you depart the vehicle, as might be the case using the cigar lighter port for power. You could simply use disposable batteries but if you enjoy using the sound system be prepared to pay dearly for all those disposable batteries. Hope this helps rather than confuse you. Michael PS. Whichever model you choose, please be certain that it has a cut out in the corner to relieve pressure on the cable. or that it can easily be disassembled to enable the wire to be positioned in another position which will not bind when you choose to eject.

Fellow ToyHome Owners: I need to remove all the old graphics / stripes from my recently purchased 1987 Gulfstream Conquest ToyHome's doors to repair rust spots caused by loose mirror brackets. I plan on using a hot gun blower to soften the tape then I will use plastic scrapers to remove the stripes. I will not be able to ever match this tape due to age, so of course I will also remove all other tape from this cab. And then after repairing and repainting doors and cab, I'll probably have to strip the tape off of the entire fiber glass body. Just like remodeling a room in my home, where does it stop? My first question: Is there some chemical preparation which I should use as a pre soak to loosen contact? Chemical or mechanical process which I should do prior to using the hot gun? Or is there a better way without using the hot gun? Which chemical solvent will remove residual glue after old, weather cracked tape is removed? My second question: After removing all old graphics tape, should I choose not to paint a theme: Where might I find a nice selection of durable graphics tape? Appreciate any and all comments, just brainstorming here. Thanks, Michael

Shanda, I'm sure you put in a significant amount of thought not to mention the untold amount of time spent hand painting "Sadie" to make her yours / or vise versa. Lets just say, if I were attending a rally of Toyota Motorhomes I would have to give you my GPS coordinates for you to find me. However, I could just ask at the gate for "Sadie's" whereabouts and the attendant would be able to guide and direct me to her. Enjoy her individuality, Michael

Looks as though the individual pages which I opened and desired to link to this topic only link back to Mill Supply' home page only. I am unable to attach links to the pages which interested me. Again thanks, Michael

Thank you powdrhound for your suggestion of one of your trusted sources of MH supplies, and for also suppling a link to enable me to connect so easily. I will certainly investigate this source, starting with West Coast mirror styles.

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/fall-2005-cassette-tape-adapter-shootout" target="_blank">http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/e...dapter-shootout</a> I hope the attached link supplies helpful information about various Cassette Adapters Performances.

Are you satisfied with your current radio's FM & AM reception? I have recently ordered a Griffin cassette adapter for my cassette player, which I will attach to my iPod. I hope that this combination will give me weeks of uninterrupted music. If the cassette adapter route doesn't work for me, I will remove the existing radio and have a jack attached to directly wire input from my MP3 player. Then I will simply replace the same radio package into the dash and then plug my iPod into this new jack. Or if you select to go with a new CD Player, purchase one with a jack for iPod, MP3 Player capabilities.

Greg, you certainly do nice work! Looks like a nice clean installation. You must be a Peoples Person: Administrator of this site, Ham Radio Operator, and an Inventor/Fabricator whom passes on useful information to the public domain.

Note I changed my original typo, edited original statement which should now read: "for each head", changed from "in each head." Learning to navigate here at your site. Thanks, Michael

Thank you futar for your reply as well as your 3 attachments. I say three because on the photo of your motorhome is the exact style of mirror bracket I am looking for. I can always add the extra support arm. The other styles pictured are indeed very nice alternatives. You mentioned a MH of yours had flat metal stock for mirror brackets which were attached to the overhead. This surely seems to be a solution, but I am 6' tall and I envision myself getting caught up in this arrangement on a moonless night. Or were they mounted all the way forward on the overhang? Since your MH has the style of mirror brackets I "think" I desire, you are knowledgeable about their strengths and weaknesses. If you were to purchase another MH which was not supplied with suitable mirror brackets which style would you personally select to install? Thanks, Michael

Hello Ladies & Gentlemen whom love & care for Toyota Motorhomes. Please refer to my introduction listed in your site's "Tech Issues Forum" posted earlier today, where I am searching for door mounted mirror brackets for West Coast Mirrors. One of your helpful members suggested that I use the "General Discussion Forum" for better exposure. Thanks, Michael http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2185" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2185</a>

Hello Jackson; You might also consider replacing the cam bearing seal in each head while you have complete access to this area. My Toyota V-6 PU stated leaking oil onto the timing belt at 150,000 miles. Michael

Thank you Shanda for your warm welcome. Your MH displays a pleasing and quite a unique graphics package. I have read some of your forum explaining your inspiration to use this design on you Toy MH. I hope that someday I actually get to see her "Sadie" in person while I listen to you playing your music. Thanks for the advise and especially your welcome. Michael

Hello Fellow ToyHome Owners: I recently purchased my first ToyHome it is a 21' Rear Bath 1987 Gulfstream "Conquest" Series M-211RB-Micro, mounted on a 1986 Toyota Chassis powered by a 4 cyl. 22RE EFI engine, Auto Trans. w/OD, with 6 lug dually setup. Only 36,400 mile on odometer when I purchased July 4th, 2009. Empty curb weight is around 5500#"s. I am totally surprised how well this MH handles. This is the fourth Toyota truck chassis which I have owned over the years, I currently have a 1988 Toyota V6, 4X4, manual 5 spd. Pickup with camper cap showing nearly 176,000 miles and running great. But, this is my first motor home, so I have a lot to learn about ToyHomes from your personal experiences and by reading your informative past discussions / topics / posts about these fine machines. I have recently retired and plan on doing some traveling after doing some maintenance and repairs. My immediate part requirement is a replacement set of exterior door mirror brackets. The existing brackets are a tripod arrangement with all contact points mounted onto the lower part of the door below the glass line. This arrangement has loosened over time and has chipped the paint causing rust at the attachment points. So I need replacement mirror brackets to mount at different positions, such as the front leading edge of the door above my eye level as seated, with the lower end of this U Shape bracket attaching just below the side glass. With a support bracket coming back at a 45 degree angle from the front edge of the door back to near the top of the mirror head. Ideally a second support bracket mounted to the bracket near the upper mounting position coming down again on a 45 degree angle and firmly attached to the lower bracket midway between the cab and mirror head would be a definite bonus. I have seen many photos of the three point mirror brackets holding two mirror heads on Odessy and Sunrader MH's. These Toyota doors slam shut with a vengeance, which cause the existing lower door tripod arrangement to loosen being attached only to one ply of sheet metal. Could someone recommend a source of sturdy mirror brackets for my project. Possibly you may have an extra set to sell. Has anyone installed the "Big Rig West Coast Mirrors" on these mini pickup cabs? I will post some photos after completion of some of the required projects on this MH. This MH purchased new in 1987 by a widower gentleman who recently passed away suddenly at 72 Y/O, I now have a great chassis to work with which may get me into my 70's. I welcome all contacts and comments from this fine group of individuals. Hope that we can get to know one another better over the years. Thanks for reading my introduction, Michael Z.